Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 7.
Friday
Ups-N-Downtown Roller Rink: During the holiday season, Escondido opens a roller rink downtown. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Open Thursdays through Sunday through Jan. 3. 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido. $5 admission; $10 for skates rental and admission; $35 for a family pack for four.downtownescondido.com/event-details/ups-and-downtown-roller-rink-2025-12-07-12-00
Holiday Market on the Plaza: In addition to the Ups-N-Downtown roller rink, downtown Escondido is throwing a holiday shopping event taking place over three weekends. A market place set up at Maple Street Plaza will feature holiday shopping and live music. 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays; noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Weekend Dec. 5-21. Maple Street Plaza. downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido Ariana Moya,10, with Ballet Folklorico El Tapatio, prepares to go onstage during December Nights at Balboa Park on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker for The San Diego Union-Tribune)
December Nights: One of San Diego’s largest community events, December Nights offers live entertainment, food and drinks from around the world, and late-night access to museums. 3 to 11 p.m. Friday. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Balboa Park. Free. sandiego.gov/december-nights
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First Friday: On the first Friday of every month, Liberty Station’s ARTS DISTRICT offers special activities and open studios. This Friday, Addison Designs is hosting a free ornament workshop from 4 to 8 p.m with supplies provided and music and refreshments. See the full First Friday lineup here: libertystation.com/events/calendar
Alpine tree lighting: The annual tree lighting event will include an artisan marketplace, food trucks, snow area for kids, inflatables, an ugly sweater contest and visit from Santa to light the tree. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.In the parking lot of Bethel Christian Assembly at 1929 Arnold Way. alpinebethel.org.Santa’s arrival is among the highlights at The Forum Carlsbad’s annual tree-lighting event, which takes place Friday. (The Forum Carlsbad)
Tree Lighting Celebration in Carlsbad: The Forum Carlsbad holds its 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday with live performances, holiday characters, Santa visits and Christmas Tree Wonderlights show continuing until Christmas. The La Costa Canyon High School Marching Band performs at 6 p.m. followed by Santa’s arrival, tree lighting and a snowfall finale. Festivities continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6–7, 13–14, and 20–21. A pet adoption event on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 Dec. 6 to 25. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/news/the-forum-carlsbad-a-festive-holiday-season-2025.
Coronado Holiday: The Holiday Parade takes off at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 featuring local organizations, clubs and businesses with lights and costumes from t8th Street down Orange Avenue to Adella Avenue. The tree-lighting ceremony is after the parade and festivities continue to 9 p.m. with live music and holiday sing-alongs. coronadochamber.com
Escondido Christmas parade: The parade, themed, “A Merry Citrus Christmas.” takes off at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, from Juniper and Grand Avenue to Orange and Grand Avenue. https://escondidojaycees.org/christmas-parade-info
Holiday Lights: The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s annual Holiday Lights event transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with light display. Bring the whole family to enjoy thousands of twinkling lights, animals, festive hay rides, warm drinks, delicious food and a visit with Santa. 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Admission is $10, in advance online; $12 at gate; free for kids 3 and younger. agsem.org/holiday-lights-2025
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Petco Park’s annual Holiday Wonderland returns to Gallagher Square Friday. (Eric Scire/Petco Park Events)
Petco Park Holiday Wonderland: The annual Holiday Wonderland is sliding back to Gallagher Square at Petco Park. The holiday installation features Christmas lighting displays, Santa Claus, a Christmas train, holiday craft-making, a carousel and an opportunity to sled down a hill made of real snow. There will also be a 40-foot Christmas tree, live entertainment, local vendors, food and drinks for sale. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday through Dec. 7. Dec. 10-16, 18-23. 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. $18-$25. padres.com/holidaywonderland.
