Community events in San Diego County: From Parade of Lights to Holiday Harmonies

ALPINE

Club puts on Holiday Home Tour

The Alpine Woman’s Club hosts its annual Holiday Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Alpine Woman’s Club Historic Town Hall, 2156 Alpine Blvd. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for shopping in the Marketplace, which features handcrafted items. Tickets are $35 in advance; $40 at the event, including tour map.  Proceeds benefit the Alpine Woman’s Club Scholarship, Preservation and Education Foundation. Visit alpinewomansclub.org.

BONSALL

Holiday Lights tours kick off at animal refuge

Wild Wonders hosts a Winter Wonders and Holiday Lights tour of its Bonsall wild animal refuge, which will showcase its nocturnal animals. Visitors meet several animal ambassadors while strolling the 5-acre facility decorated for the season. One-hour guided flashlight tours are at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Dec. 20-22, Dec. 27 and Dec. 30-31. Cost is $42 for ages 12 and older and $22 for children ages 5-11. Visit wildwonders.org.

CARLSBAD

Living Nativity recreates Christmas story

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. The church will also host a Children’s Nativity Play at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 7 and a Sounds of Christmas musical celebration at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 14. A Service of Solace is at noon Dec. 10; Christmas Eve candlelight services are at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Visit christ-pres.church.

Whale migration topic of lagoon talk

Batiquitos Lagoon will host a presentation at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 on “The Amazing Gray Whale Migration,” led by Jane Barger, naturalist at the San Diego Natural History Museum. The free, family event is open to adults and kids age 10 and older. Rain cancels the event. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.

Tree lighting celebration at The Forum

The Forum Carlsbad puts on its Christmas Tree Wonderlights show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21. A pet adoption event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.

CARMEL VALLEY

Cross partisan discussion group meets

The San Diego Braver Angels community will discuss tools for keeping family conversations respectful and meaningful from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at the Carmel Valley Branch Library, 3919 Townsgate Drive.

CHULA VISTA

Christmas story and celebration

Salvation Army employee Paul Maley will give his annual holiday one-man show at 4 p.m. Dec. 7, transforming into characters from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista, 1200 E. H St. Also, at 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at the church, there will be a community celebration with food, crafts, games, community service projects, choral performances and a Christmas carol singalong. Visit fumccv.org.

Library book sale

The Friends of the Chula Vista Library will hold a three-day book sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec 12-13 and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Dec 14 at the library, 365 F St. Proceeds go to the library and its programs. Visit chulavistaca.gov/departments/library.

DEL MAR

Coastal Christmas 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, and general admission tickets are buy one, get one free on Dec. 18. Visit delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2025/coastal-christmas.

EL CAJON

Holiday Tea

Friends of East County Arts will hold a storybook wonderland-themed Holiday Tea with culinary delights, Champagne, mimosas, crafts and entertainment by the West Hills High School Guitar Ensemble from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave. Admission is $95; $85 for FECA members. Proceeds benefit local school arts programs. Visit friendsofecarts.org.

Toys for Joy

The 29th annual Toys for Joy hosted by Rock Church for families facing financial hardship is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at Cajon Valley Middle School, 550 E. Park Ave. Families in need will receive toys, groceries, meals, haircuts and resource support. There will be a kids zone. Admission and parking are free. Visit sdrock.com/toysforjoy.

Holiday concert

The California Note Catchers will put on a Holiday Music Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church, 455 Church Way. The chorus and several small ensembles will perform classic holiday songs. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. There will be a silent auction and bake sale. Visit californianotecatchers.com.

ENCINITAS

Holiday Harmonies

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra puts on a concert of festive music at 7 p.m. Dec. 12  and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena. The program includes orchestral arrangements of classics, including “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Fantasy,” “Overture of French Carols,” “Greensleeves” and “Joy to the World.” The orchestra will be joined by the North Coast Singers youth chorus. Admission is $18 general, $15 for seniors, students and military, free for 18 and younger. Visit northcoastsymphony.com.

ESCONDIDO

Holiday Festival

The nonprofit USA Multicultural presents a free Holiday Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway, with performances, bands, craft vendors, food and visits with Santa. Visit usamulticultural.org/upcoming-events.

LA MESA

Holiday in the Village

La Mesa Village Associatin presents Holiday in the Village with winter holiday-themed activities from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 13 in downtown La Mesa along La Mesa Boulevard from Fourth Street to Spring Street. Highlights include ice skating, a Winter Wonderland kids area with inflatable bouncies, a Mrs. Claus Reading Nook, holiday performances, miniature golf, an Elf Adventure Trail and Selfies with Santa along with strolling carolers. Visit lamesavillageassociation.org.

NORTH COUNTY

Holiday Choral Celebration

The Music Men Chorus, a barbershop a cappella chorus, presents a Holiday Choral Celebration with two community concerts titled “We Need a Little Christmas” at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Ave., in Carlsbad, with the Behind The Barn quartet and Menschtones ensemble; and 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. A $10 donation is appreciated. Visit musicmenchorus.org.

OCEANSIDE

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

The annual Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights features boats decorated for the holidays with lights and ornaments from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13. Many of the captains and boat crews dress up in their holiday best, with Santa joining the parade. The best decorated powerboat, sailboat and small-craft boat will be awarded prizes. Visit visitoceanside.org/events/parade-of-lights.

Jane Austen tea party at library

The Oceanside Public Library marks the 250th birthday of author Jane Austen with a “Regency Tea Party: Jane Austen 250” at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 for adults. Linda Miller, a board member of the Jane Austen Society, San Diego Region, will give a presentation. There will be tea and light refreshments. Regency attire is encouraged. Registration is required at oceansidelibrary.org.

