Events: Local and regional things to do include Menorah Lightings, Christmas concerts, runs and more

RSF Chanukah Celebration to be held at The Inn

Chabad Jewish Center of RSF presents the 19th RSF Chanukah Celebration on the second night of Chanukah Monday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe). Free admission, fun for the whole family.The celebration will include the Shillman RSF Menorah Lighting, live DJ, donuts, hot latkes, hot drinks, gelt drop, crafts, face painting and much more. With special thanks to The Inn at RSF for making it possible, a news release stated. RSVP at www.jewishrsf.com/innFor more information call 858-756-7571.

A Beatles Holiday Spectacle brings joy to the Belly Up

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles returns to the Belly Up on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. This special night is filled with Abbey Road’s mash-ups of Christmas classics and Beatles faves. Tickets are $20 – $35 and may be purchased online at www.bellyup.com, by phone at 858-481-8140 or at the venue box office. The Belly Up is located at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. The show is 21+.

North Coast Rep presents 2 Pianos 4 Hands for the holidays

North Coast Repertory Theatre is bringing back the joyful family-pleasing 2 Pianos 4 Hands to brighten the holiday season. Get ready for an interlude of riotous laughter as Richard Todd Adams and Max Roll take the audience on a musical comedic journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists. The talented duo trade stories about piano lessons, pushy parents and eccentric teachers while playing everything from Bach to Billy Joel.2 Pianos 4 Hands performances begin Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Final performance is Sunday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. The show runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and there are Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Added Tuesday matinee and evening performances on Dec. 23. Added 2 p.m. matinee on Monday, Dec. 29. There are no performances Dec. 24 and Dec 25. Tickets are $68 plus $2.50 service fee. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.

Coastal Christmas Del Mar

Running from Dec. 12 to Dec. 26, Coastal Christmas offers a dazzling winter experience featuring millions of glowing lights, a holiday wine walk, glice skating, holiday market, a kids play zone, and more. Coastal Christmas will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Dec. 12-14, 18-23, and 26. The hours of operation are 4 p.m. — 9 p.m. For more information on events, promotional nights and more, visit www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com/

Guitarist Peter Sprague to hold annual Del Mar Christmas Eve concert

On Dec. 24, renowned guitarist Peter Sprague will present his annual Del Mar Christmas Eve concert, a free outdoor event that will begin at 1 p.m. at the Jim Watkins Amphitheater (L’Auberge, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar}. This tradition is now in its 45th year. Del Mar Foundation is sponsoring this year’s concert, and all are encouraged to attend.

North County Republican Women’s December meeting features guest speaker

North County Republican Women (NCRW) will host gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco at its breakfast meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe. Once sheriff of Riverside County where he demonstrated unwavering commitment to public safety, Bianco has a vision for a better California. Included in that vision are families feeling safe in their neighborhoods, businesses thriving without fear of crime, law enforcement receiving the resources and support they need to protect communities, and balance restored to the criminal justice system, according to a news release. Also high on his list of priorities that are important to California voters are immigration, homelessness, education, affordability, and housing among others. Bring a friend and hear what he has to say.Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for a 10 a.m. breakfast meeting. Cost is $20/members; $25/non-members. RSVP at www.ncrwsd.org by Monday, Dec. 15 if you plan to attend.

San Diego Braver Angels event at Carmel Valley Library

The holidays can bring loved ones together – and sometimes political tension, too. Come connect with the San Diego Braver Angels community as it explores tools for keeping family conversations calm, respectful, and meaningful. Join them on Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Carmel Valley Branch Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr., Carmel Valley. Open to all, whether you are a member or joining the event for the first time. Participants must agree to the “Braver Way” rules for discussion.

Red Nose Run

The Red Nose Run will hit the beach in Del Mar on Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon, presented by the Del Mar Foundation. Since 1992, The Red Nose Run has been 100% volunteer-organized by a local group of runners and walkers of various ages and running abilities. The fun and festive event benefits Semper Fi and American Fund and the San Dieguito River Park. Course distances are 3K and 5K and registration includes food by Poseidon, cold beer from Viewpoint Brewing, ice cream for everyone by Saffron & Rose and live music from Dos Echos. To register visit therednoserun.com

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.

