ALPINE
Holiday book sale at library
The Alpine Library Friends Association is holding its annual Holiday Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at 1752 Alpine Blvd. All books and DVDs will be buy one, get one free. There will be a range of items, from table books, bestsellers and children’s books to puzzles. Gift certificates are also available. Visit alpinelibraryfriends.org.
CARDIFF
‘Harmony Under the Mistletoe’
A holiday concert, “Harmony Under the Mistletoe,” featuring more than 80 singers from the Masters of Harmony and Pacific Coast Harmony Chorus is at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Tickets are $25. The church is at 3459 Manchester Ave. Visit stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com.
Kringle Mingle set for Dec. 8
The 17th annual Kringle Mingle is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8 with live music, children’s crafts and holiday treats, hot coffee and hot chocolate hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and vendor booths for holiday shopping until 5 p.m. in downtown Cardiff along South Coast Highway 101. Santa and his vintage Camera Camper sleigh will be ready for photos from noon to 3 p.m. ission is free. Visit cardiff101.com/events.
CARLSBAD
Holiday celebration aimed at women
A holiday celebration for women will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Las Flores Church, 1400 Las Flores Drive. There will be 12 decorated trees on display, with one tree ready to be raffled off and a tree to be donated to a local family in need. Tickets are $25, including dinner, program with speaker, games, 10 raffle tickets; $200 for a table of eight, with 15 raffle tickets per guest. Visit www.lasfloreschurch.com.
Tree lighting celebration at The Forum
Festive activities from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 include live music, holiday characters, treats, a holiday-themed carnival booth and a visit from Santa along with the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m. and a light show and snowfall at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. The La Costa Canyon High School Marching Band will perform. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Holiday event at Carrillo Ranch
Holiday at the Rancho is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L.C. Lane. The event features a tree lighting at 6 p.m., a visit from Santa, train rides, a plush snowball arena, crafts, cookie decorating and a holiday movie on the outdoor screen at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $10; free for ages 3 and younger. Food and beverages will be sold. Additional parking is available at Carrillo Elementary School, 2875 Poinsettia Lane. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/holiday-at-the-rancho.
Rotary holds annual tree lighting event
The Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 in the south parking lot of the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center, at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 2 p.m. in a procession that includes Mayor Keith Blackburn and other dignitaries. Highlights include free photos with Santa; entertainment by the Renaissance Institute of Music Orchestra, Carlsbad High School Band and Lancer Dancers and XCalibur dance teams; free cookies, cider and coffee; and storytelling, crafts and singalongs. Visit carlsbadrotary.com.
Children’s Nativity play, Christmas events
Christ Presbyterian Church hosts an Advent Workshop at 10 a.m. Dec. 1 with crafts on the patio. A Children’s Nativity Play is at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 8 and the Sounds of Christmas musical celebration (band, praise team, choir), at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 15. A free interactive walk-through Christmas story is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at 7807 Centella St., including Bible characters and live animals. The church will hold a Service of Solace at noon Dec. 11 for those going through difficult times at Christmas. Visit christ-pres.church.
CHULA VISTA
Holiday festival at Village Walk
A free holiday festival is from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Village Walk at EastLake. Santa will come on the Holiday Express and visit with children. There will be free train rides and holiday entertainment, photos, free holiday crafts for children. Also, Frosty the Snowman costumed character will be there from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 for Sunday Fun Days. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events.
Parol Lantern Festival
The 28th annual Parol Lantern Festival is from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Eastlake High School Gym, 1120 Eastlake Parkway. The Philippine Performing Arts Company will show its collection of parols, traditional Philippine star lanterns crafted from delicate capiz shells. A traditional Philippine Village adorned with holiday decorations will be on display. Highlights include Philippine cultural performances with dancers and musicians, food tastings, vendor booths, and parol art workshops. Visit pasacatpf24.eventbrite.com.
Book sale at library
The Friends of the Chula Vista Library will hold a three-day book sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec 6-7 and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Dec 8 at the library, 365 F St. Proceeds go to the Chula Vista Library and its programs. Visit chulavistaca.gov/departments/library.