Saturday
Holiday Store Pop-Up: Fans of textile art and merchandise can visit a holiday pop-up market at the Visions Museum of Textile Art. Visitors can expect to find dolls, jewelry, flower pins, painted silk clothing and scarves, origami earrings and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 13. Visions Museum of Textile Art, 2825 Dewey Road, Suite 100, San Diego.vmota.org/pop-up-events-in-our-vmota-museum-store/
Friends of the Library Holiday Craft & Book Sale: Book lovers can find a new read for friends and family (or for their own shelf) as well as crafts for sale and a silent auction. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Civic Center Library, 330 North Coast Highway, Oceanside. oceansidepl.librarycalendar.com/event/friends-library-craft-and-book-sale-45286
Nitro Circus: Created by Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus brings action sports to TVs and live tours. Athletes will show off thrilling tricks and compete in motor sports. 7 p.m. Saturday. Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Remaining tickets start at $87. axs.com/events/829750/nitro-circus-off-the-rails-tickets?skin=pasd
How Latinos Built San Diego: A Talk with Maria E. Garcia The author of “We Made San Diego” will share about her book and local Chicano and Latino history and contributions. A Q&A session will follow, as well as book signings for purchases. 11 a.m. Saturday. Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido. Free. escondido.libcal.com/event/15529199
Annual Holiday Bookstore Sale: Books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, gift certificates and greeting cards will be on sale for half price at this holiday sale. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd., Alpine. sdcl.bibliocommons.com/events/691e0263a18afa0c612b8254
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Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebration: Celebrate Jane Austen’s birthday with tea, a screening of “Emma” and Regency-themed crafts. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. North Clairemont Library, 4616 Clairemont Drive, San Diego. Free. Registration required. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/jane-austens-250th-birthday-NC
Christmas show: The Masters of Harmony and Pacific Coast Harmony chorus will present a Christmas show, “Merry & Bright, Holidays in Harmony.” 3 p.m. Saturday. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. $25. https://stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com
Chula Vista parade, tree lighting and festival: The Starlight Parade and Festival returns with a parade, holiday market, children’s holiday train ride, tree lighting, live entertainment and photos with Santa. The lighting of a 25-foot tree takes place at 5:45 p.m. on the plaza at the northeast corner of Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and goes from H Street to E Street, featuring marching bands, decorated floats, automobiles and dance teams, among other entries. 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Memorial Park and Park Way. Free. starlightparade.com.
Winter Wonderland at Wells Park: There will be a movie in park, train rides, bounce house photos with Santa, games, costumed characters, crafts and letters to Santa. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Ave. Free. elcajon.gov/your-government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/winter-wonderland
Encinitas Holiday Parade: Encinitas’ annual holiday parade, themed “Peace by the Pacific,” will feature floats, marching bands and decorated cars along Coast Highway from D to J streets. The event kicks off with a tree lighting and brief appearance from Santa at 5 p.m. in The Lumberyard shops courtyard, between H and I streets, followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. encinitasca.gov
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Winter Festival: Winter Wonderland highlights include visits with Santa, Victorian carolers, storybook characters and winter crafting along with holiday market and face painting. Food and drink will be sold. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Free. artcenter.org
Fallbrook Christmas parade: Fallbrook’s 44th annual Christmas parade, themed “Candy Cane Lane,” is hosted by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. The parade features Santa, lighted floats, music, marching bands and dancers along with classic cars. 5 p.m. Saturday. Main Street in downtown Fallbrook. fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
Ocean Beach parade: Ocean Beach holds its annual holiday parade. The event is hosted and organized by the Ocean Beach Community Foundation and Love Thy Neighborhood and supported by the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association. 5 p.m. Saturday. Along Newport Ave., San Diego. oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/ob-holiday-parade
Little Italy Christmas: A Tree Lighting and Christmas Village will include live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus, 10-foot-tall nutcrackers, holiday-themed bites and sips and Christmas Village with vendors along India Street. The traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., San Diego. Free.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting
Reason for the Season light show: A free synchronized light and video show, “The Real Reason for the Season,” will run every half hour from 5 to 9 p.m. from Dec. 6 to Jan. 4 at Columbia and Date Streets in Little Italy, across the Street from the Piazza della Famiglia fountain. The light show synchronized to popular Christmas music presents a short history of the Nativity and why Christmas is celebrated.
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67th annual Vista Christmas Parade: The Vista Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas parade is set Saturday. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around Vista–A Parade of Holiday Hits.” The grand marshal is Eric Weirather, longtime band director at Rancho Buena Vista HIgh School. There will be floats, music and marching bands, along with Santa. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Downtown Vista. To see the parade route, visit vistachamber.org/christmas.
