Where are the Holiday parades, tree lighting festivals and other festivities around San Diego?

Holiday happenings are popping up in neighborhoods throughout San Diego County. Here’s a guide to parades, tree lighting festivals and festivities to celebrate the season. The list will be updated as new events come up.

ALPINE

Parade of Lights, tree lighting: Alpine’s Parade of Lights starts at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Alpine Boulevard and West Victoria Drive and will be on the main stretch of Alpine Boulevard. The annual tree lighting is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 int the parking lot of Bethel Christian Assembly at 1929 Arnold Way. The event will include an artisan marketplace, food trucks, snow area for kids, inflatables, an ugly sweater contest and visit from Santa to light the tree. Visit https://www.alpinebethel.org/

Holiday Home Tour: The Alpine Woman’s Club hosts its annual Holiday Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 starting at 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.  alpinewomansclub.org

BONSALL

Winter Wonders Holiday Lights tour: Wild Wonders hosts a Winter Wonders & Holiday Lights tour of its Bonsall wild animal refuge, which will showcase its nocturnal animals. Visitors meet several animal ambassadors while strolling the five-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 up and $22 for children ages 5-11. wildwonders.org

CARDIFF

Kringle Mingle: The festivities are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 on Aberdeen Drive with live music, children’s crafts and holiday treats, coffee and hot chocolate hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and vendor booths for holiday shopping in downtown Cardiff. Photos with Santa are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Admission is free. Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots drive for Camp Pendleton Marine families.  cardiff101.com/events.

Christmas show: The Masters of Harmony and Pacific Coast Harmony chorus will present a Christmas show, “Merry & Bright, Holidays in Harmony,” at 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave. Tickets are $25. Visit  https://stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com 

CARLSBAD

Chanukah celebration: Chabad La Costa hosts lighting of the menorah celebrations from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Carlsbad Premium Outlets, 5620 Paseo Del Norte, with live music, Menorah lighting, donuts, latkes and crafts and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. https://www.chabadatlacosta.com

The Living Nativity: 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 an  Advent Workshop at 10 a.m. Nov. 30 with crafts on the patio and Children’s Nativity Play at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 7 and 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 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Visit christ-pres.church.

Holidays at LEGOLAND: Live entertainment, twinkling lights, holiday treats and some snowfall will be on display through Jan. 4 at LEGOLAND California, One Legoland Drive. The annual tree lighting ceremony is at 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 1.. Throughout the holidays, the park’s 30-foot LEGO tree decked with lights and LEGO ornaments built out of more than 350,000 LEGO and Duplo bricks. Photos can be taken with life-sized festive LEGO models or costumed characters such as a LEGO Santa, toy soldier, gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission.  legoland.com/california.

Tree Lighting Celebration: The Forum Carlsbad holds its 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5, with live performances, holiday characters, Santa visits and Christmas Tree Wonderlights show continuing until Christmas. The La Costa Canyon High School Marching Band performs at 6 p.m. followed by Santa’s arrival, tree lighting and a snowfall finale. Festivities continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6–7, 13–14, and 20–21. A pet adoption event on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 Dec. 6 to 25. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/news/the-forum-carlsbad-a-festive-holiday-season-2025.

CHULA VISTA

Parade, tree lighting and festival: The Starlight Parade and Festival is from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 in Memorial Park and Park Way, with parade, holiday market, children’s holiday train ride, tree lighting, live entertainment and photos with Santa. The lighting of a 25-foot tree takes place at 5:45 p.m. on the plaza at the northeast corner of Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and goes from H Street to E Street, featuring marching bands, decorated floats, automobiles and dance teams, among other entries. Free admission. starlightparade.com.

