OUT AND ABOUT
🎄Merry Christmas!🎄 Happy Hanukkah! 💐
There are numerous holiday events and parades going on with many listed below along with a few ice-skating rinks. Some New Year’s Eve events are listed. Areas having multiple events all month are Vista (Winter Fest and Jingle Terrace), Coastal Christmas in Del Mar, Lightscape in Encinitas, and Old Town’s Trolley Tours, among others. Two-day events are Winter Wonderland in Escondido, December Nights in Balboa Park and Poway’s Christmas in the Park. Tis the season!
Holiday Parades:
Dec. 5, Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting 3pm
Dec. 5, Escondido Christmas Parade 7pm
Dec. 5, Temecula, Santa’s Electric Light Parade 7pm
Dec. 6, Chula Vista Starlight Parade and Festival
Dec. 6, Encinitas Holiday Parade and tree lighting 5:30pm
Dec. 6, Fallbrook Christmas Parade 5pm
Dec. 6, Ocean Beach Holiday Parade 5pm
Dec. 6, Vista Christmas Parade 1pm
Dec. 7, La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival 1:30pm
Dec. 7, San Marcos Holiday Parade 1pm
Dec. 13, Escondido Holiday Festival 11am-5pm
Dec. 13, Gaslamp Pet Parade 11am
Dec. 13, Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights 5:30pm, fireworks from SeaWorld
Dec. 13, Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights 7pm
Dec. 13, Pacific Beach Parade 1pm
Dec. 14 and 21, Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 5:30pm www.sdparadeoflights.org
Jan. 2, Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Big Bay Balloon Parade 10am https://holidaybowl.com/holiday-bowl-parade/
Other holiday events, most free:
Dec. 5-6, Balboa Park December Nights
Dec. 6, Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Dec. 6-7, Winter Wonderland Festival, Escondido Center for the Arts 1-5pm
Dec. 5-21, Jingle Terrace Nights, Vista
Dec. 12-26, Coastal Christmas, Del Mar
Dec. 12-13, Poway’s Christmas in the Park
Dec. 13, La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village
Dec. 14, Hanukkah and Menorah Lighting, Liberty Station
Nov. 14-Jan. 14, Lightscape, Encinitas Botanical Gardens
Nov. 29-Dec. 20, Vista Winterfest
Nov. 29-Jan. 3, Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour
https://www.sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/plan-by-season/holidays/holiday-lights-festivals-parades
Ice Rinks:
Nov. 20-Jan. 4, Rady Children’s at Liberty Station
Nov. 7-Jan. 4, Viejas Outlet Center
Nov. 21-Jan. 4, Hotel del Coronado
https://www.sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/plan-by-season/holidays/outdoor-holiday-merriment
Preview for New Year’s Eve:
https://www.sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/plan-by-season/holidays/news-years-eve
Bill Magee:
Jan. 14, Drumtastic! Featuring Enrique Platas, Jimmy Patton, Sol E Mar, Kainga Music, Belly Up, Solana Beach, 7pm
Mar. 20, Vanessa Collier and Anthony Cullins Band, Vintana, Escondido
Ron Ebel:
Dec. 12, Vista Elks 5:30pm
Dec. 21 and 28, Thai One On, Carlsbad 6-8pm
Gone Blonde:
Dec. 12, Surf Club, Oceanside 6pm
Custard Pie:
Dec. 6, Larry’s Beach Club, Oceanside 8:30pm
Dec. 13, Encinitas Elks Lodge 5pm
Dec. 20, Aquarius Bar & Grille, San Diego 6pm
Cool Rush Band:
Dec. 5, North Coast, Vista 8pm
Dec. 6, Galley at the Marina, Chula Vista 6pm
Dec. 12, Ringers, Bonsall 8pm
Dec. 28, Coyote Bar & Grill, Carlsbad 5pm
Jan. 9, Ringers, Bonsall 8pm
Jan. 17, Lorimar Winery, Temecula 6pm
Jan. 30, Fast Times, San Diego 7pm
Lifetime Rocker:
Nov. 30, Bel Vino Winery, Temecula 12pm
Dec. 4, Live Band Karaoke, Canyon Lake Country Club Restaurant 6pm
Dec. 5, LTR, Canyon Lake Country Club Restaurant 6pm
Dec. 12, Geoff’s BD Show, The Vibe, Temecula 7:30pm
Dec. 13, LTR, CHOC Fundraiser, Peltzer Winery, Temecula 6pm
Dec. 26, LTR, Lorimar Winery, Temecula 6pm
Dec. 31, LTR, NYE Grape Drop, Temecula 8pm
