Parades of Lights
It’s a San Diego tradition around this time of year. Boats, kayaks and dinghies are decked out in holiday lights and sailing by the shores for all to enjoy. There are a few around the county, so no matter where you are, there’s probably one nearby.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The oldest of the bunch, the 46th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights takes place over two weekends. So, you can’t make it out this Sunday, there’s also next Sunday. The parade starts around 5 p.m. at Shelter Island and ends at Ferry Landing in Coronado after making a trip around the bay. The best viewing areas are the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Cesar Chavez Park and Coronado.
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Can’t wait until Sunday? Check out the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday. Dozens of vessels take to the water around Mission Bay for the parade, which starts at 6 p.m. from Quivira Basin. The best viewing areas are Crown Point, the east side of Vacation Island and the west side of Fiesta Island.
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
In the North County? Try the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. The parade features an eclectic mix of fishing boats, yachts, kayaks and dinghies sailing around Oceanside Harbor. The parade starts at 7 p.m. Saturday and the best viewing area is along Oceanside Habor near the fishing dock and police station. From this vantage point, you can see the parade twice.
Holiday in the Village
Come out to the heart of downtown La Mesa and watch as it turns into a Victorian holiday village. The Mesa’s Holiday in the Village features fire pits, caroling, and craft vendors to get everyone in a festive mood.
There are also live music and dance, food, and a kids’ area with holiday movies and activities. The free event goes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Village in downtown La Mesa.
Hanukkah Happening
Hanukkah is just around the corner and the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center is hosting its 34th annual Hanukkah Happening at its center in La Jolla.
The event features jumpy jubilee, games, crafts, arcades, kosher and dairy food. There are also chance drawings and theme baskets with great prizes for all ages.
The event goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $2 for members and $3 for non-members. Children ages 2 and under are free.
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
If arts and crafts get you in the holiday mood, then head over the fourth annual Makers Arcade Holiday Fair at the Broadway Pier. The fair features more than 100 local makers. There are also craft cocktails, beer, gourmet food trucks, live music and more.
The event goes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5 person and include free photo booth and make and take crafts.
Christmas in the Park
The annual Poway’s Christmas in the Park this Saturday promises bring Christmas traditions to life in a spectacular fashion. The event at Old Poway Park features Christmas tree lighting, Santa, horse-drawn hay and pony rides, petting zoo and face painting.
There are also speeder rides, model trains and live entertainment.
The event starts at 3:30 p.m. and goes to 8:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony starts at around 5:15 p.m.
Home 4 the Holidays
The holidays are about spending time with families and friends. You can expand your family by adopting a new pet for the holidays. The Helen Woodward Animal Center and Bazaar del Mundo are teaming up to host the annual Home 4 the Holidays adoption event in Old Town.
The event features a canine costume contest with pups decked out in their holiday best, photos with “Santa Paws” and outdoor market full of fun and whimsical pet-related gift ideas.
The event goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town.
Toast of Gaslamp
Just because you’re no longer a child doesn’t mean you cant enjoy the holiday season. So don your best festive attire and round up a few friends for Toast of Gaslamp happening this Saturday.
This self-guided walking tour (though you might not be walking by the end of it) features 20 sips, 20 bites and shopping deals at participating restaurants and shops around the Gaslamp District. There is also an ugly sweater contest.
The event goes from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 the day of the event.