CARLSBAD

Carrillo Ranch Historic Park hosts festivities

Holiday at the Rancho is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L.C. Lane. The event features a tree lighting at 6 p.m., a visit from Santa, train rides, a plush snowball arena, crafts, cookie decorating and holiday movie on the outdoor screen at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $10; free for ages 3 and younger. Food and beverages will be sold. Additional parking is available at Carrillo Elementary School, 2875 Poinsettia Lane. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/holiday-at-the-rancho.

Carlsbad Community Church marks 100th anniversary

Carlsbad Community Church at 3175 Harding St. will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding at a service at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 17. The theme of the event is “100 Years of God’s Faithfulness.” The service will include worship music and a sermon led by Senior Pastor Aaron Filbrun, the 14th pastor since the church’s founding in 1924. A catered luncheon will follow with a program highlighting historical milestones of the church. Visit carlsbadcommunitychurch.org.

Christmas boutique at church

The Ladies of the Altar Society of St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3821 Adams St., will hold its annual Christmas Boutique and Bake Sale from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 23 and 7:30 to 2 p.m. Nov. 24. The sale includes a large collection of Christmas items including the Department 56 Dickson’s Village Collection with values up to $200, selling between $30 and $50. Visitors can shop for gifts and decorative items, along with a selection of homemade baked goods. Proceeds benefit the church community. Visit stpatrickcarlsbad.com.

Holidays events kick off at Legoland

There will be holiday treats, twinkling lights, live entertainment and some snowfall from Nov. 23 through Jan. 5 at Legoland California, One Legoland Drive. Visitors can see the park’s 30-foot Lego tree decked with lights and Lego ornaments built out of more than 350,000 Lego and Duplo bricks. Photos can be taken with life-size festive Lego models or costumed characters such as a Lego Santa, a toy soldier, a gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. Visit legoland.com.

Holiday celebration features decorated trees

A holiday celebration for women will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Las Flores Church, 1400 Las Flores Drive. There will be 12 uniquely decorated trees on display, with a grand finale tree to be raffled off and a tree to be donated to a local family in need. Tickets are $25, including dinner, program with speaker, games, 10 raffle tickets; $200 for a table of eight, with 15 raffle tickets per guest. Visit lasfloreschurch.com.

CARMEL VALLEY

Tree lighting at One Paseo

Lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and festivities continue until 9 p.m. at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place. The center will be aglow with firefly lights in the trees and festive decor. The evening will feature live music performances, some snow and Santa along with special guests. Visit onepaseo.com.

Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day 5K

The Fleet Feet Thanksgiving 5K will take place on Nov. 28 with check-in at 7:15 a.m., and participants will begin running or walking at 8 a.m. The route begins and ends at the Fleet Feet San Diego store at 5980 Village Way in The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch. There will be refreshments and early access to Black Friday shopping deals. The route will be on the sidewalk and there will be a marked turnaround for a 1-mile option. The event follows a “fun run” format, and the route will be marked, but roads will not be closed. Registration is free. Runners can raise money for Molly’s Angels Foundation and to support Monarch Schools for homeless youths and Vista Hill, which provides mental health, education and social services. Visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanDiego/FreeThanksgivingDay5k.

CHULA VISTA

Genealogy buffs meet at library

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society’s education meeting is from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Bonita-Sunnyside Branch Library’s Community Room, 4375 Bonita Road, Bonita. The topic for discussion is “Lineage Societies and What They Can Do for You.” Attendees can work with fellow genealogists, get questions answered and sharpen their family history tools. Bring a laptop or tablet, if you can. Walk-ins are welcome. Register at  chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org.

Community holiday tree lighting

The 18th annual Tree Lighting and Market at Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road, is from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 19. The evening of holiday activities includes music, entertainment, roaming carolers, a holiday farmers market, gift stands and possibly some snowfall at Santa’s House after the tree lighting. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com.

