Things to do: Holiday events and more

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

Village Church to hold 2025 Alternative Christmas Market

The Village Church’s Alternative Christmas Market runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Nov. 23 on the church patio, where representatives from a dozen local and global missions will have information tables. Attendees can support a mission and make a donation in honor of someone as a gift. Online shopping is through Dec. 24 at villagechurch.org/alternative-christmas-market. The Village Church of Rancho Santa Fe is located at 6225 Paseo Delicias. For more information email gretchens@villagechurch.org

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.In 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

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.

Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance at Village Church

During this holiday season, people grieving the loss of loved ones, past or present, are invited to attend a special Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance on Friday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. in The Village Church Chapel at 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe. The service provides an opportunity to be comforted in music, scripture, prayers and remembrance. This unique service offers words of encouragement, and a reading of the names of those who have died, and a token of rememberance. All are welcome. Please RSVP by Dec. 1st to reserve a space at https://villagechurch.org/blue-christmas For more information email hopem@villagechurch.org

Breakfast in Bethlehem at the Village Church

Families are invited to Breakfast in Bethlehem at The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Center at 6225 Paseo Delicias. Participants will enjoy a delicious warm breakfast and hear the beautiful Christmas story read by Senior Pastor Dr. Jack Baca and a few of his Bible character friends. Children will enjoy Christmas crafts and a balloon and airbrush artist. The cost is $5 per person with children ages two and under admitted free. Reservations are For more information, email michelley@villagechurch.org

North Pole by the Sea in Del Mar features holiday tree lighting and more

The Del Mar Village Association will present North Pole by the Sea on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. North Pole by the Sea is a day of family-friendly events and festivities that occur throughout Del Mar Village, ultimately culminating at 5 p.m. in the annual holiday tree lighting event at the Jim Watkins Amphitheater, complete with carolers, the characters of Whoville, a snowman scavenger hunt, music from the St. Peters choir, and hot cocoa, according to the Del Mar Village Association website. Other events in the afternoon include A Winter Taste and Sip, photos with Santa and more. For additional information, go to: www.visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea

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.

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.

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

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/

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

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/

“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

Fleet Feet’s 8th annual Thanksgiving 5K and Fun Run

Fleet Feet in the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch will host its eighth annual free Thanksgiving 5K and Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 27. The informal 5k starts at 8 a.m. with a 3.1 mile route that starts and end at the store. There will be a marked turnaround for a 1 mile option as well. In the “fun run” format, the route will be marked, but roads will not be closed. All runners, walkers and participants will be required to follow all pedestrian traffic laws for safety. Strollers and pets are welcome to join.The event is free but Fleet Feet is are asking for donations of canned food for the San Diego Food Bank to benefit those in need. Register at fleetfeet.com. The first 175 registrants will receive a limited edition 2025 Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day 5k t-shirt.This year Fleet Feet will again support employee Kevin Hopp, who over Thanksgiving week will be running 350 miles to raise funds for Molly’s Angels Foundation and to support Monarch Schools and Vista Hill, which provides crucial mental health, education, and social services. Join Hopp and his friends on his journey and help them reach their goal to make a lasting impact. Support his week of fundraising by joining the RunGiving Strava group at strava.com/clubs/rungiving where each mile run earns $1 donated with a goal of reaching $50,000! Donations can also be made directly through HoppCan’tStopp.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

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.Find more events online at rsfreview.com.