Christmas Posada: The free annual Christmas Posada and Latin Concert is from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at St. Mark’s Church, 580 Hilltop Dr. in Chula Vista. Highlights include family games and activities, luncheon featuring Mexican dishes and music by the church’s Spanish Band, led by Manuel Alvarez. Free; donations welcome.  https://stmarkschulavista.org/

Scandanavian Christmas concert: The Southern California Damekor, a women’s choir, will perform Glade Jul, an annual concert of Christmas music from Scandinavia at 3 p.m. Dec. 20 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 580 Hilltop Dr. The program begins with the traditional Lucia procession and features traditional jul songs from Norway, Sweden and Finland  sung mostly in the original language.  Freewill offering. https://stmarkschulavista.org/

CORONADO

Coronado Holiday: The Holiday Parade takes off at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 featuring local organizations, clubs and businesses with lights and costumes from t8th Street down Orange Avenue to Adella Avenue. The tree-lighting ceremony is after the parade and festivities continue to 9 p.m. with live music and holiday sing-alongs. coronadochamber.com

DEL MAR

Coastal Christmas Del Mar:  The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts a Coastal Holiday Festival with holiday lights 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, 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 3 and younger. 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 kids in need. General admission tickets are buy one, get one free on Dec. 18.  https://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2025/coastal-christmas

Holiday festivities: 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 from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7. Festivities include photos with Santa, carolers, live music, hot chocolate for kids and annual holiday tree lighting in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5 p.m. Visit www.visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea

EL CAJON

Holiday Lights Downtown: Festivities including live music, holiday vendors, train rides and free photos with Santa are from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at Prescott Promenade, 200 E Main St.  https://www.downtownelcajon.com/hlm

Holiday Tea: A storybook wonderland-themed Holiday Tea with culinary delights, champagne, mimosas, crafts and entertainment by the West Hills High School Guitar ensemble is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Ave. Admission is $95, $85 for FECA members. Proceeds benefit local school arts programs. www.friendsofecarts.org

Winter Wonderland at park: From 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Ave. There will be a movie in park, train rides, bounce house photos with Santa, games, costumed characters, crafts and letters to Santa. Free admission. Visit https://www.elcajon.gov/your-government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/winter-wonderland

“Toys for Joy:” The 29th annual event 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 kids zone activities. Free admission and parking. https://www.sdrock.com/toysforjoy

Holiday music: 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. Free admission; donations appreciated. There will be a silent auction and bake sale. http://www.californianotecatchers.com

ENCINITAS

Encinitas Holiday Parade: Encinitas’ annual holiday parade, themed “Peace by the Pacific,” is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6. It will feature floats, marching bands and decorated cars along Coast Highway from D to J streets. The event kicks off with a tree lighting and brief appearance from Santa at 5 p.m. in The Lumberyard shops courtyard, between H and I streets, followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. VIsit https://www.encinitasca.gov

Stars and Angels concert: The annual Christmas Concert, themed “Stars and Angels” at Bethlehem Lutheran Church will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 7  The program features songs performed by the Good News Singers, Children’s Choir, World Music Ensemble, Woodwind Trio, JuBellation Ringers, Band of Bethlehem and soloists.  Free will offering; livestream offered. blcenc.org

Lightscape: The light show runs through Jan. 4 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The immersive experience guides visitors through a one-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.  sdbg.org  

“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: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for 18 and younger. Visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

ESCONDIDO

Christmas parade: The parade, themed, “A Merry Citrus Christmas.” takes off at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, from Juniper and Grand Avenue to Orange and Grand Avenue.  https://escondidojaycees.org/christmas-parade-info

Winter Festival: Winter Wonderland is from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6-7 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Highlights include visits with Santa, Vistorian carolers, storybook characters and winter crafting along with holiday market and face painting. Food and drink will be sold. Admission is free. artcenter.org

Wild Holidays at Safari Park: Festivities are Nov. 28–30; Dec. 19–23 and Dec. 26–Jan. 4; the Park at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, will stay open until 8 p.m. with holiday cheer. Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show, Bridge of Lights,  Enchanted Lagoon and visits with Santa along with Holiday Troubadour, Forest of Color and Nairobi Lantern Walk, among other festivities. “Wild Holidays” activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership.  Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.