North Coast Symphony presents ‘Holiday Harmonies’ with North Coast Singers

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra joins with North Coast Singers to present Holiday Harmonies, a concert of festive music, on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. The program includes orchestral arrangements of beloved 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, a youth choir of students in grades 4—12. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

Nutcracker Ballet returns to Encinitas

The Nutcracker Ballet will be back in Encinitas on Saturday, Dec. 13, at San Dieguito Academy Performing Arts Center. There will be two performances, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 6 p.m. Experience the timeless magic of The Nutcracker as it returns to the SDA Theatre this holiday season. Presented by the City of Encinitas and Encinitas Ballet Academy. This beloved production by Encinitas Ballet Academy, under the direction of Sayat and Olga Asatryan, continues to enchant North County audiences with dazzling costumes, elegant choreography, and the unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky. For more information on ticket purchases visit EncinitasCA.gov/Arts or call 760-633-2746. Event address: 800 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas.

Old Globe: “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”: The Old Globe presents its 28th annual production of this musical adaptation of the holiday children’s book. Andrew Polec has returned for his fifth year in the role of the Grinch. Now playing through Dec. 31. Show times vary. Shiley Stage, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $34 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Lightscape now at Botanic Garden

Lightscape runs Nov. 14 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.

Batiquitos Lagoon to present “The Amazing Gray Whale Migration”

Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a presentation on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. titled “The Amazing Gray Whale Migration,” given by Jane Barger, naturalist at the San Diego Natural History Museum. She will discuss the Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale, with information about population, migration routes, calving and feeding, physical characteristics, and other interesting facts. This free, family event is good for adults and kids age 10 and older. Space is limited and is first come, first served. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to secure a seat. Events may take place outside, so please dress accordingly. In case of rain, events will be cancelled. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information , visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

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. One Million Twinkling lights, nightly snowfall and immersive holiday experiences. There’ll be a new Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special at Sea Lion Stadium and a new Mrs. Claus story time show. All included with park admission Tickets start at $61.99 during the Black Friday Sale. Visit seaworldsandiego.com.

Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo

The annual holiday event from Dec. 19 to Jan. 4 (except Dec. 24) at the San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, features a wonderland of twinkling 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 featured 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. Free with zoo admission or membership; parking is free. sandiegozoo.org/junglebells

Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K returns in January

The 36th annual Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is returning for another year of winter racing on the Southern California oceanfront on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.All race distances will start at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The marathon distance features an 18-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean, the half marathon will showcase the beachfront for 8 miles, while the 5K runners will journey along a scenic out-and-back route passing the Buena Vista Lagoon, according to a news release. The event will also include a variety of participant perks. For more information, including race start times and registration go to www.inmotionevents.com/event/carlsbad-marathon/

Concerts at Calvary featuring MMYO Brass Quintet

A new program that the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra is piloting for its students is chamber ensembles. Chamber ensembles are smaller groups (4-8 players) who work directly with a professional coach to present incredibly polished performances. The first group like this at MMYO is a brass quintet led by Solana Beach native, Grammy-nominated trumpet player, and MMYO instructor Frank Glasson.This brass quintet will be featured as a part of the Concerts at Calvary series presented by Calvary Lutheran Church located at 424 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach. This concert will feature a brass quintet from Calvary Lutheran Church and the Youth Orchestra brass quintet on Monday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. The program will include favorite holiday tunes and an audience sing along. The brass quintet students are all residents of North County, four of them attend Canyon Crest Academy and one attends Pacific Trails Middle School.For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.calvarylutheranchurch.org/events/

Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert

The top ensemble of the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra, the Advanced Orchestra, will present a public holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 5 p.m. This concert will feature selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, a Hanukah Festival, musical highlights from the movie Polar Express, many other holiday favorites, as well as an audience sing-along. This concert will take place at Tierrasanta Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 11260 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, 92124.

Death Cafe

Hosted by Selena Jong of Moving Through – Death Doula (www.movingthrough.org)A safe space to have educational, inspiring and empowering conversations about death and dying. Free admission. Saturday Dec. 27, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., reoccurring every fourth Saturday of the month. (www.deathcafe.com)Location: Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive Encinitas, 92024.Please RSVP at Meetup: The Death Network or email selenajong@gmail.com