san diego events

2019 HOLIDAY EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO

December 2, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

The holidays are here! Looking for something fun to do? Check out some of these great holiday events happening throughout San Diego County!

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

When: Nov 10th – Dec 29th

Where: The Old Globe

1363 Old Globe Way

San Diego, CA 92101-1696

About: Catch a holiday show at the Old Globe Theatre! This whimsical musical is based on the classic Dr. Seuss book. This is the 22^nd year it’s being performed, and in addition to a wonderful performance, the Old Globe Theatre is also being decorated to be transformed into snow-covered Whoville!

Click here to Buy Tickets

Holidays at One Paseo

When: November 30^th– December 22^nd

Where: One Paseo

3725 Paseo Place

San Diego, CA 92130

About: Enjoy live music performances, visits from Santa, and festive photo opportunities while snow cascades from the rooftops at One Paseo! Salt & Straw is even providing complimentary s’mores by the Firepit every Saturday!

Click Here to Learn More

Hullaballoo for The Holidays

When: Dec 5^th, 12^th, and 19^th

Where: Del Mar Highlands Town Center

12925 El Camino Real Suite J-28

San Diego, CA 92130

About: This is a great event to get your kids into the Holiday spirit! This free event includes a fun sing-along and special visits from Santa too! Be sure to check Santa’s scheduled appearances.

Click Here to Learn More

December Nights at Balboa Park

When: Dec 6th – 7th

Where: Balboa Park

House of Hospitality

San Diego, CA 92101

About: Start the holiday season with December Nights at Balboa Park! This free holiday festival is in its 42nd year and still going strong! Come with friends and family to enjoy the festive lighting, delicious cuisine, and holiday cheer. Additionally, all Balboa Park museums are free from 5-9 PM!

Click Here to Learn More

Little Italy’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: Dec 7th 4:00 PM – 8:00 PMitt

Where: Little Italy

India St & W Fir St

San Diego, CA 92101

About: Head downtown for the 21^st Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village! Check out the unique Christmas tree made of over 1000 Poinsettias and meet Sant Claus at Santa’s Living Room on India Street. Additionally, there will be vendors selling holiday goodies and stocking stuffers!

Click Here to Learn More

Encinitas Holiday Parade

When: December 7^th 5:00 PM- 7:30 PM

Where: Downtown Encinitas

Coast Hwy 101

About: Head to downtown Encinitas on December 7^th for the Annual Encinitas Holiday Parade! This family-friendly event will host thousands of people on floats rolling down Coast Highway 101. Come cheer them on and celebrate the season!

Click Here to Learn More

Santa by the Sea

When: December 8^th 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM

Where: Del Mar Village

NW Corner of Camino Del Mar & 15^th Street

About: Come say “Hi” to Santa at the Del Mar Village! Holiday treats, refreshments, and crafts for the kids will be available all afternoon. Plus, stick around for the annual Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:00 PM.

Click Here to Learn More

56th Annual North Park Toyland Parade & Festival

When: Dec 8, 2019 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92104

About: Get into the holiday spirit at the Annual North Park Toyland Parade! With vintage cars, marching bands, dance groups, beauty queens, city officials, and—of course—Santa Claus, this parade has something for everybody! Come by at 11AM to enjoy the parade in all of its glory.

Click Here to Learn More

Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

When: December 8th & 15th, 2019 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Port of San Diego

3165 Pacific Highway

San Diego, CA 92101

About: Check out the 47^th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. The parade proceeds from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and the Ferry Landing in Coronado. This year’s theme is Comic-Con on the Bay, which is sure to delight kids and parents alike!

Click Here to Learn More

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

When: Dec 14th 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Oceanside Harbor

Oceanside, CA 92054

About: Check out this annual Oceanside parade! Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks, and dinghies will all be dressed up in holiday swag for the parade of lights. There will even be boats featuring people dressed as Santa! Tip: hang out near the fishing dock and police station for a chance to see the parade twice!

