Events: Things to do include Christmas concerts, Chanukah celebrations and more

‘The Light of Hope Returning’ Christmas concert at Village Church

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 in Rancho Santa Fe. 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.The music is presented in a staged performance including the 80-member chorale, and professional soloists and instrumentalists, designed to take a listener on a journey from distant hope through darkness into the rebirth of light and true hope for the future, according to a news release. Visit the church website for tickets: villagechurch.org.For more information on the concert, contact Director of Worship Juan Carlos Acosta at jacosta@villagechurch.org or Music Ministries Coordinator Twyla Arant attwylaa@villagechurch.org.

Carols in the RSF Village event open to all

Join the Rancho Santa Fe community and The Village Church for a special event on the lawn of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe where The Village Church be spreading Christmas cheer on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. There will be a family-friendly sing-along of popular Christmas carols, as well as complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. This free event is open to all ages. Carols in the Village will feature all your holiday favorites accompanied by twinkling lights and sweet treats. Join The Village Church and professional carolers at The Inn, located at 5951 Linea Del Cielo in Rancho Santa Fe. For more information, visit villagechurch.org/carols-in-the-village

Women’s Christmas Luncheon at The Village Church

The annual Women’s Christmas Luncheon at The Village Church will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Center at 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe. This festive holiday event features a catered lunch, fellowship and friendship in honor of the Christmas season. Tickets are $20 with RSVPs required. Payment can be made online at https://villagechurch.org/christmas-luncheon or purchased on the church patio after Sunday services. A limited number of seats are available and no same-day tickets will be sold. n honor of the season, the event will support the San Diego Rescue Mission’s effort to help those without homes. Everyone is asked to bring a $10 gift card for Amazon. For more information email rlsinger1@hotmail.com

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+.

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/

Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip

The Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip is from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 downtown as part of the North Pole by the Sea day of family-friendly festivities, which include photos with Santa, carolers, live music, hot chocolate for kids and the annual holiday tree lighting at 5 p.m. in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar. Visit visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea.

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 sherrif 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.

Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women to hold December event

This holiday season join Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women on Wednesday, Dec. 17 to learn about and support two outstanding nonprofits:Honor Flight San Diego, which escorts San Diego County veterans to Washington D.C. at no cost to them to visit and reflect at memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.Habitat for Humanity, which partners with the San Diego community to help those in need build, repair, or preserve affordable houses to give them hope, independence, and pride in a place to call home.The event includes a luncheon sponsored by Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. $38 members, $45 non-members. Register by Dec. 10 at www.delmarseacoastclub.com

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 returns

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

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.

Encinitas Guitar Orchestra to hold 2025 Christmas Concert

The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra invites all to celebrate the season with A Guitar Christmas on Friday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (925 Balour Dr., Encinitas). Suggested donation: $20. Directed by Peter pupping, the 35-member ensemble will bring the warmth of the holidays to life with music by John Dowland, Handel, J.S. Bach, Tchaikovsky, Alan Hirsh’s Jazz Christmas Suite, and other festive favorites. Join the event for an inspiring holiday tradition—timeless classics and seasonal gems, beautifully reimagined for guitar orchestra. For more information, visit www.encinitasguitarorchestra.com

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 opens 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.

La Jolla Theater

• La Jolla Playhouse hosts readings of new plays in the 2025 DNA New Work Series from Thursday, Dec. 4, to Sunday, Dec. 14, in the Play Development Center at the playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The DNA New Work Series gives playwrights and directors the opportunity to develop new projects with access to the playhouse’s spaces, staff and other resources, culminating in public readings and workshops. Free, though reservations are required. lajollaplayhouse.org/dna-2025• La Jolla Playhouse presents the world-premiere musical “Working Girl” through Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The production, based on the 1988 movie, features music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, a book by Theresa Rebeck and choreography by Sarah O’Gleby and is directed by Christopher Ashley. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/working-girl

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

La Jolla parade

La Jolla holds its 69th annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival with the theme “There’s No Place Like Home (for the Holidays)” on Dec. 7. Santa’s Workshop is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. at Kline Street and Girard Avenue. Santa’s Village runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Visit ljparade.com.