Jan. 1, Live Band Karaoke, Canyon Lake Country Club Restaurant 6pm
Jan. 23, LTR, Canyon Lake Country Club Restaurant 6pm
Jan. 25, Bob Seger Tribute Band, The Vibe, Temecula 2pm
Anthony Cullins:
Daring Greatly / Croome Brothers / Half Shot:
Dec. 12, Croome Brothers, CoLab Public House, Vista 6pm
Dec. 14, Half/Shot, Bel Vino Winery, Temecula 12pm
Dec. 18, DG, Music Box w/Jesse Ray Smith, San Diego 7pm $18/$20
Dec. 19, Half/Shot, Moonshine Flats, San Diego 10pm
Dec. 26, Half/Shot, Beaumont’s, San Diego 9pm
Jan. 2, Half/Shot, Coyote Bar & Grill, Carlsbad 6pm
Jan. 3, Half/Shot, The Barn, Ramona 6:30pm
https://www.daring-greatly.com/
Danny Gali:
Tony Suraci:
Dec. 12, Mission Avenue Bar & Grill, Oceanside 8:30pm
https://www.tonysuracimusic.com/
Pretending Chrissie:
Dec. 14, Just Too Duo, Brunch at The Landings, Carlsbad 11am
Dec. 19, The Landings, Carlsbad 6pm
Jan. 9, The Landings, Carlsbad 6pm
http://pretendingchrissie.com/
Raynaldo Martine:
Sundays, Dec. 14-28, Open Mic at Coomber Winery, Oceanside 6pm
Dec. 5, Coomber Winery
Jan. 2, Coomber Winery
Bonsall:
Harlow’s Lounge has live music scheduled semi-regularly, check their website for the current updates. Open Thursday-Saturday 4-10pm
Fallbrook:
Nov. 30, Gin ‘N Tonix, The Vines of Fallbrook grand opening 12pm
Dec. 5, Tree Lighting Festival, Fallbrook Community Center 5-7:30pm
Dec. 6, 44th Annual Christmas Parade 5pm
Dec. 12, Holiday Wine & A Bite Art Walk, Sold Out
Dec. 13, Fallbrook Historical Society Christmas Festival 1-3pm, free
https://www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/
Holiday Boutique, Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society:
Dec. 6 and 13, 10am-4pm, 123 W. Alvarado
Warrior Avenues:
The donation drive for basic hygiene items for our military personnel is ongoing. More details are on the website. Other resources are available in support of active military, spouses and veterans. Items can be dropped off at the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce or email courtney@warrioravenues.org to coordinate a drop off or pick up of donations.
Fallbrook Community Drum Circle:
Dec. 28, at Jackie Heyneman Park on S. Mission under the gazebo, bring your own chairs, 2-5pm, held on the 4th Sunday of each month. For more information email Daniel at eminentsun@icloud.com. See Solana Beach for another drum circle there.
Fallbrook Farmers and Artisan Market:
Saturdays 9am-1pm, on Main between Hawthorne and Fig, more info 760-728-5845 or info@fallbrookfarmersmarket.org
This is an informative website about Fallbrook you may want to check out: www.everythingfallbrook.org
Fallbrook Art Center:
Nov. 4-Jan. 10, International Holiday Show
Fallbrook Mission Theater:
Movies:
Dec. 5, The Bishop’s Wife (1947) Cary Grant, David Niven, Loretta Young
Dec. 12, Christmas Vacation (1989) Chevy Chase-National Lampoon
Dec. 19, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Jan. 2, The Naked Gun (1988) Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, George Kenndy
Jan. 9, Jailhouse Rock (1957) Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler, Mickey Shaughnessy
Movies 7pm, doors 6pm $8/$10
Check their website for late updates
Live Events:
Dec. 6, Christmas Parade Watch Party 3-8pm, $15/$20, only 57 seats available
Dec. 7, Camarada – Jingles and Jazz Christmas (Peter Sprague et al) 2pm $25/$30, tickets at www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org
Dec. 14, A Gin N’ Tonix Christmas 2pm $20/$30
Dec. 31, NYE Celebration & Dance Party, doors 6pm, ball drop 9pm $30/$40
Jan. 10, Elvis & The Electras featuring James Kruk 7pm $30/$40
https://fallbrookmissiontheater.com/
Fallbrook VFW Post 1924:
Lots of special events and meals, brunch, Bike Night last Friday of the month, and more, open to the public.