Click Here to Learn More

Nutcracker Holiday Tea

When: December 22^ndand 23^rd

Where: Fairmont Grand Del Mar

5300 Grand Del Mar Ct., San Diego, CA 92130

About: Enjoy a Nutcracker Holiday Tea this season! The Scripps Performing Arts Academy will perform Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Your ticket also comes with scrumptious tea sandwiches and French pastries to enjoy!

Buy Your Tickets Here

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting 2019

When: December 29^th 4:00 PM- 7:00 PM

Where: Flowerhill Promenade Del Mar

2720 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014

About: Come celebrate Hanukkah at Flowerhill Promenade! Sing along while Rabbi Earne lights a beautiful ten foot tall Menorah. The menorah lighting will take place at 5:30 PM.

Click Here to Learn More

What holiday activities are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below!

Fall Events in North County San Diego

September 16, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

San Diego sunshine means that outdoor activities continue well into the fall! From music festivals to beer gardens, there’s always plenty to do in San Diego. And, with such great year-round weather, there’s no better way to enjoy a fall weekend than to visit one of the many events being hosted around the city. Here are some of my favorite events in North County.

Birch Aquarium’s Green Flash Concert Series

When: Sept 18th

Where: Birch Aquarium, La Jolla

About: Held at the Tide Pool Plaza at the Birch Aquarium, this concert lets you enjoy live music with ocean views. Only in San Diego! Learn more here.

MCAS Miramar Air Show

When: Sept 27th- 29th

Where: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Miramar

About: The Miramar Air Show is a must attend, whether you’re a fan of planes or not! With performances by the US Navy Blue Angles and US Army Golden Knights, this Air Show is a breathless feat of precision and accuracy. Buy tickets on their website here.

Encinitas Oktoberfest

When: Sept 29th

Where: Mountain Vista Drive and El Camino Real, Encinitas

About: Their 24^th year running, the Encinitas Oktoberfest is a great way to kick off the fall. With a traditional German band and dancers demonstrating authentic dances from the German/Alpine ethnic area, there’s plenty to do and enjoy even if you don’t like beer. Learn more here.

Carlsbad Oktoberfest

When: Oct 5th

Where: Holiday Park, Carlsbad

About: The longest-running Oktoberfest in North County, Carlsbad Oktoberfest has been around since 1982. Register early to get free admission when you purchase your meal in advance. You can check out more information about the event here or buy tickets directly on Eventbrite.

Carmel Valley 5K Trail, 10K and 15K

When: Oct 12th

Where: Torrey Highlands Park, San Diego

About: Strap on your running shoes for San Diego’s popular fall trail race! No matter which distance you choose, you’ll get to run through Gonzales Canyon Open Space and Torrey Highlands Community Park. Register online here.

La Jolla Art & Wine Fest

When: Oct 12th & 13th

Where: Girard Avenue, La Jolla

About: With art, wine and music, what better way to spend a weekend than at the La Jolla Art & Wine Fest? Just don’t forget your ID! You can check out the attractions and buy your tasting ticket online here.

Client Appreciation Party & Fall Festival

When: Oct 19th

Where: Ashley Falls Park in Carmel Valley

Please join us as we appreciate our clients and our community on Saturday, October 19th from 1- 4 pm at Ashley Falls Park in Carmel Valley. We will have food and drinks, games, a bounce house for the kids, and pumpkins to take home! Please let me know if you can make it!

Fall Plant Sale

When: Oct 19th, 20th, 21st

Where: San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas

About: Start your garden with some native Californian plants! The San Diego Botanic Garden has a Fall Plant sale every year. Entrance to the sale is included with paid admission to the botanic garden or membership to the SDBG. Bring a wagon to haul your plants home! Learn more here.

Salt Dog Classic Beach Classic

When: Oct 20th

Where: Encinitas Community Park, Encinitas

About: With a line-up of musicians, artists, and local businesses, the Salt Dog Classic is a great way to relax and enjoy the autumn. Interested in a day of fun for a good cause? All proceeds go to Rancho Coastal Humane Society! Buy tickets here.

