From fun runs to visits with Santa to pirates (yes, pirates!) the holidays are in full swing in the San Diego area. Looking for some fun activities for the whole crew? We’ve got you covered.
Jingle Bell Run Dec. 11
The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get
decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to
cure America’s #1 cause of disability.
6:30-11am / Liberty Station NTC Park https://events.arthritis.org
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights Dec. 11
Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up in holiday
swag and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor,
restaurants and beach. Many of the boats feature people dressed up like
Santa waving to the crowd. One of the best viewing spots is along the side
of the Oceanside Harbor near the fishing dock and police station.
8am-5pm / Oceanside Harbor
760-722-5751 / https://oceansideyc.net
San Diego Santa Run 5K and 1 Mile Race Dec. 11
Come out in your finest (or ugliest) Christmas attire as you take part in
the annual San Diego Santa Run, a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Over
20,000 Santas have participated in previous years but we are preparing to
make this year our LARGEST Santa Run yet!
9am / Garnet Ave. and Bayard St.
Poway's Christmas in the Park Dec. 11
An old-fashioned holiday tradition that will take you back in time with
caroling, live music, a visit with Santa, free children’s crafts, model train
displays, and so much more! Purchase tasty holiday treats, finish your
Christmas shopping at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland
Railroad for a night-time ride around the park.
3:30-8:30pm / Old Poway Park www.poway.org
Star Walk XIV Dec. 12
Learn beginner astronomy concepts, about specific stars, constellations
and simple astronomy facts and principles. Tonight's features: The Winter
Solstice, the Moon, and the Planets; Winter constellations; Geminid and
Ursid Meteor Showers. Recommended Equipment: LED flashlight with red
filter, or red lens cover. Binoculars. Warm clothes. Blanket or ground cloth.
5-6:30pm / Double Peak Park, San Marcos www.san-marcos.net
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Dec. 12 & 19
The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become
one of the most iconic events in the region. The parade will proceed to
the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving
spectators another area to view the parade.
5:30pm / San Diego Bay www.sdparadeoflights.org
Salsa Under the Stars Dec. 17
Dust off those dancing shoes and join Manny Cepeda & Orchestra for a
night of salsa dancing under the stars in the Headquarters courtyard! No
partner or experience necessary.
6-9pm / The Headquarters at Seaport
760-476-1111 / www.theheadquarters.com
Country Christmas Light Parade Dec. 18
Join us on Main Street Julian for a small town celebration of holiday lights
on cars, trucks and any other street legal vehicle you can imagine. The
street will not be closed for this parade. Participants will drive down Main
St with the flow of traffic.
5:30 / Main Street Julian www.visitjulian.com
Dixon Lake 10 Mile and 10K Dec. 18
The race will start in El Cabello Park, and take runners up the mountain
near Stanley Peak and the surrounding area allowing runners a beautiful
360 degree view from the top. Elevation gains will be 900 to 1300' based
on course distance.
7:30-11am / Daley Ranch, Escondido
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon Dec. 18
A fast 13.1 mile course that starts in Rancho Penasquitos and finishes at the
beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach. Starts on Penasquitos Drive then travels
SW along Carmel Mountain Rd (your only ‘real’ hill at mile 1.5), along the 56
bike path and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach. The race
includes a 711-foot net elevation drop along the rolling downhill bike path,
which also makes it a personal best candidate.
5am / Hotel Karlan: 14455 Penasquitos Dr www.sandiegoholidayhalf.com
Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure Dec. 26
This hilarious interactive show puts visitors right in the middle of the pirate
action. Participants will be sworn in as part of the ship crew, trained how to
navigate, sword fight, bail water from a sinking ship, escape from the King’s
Jail, swab the deck and other pirate skills. Performances are 90 minutes.
10:30am-2:15pm / Maritime Museum of San Diego www.sdmaritime.org
SDCCU Holiday Bowl Dec. 28
This signature San Diego event annually showcases a thrilling game
between some of college football’s most competitive conferences, the
ACC and the Pac-12. Fans can enjoy the ultimate pregame party inside
of Petco Park at Gallagher Square. Featuring interactive college football
experiences, craft beers and food trucks, get in on one of San Diego’s
signature sporting events!
5pm / Petco Park www.holidaybowl.com
San Diego International Auto Show Dec. 30-Jan. 2
Features an incredible variety of new vehicles under one roof from top
global manufacturers. Be among the first in the U.S. to see San Diego
debuts of newly unveiled vehicles not yet in showrooms that are expected
to be on display at the show. When not captivated by the cars, show visitors
can participate in exciting, fun new features, family entertainment, and interactive activities.
San Diego Convention Center www.sdautoshow.com
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