🌴 Encinitas
Encinitas Holiday Parade
Date: December 6
Summary: A classic Encinitas tradition with a 5 PM tree lighting followed by the parade down Coast Highway. Nostalgic, beachy, and full of local charm.
🌊 Oceanside
Oceanside Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
Date: December 4, 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: Oceanside Sunset Market, 401 Pier View Way
Summary: Holiday shopping, entertainment, crafts, treats, and photos with Santa, all leading to the 6 PM tree lighting. A lively downtown holiday night.
SnowSide Winter Festival
Dates: December 5–7
Summary: Real snow, sledding, bounce houses, DJs, Santa, and a silent disco. Maximum energy. Maximum kid joy.
❄️ Escondido
Winter Wonderland Festival
Dates: December 6 & 7, 1:00–5:00 PM
Location: California Center for the Arts
Summary: Real snow, Santa, crafts, food vendors, Victorian carolers, storybook characters, and a huge holiday market. Free and super festive.
🎅 Poway
Christmas in the Park
Date & Time: December 12, 3:30–8:30 PM
Location: Old Poway Park
Summary: An old-fashioned celebration with live music, Santa visits, treats, a craft boutique, and nighttime rides on the Poway Midland Railroad. Tree lighting and Santa’s arrival by train make it extra special.
🌅 Solana Beach
Fletcher Cove Tree Lighting
Date: Early December
Summary: A sweet oceanfront tree lighting with Santa and community warmth. Chill and coastal.
Link: cityofsolanabeach.org
🎁 Holiday Markets & Shopping Events
🌲 Carmel Valley / One Paseo
One Paseo December Nights
Dates: Every Friday & Saturday through December 20
Summary: Falling snow, strolling performers, festive treats, and relaxed shopping. The perfect "just browsing" night.
Link: onepaseo.com/events
🏞️ San Marcos
Holly Jolly Market
Date: Early December
Summary: A holiday market with local makers, gifts, treats, and seasonal surprises. Easy spot for unique presents.
🚂 Kid-Focused Events & Santa Visits
🌊 Oceanside
COASTER Holiday Express
Dates: December 6, 7, 13 & 14
Summary: A coastline train ride with Santa, carolers, storytelling, and small gifts for kids. A charming and cozy tradition.
🌲 Pacific Highlands Ranch (PHR)
PHR Annual Tree Lighting
Date: December 4, 5:00–7:30 PM
Summary: Free Santa & Mrs. Claus photos, cookies, cocoa, and a neighborhood tree lighting. Very family-friendly and festive.
Link: villagephr.com
PHR Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus + Live Music
Date: December 13, 3:00–6:00 PM
Summary: A second chance for free photos with Santa, plus live holiday music and treats.
Link: villagephr.com
PHR Holiday Train Rides
Summary: Free holiday train rides across two festive weekends — simple, sweet, and perfect for young kids.
Schedule: Dec 4 (10AM–8PM), Dec 5 (10AM–6PM), Dec 11 (10AM–5PM), Dec 12 (10AM–5PM)
Link: villagephr.com
🏘️ Local Walk-Through Lights & Displays
🎭 Vista
Jingle Terrace Nights
Dates: Fridays–Sundays, December 5–21
Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre
Summary: A free holiday walk with lights, displays, music, and insta-worthy photo spots. Low-key and easy for families.
🏘️ Rancho Peñasquitos
Christmas Card Lane
Dates: Early December – New Year’s
Summary: Dozens of homes build giant plywood "cards" and deck out their yards with lights and themed displays. A North County classic.
🏨 Luxury Holiday Experiences
🎡 Del Mar / Carmel Valley
Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Holiday Season
Dates: November 27 – January 1
Summary: The resort becomes a luxury holiday escape with a 25-foot tree, Glice skating, Santa visits, Nutcracker Tea, and elegant seasonal dining.
Link: granddelmar.com/holidays
🌲 One Paseo (Carmel Valley)
One Paseo Menorah Lighting
Date: December 16
Summary: A beautiful Hanukkah celebration at the Koi Pond with music, lights, and a strong sense of community.
Link: onepaseo.com/events
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