Free holiday shows through Dec. 22

Free holiday shows begin at 6 and 7 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 1-22 near the Koi Pond at Village Walk at EastLake, at Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive. Children receive free Magic Glasses to view the light show in an array of colors. Entertainment on Dec. 1 includes a performance by the Discovery Charter School at 5:30 p.m. and between shows. Various community caroling groups will sing between shows on other days. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events.

City tree lighting ceremony

The annual community tree lighting starts at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Memorial Park on Third Avenue. The ceremony will feature remarks from city officials and community leaders to kick off the season. There will be carolers, holiday shopping and food. The Downtown Chula Vista Farmers Market will have extended hours from 3 to 6 p.m. Visit downtownchulavista.com.

Holiday happenings at Sesame Place

A Very Furry Christmas features holiday “Sesame Street”-themed shows, attractions and entertainment on select dates through Jan. 6 at the Sesame Place San Diego theme park, 2052 Entertainment Circle. Highlights include a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show, Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, Christmas Tree Maze and Sesame Street Christmas Cavalcade. Visit sesameplacesandiego.com.

Crafters Fall Craft Faire

First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista, 1200 E. H St., holds the Bonita Country Crafters Fall Craft Faire from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21-22 and 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Nov. 23. There will be crafts, Thanksgiving and Christmas items, tole painting, baked goods, jewelry, jams and jellies. Visit fumccv.org.

CORONADO

Coronado 5K Turkey Trot

Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary hosts its 11th annual 5K Turkey Trot at 8 a.m. Nov. 28 at Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Drive. There’s also a virtual 5K and Tiny Trotters Fun Run. Registration is $33–$70; free for ages 5 and younger. Visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/Coronado/CoronadoTurkeyTrotPresentedByRadyChildrensHospital.

ENCINITAS

Holiday Street Fair on Nov. 24

The Encinitas Holiday Street Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24 with live music, beer garden, vendors and food along 101 Coast Highway in downtown Encinitas. The event features 450 food and arts and crafts vendors, four entertainment stages, children’s rides and bike valets. Visit encinitas101.com/holiday-street-fair.

Encinitas Turkey Trot

The Encinitas Turkey Trot’s 10K Thanksgiving Day race starts at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K Fun Run/Walk/Costume Contest takes off at 8 a.m. Nov. 28 at Highway 101 and D Street. Opening announcements are at 7 a.m. The event supports the Veterans Association of North County with the goal of reducing post-traumatic stress disorder and veteran suicide, and Encinitas Boy Scout Troop 776. Registration costs $60-$89. Visit encinitasturkeytrot.org.

ESCONDIDO

Ode to Joy concert at arts center

The Escondido Choral Arts Foundation will put on a concert Ode to Joy concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd,. The program will include a part of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 to mark the 200th anniversary of the completion of the work, performed by the Center Chorale and the Pacific Coast Chorale. The program will include music from the Baroque period, including Vivaldi and Bach, and continuing to Mozart and Beethoven. There will be four guest soloists and an orchestra accompaniment. Conductors will be John Nettles and Diego Guerro. Tickets are $10-$27. Visit artcenter.org.

Group discusses tips on growing cactus

The Palomar Cactus and Succulent Society will host Craig Kolodge at the group’s meeting at noon Nov. 23 at the Park Avenue Community Center, 210 E. Park Ave. Kolodge, the business, development and sustainability manager of San Pasqual Valley Soils, will speak on Soil Mixtures for Cactus and Succulents. Admission is free. Visit palomarcactus.org.

Annual Christmas sale at church

Church of the Resurrection holds its annual Christmas sale from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at 1445 Conway Drive. There will be holiday and gift items. Visit resurrectionchurch.org.

LA JOLLA

Garden club meets Nov. 19

La Jolla Garden Club meets at 1 p.m. Nov. 19 at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. The program will be on “Container Gardening for Year-Round Impact,” presented by Tiger Palafox of Mission Hills Nursery. Guests are welcome. Visit lajollagardenclub.org.

