San Diego, CA
The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Dec. 5-7
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
San Diego County will be the center of NASCAR nation this weekend, with fans flocking to Naval Base Coronado for three days of events.
This is the first-ever Cup race held in San Diego County and the NASCAR community is also presenting it as its way of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
Tickets are completely sold out, but locals can still get in on the fun at various event and activities taking place across the region.
Here’s what to know about this one-of-a-kind weekend in San Diego. Full coverage of NASCAR San Diego Weekend can be found at sandiegouniontribune.com/tag/nascar.
What is NASCAR San Diego Weekend?
The three-day event begins with Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series race, continues with an O’Reilly Auto Parts series race on Saturday and wraps Sunday with the Anduril 250.
Grandstands with a capacity for 40,000 fans have been erected, with another 10,000 spectators expected to occupy standing areas around the grounds.
Here’s a turn-by-turn look at Naval Base Coronado’s race circuit
When is it taking place?
Parking lots, which are on base, open each day at 7 a.m. and gates open at 9 a.m.
The Craftsman Truck Series takes place Friday at 4 p.m. The O’Reilly Auto Parts series race blasts off at 2 p.m. Saturday. The main event, NASCAR Cup Series Race, happens Sunday at 1 p.m.
A race-by-race look at NASCAR’s San Diego Weekend
Each day will also feature entertainment, driver Q&As and other activities.
Where is it?
Naval Base Coronado will host the weekend’s activities. All fans in attendance must carry a valid government-issued photo ID at all times.
Going to this weekend’s NASCAR races in Coronado? Here’s what you need to know
All event parking will be located on Naval Base Coronado. There is no event parking available within the city of Coronado.
Who is racing?
Shane Van Gisbergen, Tyler Reddick, Mike McDowell, Chase Elliott and Ty Gibbs are just a few of the names to expect this weekend. A full lineup can be found at nascarsandiego.com/nascar-san-diego-mission-lineup.
These 13 Cup racers could all win Sunday’s Anduril 250 in Coronado
How to watch on TV:
Craftsman Trucks Series race: 4 p.m. Friday on Fox Sports 1
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race: 2 p.m. Saturday on The CW
NASCAR Cup race: Sunday at 1 p.m. on Prime Video
Local events:
San Diegans have a range of options for getting in on the fun of NASCAR weekend in Coronado, including meet and greets with drivers, watch parties and fan zones.
Your guide to fan events during NASCAR San Diego Weekend
More coverage:
CORONADO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Final preparations are underway for NASCAR’s historic race weekend at Naval Base Coronado, where stock cars will compete on an active military installation for the first time in the sport’s history.
Crews, race teams, military personnel, first responders and event staff spent Thursday putting the finishing touches on the temporary road course as thousands of fans prepare to descend on the base for the inaugural event.
“The countdown is on,” as organizers work to transform portions of the installation into a race venue unlike any NASCAR has hosted before.
“It’s a very proud moment for NASCAR and myself and my company for being part of it,” said Jordan Litchko, a NASCAR production partner with ignition production. “It’s the America 250, so what a year to celebrate and be here on the naval base.”
Officials say the event marks the first time a NASCAR national series race has been held on a military base, bringing one of America’s most recognizable motorsports directly onto a working military installation.
Unlike traditional oval tracks, competitors will tackle a temporary road course built specifically for the event.
“It’s a road course race, which adds way more excitement, so it’s going to be ultra challenging,” Litchko said.
Thursday’s preparations included long lines of team members, vendors, staff and emergency personnel picking up credentials and completing security and base access requirements ahead of race weekend.
Meanwhile, drivers and crews got their first close look at the unique layout, which winds through portions of the base and presents a challenge far different from a conventional speedway.
With large crowds expected throughout the weekend, organizers are encouraging fans to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Traffic delays are anticipated around Naval Base Coronado and nearby access points as spectators arrive for the event.
After months of planning and construction, the wait is nearly over.
On Friday, engines will roar to life aboard Naval Base Coronado, marking a milestone moment for NASCAR and creating a new chapter in the sport’s history. By the weekend’s end, fans will witness a race unlike any ever held before — stock cars competing on a military base in the heart of San Diego.
SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The City of San Diego is beginning to install 286 metered parking spaces this week in downtown San Ysidro in an effort to increase parking turnover, it was announced Thursday.
To develop the plan, city leaders worked with the San Ysidro business community. Revenue collected from the meters is reserved for transportation, parking and safety improvements in San Ysidro.
“Feeding parking meters feeds neighborhood repairs, and we can’t wait to get to work for the San Ysidro community,” said Naomi Chavez, interim director of the city’s Transportation Department. “This new parking zone will bring long overdue change that will help support local business activity and generate revenue that will be reinvested directly into improving neighborhood quality of life in San Ysidro.”
Crews began preparing the bases for the meters last week and installation work is expected to last through June. According to the city, these will be multi-space meter kiosks and drivers should be aware that they will need to go to the nearest kiosk to pay for parking since there won’t be a meter at each space.
Metered parking goes into effect on July 1 and will be enforced 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. The parking rate is $2.50 an hour, with a maximum time limit of four hours.
City-led parking studies determined vehicles were parking on the streets of the neighborhood for hours or days at a time, making street parking for the area’s businesses scarce.
Drivers who customarily use free street parking when traveling across the border to Mexico are encouraged to use “one of the many paid off-street parking lots in the area,” a city statement read.
“The findings [of the parking study] clearly demonstrate the need for action. High parking occupancy on unregulated segments, along with data showing that 37% of vehicles exceed the existing two-hour limit and an average parking duration of over five hours, indicate that current conditions reduce turnover and limit access for local businesses and visitors,” wrote Alfredo Ripa, president of the San Ysidro Community Economic Development Corporation. “The proposed introduction of approximately 286 metered spaces, along with better signage, clearer designations and continued enforcement, represents a thoughtful and data-driven approach to improving parking availability and supporting economic activity in the community.”
Areas where the meter kiosks will be installed include:
— East San Ysidro Boulevard between Border Village Road to Camino De La Plaza (both sides);
— Border Village Road between East San Ysidro Boulevard (north) to East San Ysidro Boulevard (south), (both sides);
— Front Street between Border Village Road to end of cul-de-sac (south side);
— Bolton Hall Road between East San Ysidro Boulevard to Border Village Road (south side);
— Louisiana Avenue between East San Ysidro Boulevard to end of cul-de- sac (south side);
— Virginia Avenue between East San Ysidro Boulevard to Border Village Road (both sides); and
— East San Ysidro Boulevard between Willow Road and East Park Avenue (south side).
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