San Diego Beer Week

When: Nov 1st- 10th

Where: All Over San Diego

About: San Diego is known for its craft beers, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than during San Diego Beer Week. Held on the first week of November, check out the participating breweries to enjoy some of the best beers SD has to offer. If you just want to make a day of it, try the SD Beer Guild Fest in at Embarcadero Marina Park North on November 2^nd or the Beer Garden at the Arroyo Terrace of the Lodge at Torrey Pines on the 10^th.

These are some of my favorite events to attend in the fall in San Diego! What events are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments down below!

Fourth of July in San Diego 2019

July 1, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

On July 4^th, we’ll celebrate the 243^rdbirthday of the United States of America. And in San Diego County, we certainly have no shortage of celebrations to attend! From neighborhood block parties to parades to spectacular nighttime fireworks displays, it can be hard to know which events are worth your time and which ones you should skip. As a long-time resident of North County San Diego, my family and I have attended quite a few of San Diego’s annual events over the years. So I’ve put together this list of some of the best San Diego 4^thof July events to attend with your family!

San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Enjoy the largest fireworks show in San Diego County! Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously around the Bay off of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South, and the Coronado Ferry Landing. This spectacular show will not disappoint! You can view the show from all over Central San Diego County- including around Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, Downtown San Diego, Coronado Island, and so much more! Make sure you arrive early to find parking and secure your spot.

Fireworks Over La Jolla Cove

For more than twenty-five years, people have flocked to the coastline around La Jolla to enjoy the annual 4^thof July fireworks show over the cove. The half-hour show begins promptly at 9pm. Parking in La Jolla is always difficult so allow plenty of time to find parking and get a spot. The best spots for viewing the fireworks are Ellen Browning Scripps Park, Coast Walk, and La Jolla Shores beach.

Fourth of July Sunset BBQ & Fireworks

Spend your holiday with a sunset BBQ at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar! The celebration is accompanied by live music from The John Stanley Band and a grand fireworks show on the lush Aria Lawns at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. This is a ticketed event so be sure to get your tickets in advance! Click here for more information.

San Diego County Fair 4^thof July Celebration

Are fireworks your favorite part of the Fourth of July? Then head to the San Diego County Fair for a day full of fun topped off by an evening of fireworks! The nighttime show includes 3,600 aerial display counts, with 500 shells in the Grand Finale alone! This spectacular show starts at 9 pm – don’t miss out! Click here to get your tickets for the fair.

Rancho Santa Fe Annual 4^thof July Parade & Picnic

Pack a few blankets and chairs for Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4^th of July Parade and Picnic! The celebration will host live music, food, fun, and more! For more information about the event, click here.

Red, White and BOOM

Legoland California kicks off the summer with a Fourth of July celebration for the whole family! During the day enjoy picnic games, live performances, and opportunities for kids to meet their favorite Legoland friends and characters! The celebration lasts from 1- 9 pm, with fireworks beginning at 8:30 pm. Be sure to get your tickets in advance! Click here to buy.

Oceanside Independence Day Parade

Head to Oceanside on June 29^th for the 25^th Annual Oceanside Independence Parade! The Parade is made possible by the assistance of over 100 volunteers in the Oceanside community. The Parade marches up the Coast Highway from Wisconsin Street to the Civic Center with viewing available from the sidewalks. The parade begins at 10am. Click here for more information about the Parade.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate the 4^thof July in San Diego? Leave me a comment below!

11 Fun Holiday Events Happening in San Diego

November 27, 2017 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

There’s always something to do in San Diego and the holidays are no exception! Here are eleven of the most exciting events happening across the county this year:

Global Winter Wonderland

November 19^th-January 7^th

SDCCU Stadium (Formerly Qualcomm Stadium)

Global Winter Wonderland arrives in San Diego for the first time this holiday season! Featuring a lighted display with over 50 scenes from around the world, this is one-of-a-kind event also offers entertainment in the form of acrobatic performances, music, rides and games, food, and a holiday market. Kids can also write a letter to Santa and get their picture taken! Learn more about the Global Winter Wonderland here.