Jazz trio to give free concert

The La Jolla Music Society’s free outdoor Wu Tsai QRT.yrd Concert series features the Alex Ciavarelli Jazz Trio at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave. The Alex Ciavarelli Trio is an all-star jazz ensemble based in San Diego. Visit the conrad.org.

LA MESA

Parkinson’s Group meets Nov. 20

The East County Parkinson’s Support Group meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave. The event is aimed at people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, friends and family. There will be educational information and fun activities. For questions, email altamura13@my.yahoo.com.

Salvation Army hosts red-kettle kickoff

The Salvation Army hosts its red-kettle kickoff, “Light Up the Holidays,” from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The free family event includes a tree lighting, hot chocolate and coffee, Christmas music by the Salvation Army San Diego Brass Band and a guest performance by Rat Pack Reborn and photos with Santa. Besides money donations, the Salvation Army is accepting new, unwrapped toys. Visit sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/event-page—light-up-the-holiday-red-kettle-kickoff.

LEMON GROVE

Lions Club’s Quartermania raises $700 for community projects

The Lemon Grove Lions Club recently hosted a Quartermania Fundraiser at Mt. Miguel High School’s Multicultural Room, with several dozen of attendees. During Quartermania, participants place bids with quarters on items local businesses donate. When a number is drawn and it matches the number on a participant’s paddle, the person wins. Thanks to support from the community, the event raised a little over $700 to fund local community service projects. Visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/lemon_grove.

OCEANSIDE

O’side Turkey Trot

The first wave of 5K runners at this year’s O’side Turkey Trot takes off at 6:45 a.m. Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 28 and the main wave starts at 8:05 a.m. from the Oceanside Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Highway. This year, participants can do the “Double Dip” challenge, which involves running both 5K races. There will be a costume contest, live music and kids’ runs. The run benefits Carlsbad-based Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation, which promotes well-being through regular exercise. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes. Registration is $35-$72. Visit osideturkeytrot.com.

Ranked-choice voting system topic of talk

The Republican Club of North County hosts Paula Whitsell, former chair of the Republican Party of San Diego County, at its meeting at noon Nov. 20. Whitsell will discuss the ranked-choice voting system implemented in various states, but banned in other states, which allows people to vote for multiple candidates, in order of preference. Whitsell will discuss the 2024 election results and the impact nationwide and locally. The meeting is at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Cost is $35; $30 for club members. Cash or check only at the door (credit cards not accepted). Visit northcountygop.com.

PINE VALLEY

Camp Christmas returns

Pine Valley Camp Christmas, a holiday festival for all ages, starts Nov. 15 and runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays in November and Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-14 and 18-22 at 8668 Pine Creek Road. Festivities include the Lights & Sounds of the Season show and a dancing water show, hayrides, train rides, a Nativity and a talking Christmas tree. There will be a game room, archery and bounce houses, among other attractions. Visit pinevalleycampchristmas.com.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Holly Hofmann Trio to perform at library

The Holly Hofmann Trio will perform at 6 p.m. Nov. 26 in the Rancho Bernardo Library’s second-floor community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The trio of flute, guitar and bass will perform selections from the Great American Songbook featuring Gershwin, Cole Porter and Jobim, among others. This concert is part of the Friends of the Rancho Bernardo Library’s 25th annual Chamber Concert series. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Garden club offers grants

Community-based nonprofits in San Diego County can submit a Request for Proposal for grant funding to the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club by Dec. 15. Grant applicants can request up to $10,000 for their proposed use. Projects requesting funding must further the mission of the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club in developing charitable horticulture, botany, farming and conservation activities. For information, visit rsfgardenclub.org or email natalie@rsfgardenclub.org.