CORONADO
Holiday parade
A holiday parade takes off at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 featuring local organizations, clubs and businesses with lights and costumes from the Ferry Landing, down Orange Avenue, to the Hotel del Coronado. The tree lighting ceremony is after the parade and festivities continue to 9 p.m. with live music and holiday singalongs. Visit coronado.ca.us.
DEL MAR
North Pole by the Sea
Family-friendly festivities for North Pole by the Sea kick off at 1 p.m. Dec. 8 throughout the Del Mar Village, including photos with Santa and letters to Santa at Del Mar Plaza, holiday characters, carolers, live music until 5 p.m., hot chocolate and drinks for adults from 4 to 6 p.m. at L’Auberge Del Mar Amphitheater, Camino Del Mar and 15th Street. The annual holiday tree lighting is at 5 p.m. in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar. Visit visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea.
EL CAJON
Homeless shelter gives guided tours at open house
East County Transitional Living Center will hold a “Taste of TLC” Open House with guided tours from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at 1527 E. Main St. There will be food and information about the center’s programs and resources for community in need. Attendees can meet the center’s leaders, participants, graduates and community partners. The center houses more than 450 individuals daily. Visit ectlc.org.
Laurel & Hardy club screens movies
The Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents several movies, “Big Business,” “Great Guns” and “Back from the Front,” from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S Lincoln Ave. ission is $10 and includes dessert; free for children 12 and younger. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the program starts at 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/groups/149982858403776.
Winter Wonderland at park
El Cajon hosts a free “Winter Wonderland” event from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Ave. There will be a movie in park, train rides, photos with Santa, costumed characters, crafts and letters to Santa. Visit elcajon.gov/your-government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/winter-wonderland.
Traditional Christmas Market
A traditional Christmas Market is from 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 hosted by the German American Societies at 1017 S. Mollison Ave. Highlights include handmade gifts, choral performances, entertainment, German food, beer and Gluhwein. Visit lakesidechamber.org.
ENCINITAS
Lighting of Encinitas Heritage Tree
The annual Lighting of Encinitas Heritage Tree, a Norfolk pine planted in 1952 at Fourth Street and C Street, is from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 hosted by the Encinitas Historical Society, city of Encinitas and Encinitas Rotary Club at the upper parking lot at Moonlight Beach. Highlights include a performance by Jack Tempchin, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The program will also feature holiday carols by the San Diego North Coast Singers and three “EnSINGnitas” children’s choirs along with the choirs of Paul Ecke Elementary School and Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School. The local band Free Verse will open the show with holiday classics. Santa and Mrs. Claus are slated to make an appearance. ission is free. Event T-shirts are $20 to benefit the Encinitas Historical Society. Visit encinitashistoricalsociety.org.
Food drive benefits Community Resource Center
Coldwell Banker Realty in Encinitas will hold its 25th annual food drive benefiting the Community Resource Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7-8 at Stater Bros., 1048 N. El Camino Real. Coldwell Banker agents will be in front of Stater Bros. collecting nonperishable food for North County families in need. Visit crcncc.org/event/cantree-food-drive.
ESCONDIDO
Winter Wonderland festival at arts center
The festival is from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7-8 in the Lyric Courtyard of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd. Visitors can winter-themed crafting activities led by artists, browse for gifts sold by local businesses, meet Santa and play in snow. Food and drinks will be sold. ission is free. Visit artcenter.org.
Holiday festivities at historic farmstead
A farmhouse holiday celebration is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at the historic Sikes Adobe Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive. Highlights include farmhouse tours, cookie decorating, paper crafts, hot drinks and treats. ission is free; donations are appreciated for education materials. Visit sdrp.org/sikes-adobe.
Snowball Bash, Christmas concerts
Emmanuel Faith Community Church holds its annual Snowball Bash for the foster, adoptive and kinship community from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at 639 E. 17th Ave. Visit efcc.org/snowball. The church also holds its annual Christmas concerts at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 14-15. A special program for kids up to sixth grade will be held at the 5 p.m. Dec. 14 performance and will include cookie decorating. Visit efcc.org/concert.
