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
December 1, 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.
Through January 7 (hours vary) – Holidays at LEGOLAND
Immerse yourself in holiday magic at LEGOLAND® featuring festive character meet-and-greets with Santa, the Toy Soldier, and the Gingerbread Man, along with dazzling seasonal shows and delectable holly jolly themed food and drinks throughout the park.
(More Carlsbad Holiday Events!)
Del Mar
December 3, 12-5 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 with Santa and the Grinch.
December 14, 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 2, 2-5 pm – ‘Traditions of Encinitas’ Holiday Parade
Celebrate the holiday season at the Encinitas Holiday Parade featuring a tree lighting ceremony, a “Traditions of Encinitas” theme, and Grand Marshal Carolyn Cope.
Through 1/1, 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 available.
Lightscape Reimagined for 2023 at the San Diego Botanic Garden
Escondido
December 7, 5:30- 8 pm – 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 8 & 9, 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 9, 10 am – Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade followed by Escondido Holiday Festival from 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 10, 11 am-4 pm – 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!
Fallbrook
December 2, 5 pm – Fallbrook Christmas Parade
Themed “Small Town Christmas,” this parade features Santa, lighted floats, music, marching bands, dancers, and classic cars along Main Street in downtown Fallbrook.
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 7, 6 pm – Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & Gift Markets from 5-8:30 pm
Celebrate the holiday season in Oceanside with a festive Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and family-friendly activities, followed by Holiday Sunset Markets every Thursday in Downtown Oceanside throughout December.
December 9, 7 pm – Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Don’t miss the festive Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, featuring boats adorned in holiday attire, lights, and festive trimmings, with captains and crews dressed in their holiday best. Prizes are given for the best-decorated boats.
(More Oceanside Holiday Events!)
Poway
December 8-9, 3:30-8:30 pm – Poway’s Christmas in the Park
Step back in time at Old Poway Park for a nostalgic holiday tradition! Delight in live music, meet Santa, indulge in tasty holiday treats, shop at the craft boutique for unique gifts, and take a night-time ride aboard the Poway Midland Railroad.
Ramona
December 2, 7 pm – Ramona Tree Lighting with event from 5-9 pm
Celebrate the season with the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, featuring a tree lighting, holiday decorations, late shopping, live music, vendors, kids crafts, dancing, carolers, and Santa photo ops.
Jingle Terrace Live at the Moonlight Theater in Vista. It’s free!
San Marcos
December 2, 5:35 pm – San Marcos Tree Lighting & vendor market from 2-7 pm
Attend the annual tree lighting event featuring free festive crafts, activities, vendors, snacks, and courtyard entertainment, culminating in a magical ‘snow’ experience right after the tree lighting.
December 3, 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 5, 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.
Valley Center
December 8 & 9, 9 am-3 pm – Christmas in Valley Center (Bates Nut Farm)
This magical event for all ages, features Santa’s arrival, a Polar Express ride, free crafts & activities, carols, and holiday fun. Explore the craft market for Arts n’ Crafts, open both Friday and Saturday.
Vista
December 2, 1-3pm – Vista Christmas Parade
Celebrate the holiday spirit with the “Viva Vista” Christmas Parade, honoring the chamber’s 100th anniversary and featuring Grand Marshal Danny Villasenor with a festive procession through historic downtown.
December 8-23; 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.
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