Vista:
Moonlight Theater 2026 Stage Season back in the spring
Jingle Terrace Nights:
Dec. 5-21, Moonlight Theater, every Friday, Saturday, Sunday night 5:30-8:30pm, free
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum special events:
Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, Holiday Lights
Regular events ongoing
Winterfest:
Nov. 29-Dec. 20, numerous holiday events including the parade, tree lighting, Blues Christmas, Makers Markets and more
https://vistamade.com/home-aug-2025/winterfest/
Escondido:
Center for the Arts:
Saturdays Dec. 13 and 27: Beginner Swing Classes with Mercedes Moore 2pm
Nov. 30, The Nutcracker by Int’l Ballet Stars
Dec. 3, Irish Christmas in America 7:30pm
Dec. 4, The Frontmen 7:30pm
Dec. 6, The Nutcracker by Dance Academy Del Mar 1pm and 5pm
Dec. 6-7, Winter Wonderland Festival 1-5pm free
Dec. 7, The Nutcracker by West Coast Dance Complex
Dec. 8, Gentri: Christmas 7:30pm Concert Hall
Dec. 10, The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company
Dec. 13-14, The Nutcracker by West Coast Ballet & San Elijo Dance
Dec. 13, Steam Powered Giraffe: Yulemas Special Show
Dec. 14, Sound Meditation and Body Movement w/ Noriko Whitfield 11am $35
Dec. 20, The Nutcracker by San Diego Academy of Ballet & Ballet Theatre, various times
Dec. 20-23, The Nutcracker by City Ballet of San Diego, various times
Jan. 17, Eric Hutchinson 7:30pm
Jan. 18, The Screwtape Letters 3pm
Intimate Classics Series 3pm:
Jan. 18, Matt Herskowitz
The Grand – Ritz Theater:
Both indoor seating and an outdoor rooftop venue
Nov. 30, K-Pop Stars Live Show, various times
Dec. 6, Grace and the Golden Shoes, various times
Dec. 7, Holidays Around the World
Dec. 17, Line Dancing Under the Stars 7pm
Dec. 28, Countdown on Grand – Songs of the Rat Pack 5:30pm
https://www.thegrandescondido.org/projects-8
Welk Theatre:
Wednesdays 7pm:
Dec. 3,10, 17, Anthony the Magic!
https://tickets.thewelksandiego.com/
https://visitescondido.com/full-calendar/
Escondido Wine and Craft Beer map: https://visitescondido.com/wineries/
Ramona:
The Barn, Thursday Night Line Dancing, all ages
Ramona Mainstage on Main Street, formerly the Ramona Theatre, has been refurbished and updated. The original grand opening was in 1947. Now a performing arts facility, there is live music periodically scheduled. Doors open 7pm.
San Marcos:
Bornemann Theatre:
Dec. 4-6, Little Women 7pm, Broadway musical by Lighthouse Players
Dec. 7, Pacific Coast Aerialist Winter Showcase 4pm
Dec. 14, Stick Men 5pm
Dec. 16-17, A Christmas Carol by TERI Players 7pm
Dec. 20, La Pastorela 7pm
Dec. 26, Don Friesen w/Mark Christopher Lawrence, comedy 7pm
https://www.thebornemann.com/show-calendar
There is also live music at the TERI Common Grounds Cafe 5-7pm https://www.tericommongroundscafe.com/
My Yard Live:
Live music Fridays-Sundays, Karaoke Thursdays, Trivia Night Wednesdays, Dueling Pianos first Friday of each month. Reservations required.