FALLBROOK
Festival of Lights is parade theme
Fallbrook’s 43rd annual Christmas parade, themed “Festival of Lights,” starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 on Main Street in downtown Fallbrook, hosted by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. The parade features Santa, lighted floats, music, marching bands and dancers along with classic cars. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
LAKESIDE
Tree lighting ceremony Dec. 7
Spirit of Christmas, a tree lighting ceremony with holiday festivities, is from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 on Maine Avenue in Lakeside’s historic district. The tree lighting is at 5 p.m.Visit lakesidechamber.org.
LEMON GROVE
Annual holiday bonfire Dec. 6
Lemon Grove hosts its annual free Community Bonfire from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in Treganza Park, 3200 Main St. Lighting of the bonfire and welcome from the mayor will be at 6 p.m. The Ugly Sweater Contest is at 7 p.m. There will be a game truck, live music, a bounce house and crafts along with free hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies. Food will be sold by local nonprofits. Visit lemongrove.ca.gov/parks-events.
OCEANSIDE
Pearl Harbor remembrance
A Pearl Harbor Day remembrance ceremony for the community is at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Little Fishing Pier to honor the more than 2,400 soldiers, sailors, and Marines who were killed during the Pearl Harbor Attack on Dec. 7, 1941. The community will gather, and as is the tradition, toss rose petals into the harbor at the end of the ceremony, in memory of those who died at Pearl Harbor. In the past, of North County’s Chapter 31 of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association have led this ceremony, but they have ed away. Their names are engraved on the black marble memorial, “ Pearl Harbor,” near the beginning of the pier, by the road. For questions, call 760-744-2763 or email [email protected].
Holiday Craft Bazaar on Dec. 7
The artists at Rancho Calevero Mobile Home Park will host a Holiday Craft Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 in the clubhouse at 3570 Calevero Lane. About 20 artists will be selling a variety of handcrafted items such as jewelry, crocheted items, weavings, macrame, olive oil soap, lavender bath products and glass garden ornaments. There will be snacks and drinks.
Cultural Celebration at library
The Oceanside Public Library holds a Cultural Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the John Landes Community Center, 2855 Cedar Road. The event will celebrate the Samoan and Mexican communities in Tri-City as part of the grand finale of the library’s Community Connections cultural program series. There will be live music, performances, traditional dance and food. Visit oceansidepubliclibrary.com.
Tree lighting, Santa at plaza
Season of Swellness, featuring the annual Holiday Tree Lighting is from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave. Performances and family activities kick off the event, followed by Santa arriving on a vintage firetruck and a countdown to the tree lighting. Attractions include the holiday-themed Sunset Market, held by MainStreet Oceanside each Thursday. Visit mainstreetoceanside.com.
Retired teachers gather Dec. 9
Division 45 of the California Retired Teachers Association will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way. The guest speaker is Bob Pacillo, author of “It Was Never About the Books.” The cost for lunch is $20. Email [email protected] for reservations.
Veterans advisory group meets Dec. 2
The Veterans Advisory Committee of the Veterans Association of North County meets from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 2 in the VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The speakers include Sebastian Pardo, of Care Choice Home Care; Alex Goodman, managing director of the Oceanside Theatre Co.; and Dr. Dustin Potash, veteran director of Ad. Visit vanc.me.
Holiday pet adoption event
Frontwave Credit Union will put on a “Home for the Holidays” pet adoption event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at Frontwave Credit Union, 1278 Rocky Point Drive. Frontwave is partnering with six local shelters and pet rescues to find homes for nearly 100 pets and is donating $100 toward each adoption fee. There will be giveaways. Visit member.frontwavecu.com/adopt.