Strong Ale Festival: Over 60 breweries will be part of the two-day 27th annual Strong Ale Festival. The event showcases more than 60 ale beers and food from Pizza Port. There will also be VIP sessions where guests can try exclusive barrel-aged beers. The festival will take place in the parking lot of the Pizza Port location in Carlsbad. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 571 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad. $50-$100. eventbrite.com/e/pizza-port-carlsbads-27th-annual-strong-ale-festival
El Cajon holiday benefit concert: The San Diego Rescue Mission and the city of El Cajon are teaming up on a holiday benefit concert at The Magnolia. The annual Christmas Jubilee Jam is a family-friendly event that helps raise money for the San Diego Rescue Mission to provide more beds and services for the unhoused. The show includes a cocktail hour reception and is headlined by the Bill Wells Band performing holiday classics and songs made popular by Motown artists. There will also be special appearances from the St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Choir and Santa Claus. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. 210 East Main St., El Cajon. sdrescue.org/jubilee-jam
Sunday
Singles in Sweaters: Combining stand-up and a singles meet-up, Singles in Sweaters is a special holiday comedy event. Expect a live dating game and an ugly sweater contest. This is for ages 21 and older. 1 p.m. Sunday. Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. $25.50. micdropcomedysandiego.com/shows/338356
Kringle Mingle: The festivities hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street include live music, children’s crafts and holiday treats, coffee and hot chocolate and vendor booths for holiday shopping in downtown Cardiff. Photos with Santa are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots drive for Camp Pendleton Marine families. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Aberdeen Drive. Free. cardiff101.com/events.
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Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip: The Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip is part of the North Pole by the Sea day of family-friendly festivities from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Festivities include photos with Santa, carolers, live music, hot chocolate for kids and annual holiday tree lighting in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5 p.m. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Del Mar.visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea
San Marcos holiday parade: The 28th annual Kiwanis San Marcos Holiday Parade will be themed “Light Up The Holidays.” There will be bands, floats, marching groups and Santa. 1 p.m. Sunday. The parade route is Comet Drive at Palomar College, east on Mission Road to the San Marcos Civic Center. Visit lsmkiwanis.org
Holiday market: The San Marcos Chamber Market is inviting the community to its Holly Jolly Holiday Market at North City. The public can shop for gifts from over 175 vendors with items such as skin care products, home decor accessories and handmade artwork. There will also be food vendors, live holiday music and an appearance from Santa Claus. Admission is free and parking is complimentary at North City. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 250 North City Drive, San Marcos. northcity.com/events/holiday-market
2026 vision board class: All the supplies needed to create a 2026 vision board will be provided at this workshop. Hot cider and cookies will also be provided. 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday. CoLabCrafts, 143 West Grand Avenue, Escondido. $39.19. eventbrite.com/e/2026-vision-board-class-tickets
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off: Music, chili and community are the pillars of the SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off, which is returning to North Park. This volunteer-led annual event brings together more than 30 restaurants and 20 breweries, two stages of music, an artisan market, ceramic bowl making, a children’s play area and a chili-tasting contest. The event is also a fundraiser for Spanish, dance and library programs at McKinley Elementary School, for which $90,000 was raised last year, according to event organizers. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Corner of Thorn Street and 32nd Street in North Park. $25-$35. sonofestchilicookoff.com
The city of San Diego has filed a lawsuit against the federal government that alleges the construction of a razor wire fence near the U.S.-Mexico border constitutes trespassing on city property and has caused environmental harm to the land.
The complaint filed Monday in San Diego federal court states that razor wire fencing being constructed by U.S. Marines in the Marron Valley area has harmed protected plant and wildlife habitats and that the presence of federal personnel there represents unpermitted trespassing.
The lawsuit, which names the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Defense among its defendants, says that city officials first discovered the presence of Marines and federal employees in the area in December.
The fencing under construction has blocked city officials from accessing the property to assess and manage the land, and the construction efforts have” caused and will continue to cause property damage and adverse environmental impacts,” according to the lawsuit.
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The suit seeks an injunction ordering the defendants to cease and desist from any further trespass or construction in the area.