Spirit of the Holidays concert: The Escondido Chorale Arts Foundation will put on a holiday concert themed, The Spirit of the Holidays at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Grace Lutheran Church featuring music from early Baroque to contemporary, including The Christmas Story, by Schütz, Shepherds’ Farewell by Berlioz and “Shape Note.” Tickets: $20;$18 for senior, military, student or $10 for children under age 10. Visit https://SpiritOfHolidays.bpt.me

Community in Unity: The annual holiday season-opening event with live holiday music, food and drinks is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Escondido City Hall, 201 N. Broadway. Bring new, unwrapped toys and pajamas. Pajamas of all sizes will benefit the children and teens of Solutions for Change; toys for boys and girls, ages 4 to 12, will benefit the Escondido Police Athletic League. Tickets are $40; $50 at door. Visit https://business.escondidochamber.org/

Holiday Multicultural Festival: The free fest is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway  Free family event with performances, bands, craft vendors, food and visits with Santa. Visit https://usamulticultural.org/upcoming-events/

FALLBROOK

Christmas parade: Fallbrook’s 44th annual Christmas parade, themed “Candy Cane Lane,” starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 on Main Street in downtown Fallbrook, hosted by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. The parade features Santa, lighted floats, music, marching bands and dancers along with classic cars. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.

Jingles and Jazz: The Christmas concert is 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at Mission Theater, 231 North Main Ave, presented by the Fallbrook Music Society. The program features the Camarada and traditional holiday classics along with Peter Sprague’s spin on Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Tickets are $25; $30 day of show; free for age 18 and younger. www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org

LA JOLLA

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

LA MESA

Holiday in the Village:  Winter holiday-themed activities are from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 13 in downtown La Mesa along La Mesa Blvd. from 4th Street to Spring Street. Highlights include ice skating, Winter Wonderland kids area with inflatable bouncies, Mrs. Claus Reading Nook, holiday performances, miniature golf, Elf Adventure Trail and Selfies with Santa along with strolling carolers. www.lamesavillageassociation.org.

MISSION BAY

Mission Bay Parade of Lights: The 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. 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.  https://discovermissionbay.org/boat-parade/

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: Holiday wonderland runs daily to 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. www.seaworldsandiego.com

MISSION BEACH

Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder: The  annual event at the beachside amusement park, 3146 Mission Blvd., runs through Jan. 4 with hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, holiday-themed treats and drinks and special events on weekends. Attractions include the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland and Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts and and Polar Plunge. Tickets and passes are at belmontpark.com.

SantaCon at Belmont Park: The 4th annual SantaCon, presented by Almost Nakey at Belmont Park is from 4 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13. The beachfront boardwalk will be transformed into a winter wonderland with live performances on four stages and free rides. Attendees are encouraged to wear festive attire. Open to ages 21 and older. Tickets start at $75. Visit belmontpark.com

NORTH COUNTY

Holiday Choral Celebration:  The Music Men Chorus, a Barbershop a cappella chorus, will perform 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. Free-will offering; $10 donation appreciated. musicmenchorus.org.

OCEAN BEACH

Ocean Beach parade: Ocean Beach holds its annual holiday parade at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 along Newport Avenue. The event is hosted and organized by the Ocean Beach Community Foundation and Love Thy Neighborhood and supported by the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association. Visit https://oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/ob-holiday-parade

OCEANSIDE

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights: The annual parade of boats decorated for the holidays with lights and ornaments, is from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Oceanside Harbor. 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 boats will be awarded prizes.  Visit https://visitoceanside.org/events/parade-of-lights/

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 required at https://www.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 https://www.oceansidewhalewatching.com/cruises/parade-of-lights/.

Jingle Bell Jump: St. Nick will make a parachute landing at noon Nov. 29 at Mission Marketplace, 471 College Blvd. to kick off the free Jingle Bell Jump event with nightly caroling Dec. 5-11.  El Camino High School Band will play holiday music as Santa parachutes down. The event continues until 3 p.m. Highlights include holiday crafts for kids, carnival rides and games, inflatable jumpers, cookie decorating, petting zoo, balloon artists, visits with Santa and face painting. Free churros, popcorn and cotton candy. Caroling groups will perform for shoppers from 6 to 7 p.m.   missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.