Carlsbad:
https://www.carlsbad-village.com/events
New Village Arts:
Various shows, comedy and more, Season 24 in progress
The Landings at Palomar Airport, 6-9pm unless otherwise noted:
Sundays 11am-2pm
Tuesdays-Thursdays Happy Hour 3-6pm
Wed-Sun live music (most)
Dec. 5, Rock Ready
Dec. 6, Cadillac Fringe
Dec. 12, Sticky Sweets
Dec. 13, Film@eleven Band
Dec. 14, Sunday brunch with Just Too – Wild Rose and Geoff Shell
Dec. 19, Pretending Chrissie
Dec. 20, Totally 80’s
Dec. 27, Gainesville The Band
Friday and Saturday evenings: reservations are required for parties over 8, $30/person minimum.
Coyote Bar and Grill:
Live Music:
Saturdays 1-4:30pm and 6-10pm
Sundays 1-4:30pm and 5-9pm
Tuesdays-Friday 6-10pm
Mondays, Karaoke 6-10pm
Dec. 9, Jimmy & Enrique 6pm
Full schedule not posted yet
Oceanside:
https://visitoceanside.org/events/
Coomber Craft Wines, tasting room, food, live music most nights
Sundays, Dec. 14-28, Open Mic with Raynaldo Martine 6pm
Dec. 5, Raynaldo Martine 6pm
Dec. 31, New Years Eve with Dance Evolution 6pm
Jan. 2, Raynaldo Martine 6pm
https://www.coomberwines.com/calendar
Oceanside Sunset Market every Thursday 5-9pm
This link also has information on the various artisan and gift markets in Oceanside.
Del Mar:
Coastal Christmas:
Dec. 12-26 most days, Holiday Light Spectacular in the Paddock, Glice skating, vendors, food, igloo/fire pits, 4-9pm
Nov. 29-Dec. 14, Pinery Christmas Trees 9am-9pm ($5 coupon online)
Nov. 29-Dec. 14, Purdy Tree Farms 9am-9pm
https://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/events
The Sound:
Encinitas:
https://www.encinitas101.com/event/
Botanic Garden:
Nov. 14 – Jan. 14, Lightscape 2025 is back for its 4th year, one mile evening walk with 1 million lights, laser garden, lantern trees, more. Special ticketed event, reservations required
Solterra Winery:
Live music Fridays and Saturdays 6-9pm, Sundays 4-7pm
Solana Beach:
Belly Up:
Fridays, Atomic Groove: Get Your Groove Back Happy Hour 5:30pm, $12
Full schedule
San Dieguito Drum Circle:
First Saturday of each month, San Dieguito Park, for more information contact Lisa at awarelisa@gmail.com
San Diego:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/things-to-do
The Shell:
Dec. 6, Night of Christmas
Dec. 12, The Holiday movie in Concert
Dec. 13, Home Alone movie in Concert
Dec. 19-21, Noel Noel w/ San Diego Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 20, Fit Athletic Yoga 9:30 am
Mar. 20, Foreigner + San Diego Symphony Orchestra
Snapdragon Stadium (at SDSU) opened for sports, monster jams, concerts
Jan. 2, Snapdragon Holiday Bowl Bash
https://snapdragonstadium.com/
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre:
Diverse series of concerts/events
https://as.sdsu.edu/calcoast/events
The Magnolia:
The Magnolia, formerly the East County Performing Arts Center, has been fully renovated and is now open and hosting a variety of events year-round with a pretty full schedule, including concerts, movie nights, comedy, beer festivals, etc. 210 E. Main, El Cajon
https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/venue-info
Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay:
Back next year, some concerts scheduled starting April 24, 2026
https://www.humphreysconcerts.com/
Humphrey’s Backstage Live:
Dec. 31, Detroit Underground, New Year’s Eve Dance into 2026 Party
www.humphreysbackstagelive.com/events
Tio Leo’s: live music Tuesday-Saturday at the Napa Street, San Diego, location. www.tioleos.com
Aquarius Bar & Grill, Mission Bay:
Live music every day but the website only shows a few days at a time. Check there for current info.