RAMONA
Tree lighting and caroling
The 32nd annual Christmas Tree Lighting is at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 outside the Guy B. Woodward Museum, 645 Main St., with activities from 5 to 9 p.m. Highlights include carolers, live music, dancing, dining and shopping, children’s crafts, classic cars and vendors, along with photos with Santa. Visit ramonachamber.com/christmas-tree-lighting.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Golf tournament raises $168,000 for Solutions for Change to help homeless families
The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo raised $168,000 at its recent golf tournament and fundraiser to benefit Vista-based nonprofit Solutions for Change. The nonprofit helps homeless families get out of homelessness and poverty. The rigorous 700-day program gives parents skills and resources to find employment and housing to rebuild their lives. Visit solutionsforchange.org.
Holiday Craft Fair
The annual Seven Oaks Holiday Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive, sponsored by the Seven Oaks Community Center, features handicrafts and art from local makers and artisans. The free, family-friendly fair draws holiday shoppers from Rancho Bernardo and across North County. This year’s one-day shopping event is twice the size of previous years with more than 65 local vendors and gift prices starting at $10. Visit 7oaksrb.com.
Parkinson’s group meets Dec. 2
The Inland North County Parkinson’s Group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners meets from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 2 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the Parish Hall. The featured speaker is Erin Angelo, who will discuss “Ballroom Dancing for People with Parkinson’s.” Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call 760-749-8234 or 760-518-1963.
World Affairs Council meets for discussion
World Affairs Council member Dr. Bob Ning will give a presentation, “World Peace: Contribution of Secular Chinese Culture,” at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and cultivate friendships in the local community and around the world. Visit northcountyworldaffairs.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Breakfast in Bethlehem
The Village Church’s annual Breakfast in Bethlehem for families is at 9 a.m. Dec. 7, with the Christmas story read by Senior Pastor Jack Baca and several Bible character friends. Children can make Christmas crafts, and there will be a balloon and airbrush artist. Cost is $5, including warm breakfast; free for children 2 and younger. For reservations, visit villagechurch.org.
Choir to sing Handel’s Messiah
The 80-member Village Community Chorale will perform the “Christmas” portion of Messiah along with the Hallelujah Chorus, featuring soloists and of the San Diego and Pacific Symphony Orchestras, directed by Juan Carlos Acosta, at 7 p.m. Dec.8-9 in the sanctuary of the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at villagechurch.org/handels-messiah.
SAN DIEGO
Candy Cane Lane luncheon benefits folks with disabilities
The Arc of San Diego hosts its Candy Cane Lane Winter Wonderland Luncheon and fashion Show at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 at the US Grant Hotel. The event, themed “Marching Into the Holidays; A Nutcracker Extravaganza,” features boutique shopping, a silent auction, a luncheon and a fashion show. Proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities at the Arc of San Diego. Visit arc-sd.com.
‘Skills for Disagreeing Better’ Workshop
The Braver Angels, a nonprofit, nationwide cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement, holds a workshop on “Skills for Disagreeing Better” from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7 at the Pacific Beach-Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St. The workshop is intended to equip participants with the skills to understand opposing political views, listen empathetically and communicate effectively, fostering constructive dialogue in polarized times. at [email protected].
Christmas Show with cider
Point Loma University Choir and Chorale put on their 22nd annual Christmas Show, aka Cider Celebration, from 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 6-7 in the university’s Crill Perfomance Hall, 3900 Lomaland Drive. The program includes Christmas favorites such as “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Hot cider will be served. ission is $10. Visit plnu.universitytickets.com.
Chorale looking for singers
The SD Master Chorale will hold auditions for new singers and is accepting Audition Request Forms from San Diego residents age 18 and older until Dec. 2. The 130-member chorale includes primarily volunteer singers and a paid core of staff singers. The group performs a range of music from symphonic to chamber works, sacred music to Broadway, and masterworks to contemporary choral works. Weekly rehearsals are typically from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays at First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley. There are additional rehearsals the week before a concert. Applicants must provide a pre-screening video of a recent performance from within the last six months. Visit sdmasterchorale.org/auditions.
Holiday concert at The Conrad
The La Jolla Music Society presents a Christmas program, Kings ReJoyce, featuring multi-Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato with the four-piece vocal group Kings Return, alongside pianist Craig Terry at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave. The program will include traditional holiday favorites, such as “Ave Maria” and “Carol of The Bells” along with contemporary classics like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.” Tickets are $68-$95. Visit theconrad.org.