PACIFIC BEACH

Santa Run & parade: Pacific Beach holds its annual San Diego Santa Run on Dec. 13. The starting line is 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

POINT LOMA

Christmas Market: All Souls Episcopal Church holds its’ 6th European style Festive Christmas Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at 1475 Catalina Blvd. There will be vendors, hand crafted items, food pantry, five musical groups, tea and St. Nicholas cookies along with kid’s activities. Admission is free. https://www.allsoulspointloma.org/

POWAY

Chanukah Train: A community Chanukah celebration is at 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Highlights include latkes, donuts, Dreidel giveaways, chocolate coins, children’s crafts and face painting.  Free admission. RSVP at chabadpoway.com/train

Christmas concert: The Poway Community Choir will perform a Christmas concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Del Norte High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 at the door or online at Powaycommunitychoir.com

Menorah Lighting: A Chanukah celebration is at 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at Westfield North County Mall on the 2nd floor indoors in front of Macy’s. There will be Grand Menorah Lighting, holiday treats and crafts for the kids. Free Admission. RSVP at www.chabadpoway.com/chanukah 

RANCHO SANTA FE

Breakfast in Bethlehem: The Village Church’s annual Breakfast in Bethlehem for families is at 9 a.m. Dec. 6, with the Christmas story read by Senior Pastor Jack Baca and Bible characters in the fellowship center, 6225 Paseo Delicias. Cost is $5, including warm breakfast, Christmas crafts and balloon art; free for children 2 and younger.  Reservations are required. https://villagechurch.org/breakfast-in-bethlehem

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 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.Tickets are $20;$10 for students at villagechurch.org.

Carols in the Village:  A family-friendly sing-along of popular Christmas carols is from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 on the lawn of the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 5951 Linea Del Cielo. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies. Admission is free. villagechurch.org/carols-in-the-village

SAN DIEGO

Las Posadas in Old Town: The 67th annual reenactment 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. https://www.oldtownsandiego.org/celebrate-the-season-at-the-67th-annual-las-posadas/

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, the procession of decorated boats will be arriving off the shore of the San Diego Bay. 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 55th annual 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). sdparadeoflights.org

Little Italy Christmas: A Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., with live entertainment, visit from Santa Claus, 10-foot-tall nutcrackers, holiday-themed bites and sips and Christmas Village with vendors along India Street. The traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m.  https://www.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting

Reason for the Season: A free synchronized light and video show, “The Real Reason for the Season,” will run every half hour from 5 to 9 p.m. from Dec. 6 to Jan. 4 at Columbia and Date Streets in Little Italy, across the Street from the Piazza della Famiglia fountain. The light show synchronized to popular Christmas music presents a short history of the Nativity and why Christmas is celebrated.

Cause to Celebrate: Father Joe’s Villages will host its 2nd Annual Holiday Villages at the Bayfront: A Cause to Celebrate through Dec. 7. Folks 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.  https://my.neighbor.org/take-action/events/holiday-village/

Community Christmas Celebration:  Free event features a live nativity village with sheep, goats, donkey and camel from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Tierrasanta Lutheran Church, 11240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Highlights include hot cocoa, Christmas carols, cookie decorating, Bible-era characters and crafts.  tierrasantalutheran.org.

Salute to the season: Liberty Station holds a number of family-friendly events, including the annual Holiday Tree Lighting  from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 28; Nutcracker Tea with the San Diego Ballet at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14. The Rady Children’s Ice Rink will be open Nov. 20 through Jan. 4.  https://libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting

Messiah Sing:  The San Diego Master Chorale will hold its 15th annual Messiah Sing at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave. in Bankers Hill. The audience can sing Handel’s Messiah, including the Hallelujah Chorus, with the Chorale, directed by John Russell, and accompanied by organist Martin Green. Tickets are $40; $35 senior/military and $20 for students. Audience can bring their own score, or rent one at the venue for $5 Visit sdmasterchorale.org