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Dec. 19-Jan. 4, Jungle Bells All the Way at the Zoo
Nov. 28-Jan. 4, Wild Holidays at the Safari Park
SeaWorld:
Nov. 14 – Jan. 4, Christmas Celebration www.seaworld.com
Balboa Park www.balboapark.org free organ concerts every Sunday 2-3pm
Birch Aquarium https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/
USS Midway Museum, Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Nov. 30-Dec. 30 www.midway.org
The Old Globe Theatre www.theoldglobe.org tickets on sale now for How the Grinch Stole Christmas Nov. 5 – Dec. 31
Liberty Station:
Nov. 20-Jan. 4, Rady Children’s Ice Rink 10am-10pm
Nov. 29-Dec. 12 + 17 more shows not listed, A Christmas Carol, Cygnet Theatre, various times
Dec. 14, Hanukkah and Menorah Lighting
https://libertystation.com/events/calendar
Petco Park sports and concerts:
Dec. 5-23, Holiday Market in Gallagher Square
https://www.petcoparkinsider.com/petco-park-events
https://www.petcoparkinsider.com/category/concerts-at-petco-park/
San Diego Brewers Guild has a link for the current status of local breweries that is constantly being updated here, including live music www.sdbeer.com
Pechanga Arena sports, concerts, monster trucks:
https://pechangaarenasd.com/events/category/concerts/
San Diego Food Bank:
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank feeds about 400,000 military and civilian people per month, year-round. Please help them feed the hungry in our local communities. They are doing an enormous job!
http://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/
Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, open and with a fully booked schedule, reservations.
Temecula:
Dec. 1, Christmas Tree Lighting, Temecula Duck Pond 7pm
Dec. 5, Santa’s Electric Light Parade 7pm
Dec. 13, Christmas Around the World, Temecula Valley Museum 11am-1pm
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, Civic Center Quad 6-10pm
No information is listed for the ice rink this year.
http://www.temeculaevents.org/
Vail Headquarters:
Different events scheduled throughout the year
Old Town Blues Club, live music Thursday-Sunday
Old Town Temecula Community Theater
https://tickets.temeculatheater.org/
More Temecula activities and information:
Wineries:
This website has a comprehensive and detailed list of the status of the wineries and what they are currently offering.
Pala Casino, all times 8pm unless noted otherwise:
Indoor concerts, Event Center:
None listed
Harrah’s Rincon Casino:
Dec. 7, Iliza! Live
Jan. 16, Theresa Caputo Live
Jan. 18, The Temptations & The Four Tops – celebrating 40 years
Jan. 30, Andrew Santino, comedy
Feb. 15, Air Supply
Mar. 12, Black Label Society
Mar. 19, Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence, comedy
Mar. 29, Clint Black
Pechanga Resort & Casino:
Dec. 7, Paris by Night Live Concert
Dec. 12, Pink Martini with Storm Large
Dec. 13, Los Rieleros del Norte
Dec. 18, Jump – Van Halen tribute
Dec. 20, Queensryche Volume & Vengeance Tour
Dec. 27, Leo Ku All About Love
Dec. 28, Skynote in USA
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Celebration
Jan. 9-11, Pechanga Pow Wow
Jan. 15, Gladys Knight
Bates Nut Farm:
Dec. 12-13, Christmas in Valley Center
https://batesnutfarm.biz/pages/events
Quotes for the moment:
💜December has the clarity, the simplicity, and the silence you need for the best fresh start of your life. Vivian Swift, Contemporary American author
💝Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection. Winston Churchill, 20th century British statesman
🎄You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights. Maya Angelou, 20th century American poet
💐December is all that we give, and whatever we receive; it is those who surround us, and those who have taken leave. December is celebrating light where only darkness dwells; it is the ripping of wrapping paper and tempting culinary smells. December is letting go of all the past year’s fails, and starting anew in January, as time again chases its tail. Stewart Stafford, Contemporary American poet
💖It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it. John Burroughs, 20th century naturalist and essayist
As always, feel free to forward this to anyone who may appreciate it. Today, and always, I send blessings of love and laughter to all!! May you all stay safe, healthy and well!
Mahalo,
Annette 😇
Share Smiles, Show Kindness, Spread the Love
For in-depth coverage of many of the local musicians and concerts (and more):
Click here for BackStage360: http://www.backstage360.com/
Disclaimer: times and events may change after publication.
Go to www.eventbrite.com for an enormous number of links to an amazing variety of resources, including music, dancing, classes, art and other various events, both online and in person.