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
The Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., with lights and 10-foot-tall nutcrackers decorating the neighborhood and holiday displays. The traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. featuring a 25-foot-tall tree along with artist Joshua Hubert’s Aurora Tree. There will be live entertainment, holiday-themed bites and sips along with a visit from Santa Claus. The Christmas Village with holiday makers and vendors will be on India Street between West Cedar and West Grape streets. Visit littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting.
Christmas celebration at church
Tierrasanta Lutheran Church hosts a community Christmas celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 with a live Nativity village including sheep, goats, a donkey and a camel along with Bible characters. There will be hot cocoa, Christmas cookie decorating, crafts and Christmas carols. ission is free. The church is at 11240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
Ocean Beach holiday parade
Ocean Beach holds its annual holiday parade at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 along Newport Avenue. The event is hosted and organized by the Ocean Beach Community Foundation and Love Thy Neighborhood and ed by the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association. Visit oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/ob-holiday-parade.
La Jolla parade and festival
La Jolla holds a Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival with the theme “’Palm Trees & Poinsettias — A California Christmas’” on Dec. 8. The festival opens at 11:30 a.m. at Girard Avenue and Wall Street, and the parade starts at 1:30 p.m. at Kline Street and Girard. The event closes at 4 p.m. Visit ljparade.com.
Candlelight Musical Meditation
The 48th annual Candlelight Musical Meditation is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22 at the historic Mission Church, 10818 San Diego Mission Road. The program features the Mission Basilica Choir, accompanied by organist Howard McCullough, the string quartet, instruments, percussion ensembles, soloists and readers, directed by Gene Regard. Traditional and new music will be set around scripture readings of the season. Call 619-283-7319.
Old Town tree lighting Dec. 5
There will be festivities and a tree lighting with St. Nick from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the historic Whaley House complex, 2476 San Diego Ave., in Old Town. Music will be performed by various choral groups, San Diego Academy students and the Mormon Battalion Historic Site ensemble. Visit oldtownsandiego.org/a-night-of-lights-and-harmony-the-old-town-christmas-tree-lighting.
City Lights at East Village
City Lights, an immersive journey through light and sound, runs every 30 minutes from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 6 to Jan. 19 at Quartyard, 301 Market St., in East Village. Participants walk through six unique zones combining digital art and interactive installations, with each choreographed light and sound performance inspired by aspects of city life. There will be cocktails and bites from El Comal’s tapas-style menu. Cost is $20; $15 for students and free for kids younger than 5. Visit quartyardsd.com.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
blood drives
The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots:
- Grossmont College, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon.
- Sharp Grossmont Hospital, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at 5555 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.
- VG Donut & Bakery, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at 106 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff.
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at 13208 Lakeshore Drive, Lakeside.
- St. John of the Cross, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove.
- Chick-Fil-A , 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at 9418 Mission Gorge Road, Santee.
- Grossmont High School, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon.
- Anytime Fitness, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 at 850 Main St., Ramona.
Donors must be 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call 800-469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
San Diego Food Bank holds holiday food drive
The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank holds its 44th annual Holiday Food Drive through Jan. 1. Community can drop off nonperishable food at Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions supermarkets. Also, through Jan. 1, the community can purchase $5 Hunger Bags during checkout. Donations can be made online at sandiegofoodbank.org/holiday.
Toy and gift drive for patients
La Maestra Community Health Centers and Mission Fed Credit Union hold the annual Toy and Gift Drive through Dec. 6. San Diegans can drop off new, unwrapped toys, books and gifts for children of all ages at any of Mission Fed’s 35 branch locations across San Diego County or at Mission Fed’s corporate headquarters at 10325 Meanley Drive. Gifts will be distributed to local patients at La Maestra’s El Cajon and City Heights locations. Visit missionfed.com/branches.