SAN DIEGO

Indigenous Heritage Week

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, San Diego Sister Cities hosts an Indigenous Heritage Week & Sustainable Design Forum at UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St. The forum is from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21 and is co-hosted by the Kumeyaay and Maasai, bringing together Indigenous leaders from around the world. The event includes panel discussions, cultural performances, art exhibits, a film screening, a bazaar and Indigenous foods. There will also be a Kumeyaay Canoe Workshop on Nov. 23 and Yoga with Maasai on Nov. 24. Visit indigenousforum.org/online-registration/#!event-register/2024/11/21/indigenous-heritage-week-sustainable-design-forum.

Thanksgiving meal for those in need

The nonprofit San Diego Rescue Mission holds its annual Thanksgiving Community Outreach Meal from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at 120 Elm St. Free showers and haircuts will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at mobile shower trailers. Medical services, pet care, prayer, giveaways and bag storage will also be available for guests. Free shuttle rides to and from the event are available from the city’s O and B safe camping sites from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Community members can drop off donations of new towels and backpacks at the Rescue Mission from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 22. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Visit sdrescue.org.

Doggie Street Festival

The 15th annual San Diego Doggie Street Festival is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road. There will be animals ready to be adopted from more than 17 area rescue organizations. The event includes vendors with pet products and services along with music and festival foods. Pet professionals and veterinarians can give tips about pet foods, services, health, nutrition, travel, lodging, training, spay/neuter and veterinary care. New this year is a Giving Wall for Pets of the Homeless to collect items for pets living with homeless community members. Visit doggiestreetfestival.org.

Candlelight Musical Meditation next month

The 48th annual Candlelight Musical Meditation is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22 at the Old Historic Mission Church, 10818 San Diego Mission Road. The program features the Mission Basilica Choir, accompanied by organist Howard McCullough, the string quartet, instruments, percussion ensembles, soloists and readers, directed by Gene Regard. Traditional and new music will be set around scripture readings of the season. Call 619-283-7319.

Woodworkers hold holiday sale

The San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association holds its annual Holiday Gift Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 22 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 23 in the parking lot of the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association Member Workshop, 5360 Eastgate Mall. The sale includes kitchen wares, toys, home decor, jewelry, cutting boards and holiday decor created by master craftsmen from across San Diego County. Admission is free for all ages. Visit sdfwa.org.

Belmont Park opens Winter Wonder

Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder, the annual holiday event at the beachside amusement park in Mission Beach, runs Nov. 22 through Dec. 31 featuring festive rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland and Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts and and Polar Plunge. Highlights include hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, oversized winter sculptures and seasonal characters throughout the park, 3146 Mission Blvd. Jingle Jams with holiday tunes from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The event also includes a Miracle at Draft Pop-Up Bar with cocktails. Tickets and passes are available at belmontpark.com.

Jazz and salsa concert

Frontwave Arena hosts Banda El Recodo, Conjunto Primavera and Banda Los Recoditos for a performance at 7 p.m. Nov. 23, blending traditional Mexican sounds with contemporary styles, including jazz and salsa. Tickets are $63-$265. Visit frontwavearena.com/events/detail/banda-el-recodo-de-cruz-lga.

Holiday luncheon and fashion show

The Arc of San Diego hosts its Candy Cane Lane Winter Wonderland Luncheon and fashion Show 10 a.m. Dec. 6 at the US Grant Hotel. The event, themed “Marching Into the Holidays; A Nutcracker Extravaganza,” features boutique shopping, a silent auction, a luncheon and a fashion show. Proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities at The Arc of San Diego. Visit arc-sd.com.

Liberty Station tree lighting

A ceremonial lighting of Liberty Station’s 88-foot Norfolk pine tree is at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 along with entertainment, festive firetruck rides, photos with Santa and an outdoor holiday movie showing of “The Grinch.” Admission is free. Visit libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting.

Coalition holds State of Hunger event

San Diego Hunger Coalition holds its sixth annual State of Hunger event from 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21 featuring a panel of local experts who will discuss the importance of an effective and equitable network of food assistance programs. The event at San Diego Tech Center, 9605 Scranton Road, also celebrates the coalition’s 50th anniversary with a networking reception after the presentation. There will be a silent auction, and proceeds will go to the coalition’s free training and resources. Tickets are free (for virtual presentation) to $150 in person. Visit sandiegohungercoalition.org.

