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If you live in or are planning a visit to the San Diego area in December and are looking for some fun things to see and do, please check out this December 2019 San Diego County Calendar of Events, courtesy of our colleagues, Peggy Sue, Catherine and Kathleen, at First American Title:
San Diego Jazz Fest and Swing Extravaganza | Nov. 27-Dec. 1 | Town and Country Resort & Convention Center
Jazz bands and musicians from across the U.S. will perform. Festival presentations include great variety: trad, swing, boogie-woogie, ragtime, dixieland, gospel, rockabilly. For more information: www.sdjazzfest.org
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off | Dec. 1 from 11am-5pm | 32nd and Thorn, North Park
SoNo Fest is an all volunteer run, locally-focused street festival featuring a 40-restaurant chili cook-off; 24 craft beer, wine and spirits makers in a huge beer garden; 30 local handmade vendors, a food truck court, live music on three stages and a kid’s fest! All proceeds from this event, in its 10th year, benefit McKinley Elementary. For more information: www.sonofestchilicookoff.com
La Valencia Hotel Tree Lighting | Dec. 5 from 5:30-8pm | 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla
For more information: www.lavalencia.com
Coronado Christmas Parade & Open House | Dec. 6
Festivities kick off with Santa Claus’ arrival by ferryboat at 3:20pm, followed by frosty fun on Snow Mountain until 7pm and carolers at the Coronado Ferry Landing. Other highlights include a popular Holiday Parade at 6pm and Merchants Open House 5-9pm down Orange Ave., a traditional Christmas tree lighting at 7pm and community band concert in Rotary Park. For more information: 619-435-9260 | www.coronadochamber.com
Alpine Parade of Lights & Snow Festival | Dec. 6 from 6-9pm | Alpine Community Center
There will be a visit from Santa and lots of snow! Enjoy various vendors, food, music and fun for the entire family! For more information: www.visitalpine.org
Balboa Park December Nights | Dec. 6-7 - Fri 3-11pm, Sat 12-11pm | Balboa Park
Festive fun, food and attractions throughout the park, including complimentary admission to Balboa Park museums from 5-9pm. For more information: www.balboapark.org
US Beach Soccer National Championships | Dec. 6-8 | Mission Beach: N Jetty Road
All Pro-Am Beach Soccer events are open to everyone to be part of the growing sport. We want all players, teams, clubs to enjoy the beach and treasure the benefits of playing on the sand. For more information: www.usbeachsoccerchampionships.com
Jingle Bell Run | Dec. 7 from 6:30-11am | Liberty Station NTC Park
The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Put on your favorite holiday costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. For more information: https://events.arthritis.org
Red Nose Run | Dec. 7 from 12:30-4pm | Powerhouse Park, Del Mar
A holiday 5K that benefits Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and Semper Fi Fund. Your choice of a 3k or 5k run along the beautiful Del Mar beach. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best Holiday apparel and a prize will be awarded for best costume. For more information: www.therednoserun.com
Artisans Alley Craft Fair | Dec. 7 from 9am-3pm | Village Elementary School Coronado
More than 160 vendors selling homemade crafts and unique holiday gifts. All proceeds from the fair support the Coronado Band & Choir in the elementary, middle and high schools. For more information: http://coronadoartisansalley.weebly.com
Winter Wonderland Festival | Dec. 7 from 3-7pm | California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Children will have the chance to frolic in real snow, create winter-themed arts and crafts, and even rendezvous with live reindeer! Food and drink will be available. For more information: www.artcenter.org
Fallbrook Christmas Parade | Dec. 7 at 5pm | Main Avenue
“A Storybook Christmas” A special day in early December when Fallbrook residents and visitors alike come to enjoy this gift to the community from the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. For more information: www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Children’s Faire | Dec. 7 from 1-8pm | Third Avenue Village
Gather the gang and enjoy FREE Pictures with Santa, fun holiday games, story time, FREE Snow Hill train rides, bounce houses, festive ornament making, and “Elf Yourself” station! Fair take place at Memorial Park from 1-5pm. Parade starts at 6pm. For more information: www.starlightparade.com
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village | Dec. 7 from 4-8pm | Piazza della Famiglia
Enjoy the community’s festive décor, seasonal vendors, live music and entertainment, horse carriage rides, holiday treats, a tree lighting, a visit from Santa and more! For more information: www.littleitalysd.com
Encinitas Holiday Parade | Dec. 7 from 5-7:30pm | Coast Highway 101
Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on. 5pm tree lighting ceremony with a brief appearance by Santa at the Lumberyard. For more information: www.encinitasca.gov
Vista Christmas Parade | Dec. 7 from 1-3pm | Historic Downtown Vista Village
For more information: www.vistachamber.org
OB Holiday Parade | Dec. 7 from 5:05-7pm | Sunset Cliffs Blvd & Newport Ave
Point Loma Marching Band, VW Beetle Club and classic Woodies, motorcycles, floats, live music and more. Santa Claus, will be making his appearance. For more information: www.obtowncouncil.org
Makers Arcade Holiday | Fair Dec. 7-8 from 10am-5pm | Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier
Local and regional artists, designers, and makers. Guests enjoy a fun and festive opportunity to mix and mingle throughout the day, buy local, and shop small for the holidays while enjoying delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, live music, a photo booth, crafts for all ages, and more. For more information: www.makersarcade.com
