Get into the festive spirit with our curated list of holiday events in North County! From dazzling light displays and parades to charming winter markets, discover the best seasonal activities to make your holidays merry and bright.
Carlsbad
Through January 5 (hours vary) – Holidays at LEGOLAND
Get into the holiday spirit with festive fun at LEGOLAND. Enjoy live seasonal shows, dance to holiday tunes around the giant LEGO tree, snap “elfies” with LEGO characters, and meet LEGO Santa at the North Pole. Don’t miss the impressive LEGO wreath for the perfect family photo. Attendees can also catch fireworks on select dates.
December 5 | 5:30-8 pm – Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting at Cape Rey
Celebrate the season at Cape Rey with a tree lighting, stroll through the Kris Kringle Market, and snap family photos with Santa. The evening features live performances, crafts, cookie decorating, and complimentary cocoa and cider. Plus, a portion of Chandler’s dining proceeds benefits the Carlsbad Education Foundation.
December 6 | 6-9 pm – Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad
Don’t miss this celebration featuring live entertainment by Crown City Bombers, festive characters, Santa’s grand entrance, the official Christmas Tree lighting, a spectacular light show, magical snowfall, and photo opportunities with Santa.
December 7 | 5 pm – Tri-City Winter Gala
Featuring musical guest, Andy Grammar, and hosted by the Tri-City Hospital Foundation, all proceeds will benefit emergency and essential services at Tri-City Medical Center.
December 7 | 9 am – 4 pm – 8th Annual Makers Market at Carlsbad Village
Shop for one-of-a-kind holiday treasures at the 8th Annual Holiday Makers Market in Carlsbad Village. This outdoor event features nearly 50 talented Southern California artisans offering handmade, upcycled, and vintage creations, from woodworking and leatherwork to artisan foods.
(More Carlsbad Holiday Events!)
Del Mar
December 2 | 5-10 pm – Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Celebrate the magic of the season with a tree lighting ceremony, featuring a stunning 25-foot holiday tree. $20 adults and children, ages 3 and younger complimentary. Cabana reservations are available.
December 8 | 1-4 pm – Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip
Savor the season’s flavors at Del Mar’s Winter Taste & Sip event! Stroll through festive streets, sampling delicious dishes from top Del Mar Village restaurants. Enjoy refreshing drinks at “Sip Stops” across downtown, while live music and holiday activities add to the charm.
December 8 | 1-5 pm – North Pole by the Sea
Enjoy festive moments with Santa photos, holiday characters, carolers, and hot chocolate, culminating in the enchanting Holiday Tree Lighting at 5 pm with Santa and the Grinch.
December 13-26 (Select Days) | 4-9 pm – Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular Del Mar
Experience a magical holiday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with a dazzling light display, eco-friendly skating rink, Holiday Market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, free Santa photos, festive lounges, and seasonal treats.
Encinitas
December 6 | 4-6 pm – 30th Annual Lighting of the Encinitas Heritage Tree
Celebrate the 30th Annual Lighting of the Encinitas Heritage Tree at Moonlight Beach, featuring a performance by Hall of Fame songwriter Jack Tempchin, holiday carols, local choirs, and a festive arrival by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
December 7 | 5-7:30 pm – ‘Creativity in Motion’ Encinitas Holiday Parade
Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on as the Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101. The parade begins at 5:30 PM. It is preceded by a 5:00 PM tree lighting ceremony with a brief appearance by Santa at the Lumberyard Shops courtyard.
Through January 1 | 5-10 pm – Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Embark on a mesmerizing one-mile lighting loop through a reimagined display at the Garden, blending nature and art to create a magical nighttime experience with festive sights and sounds. Purchasing tickets and parking in advance. Food and beverage options are available.
Escondido
Select Nights through January 5 – Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Experience the San Diego Zoo Safari Park‘s Wild Holidays with festive lights, entertainment, treats, and family fun, included with admission or membership, on select evenings until 8 p.m. Animal viewing is limited after 4 pm.