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration kicks off

SeaWorld San Diego’s holiday celebration runs through Jan. 5 with new Christmas shows, and the debut of the Happy Harbor Holiday Live Character Show. The SkyTower will be adorned with sparkling lights and there will be a tunnel of lights and music. The new Mrs. Claus Christmas Parade with her merry elves will take place daily. Highlights include A Stocking Full of Soul night of live music, singing and dancing and A Christmas Wish Fireworks Show on Dec. 14 and Dec. 31 along with Donner and Blitzen’s Laser Light Show nightly. SeaWorld will present a Hanukkah display to celebrate the Jewish holiday starting Dec. 1 with a menorah lighting, holiday decor and Hanukkah music. Visit seaworldsandiego.com.

Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope

Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K takes off at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 28 at the Cabrillo Bridge in Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado. The run raises money to provide meals for community members in need through the nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages food services programs. Registration is $51-$62; or $37-$43 for ages 6-12.. Register at thanksgivingrun.org.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Upcoming blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):

• Kaiser Permanente, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at 8080 Parkway Drive, La Mesa.
• Sports San Diego Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.
• Auto Nation Subaru Carlsbad, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at 5500 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad.
• Barons Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine.
• City of Vista, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista.
• Albertsons, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 23 at 1608 Broadway, El Cajon.
• Town Center Encinitas Ranch, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at 1018 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas.
• Albertsons, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 23 at 1459 Main St., Ramona.
• Saint Mark’s Parish, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 24 at 1147 Discovery St., San Marcos.
• Fallbrook Regional Health District, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at 1636 E. Mission Road, Fallbrook.
• Rancho San Diego Town Center, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at 2963 Jamacha Road, El Cajon.
• Palomar Medical Center Escondido, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 26 at 2185 Citracado Parkway, Escondido.
• Broken Yolk Cafe, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 26 at 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, National City.
• Broken Yolk Cafe, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at 9832 Mission Gorge Road, Santee.

Donors must be 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call 800-469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Advance care planning topic of talk

A discussion on advance care planning is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22 and Dec. 6 at the Carmel Mountain Ranch Branch Library, 12095 World Trade Drive. The meeting is offered in Spanish and English. Admission is free; sponsored by Compassion and Choices. RSVP at advancecareplanning4us@gmail.com.

Little Black Dress event

The local nonprofit Goodwill retail stores will hold their annual Little Black Dress event starting at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at the Chula Vista Retail Store, 706 Broadway. This store as well as others will sell holiday dresses, shoes and accessories. Proceeds go to Goodwill’s free community employment programs and services.  Visit sdgoodwill.org.

SAN MARCOS

Turkey Trot benefits families

Discovery Elementary School holds a communitywide Turkey Trot featuring at 5K run/walk from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Thanksgiving Day at 730 Applewilde Drive. There will also be an easier route for walkers. Registration is $10 per adult attendee and $5 per child. Proceeds help the school’s families in need during the holidays. Visit discoverypto.com/mc-events/thanksgiving-day-turkey-trot/?mc_id=78.

VISTA

Community wishing tree is up

The Vista Wishing Tree, an annual community-decorated tree where people can “share their hopes, dreams, and gratitude,” is up through Jan. 1 at the corner of Beverly Drive and Wolverine Way. Community members can write a message on a tag and hang it on the tree’s branches or garland. Tags and markers are provided in containers on a table. The purpose is to “spread joy, share unspoken wishes, dreams, and express gratitude.”

Volunteers sought to make meals for shelter

Operation Hope-North County is looking for volunteers to help provide warm meals for formerly homeless families who live at the shelter and are working on rebuilding their lives. To get involved, email ksanchez@operationhopeshelter.org.

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