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival | Dec. 8 from 1:30-5pm | Girard Avenue & Prospect Street
You’ll see floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, and yes , a camel. Church bells peal with a fly-over. There is also a Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony. For more information: 858-922-4046 | www.ljparade.com
Vista Winterfest | Dec. 8 from 2-7pm | 25 Main Street
Live Entertainment & Music, Tree Lighting, Holiday Movies, Roaming Mariachi, Ugly Sweater Contest, Downtown Merchant Storefront Decorations Contest, Homemade Tamales Contest, Holiday Gift Market, Santa, Kids Activities, Arts & Crafts, Local Food & Beer! For more information: www.cityofvista.com
Santa at the Lakes | Dec. 8 from 10am-3pm | Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Santa Claus, snow sledding, carnival rides, smores, food, face painting, arts, crafts and so much more! For more information: www.santeelakes.com
North Park Toyland Parade & Festival | Dec. 8 from 10am-3pm | University Avenue
Vintage cars, marching bands, dance groups, beauty queens, city officials and Santa Claus. After the parade festivities, make sure to stop by the North Park Christmas Tree Lot at The Observatory North Park parking lot. For more information: www.northparkmainstreet.com
Del Dios Trail Half Marathon, 10K and 5K | Dec. 8 from 6-11am | Lake Hodges Visitors Center, Escondido
All courses feature dirt service roads or single track trails, with elevation gains between 100’-500’. When hills are present, they are short but steep. For more information: 720-835-9141 | www.enduranceraceseries.com
Santa by the Sea | Dec. 8 from 3-5pm | L’Auberge Amphitheater, Del Mar
Free pictures with Santa, treats, games and entertainment, plus a holiday tree lighting! For more information: www.visitdelmarvillage.com
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Dec. 8 & 15 from 5-7pm | San Diego Bay
A time-honored holiday tradition with more than 80 boats lavishly decorated sailing by the shores for all to see. For more information: https://www.portofsandiego.org/events/port-sponsored-events/san-diego-bay-parade-lights-1
Rawhide Country Christmas | Dec. 12-15 from 3-8pm | Rawhide Ranch, Bonsall
Hay rides, Petting zoo, Photos with Santa, Christmas lights, BBQ dinner, Holiday snacks and refreshments, Rodeo riding and equestrian vaulting exhibitions, Carolers, Live bands, S’mores, Christmas carols around a campfire, Arts and crafts fair, Country Christmas gift shop. For more information: 760-758-0083 | www.rawhidechristmas.com
La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village | Dec. 13-14 from 5-9pm | La Mesa Village
Walk the streets of La Mesa’s historic downtown and enjoy live music and dance, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, and a kids’ area with holiday movies. For more information: www.lamesavillageassociation.org
Poway’s Christmas in the Park | Dec. 14 from 3:30-8:30pm | Old Poway Park
Christmas tree lighting at 5:15pm, followed by the arrival of Santa at 5:30pm. Horse-drawn hay and pony rides, petting zoo, and face painting. Steam locomotive train rides, model trains, and live entertainment. Holiday sweets and warm dinner foods. For more information: www.poway.org
Santa’s Holiday Festival | Dec. 14 from 10am-3pm | Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, Vista
Take pictures with Santa and whisper your holiday wishes in his ear. Each family will have the opportunity to make a memorable holiday ornament. For more information: www.cityofvista.com
Lions Tigers & Bears Holiday Open House | Dec. 14 from 12-4pm / 24402 Martin Way, Alpine
Come watch the animals open their Christmas presents, spend the afternoon at the sanctuary with the man in red - Santa Claus - local food trucks, festive music, and lots of fun! For more information: www.lionstigersandbears.org
Old Town Las Posadas | Dec. 14 from 12-8pm | Old Town San Diego
Fiesta de Reyes invites you to enjoy the holiday spirit with festive decorations throughout the park, entertainment, and holiday experiences for the whole family. For more information: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28348
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights | Dec. 14 from 7-9pm | Oceanside Harbor
Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up in holiday swag. Many of the boats feature people dressed up like Santa. For more information: www.oceansideyc.net
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights | Dec. 14 from 6-9pm | Mission Bay
This free, distinctly California celebration features boats decorated for the annual holiday season that will sail around Mission Bay. A highly anticipated event in the San Diego community, dozens of vessels take to the water for the parade. For more information: www.mbyc.org
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Expo | Dec. 15 from 12-5pm | Gaslamp Hilton Park: 401 K St.
Pet owners and their furry, feathered, and scaled companions are invited to don their favorite costumes for this promenade and Holiday Pet Market. For more information: www.gaslamp.org
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon | Dec. 21 from 5am-12pm | Hotel Karlan
A fast 13.1 mile course that starts in Rancho Penasquitos and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach. For more information: www.sandiegoholidayhalf.com
Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk | Dec. 26 from 9:45am | San Diego Harbor Front
Athletes will run past 100,000 cheering spectators. Runners, families and spectators can watch the remainder of the parade that features floats, bands and huge inflatable characters. For more information: www.holidaybowl.com
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade Dec. 26 from 10am-12pm | Waterfront Park
America’s Largest Balloon Parade! Marching bands, floats, drill teams and giant balloons parade down San Diego’s beautiful waterfront. For more information: www.holidaybowl.com