Community events in San Diego County: From Jingle Jets to Jungle Bells

BONITA

Free Genealogy class

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society hosts a free Genealogy Education Class from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library Community Room, 4375 Bonita Road. The class will focus on online digitized resources. Bring your laptop or tablet. Walk-ins are welcome. Register at chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org.

CARLSBAD

Chabad hosts two menorah lightings

Chabad La Costa hosts a lighting of the menorah celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Carlsbad Premium Outlets, 5620 Paseo Del Norte, and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona, with live music, a menorah lighting, latkes and crafts. Visit chabadatlacosta.com.

Christmas Camp

Las Flores Church is holding a free Kids’ Christmas Camp from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 20 at 1400 Las Flores Drive. The Vacation Bible School-style event is open to kids ages 4-12. The camp features supervised games, songs, a movie, stories and crafts including gingerbread house building and ornament creating. Pizza, fruit, juice and snacks are provided. Register at lasfloreschurch.com and click on “events.”

Christmas Eve Festival

The Oceanside United Reformed Church holds its 25th annual Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons & Carols for the community at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Army & Navy Academy Chapel, 2549 Ocean St. Highlights include scripture readings and Christmas carols followed by Christmas cookies and warm cider. Admission is free. The chapel includes an area for families with small children. Visit oceansideurc.org/christmas-eve.

Living Nativity walk

A free interactive walk-through Christmas story is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Christ Presbyterian Church, 7807 Centella St., including Bible characters and live animals. A Sounds of Christmas musical celebration is at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 14. Christmas Eve candlelight services are at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Visit christ-pres.church.

Christmas Tree Wonderlights show

The Forum Carlsbad holds holiday festivities, including visits with Santa, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21 at 1923 Calle Barcelona. A Christmas Tree Wonderlights choreographed light and music show on the Christmas tree near Anthropologie is daily on the hour from 5 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 25. A pet adoption event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/news/the-forum-carlsbad-a-festive-holiday-season-2025.

CHULA VISTA

Outdoor Holiday Movie Night

The free Outdoor Holiday Movie Night is back from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16 at Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road. The event features “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on the giant screen along with the farmers market. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com.

Scandinavian Christmas concert

The Southern California Damekor (women’s choir) will perform a Glade Jul, an annual concert of Christmas music from Scandinavia, at 3 p.m. Dec. 20 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 580 Hilltop Drive. The program begins with the traditional Lucia procession and features traditional jul songs from Norway, Sweden and Finland sung mostly in the original language. There will be a freewill offering. Visit stmarkschulavista.org.

DEL MAR

Holiday lights festival at fairgrounds

The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts Coastal Christmas, a festival with holiday light attractions, from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12-14; Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Highlights include a walk-through display of more than 1 million lights, “glice” skating, a holiday market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, Holiday Wine Walk and Santa and Friends. Igloos and fireside lounges can be reserved for cozying with some hot cocoa. S’mores kits, festive food, and drinks will be sold. Tickets start at $26.98 for adults and $20.61 for kids on select nights. Admission is free for kids 3 and younger. The Holiday Wine Walk is $54.99. Promotional nights include military, first responders and nurses, seniors and students. Also, the first 1,000 kids get in free Dec. 14 if they bring one unwrapped toy for children in need. General admission tickets are buy one, get one free on Dec. 18. Visit  delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2025/coastal-christmas.

ENCINITAS

Lightscape at botanic garden

Lightscape runs through Jan. 4 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The immersive experience guides visitors through a 1-mile garden trail with tunnels of lights featuring light installations designed by international artists. Installations range from California poppies and a field of fireflies to a laser garden. There will be seasonal treats. Tickets start at $28; $18 for children. Visit sdbg.org.

ESCONDIDO

Family Hanukkah Party

Congregation B’nai Tikvah will hold its annual community Hanukkah Party and Latke Contest on the sixth night of Hanukkah at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Masonic Center, 1331 S. Escondido Blvd. There will be latkes and doughnuts for dinner. Bring your menorah and seven candles to light. There will be Hanukkah songs led by Cantor Larry Kornit and the retelling of the Hanukkah story. Admission is free. Bring something dairy to share at the party and nonperishable food for Interfaith Community Services along with gently used coats, hoodies and shirts to donate to Sharia’s Closet, which provides emergency clothing to people in San Diego. For more information, call 760-650-2262 or visit bnaitikvahsd.org.

Menorah lighting

Chabad of Poway will hold its Chanukah Celebration at 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway, on the second floor indoors in front of Macy’s. There will be a Grand Menorah Lighting, holiday treats and crafts for kids. Admission is free. RSVP at chabadpoway.com/chanukah.

‘Wild Holidays’ at Safari Park

The “Wild Holidays” festivities are slated for Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 4 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, which will stay open until 8 p.m. Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show, Bridge of Lights, Enchanted Lagoon and visits with Santa along with Holiday Troubadour, Forest of Color and Nairobi Lantern Walk. “Wild Holidays” activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.