SAN MARCOS
Tree lighting and vendor market
A family holiday event with entertainment, crafts and vendors is set for 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the San Marcos Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Drive. Santa lights the tree at 5:35 p.m., followed by snowfall. Photos with Santa are from 2 to 5 p.m.. ission is free. Visit san-marcos.net/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/santa-s-village.
Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse
Winter Wonderland at the Lakehouse features Frozen Fun Zone, Polar Express-inspired Train Ride, holiday lights, igloos and s’mores by the fire weekends, Dec. 6-29, at Lakehouse San Marcos, 1025 La Bonita Drive. Entry tickets are $5 per person over 10; free for hotel guests. Food, drinks and additional tickets for certain attractions will be sold. Visit thelakehoesort.com.
Music Men give Christmas concert
The Music Men Barbershop chorus will perform a concert, Twas The Week Before Christmas, at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave. The family-friendly event includes popular and classic holiday songs, sung in barbershop harmony. The show will feature guest chorus, The Pacific Belles and audience singalongs. Suggested donation is $10. Visit musicmenchorus.org.
Holiday Market with Santa
San Marcos Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 in North City with over 140 vendors with handcrafted gifts, artisan crafts, natural bath and beauty products, custom home decor, and specialty food items. Santa will be there from noon to 3 p.m., and there will be live holiday music along with “Rescue Row,” with pet adoptions from local animal rescues. ission is free. Visit northcity.com/events/holiday-market.
SOLANA BEACH
Community tree lighting
The annual free Holiday Tree Lighting at Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., starts at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8 with hot cocoa, sweets, treats and cider. Santa is slated to arrive by a firetruck escort at 5:20 p.m. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org/en/Fletcher-Cove-Holiday-Tree-Lighting-2024.
Donations sought for gift baskets
Solana Beach Community Connections and Kelly Flowers are set to deliver holiday gift baskets to elderly Solana Beach residents who are alone and in need of cheer. Community can donate items such as crossword/sudoku puzzles, 2025 calendars, hot chocolate or spiced cider packets, holiday mugs, chocolates or mints, jar openers, tissues, lip balm, hand or body lotion, dish towels, greeting cards, stationery or other items and drop them off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday through Dec. 12 at Solana Beach City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101. If you know someone in need, email their name and information to [email protected]. Also, checks can be sent to the nonprofit Solana Beach Community Connections at P.O. Box 1723, Solana Beach, CA 92075, with “holiday baskets” in the memo line.
VISTA
Nature photography topic of talk
“Nature and Photos” will be the topic of a presentation during the Vista Garden Club meeting at 1:45 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Azalea Room at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. The speaker is Ernie Cowan, columnist for The San Diego Union-Tribune, photographer, author and authority on the Anza-Borrego Desert. A fingertip lunch is at noon followed by the business meeting at 12:30 p.m. and program at 1:45 p.m. Visit californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub.
66th annual Christmas parade
The Vista Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 in downtown Vista. This year’s theme is “Christmas at the Movies,” celebrating the Vista chamber’s 100th anniversary. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at The Wave Waterpark and will end at Santa Fe Avenue and Pala Vista Drive. There will be floats, music and marching bands, along with Santa. Visit vistachamber.org/christmas-parade.
‘Jingle Terrace Live’ at Moonlight
The city of Vista and Moonlight Amphitheatre’s “Jingle Terrace Live” features holiday light show and activities for all ages from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6-21 at the Moonlight, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive. Highlights include festive displays, live entertainment and holiday activities. Special nights will feature live reindeer, highland cows, costumed characters and the Jingle Brass Band. ission and parking are free. Visitors can donate $1 to provide hot meals for those in need in North County. Visit moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/jingle-terrace-live.
Holiday Lights at museum
The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum will put on its annual Holiday Lights event, which transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with a light display from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21. Highlights include wagon rides through holiday lights, Santa photos, food and drinks, crafts, model trains, steam engine and tractor displays, s’mores, holiday movies, local vendors and a Christmas tree raffle. ission is $10 in advance online; $12 at gate; free for kids 6 and younger. Visit agsem.org/holiday-light-2024.
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email [email protected]. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and information for readers within the email text. Event listings should be submitted about two weeks in advance. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.
