Things to do: Holiday concerts and more

Encinitas Turkey Trot

Over 6,000 runners are expected to participate in the Encinitas Turkey Trot, a treasured local Thanksgiving morning tradition. The Thursday Nov. 27 event features both a 5K and 10K races run along the scenic Highway 101 and a Kid’s K race for the youngest runners. Racing begins at 7:30 a.m. with the 10K, followed by the Kids K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. As always, costumes are encouraged and awards are given to the best individual and group costumes. Proceeds from the race benefit VANC, a nonprofit that helps military veterans and their families navigate life during and after service, with a goal of reducing PTSD and veteran suicide. Encinitas Turkey Trot will additionally be providing a grant to Boy Scouts of America Encinitas Troop 776. Participants will receive a medal and t-shirt. Register at https://encinitasturkeytrot.org/

41st Annual Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

The 41st Annual Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, presented by Stretch*d, returns to downtown Encinitas on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coast Hwy 101 will be closed from D Street to J Street, from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m., to make room for more than 450 vendors, plus a Beer Garden, three stages featuring live music, a bike valet and kids’ rides, along this award-winning main street. Due to popularity, the Beer Garden hours have been extended from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The beer garden is family and pet friendly, and will feature the event’s main entertainment stage. The beer garden will offer a wide range of libations including local breweries, hard tea, hard honey, kombucha, and wine, according to a news release. Several bands will rock the Beer Garden Stage, The Lumberyard Courtyard Stage, and The Hansen’s Community Stage. For more information, including the full entertainment line-up, visit www.encinitas101.com

“Merry & Bright, Holidays in Harmony”

Come and enjoy an exciting and memorable Christmas performance guaranteed to put attendees in the holiday spirit, “Merry & Bright, Holidays in Harmony” with 80+ singers featuring the nine-time International Chorus Champions Masters of Harmony based in Los Angeles, joined by their guest, award-winning Pacific Coast Harmony chorus of La Jolla, on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff. Tickets are only $25 and may be purchased now online at stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com/index.php with a $2 fee per ticket. Download and print your ticket or save it on your phone. Seating is limited. Order your tickets soon as a sellout is expected. The church is at 3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 92007. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Open seating. Free parking.

18th Annual Cardiff Kringle Mingle

The 18th Annual Cardiff Kringle Mingle will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (photos with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) on Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Cardiff 101 Main Street and BEAM Orthodontics welcome all to Kringle Mingle, a free and festive holiday celebration for the whole community. Stroll through the Makers Market along Aberdeen Dr. to discover unique, locally-made gifts perfect for the season. Snap a free photo with Santa, courtesy of Camera Camper, and treat yourself to hot cocoa, coffee, and seasonal goodies provided by Starbucks, according to a news release. Enjoy a day of creative holiday fun with face painting by Elisabeth Photography, Santa origami, letters to Santa, and rock painting. Live music by Bucket Ruckus will fill the day and it’s the perfect opportunity to get last-minute gifts while shopping locally. Don’t forget to bring a toy for the Toys for Tots collection, supporting the Marines of Camp Pendleton. For more details, visit www.cardiff101.com/events-calendar/kringlemingle2025

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

Community Resource Center to hold Jingle & Mingle benefit event

Community Resource Center (CRC) invites all to Jingle & Mingle, an evening of holiday cheer, community connection and heartfelt giving on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club. Celebrate the season while bringing hope and stability to local families facing hunger, homelessness, and trauma. The support funds CRC’s comprehensive wraparound services – providing help and healing all year long – as well as their Holiday Baskets program. Purchase tickets by Nov. 20 at crcncc.org/jingle.Guests will enjoy festive holiday fare, live and silent auctions, raffles, entertainment by local musician Rob Robinson and joyful mingling with friends old and new. The event will include a program featuring stories of impact from CRC clients and inspiring words from CEO John Van Cleef, showcasing how the community’s generosity transforms lives.

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.

NC Rep Impro Theatre presents ‘Dickens Unscripted’

North Coast Rep Variety Nights Impro Theatre will present “Dickens Unscripted” on Monday, Dec. 1, and Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. A holiday comedy inspired by the works of Charles Dickens, this is a winter holiday show built on vivid narration and rich characters inspired by the books of Charles Dickens, all of it improvised. North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Tickets are $50 with discounts for students, military, and educators. 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/

April and the Funk Junkies: Birthday Bash & Fundraiser at Belly Up

Kick off the holiday weekend with funk, fun, and community spirit. Local favorite April and the Funk Junkies return to the Belly Up Tavern on Friday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for a special Happy Hour Birthday Bash and Fundraiser benefiting the Miracle League of San Diego (MLSD). Tickets are just $8, with $2 from every ticket supporting MLSD, which provides children and adults with special needs the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. Tickets are available now through the Belly Up Tavern website at www.bellyup.com.

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

Doggie Street Festival

The annual Doggie Street Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at NTC Park in Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road. Bring a friendly dog. There will be vet tips, pet products and services and live music along with food and auction prizes. Admission is free. Visit doggiestreetfestival.org.

Holiday Villages event helps homeless people

Father Joe’s Villages will host its second Holiday Villages at the Bayfront: A Cause to Celebrate from mid-November through Dec. 7. Attendees can stroll through a showcase of decorated Christmas trees while learning about the work Father Joe’s Villages does to overcome homelessness in San Diego. The community can also sponsor a tree to support Father Joe’s. Visit my.neighbor.org/take-action/events/holiday-village.

Winter Wonderland Fashion Show

The Arc of San Diego will put on its annual Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon, themed “Shimmer & Glimmer,” at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 at the US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway. Highlights include holiday boutique shopping, auctions, a luncheon and a fashion show. The emcee is Mary Murphy, ballroom dance champion and television personality. Proceeds benefit The Arc of San Diego’s programs for children and adults with disabilities. Tickets start at $155. Visit arc-sd.com/winterwonderland.