MISSION BEACH

Belmont Park’s Winter Wonderland

The annual Winter Wonderland at Mission Beach’s Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd., runs through Jan. 4 with hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, holiday-themed treats and drinks and special events on weekends. Attractions include the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland and Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts and and Polar Plunge. Tickets and passes are at belmontpark.com.

OCEANSIDE

Menorah lighting celebration

Chabad Jewish Center of Oceanside/Vista holds its annual communitywide Chanukah Celebration, themed “Light Up Oceanside,” at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave. Highlights include the lighting of a giant 16-foot menorah, doughnuts, latkes and hot cocoa along with a live DJ, gelt drop and a LED and fire show. Admission is free. Visit jewishoceanside.com.

‘Far From Heaven’ movie screening

The Oceanside Public Library hosts a screening of “Far From Heaven” (2002) at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. Garrett Chaffin-Quiray, professor of cinema studies at Palomar Community College, will discuss the artistic and sociological character of the film and lead a discussion afterward. Chaffin-Quiray is author of “Cine-Me” (2012) and “Under the Tent-Pole: A Primer on Movies: Blockbusters, Oscar Winners, Alternatives, and You” (2014). Light refreshments will be served. No registration is required. Visit oceansidepubliclibrary.org.

Candlelight vigil

The 19th Annual Save Our Streets Candlelight Vigil will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 20 in neighborhoods throughout Oceanside. The event honors Oceanside police officers Dan Bessant and Tony Zeppetella, and all victims of violence, gangs, drugs and domestic violence. The event locations are:

• Crown Heights Resource Center, Brooks and Division St.
• Balderrama Park at the Basketball Courts, 709 San Diego St.
• Libby Lake Community Resource Center, 4700 N. River Rd.
• John Landes Community Center Patio, next to small parking lot, 2855 Cedar Rd.

POWAY

Chanukah Train & Community Celebration

Chabad of Poway holds its Chanukah Train & Community Celebration at 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. Highlights include latkes, doughnuts, dreidel giveaways, chocolate coins, children’s crafts and face painting. Admission is free. RSVP at chabadpoway.com/train

Advent and Christmas programs

Advent Lessons and Carols will be presented at 10 a.m. Dec. 21 during the worship service at Incarnation Lutheran Church, 16889 Espola Road. The Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship is at 5 p.m. with special music starting at 4:40 p.m. Dec. 24. A Christmas carol singalong is at 10 a.m. Dec. 28 during worship with the youth group playing ukuleles. Visit godamong.us.

RANCHO BERNARDO

World affairs discussion group meets

The World Affairs Council North County will host a presentation on “A Century of International Influencers – a View from Both Sides of the Iron and Bamboo Curtains” at 10 a.m. Dec. 18 at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and friendships in the local community and around the world. Visit northcountyworldaffairs.org.

RANCHO PEÑASQUITOS

Blue Christmas service

A community Blue Christmas service to comfort those who are hurting during the holidays will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 18 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 10125 Azuaga St. This annual service is followed by lunch. Admission is free. Call 858-538-1267 or visit sttimsandiego.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Light of Hope concert

The Village Community Chorale presents “The Light of Hope Returning,” a Christmas concert at 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The program features traditional, bluegrass and gospel settings, including some of Shawn Kirchner’s best-loved Christmas music in a performance by the 80-member chorale, professional soloists and instrumentalists. Tickets are $20; $10 for students at villagechurch.org.

SAN DIEGO

Holiday ‘Cars and Coffee’

The San Diego Automotive Museum will celebrate the season with a free event for car lovers that is a twist on its “Cars and Coffee” event from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dec. 21 at 2080 Pan American Plaza. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their “sleigh” for a chance to win a prize. There will be free coffee and doughnuts while supplies last. The museum will also open early at 8 a.m., offering a special $10 admission for guests who visit before 10 a.m. The “Cars and Coffee” event typically meets the third Sunday of the month for car enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles and share camaraderie. All years, makes, models, colors, styles and customizations are welcome. Visit sdautomuseum.org.

Old Town Holiday Food Drive

The Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce holds a communitywide food drive through Dec. 20 to support the Old Town Community Church Food Bank for area families in need. Donations of nonperishable food, such as canned vegetables and meats, soups, beans, pasta, rice and peanut butter can be dropped off in bins at several Old Town locations, including museums, restaurants, hotels and shops.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, a procession of decorated boats will be arriving off the shore of San Diego Bay for the 55th annual Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is “An Out of this World Christmas.” The parade takes a little over an hour to pass any given point along the parade route, including Shelter Island (start of parade) at 5:30 p.m. The 55th annual parade will pass Harbor Island from 5:45 to  6:15 p.m., Seaport Village at 6:20 to 6:45 p.m., The Embarcadero at 6:50 to 7:15 p.m., The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park at 7:20 to 7:30 p.m. and Ferry Landing on Coronado at 7:40 p.m. (Times are approximate.) Visit sdparadeoflights.org.