“The city of San Diego will not allow federal agencies to disregard the law and damage city property,” City Attorney Heather Ferbert said in a statement. “We are taking decisive action to protect sensitive habitats, uphold environmental commitments and ensure that the rights and resources of our community are respected.”
Padres roster review: Sung-Mun song – San Diego Union-Tribune
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SUNG-MUN SONG
Position(s): Third base, second base
Bats / Throws: Left / Right
2026 opening day age: 29
Height / Weight: 6-foot / 194 pounds
How acquired: Signed as a free agent in December 2025
Contract status: A four-year, $15 million deal will see Song make $2.5 million in 2026, $3 million in 2027, $3.5 million in 2028 and $4 million in 2029 if he does not opt out of last year; Half of his $1 million signing bonus is due in January 2026 and the other half in 2027; There is a $7 million mutual option for 2030.
.214 — Song’s isolated power in 2025, a career high as he prepared for a jump to the majors. Isolated power measures a player’s raw power (extra bases per at-bat) and Song had a .190 OPS in 2018, in his third year as a pro in Korea, before it dropped to .101 in 2019 and then a career-low .095 in 2023. Hitting 19 homers pushed Song’s isolated power to .178 in 2024 and then a career-high 26 homers push it even higher in 2025.
TRENDING
Idle — Drafted by the Heroes in 2014, Song debuted in the KBO the following year but didn’t become a regular until 2019. A drop-off in production — he had an .884 OPS in 78 games in 2018 and a .597 OPS in 103 games in 2019 — was followed by losing the 2020 season and a chunk of the 2021 season to military service obligations. Then three straight sub-.700 OPS seasons forced Song to rethink his approach to professional baseball, especially in the face of the likes of Ha-Seong Kim,Jung Hoo Lee and Hyeseong Kim generating big-league buzz. Song started with weight training and nutrition. A hitting coach also helped him with balance, pull-side power and the ability to catch up with the sort of fastballs that seem to dog Korean players when they arrive in the States. It all added up to a breakthrough year in which Song paired 19 homers, 104 RBIs and 21 steals with a .340/.409/.518 batting line. To prove it was no fluke, Song followed up his 2024 season with another strong effort that solidified his wish to try his hand in the majors. The ensuing, four-year, $15 million deal that Song signed with the Padres in December cost his new employer a $3 million posting fee to be paid to the Kiwoom Heroes.
2026 OUTLOOK
Like Kim before him, Song appears to be joining the Padres as a utility player with the hope that he blossoms into more as he gets comfortable in a new country and league. Song had experience in Korea at third base (500 starts), second base (149 starts) and first base (38 starts). Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller even mentioned outfield reps in passing as he assessed how Song could help the Padres in 2026.
Former KBO player Sung-Mun Song shakes hands with Padres vice president of amateur and international scouting Pete DeYoung after signing a contract with the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Saturday. (Photo by Armond Feffer/San Diego Padres)
Drivers traveling through the city of Poway may have noticed a dramatic change to the landscape. Since September, more than 1,400 trees — many of them eucalyptus — have been removed as part of the city’s hazardous mitigation grant project aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving public safety.
Poway is spending roughly $3 million on the effort, which focuses on removing trees that are dead, dying or considered dangerous. Much of the cost is being reimbursed by FEMA. Officials say the project is designed to make emergency evacuation routes safer while improving the overall health of trees along major roadways, rights-of-way and open spaces.
“I was relieved that there were some efforts being put into improving our resiliency to wildfire in our community,” said Poway Fire Chief Brian Mitchell.
Mitchell said spacing out trees can slow the spread of a wildfire and prevent roads from becoming blocked during an emergency.
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“That certainly has the potential to block our first responders from accessing somebody’s house in the middle of an emergency,” Mitchell said.
City leaders also point to storm safety as a key reason for removing hazardous trees under controlled conditions rather than risking falling limbs or entire trees during severe weather.
“I don’t want to be driving down that street and just a random limb just happened to collapse, you know, just hit me,” said Poway resident Dawn Davis.
Davis said she also worries about the threat the trees pose to nearby homes.
“I don’t want anybody’s homes here to be damaged, either by them or fire,” Davis said.
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A Poway spokeswoman said a certified arborist evaluated nearly 6,800 trees in Poway. About 2,800 invasive trees were recommended for removal.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.