December 5 | 5:30-8 pm – 14th Annual Community in Unity
Celebrate the holiday season with local delights, festive entertainment, and the opportunity to bring NEW pajamas for Solutions For Change and unwrapped toys for the Escondido Police Athletic League.
December 6 & 7 | 8 pm – Carols by Candlelight
Experience the magic of Carols by Candlelight! Since 1990, this festive event has featured country stars singing Christmas carols and hits, with net proceeds benefiting Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego.
December 7 & 8 | 1-5 pm – Winter Wonderland
Experience the magic of the holidays at the California Center for the Arts. Enjoy real snow, festive crafts, and a visit with Santa. Browse local vendors for holiday shopping, and warm up with delicious food and drinks. Admission is free, and donations help keep this community tradition alive.
December 8 | 11 am-4 pm – Makers & Shakers Small Business Holiday Market (Rancho Guejito Vineyard)
Explore local treasures with 70+ vendors, free Santa photos, family and pet-friendly fun, including face painting, DIY crafts, giveaways, dog rescue, mini golf, bounce house, vineyard hay rides, live music, and a variety of goods like clothing, home decor, candles, skincare, art, desserts, and more!
December 14 | 10 am – 73rd Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade followed by Escondido Holiday Festival 11 am – 5 pm
Join in the joy at Grape Day Park after the Jaycees Christmas Parade, featuring live performances, music, craft vendors, tasty treats, and Santa Claus spreading cheer with toy giveaways in our close-knit community.
December 20 | 6 pm – Jingle & Mingle: Christmas Posada
Join local businesses for a festive evening of networking, delicious food, and holiday fun. Enjoy Christmas carols, raffles, and entertainment while supporting Escondido’s East Valley Parkway Business District. Connect with entrepreneurs, explore local vendors, and savor the spirit of the season.
Fallbrook
December 6 | 5-7:30 pm – Fallbrook Tree Lighting Festival
Join The Friendly Town for entertainment, shopping booths, local non-profits, community outreach groups, food, and much more!
December 7 | 5 pm – 43rd Annual Fallbrook Christmas Parade
Themed “Festival of Lights,” this parade features Santa, lighted floats, music, marching bands, dancers, and classic cars along Main Street in downtown Fallbrook.
December 21 | 8:30-10:30 am – Breakfast with Santa
Treat your family to a festive morning featuring a hot pancake breakfast, live entertainment, and holiday ambiance at the Fallbrook Community Center. Capture memories with Santa Claus and enjoy a meaningful seasonal celebration. Breakfast starts at 8:30 am, just $5 per plate (cash only).
December 15-31 (hours vary) – Winter Wonders Tour in Bonsall
Explore the enchanting Winter Wonders and Holiday Lights tour at Wild Wonders’ Bonsall animal refuge, where nocturnal creatures come to life amidst festive decorations on a 5-acre facility.
Oceanside
December 5 | 5-9 pm – Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & Gift Markets
Celebrate the holiday season in Oceanside with a festive Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (at 6 pm) and family-friendly activities, followed by Holiday Sunset Markets every Thursday in Downtown Oceanside throughout December.
December 6-8 | 5-9 pm – SnowSide: A Family-Friendly Winter Festival
Experience this one-of-a-kind holiday event never seen before in North County! There will be REAL SNOW and sledding, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, live entertainment, silent disco, food, drinks and much more!
December 14 | 7-9 pm – Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Catch the holiday magic at Oceanside Harbor’s Parade of Lights. Watch boats decked in festive décor, complete with “Santas” waving from the decks, as they circle the harbor. Bring a blanket and enjoy prime viewing near the fishing dock or along the harbor walkway for twice the fun.
(More Oceanside Holiday Events!)
Poway
December 13-14 | 3:30-8:30 pm – Poway’s Christmas in the Park
Step back in time at Old Poway Park’s cherished holiday celebration. Enjoy caroling, live music, and free children’s crafts alongside Santa visits and enchanting model train displays. Don’t miss the festive tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s arrival by train. Explore the craft boutique, savor holiday treats, and hop on a magical nighttime train ride aboard the Poway Midland Railroad.
