San Diego is the second most visited locale for Thanksgiving in Southern California. Here are all things that are happening this weekend.
Skating by the Sea
San Diego’s only skating rink by the beach returns on Thanksgiving Day. The 14th annual Skating by the Sea opens at the Hotel del Coronado Nov. 22 through Jan. 1. The rink has a stunning view of the beach with the Hotel Del’s iconic Victorian Building as a backdrop. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation in San Diego. Skating is $30 per person and ice skate rentals are included.
Turkey Trots, Thanksgiving Day Races
Work up an appetite before the big turkey feast by participating in one of the many turkey trots or Thanksgiving Day races around the county and help several good causes at the same time.
Father Joe’s Village Thanksgiving Day 5K
More than 7,500 runners are expected to take part in the annual Father Joe’s Village Thanksgiving Day 5K on Thursday. The proceeds will go toward Father Joe’s food programs. A post-run festival follows the race at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion, which includes a kid’s zone, costume contest, live music, vendors and a beer garden. Registration ranges from $40 to $50.
Encinitas Turkey Trot & Food Drive
Run along the scenic Coast Highway in Encinitas and support the Encinitas Community Resource Center and the “Thanksgiving Meals in a Basket” program, which provide meals for active-duty families. Registration ranges from $48 to $58. The race includes a costume contest.
San Diego South Bay Turkey Trot & Food Drive
There are three stretches runner can choose from in the South Bay Turkey Trot & Food Drive — a 5K, 10K or 15K. The 15K starts at 8 a.m., with the 10K and 5K starting at 8:05 and 8:10 a.m. Thursday, respectively, at Rohr Park in Bonita. Registration ranges from $52 to $72 for adults and $46 to $66 for children 17 and under.
O’Side Turkey Trot
This event is for the entire family, from a 10K to 5K to a 1-mile course for children 7 to 12 years of age or runners over 65 years old. There is quarter-mile “Tiny Turkey Trot” to young’uns 6 and under. It features a costume contest, competitions and live entertainment. Registration for the O’side Turkey Trot ranges from $30 to $55.
Surfin’ Santa Arrival
With Thanksgiving here, it only means that St. Nick is just around the corner. Santa will arrive in San Diego style with the 13 annual Surfin’ Santa’s Arrival at Seaport Village on Saturday.
He will ditch his traditional winter garb for board shorts and a Hawaiian shirt and will arrive in San Diego in a watercraft. Each year, St. Nick arrives in a different vessel. He’s made his grand entrance in the past using a jetpack, jet ski and a pirate ship. How will Santa arrive this year?
Santa will arrive at 1 p.m. at Seaport Village and stay until 5 p.m.. The event is free and includes a parade down the boardwalk with live music and street performances. Children can take photos with Santa on his surfboard and six-foot wave.
Country Christmas Tree Lighting in Julian
It’s gonna be warm this Thanksgiving weekend, so if you crave some winter chills and old-fashioned holiday season, then head to the town of Julian.
San Diego Jazz Fest and Swing Extravaganza
Hankering for some ragtime or rockability? The San Diego Jazz Festival has you covered.
The festival features a variety of jazz music, including traditional, swing, boogie-woogie, ragtDixielandeland, gospel, and rockabilly.
The festival goes from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to Midnight Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $20 to $125 and there are multi-day passes available.