Jingle Jets: 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 from Nov. 28 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 & treats will be sold. Tickets are $20-$30 and sold only online; discounts for museum members; free for children 3 and younger. Visit https://www.midway.org/event/jingle-jets-2025  

Pet Parade: The 17th Annual Gaslamp Pet Parade & 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 iconic Gaslamp Quarter Archway at the intersection of 5th Avenue and L Street at 1 p.m. and walk through the streets of Gaslamp alongside four local marching bands. Pets will be judged in categories such as Best Holiday Spirit, Best Matching Costumes, and the coveted Best in Show. A pre-party is at 11 a.m. at the Pendry Hotel. The Pups in the Pub Party is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter with live music, craft beer, games for pets and people, boutique shopping, and photos. Registration is $30 per pet.  https://www.gaslamp.org

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

December Nights at Balboa Park: Holiday festival from 3 to 11 p.m. Dec. 5 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 6 at Balboa Park. The family-friendly event features holiday lights, sounds, entertainment and food. Visit sandiego.gov/december-nights.

Holiday Cheer on Wheels: Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25) with a mix of sightseeing, holiday sing-alongs and a 90-minute trip from the Old Town Market, 4010 Twiggs Street, through festively decorated neighborhoods, including Old Town, Banker’s Hill, Little Italy and Garrison Street. Reservations required. www.trolleytours.com/san-diego/holiday-tour-tickets

Holiday concert at Spreckels Organ: The event 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 Sing-Along on-stage. Visit https://spreckelsorgan.org/

Surfin’ Santa: Seaport Village’s family-friendly day of festivities is from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 29. Santa clad in boardshorts and Hawaiian shirt will arrive by boat from the San Diego Bay and lead a parade to the fountain courtyard. Highlights include photos with Surfin’ Santa on his giant surfboard, riding a six-foot wave and local shops with treats and holiday gifts.

Holiday Bowl and parade: The 30th annual Port of San Diego Game Day 5K Run/Walk is slated to start at 9:45 a.m. on Jan. 2, taking place along the bayfront, beginning at Harbor Drive and Ash St. The 5K kicks off the 46th annual Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, featuring marching bands, floats, drill teams, and a procession of huge themed-balloons at 10 a.m. Jan. 2 on North Harbor Drive along downtown San Diego’s waterfront.  Street-side viewing of the parade is free. Grandstand tickets are $30. The Holiday Bowl game kicks off at Snapdragon Stadium at 5 p.m. Jan. 2.   holidaybowl.com

SAN MARCOS

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 folks with autism and developmental disabilities. www.thebornemann.com

Holiday parade: The 28th annual Kiwanis San Marcos Holiday Parade starts at 1 p.m. Dec. 7, themed “Light Up The Holidays.” There will be bands, floats, marching groups and Santa. The parade route is Comet Drive at Palomar College, east on Mission Road to the San Marcos Civic Center. Visit lsmkiwanis.org

SOLANA BEACH

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade: Back by popular demand, the city of Solana Beach and the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission host Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 12. 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

67th annual Vista Christmas Parade:  The Vista Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas parade is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 in downtown Vista. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around Vista–A Parade of Holiday Hits.” The grand marshal is Eric Weirather, longtime band director at Rancho Buena Vista HIgh School. There will be floats, music and marching bands, along with Santa. To see the parade route, visit https://www.vistachamber.org/christmas/

Jingle Terrace Nights: Holiday light show and activities for all ages from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6; Dec. 13 and Dec. 19-21 hosted by the city of Vista and Moonlight Amphitheatre at the Moonlight, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive. Highlights include holiday light and video shows, festive displays, live entertainment, photos with Santa and kids crafts and games along with costumed characters, Christmas Highland Cows and miniature donkeys. Food and drinks will be sold. Free admission.  https://www.moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/jingle-terrace-nights

Holiday Lights: The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s annual Holiday Lights event transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with light display from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. Bring the whole family to enjoy thousands of twinkling lights, animals, festive hay rides, warm drinks, delicious 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.  https://www.agsem.org/holiday-lights-2025

To submit a community event, email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com.