Jingle Jets at Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum will be decked with more than a million lights as part of its Jingle Jets holiday light show and festivities from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on select nights to Dec. 30. Highlights include Holiday Dancing Light Show, Midway’s Magical Penguin Search, Christmas Carol Karaoke, Bring Your Dog Night, Santa’s Christmas Rush Virtual Reality Ride and expanded Reindeer Games. Holiday eats and treats will be sold. Tickets are $20-$30 and sold only online; discounts for museum members; free for children 3 and younger. Visit midway.org/event/jingle-jets-2025.

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration and holiday wonderland runs daily through Jan. 4 with live musical shows, faux snowfall, over a million lights, Santa and real reindeer, singing elves and the SkyTower decorated as San Diego’s largest Christmas tree along with festive food and beverages. There will be a new Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special at Sea Lion Stadium and a new Mrs. Claus story time show. All are included with park admission. For tickets prices, discounts and more information, visit seaworldsandiego.com.

Holiday concert at Spreckels Organ

A holiday celebration kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park with activities for families and kids, followed by a holiday concert by Raul Prieto Ramirez and the annual singalong onstage. Visit spreckelsorgan.org.

‘Jungle Bells’ at San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo’s annual holiday event, “Jungle Bells,” runs from Dec. 19 to Jan. 4 (except Dec. 24) at the San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive. The event features a wonderland of lights, live entertainment, music and views of wildlife, along with a magic of Aurora immersive performance about the power of nature with 3D projection mapping, music and lights. Highlights at various times include Reindeer Games, Jingle Brass concerts and Holiday Troubadour along with Northern Frontier’s Holiday Forest, zoo characters, snow and a visit with Santa. There will be food, drinks and shopping for gifts. The zoo is open late from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event, except Dec. 24. The event is free with zoo admission or membership; parking is free. Visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells.

Old Town holiday cheer on wheels

Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour runs through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25) with a mix of sightseeing, holiday singalongs and a 90-minute trip from the Old Town Market, 4010 Twiggs St., through festively decorated neighborhoods, including Old Town, Bankers Hill, Little Italy and Garrison Street. Reservations are required. Visit trolleytours.com/san-diego/holiday-tour-tickets.

Ice skating at Liberty Station

The Rady Children’s Ice Rink in the Central Promenade at Arts District Liberty Station, 2820 Roosevelt Road, will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 4 with modified hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $15-$25 and raise money for the After Cancer Program at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. Visit rchicerink.org.

Holiday recreation at Campland

Campland on the Bay, a waterfront family campground on Mission Bay, is celebrating the season with daily recreation and holiday-themed activities for registered guests throughout December. Programs include arts and crafts, dodgeball, pickleball, Candy Bar Bingo, treasure hunts and sports tournaments. Campland will also host a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration for overnight guests featuring a DJ dance party. Visit campland.com/things-to-do.

Holiday drive for domestic violence survivors

Kearny Mesa Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram holds its 28th annual holiday drive for women and children survivors of domestic violence. The community can drop off new, unwrapped toys, games, clothing and hygiene products through Dec. 23 at 8010 Balboa Ave. For questions, call 858-560-7100 or 619-216-7104.

Holiday Bowl 5K and parade

The 30th annual Port of San Diego Game Day 5K Run/Walk is slated to start at 9:45 a.m. Jan. 2, taking place along the bayfront, beginning at Harbor Drive and Ash Street. The 5K kicks off the 46th annual Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, featuring marching bands, floats, drill teams and a procession of huge themed balloons at 10 a.m. Jan. 2 on North Harbor Drive along downtown San Diego’s waterfront. Street-side viewing of the parade is free. Grandstand tickets are $30. The Holiday Bowl game kicks off at Snapdragon Stadium at 5 p.m. Jan. 2. Visit holidaybowl.com.

SAN MARCOS

TERI Players present ‘A Christmas Carol’

The TERI Players will perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Dec. 16-17 at The Bornemann Theatre, on the TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Road. Tickets start at $30; proceeds support TERI’s programs for people with autism and developmental disabilities. Visit thebornemann.com.

Music Men to give Christmas concert

The Music Men, a barbershop a cappella chorus, will perform a community concert, “We Need a Little Christmas,” at 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave., with the Pacific Belles women’s chorus and Behind The Barn quartet. There will be a freewill offering; $10 donation appreciated. Visit musicmenchorus.org.

VISTA

Jingle Terrace Nights

Jingle Terrace Nights, a holiday light show and activities for all ages, is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through Dec. 21, hosted by the city of Vista and Moonlight Amphitheatre at the Moonlight, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive. Highlights include holiday light and video shows, festive displays, live entertainment, photos with Santa and kids crafts and games along with costumed characters, Christmas Highland cows and miniature donkeys. Food and drinks will be sold. Admission is free. Visit moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/jingle-terrace-nights.

Holiday Lights event at museum

The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s annual Holiday Lights event, which transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with light display, continues from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. There will be thousands of twinkling lights, animals, festive hay rides, warm drinks, food and visits with Santa. Admission is $10, in advance online; $12 at gate; free for kids 3 and younger. The museum is at 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Visit agsem.org/holiday-lights-2025.

If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. Event listings should be submitted at least 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.