Now through Jan. 5: Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden
Lightscape has returned for its third year to the 37-acre San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas, featuring a 1-mile, illuminated trail with new eye-catching artistic installations from international artists and, returning favorites. The event is produced in association with Sony Music and Culture Creative. More information and ticket reservations are available at sdbg.org/lightscape.
30th Annual Lighting of the Encinitas Heritage Tree Friday, December 6 from 4-6 p.m.
The Encinitas Historical Society, in yearly partnership with the City of Encinitas and support from the Encinitas Rotary Club, will present the 30th Annual Lighting of the Encinitas Heritage Tree. The celebration will be held at the Moonlight Beach upper parking lot on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4-6 p.m. Attendance and parking are free. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will make their yearly trek from the North Pole, riding in on an Encinitas fire engine with horns and lights blazing, the highlight for the tots. Event t-shirts featuring the Heritage Tree will be available for $20, to benefit the Encinitas Historical Society. This year’s ‘three-decades’ ceremony will be specially marked with an appearance by Encinitas’ very own 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Jack Tempchin.
Encinitas Holiday Parade Saturday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m.
The Encinitas Holiday Parade will make its merry way down South Coast Highway 101 on Saturday, Dec. 7. At this special community celebration of the holiday season, thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more along the route cheering them on as the Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101. The parade begins at D Street at 5:30 p.m., preceded by a 5 p.m. tree lighting ceremony with a brief appearance by Santa at the Lumberyard Shops courtyard. The parade’s theme of “Creativity in Motion” celebrates the vibrant spirit of innovation and imagination that flows through Encinitas.
Kringle Mingle Sunday, December 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cardiff 101 Main Street welcomes the community to its annual Kringle Mingle, a free holiday gathering along Aberdeen Drive. Visitors can take photos with Santa in his vintage Camera Camper sleigh and enjoy live music performed by local musicians. Holiday treats, hot coffee, hot chocolate, and holiday arts and crafts for children will also be available, in addition to a Makers Market of local vendors. More information is available at cardiff101.com/events-calendar/kringlemingle.
North Coast Symphony “Home for the Holidays” Concert Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m.
The North Coast Symphony Orchestra presents “Home for the Holidays,” a concert of seasonal favorites, on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdelena, Encinitas. The performance includes Sleigh Ride, The Polar Express, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Wassail Dances, Festive Sounds of Hanukah, and much more. The orchestra was founded in 1947 and will be conducted by Liesl Hansen. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.
Encinitas Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. and 6 pm. at San Dieguito Academy High School
The Encinitas Ballet Company will present its 16th annual production of “The Nutcracker,” a version where tradition meets enchantment pairing professional dancers and young student dancers with 3D animation and multimedia effects. The ballet will be performed on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. and 6 pm. at San Dieguito Academy High School, sponsored by the City of Encinitas. A performance will also be held on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. at the Ritz Theater in Escondido. For tickets or more information, call (760) 632-4947 or visit Encinitasballet.com
Santa at Encinitas Heritage Ranch Friday, December 13th and Friday December 20th from 3-6pm.
Imagine sipping on mulled wine and watching your children hang out with Santa at Encinitas Heritage Ranch! Both dates include live music, animal time in the farmyard, an art project to take home, and a chance to take photos with Santa. There will be an onsite bar and food vendor to purchase goodies. All proceeds from this event support the 501c3 nonprofits Olivenhain Farms and The San Dieguito Heritage Museum. Go to https://sdheritage.org/upcoming-events/ for tickets and more information.
A Melody League Christmas Show at La Paloma Theatre Thursday, December 19 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a rad night of music and fun at La Paloma Theatre, 471 South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, with some artists you would expect and some artists you might be surprised by! Tickets are $41 and are available at Eventbrite.com. All proceeds benefit the Bro-Am Foundation.
Fields of Light: A Chanukah Celebration at Coastal Roots Farm Sunday, December 29th 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Join Coastal Roots Farm for an intergenerational celebration of Chanukah on the Farm! On the 5th night of Chanukah, when the balance tips toward more light than darkness, we come together to honor the holiday’s spirit of resilience and hope. Through shared delicacies, meaningful conversation, and engaging study, participants of all ages will connect with each other and Jewish tradition in an immersive, joyful way. Explore the garden illuminated by the glow of the holiday, play traditional games, and enjoy live music that will fill the night with energy and warmth. People of any or no faith background are welcome! This event is for all ages. Tickets are limited: $20 for adults, $10 for children. Pre-registration required https://coastalrootsfarm.org/events/.
Author: Laura Charlton
Laura is the owner of Laura Charlton PR, a boutique public relations firm based in the San Diego area. With extensive experience working within the music, travel, entertainment, non-profit, education and consumer lifestyle industries, and for companies such as Disney, Make-A-Wish and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Laura brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate and consumer public relations, media relations and public affairs to her clients.