Coronado Skating By the Sea

November 23^rd-January 1^st

Hotel Del Coronado

A uniquely San Diego event, go ice skating in the shadow of the famous Hotel Del Coronado while feeling the sea breeze and smelling the salt air. Open from Thanksgiving through New Years, Skating By The Sea is $30 per person and includes skate rental. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will go to Make-A-Wish San Diego. For ice rink hours, click here.

December Nights

December 1^st-2^nd

Balboa Park

It’s safe to say that Balboa Park’s December Nights is one of San Diego’s favorite holiday events! Thousands turn out every year to kick off the holiday season in the park. With two days of incredible entertainment, food, shopping, music, and fun, if you go to one event this holiday season, let this be it! You can find out more about Balboa Park’s December Nights on their website.

Encinitas Holiday Parade

December 2^nd

Downtown Encinitas

One of North County’s best-loved traditions, the Encinitas Holiday Parade will take place on December 2^nd from 5-7:30pm. Enjoy festive floats and music as the parade rolls down Coast Highway 101. The parade officially gets started at 5:30, with a tree lighting ceremony at the lumberyard taking place at 5pm. Rumor has it that Santa will be there!

Holiday Celebration at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center

December 6^th

Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Celebrate the holidays in Carmel Valley! The Del Mar Highlands’ event includes falling “snow”, a laser light show, a caroling quartet, photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, performances from the local schools, and more. The event starts at 5pm on December 6^th.

Atomic Groove’s Twilight Xmas Show

December 7^th

The Belly-Up

Local favorite, Atomic Groove, will be at The Belly-Up on Thursday December 7^th for a fun holiday show. They’ll be playing all of your favorite dance floor grooves with a holiday twist, so put on your dancing shoes for a night of fun! Each person receives a free raffle ticket to win some great prizes, but if you’d like to double your chances with an extra ticket, bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys For Tots. Tickets are available here.

Jungle Bells

December 8^th-January 1^st

San Diego Zoo

Celebrate the holidays at the San Diego Zoo! After dark, the zoo is transformed into a twinkling, winter wonderland with festive food, light sculptures, music, and entertainment. Meet Santa, learn more about the residents of the zoo during animal encounters, participate in the Reindeer Games, and listen to a zoo version of the classic poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Jungle Bells activities are included with your zoo admission ticket (unless noted). For more details about the event, visit the San Diego Zoo’s website.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

December 10^th & 17^th

San Diego Bay

Over eighty decorated boats will sail San Diego Bay on the evenings of December 10^th and 17^th. There are multiple viewing opportunities along the parade route, which stretches from Shelter Island to Seaport Village and over to the Coronado Ferry Landing. For more information on the best viewing locations and approximate timing of the parade, click here.

Menorah Lighting at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center

December 17^th

Del Mar Highlands Town Center in Carmel Valley

Kick off Hanukkah by attending the Menorah Lighting at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, hosted by Congregation Beth Am! The event starts at 6pm and refreshments will be available.

Nutcracker Holiday Tea

December 23^rd

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Now in its ninth year, The Grand Del Mar’s Nutcracker Holiday Tea is one event you won’t want to miss. The Scripps Performing Arts Academy will perform an abridged version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Nutcracker”, while you enjoy tea, sandwiches, and French pastries. $10 of each ticket sold will go to Isabella’s Giraffe Club, a non-profit organization that supports parents with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. You can find more information about the Nutcracker Holiday Tea, including ticket pricing, on the Grand’s website.

New Years Eve Yacht Party

December 31^st

San Diego Bay

Ring in the New Year in style aboard a yacht on San Diego Bay! Enjoy an open bar, three levels of music and dancing, and panoramic views of San Diego Harbor as you wait for the midnight countdown! Tickets are available here.