Boat rides with Santa

The 20-minute boat rides around Oceanside Harbor with Santa are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets are $5; $3 for kids 2 and younger. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Oceanside. Reservations are required at oceansidewhalewatching.com/cruises/boat-ride-with-santa. There are also cruises starting at 6:15 p.m. Dec. 13 to view the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. Cost is $69; $49 for kids up to age 12 at oceansidewhalewatching.com/cruises/parade-of-lights.

PACIFIC BEACH

Santa Run and parade

Pacific Beach holds its annual San Diego Santa Run on Dec. 13. The starting line is at 912 Garnet Ave. The 5K Santa Run takes off at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The Kid’s 1-mile run is 11:30 a.m. and 1-mile dog run is noon. The holiday parade follows at 1 p.m. Fees are $35-$55. Register at sandiegorunningco.com/sdrc_events/san-diego-santa-run.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Parkinson’s singing group puts on party

Tremble Clefs, a free therapeutic singing program for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, will hold its annual Winter Holiday Party from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 with performances, interactive activities and holiday desserts at San Rafael Parish, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive. Doors open 12:30 p.m. Visit trembleclefs.com.

Anti-Defamation League leader to speak

The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee hosts Fabienne Perlov, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego, at 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center,18448 W. Bernardo Drive. Perlov will discuss antisemitism in San Diego. Cost is $15, including refreshments. RSVP at 858-487-8041.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Light of Hope concert

The Village Community Chorale presents The Light of Hope Returning, a Christmas concert at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The program features traditional, bluegrass and gospel songs, 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

Mission Bay Parade of Lights

The Mission Bay Parade of Lights holiday boat parade takes off at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at SeaWorld with a fireworks kickoff, then heads west, north and east, ending at The Mission Bay Beach Club. The parade will be set up near Mission Bay hotels and resorts, including Bahia Resort Hotel, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, The Dana on Mission Bay, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa, Marina and Paradise Point Resort. Admission is free for spectators. Viewing areas will offer special festive food and beverage menus and family-friendly holiday festivities, such as bonfires and s’mores, live music, holiday games and Santa. Visit discovermissionbay.org/boat-parade.

Las Posadas in Old Town

The 67th annual Las Posadas, a re-enactment of part of the Christmas story, the journey of Mary and Joseph before the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, is at 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. There will be a traditional procession, seasonal music and Christmas choirs. Come early for kids’ holiday crafts and refreshments. Admission is free. Visit oldtownsandiego.org/celebrate-the-season-at-the-67th-annual-las-posadas.

Art museum holds winter market

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will hold its Winter MKT, with music and merchandise, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 14  with a selection of vendors. Admission to the museum is free. There will be Japanese-themed records, food, drinks and goods along with a book signing of “25 Palm Trees in Paradise” by local artist Perry Vasquez from 2 to 3 p.m. Visit mcasd.org/events/winter-mkt-20.

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 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.

Music society holds open house

The La Jolla Music Society holds a free holiday open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at The Conrad, in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd, which will become a Winter Wonderland, at 7600 Fay Ave., in La Jolla. There will be an “instrument petting zoo,” crafts for kids, photos with Santa, dog adoption event and holiday market featuring local artisans work along with cider, hot cocoa and cocktails. Vist theconrad.org.

Gaslamp Pet Parade

The 17th annual Gaslamp Pet Parade and Pups in the Pub Party is from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. The parade of dogs, cats and other pets will take off under the Gaslamp Quarter Archway at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and L Street at 1 p.m. and go through the streets of the Gaslamp alongside four local marching bands. Pets will be judged in categories such as Best Holiday Spirit, Best Matching Costumes and Best in Show. A pre-party is at 11 a.m. at the Pendry Hotel, 550 J St. The Pups in the Pub Party is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, 401 K St., with live music, craft beer, games for pets and people, boutique shopping, and photos. Registration is $30 per pet. Visit gaslamp.org.

Jingle Jets at USS Midway

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, among other festivities. 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.

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.

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.

SOLANA BEACH

Gift wrapping party for military families

The community is invited to help wrap Christmas gifts for local military families in need from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle. Calvary partners with Support the Enlisted Project at Christmas to adopt families who are in financial crisis and provide Christmas presents. The group is expecting to wrap more than 400 gifts. All ages are welcome. Visit calvarylutheranchurch.org.

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade is from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 hosted by the city of Solana Beach and the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission. Santa will be riding along with fire, sheriff’s and Marine safety personnel. The sleigh ride will start and end at the Solana Beach Fire Station, 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. A map is at cityofsolanabeach.org.

VISTA

Kids in the Garden class

A Kids in the Garden class on Recycled Art is from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive. Bring recyclables, such as meat trays, plastic water bottles, cereal boxes, and other materials to use and share. Scissors, egg cartons, tape, glue, toothpicks, cotton, markers and watercolors will be provided. Class fee is $5 per person, which includes garden entry; free with family membership. Registration is required by Dec. 12 at farmerjonesavbg@gmail.com; include child’s name and age for check-in roster and indicate membership.

Christmas toy drive

Solutions For Change, a Vista-based nonprofit that helps families out of homelessness, is collecting new, unwrapped toys and gifts for teens and adults along with wrapping paper, tape, tissue paper, gift bags and ribbons. Drop off donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Dec. 17 at 722 W. California Ave. Visit solutionsforchange.org.

Holiday Lights event 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 light display from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. There will be thousands of twinkling lights, animals, festive hay rides, warm drinks, food and a visit 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.