Ramona
December 2 | 5-9 pm – 32 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Celebrate the season with the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, featuring a tree lighting (at 7 pm), holiday decorations, late shopping, live music, vendors, kids crafts, dancing, carolers, and Santa photo ops.
The ‘Holly Jolly’ Holiday Market in North City will include a “Rescue Row” where local animal rescue organizations can promote adoption and care.
San Marcos
December 6-29 (Select Dates) | 4-9 pm – Lakehouse Winter Wonderland
Experience the magic of the season at Lakehouse Resort‘s Winter Wonderland! Kids can enjoy the Frozen Fun Zone, complete with a train ride, s’mores, and Santa photos (Saturdays only). For a more exclusive experience, enjoy dining in a Grand Igloo or intimate Igloo. The event has a $5 entry fee for guests 10 years and older. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary admission.
December 7 | 5:35 pm – San Marcos Tree Lighting & vendor market from 2-7 pm
Attend the annual tree lighting (at 5:35 pm) event featuring free festive crafts, activities, vendors, snacks, and courtyard entertainment, culminating in a magical ‘snow’ experience right after the tree lighting.
December 8 | 10 am – 4 pm – ‘Holly Jolly’ Holiday Market in North City
Get into the holiday spirit at the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Holly Jolly’ Holiday Market in North City. With over 150 stalls, you can shop for unique gifts and decorations while enjoying hot chocolate, live music, food, craft beer, and mini-horses. Don’t miss out on “Rescue Row” for pet adoptions, and keep an eye out for a special guest—Santa himself.
December 8 | 1 pm – San Marcos Holiday Parade
Celebrate “A BEARY Merry Christmas” with floats and entries commemorating 120 years of Teddy Bears, supported by 12 local Kiwanis Division 37 clubs, and enjoy the 2.5-mile parade route from Palomar College to the Civic Center.
Solana Beach
December 8 | 4:30-7 pm – Holiday Tree Lighting at Fletcher Cove Park
Experience the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Fletcher Cove, a free family-friendly celebration with sweets, treats, and Santa’s arrival by fire-truck escort at 5:20 PM against the beautiful ocean backdrop.
December 13 | 2:30-5 pm – Santa’s Sleigh Ride
Join the City of Solana Beach and the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission as Santa rides with local fire, sheriff, and marine safety personnel. The sleigh ride will start and end at the Solana Beach Fire Station. Check the map to see when Santa will be near you.
Valley Center
December 13, 4-8 pm & December 14, 9 am-3 pm – Christmas in Valley Center (Bates Nut Farm)
Join in for Santa’s arrival by fire truck, a Polar Express hayride, and festive fun including free crafts, bounce houses, inflatable slides, and more. Enjoy food vendors, holiday treats, and special activities like free pony rides. Don’t miss the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, where kids run their own stalls on Saturday from 10am–3pm.
Vista
December 6-21 | 5:30-8:30 pm – Jingle Terrace Live
Enjoy the festive “Jingle Terrace Live” at Brengle Terrace Park, featuring free nightly holiday light shows, photos with Santa, crafts, live entertainment, a Jingle Holiday Video and Light Show, a Maker’s Market, and a chance to support the North County Food Bank’s holiday food drive.
December 6-21 (Weekends) | 5-9 pm – Holiday Lights at AGSEM
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s Holiday Lights. Enjoy a dazzling display of twinkling lights, charming vintage exhibits, and festive decorations. Take a hayride or train ride through the illuminated pathways.
December 7 | 1-3 pm – 66th Annual Vista Christmas Parade
The Vista Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 66th Annual Vista Christmas Parade. Attendees can decorate their floats and enjoy the Christmas cheer with this year’s theme being “Christmas at the Movies.”
December 8 | 12-5 pm – Booze Bros Holiday Makers Market
The Vista Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Annual Holiday Makers Market at Vista Taproom. Get into the holiday spirit and join in. Sign up to be a park of the Makers Market.
December 20 | 5-9 pm – Vista Cowboy Christmas
Discover Vista will be hosting its very first Cowboy Christmas event, featuring line dancing, bull riding, county BBQ, live country music, and more!
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