North County Events from Nov. 25-Dec. 1
Thanksgiving is on the horizon and with it, some specialized coverage for the biggest shopping week of the year. North County Pipeline has teamed up with business associations across North County to showcase Small Business Saturday and “shopping small.”
On Wednesday, North County Pipeline will publish our North County Small Business Saturday guide, so be sure to check it out. Also, I will not be publishing on Tuesday or Friday as I have travel plans for Thanksgiving. Regardless, I wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving!
North County Pipeline is also now on Instagram, so you can follow me there. And as always, if you, or someone you know, would like to promote an event, send an email to ncpipeline760@gmail.com (subject line: The Grapevine) at least two weeks in advance. Please include time, date, address, link and keep it short and sweet!
Here are the latest events for the week of Nov. 25-Dec. 1:
CARLSBAD
Nov. 25
Curtain’s up! Check out New Village Arts’ holiday production of “Miracle on 34th Street, A Live Muscial Radio Play.” Previews are Nov. 22-29 and opening night is Nov. 30, while the show runs through Dec. 24. Get tickets here.
Holiday season! Check out the Holiday’s at Legoland, which runs through Jan. 5. The celebration includes a 30-foot Lego Christmas tree, seasonal shows, “elfies” with Lego characters and Santa. Also, fireworks shows will be on Dec. 1, 7, 8 and Dec. 21-30.
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday! Be sure to check out the Carlsbad Village Association’s annual event and participating businesses.
Etc.
Holiday spirit! Check out The Forum in Carlsbad’s tree lighting from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 6. There will be live music, holiday characters, and a spectacular tree lighting with snowfall.
Fix it! Join the City of Carlsbad from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive, for a special holiday-themed Fixit Clinic and repair event. Bring your broken, non-working items — electronics, appliances, computers, toys, bicycles, clothes and more — for assessment, disassembly and possible repair. Our team will provide workspace, specialty tools and guidance to help you troubleshoot and repair everyday items. Register here.
Tree lighting! Explore Leo Carrillo Ranch lit up with holiday lights, decorations, and a backdrop of classic holiday musical performance from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 7. Watch the holiday tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. on the sand near the pool. Decorate holiday cookies, create crafts, participate in the ‘plush’ snowball fight and enjoy festive entertainment. Face painting, train rides, an outdoor movie and a special visit by Santa are also included. A holiday film will be featured at 6 p.m.
Santa! Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Carlsbad Village Association’s annual festive event featuring a Christmas tree lighting, live music, crafts, singalongs, and more. The event runs from 2-5 p.m. on Dec. 8 at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive.
DEL MAR
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov. 29
Racing is back! Check out the Del Mar Fairgrounds as the Bing Crosby season wraps up this weekend. Get tickets here.
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday! Be sure to check out Visit Del Mar Village’s annual event and participating businesses.
Etc.
Holiday celebration! Check out Coastal Christmas at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from 4-9 p.m. on Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-23 and 26. There will be a holiday light trail, glice skating, photos with Santa, a wine walk, a holiday market, fun zone and much more!
ENCINITAS
Nov. 27
Free concert! Enjoy the music of Courtly Noyse, who perform Renaissance and Medieval holiday music, much of which will be recognizable as the origin of some modern holiday music. The show is from noon-1 p.m. at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr.
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday! Be sure to check out the annual events and participating businesses with Encinitas 101, Leucadia 101 and Cardiff 101 main street associations.
Etc.
Parade! Kick off the holiday season with floats, bands, and decorated cars along Coast Highway at the Encinitas Holiday Parade. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 on Coast Highway and features the parade, a Christmas tree lighting, Santa at the Lumberyard.
ESCONDIDO
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday! Be sure to check out the Downtown Escondido Business Association’s annual event and participating businesses.
Etc.
Holiday kick off! Join the Escondido Chamber of Commerce for its 14th annual Community in Unity event from 5:30-8 p.m. on Dec. 5 at City Hall, 201 N. Broadway. There will be various local restaurants on display, entertainment, a toy and pajama drive and more. Get tickets here.
Winter wonderland! Join the California Center for the Arts, Escondido from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 7-8 for its annual winter wonderland. This free event brings holiday cheer to the community with festive activities for all. Also, check out “The Nutcracker” by the Performing Arts Workshop. The show runs from 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 7-8. Finally, the 35th annual Carols by Candlelight welcomes country music star Rodney Atkins. Tickets range from $32 to $118.
Holiday Festival! Keep up with the holiday spirit from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Escondido Holiday Festival at Grape Day Park. This free festival features cultural entertainment, performers, vendors, and Santa’s Village where kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
OCEANSIDE
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Turkey Trot! Take part in one of the biggest and longest running events at the O’side Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. There are multiple races for all ages and skill levels. The races start at the Oceanside Civic Center and cross through downtown, the harbor and finishes at the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater.
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday! Be sure to check out the Mainstreet Oceanside’s annual event and participating businesses.
Etc.
Holiday music! Check out the Holiday Music Celebration at Mira Costa College. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 and fans will be treated to festive tunes at this special holiday concert. Get tickets here.
Tree lighting! Join the city of Oceanside for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony from 4:30-8 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave. There will be dance groups, craft booths, Santa Claus and much more.
Winter fest! Join the PierClub and Emerald Isle Golf Course for its three-day, family-friendly SnowSide Winter Festival. The event runs from Dec. 6-8 at the course, 660 S. El Camino Real. There will be live music, snow, bounce houses, food, Christmas trees, Santa and more. Tickets are here.
Harbor lights! Come watch the boats at Oceanside Harbor dazzle at the annual Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. The parade runs from 7-9 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the harbor.
SAN MARCOS
Nov. 25
Ho! Ho! Ho! Get your tickets for the city’s annual Breakfast with Santa. The annual event is on Dec. 7, but tickets are on sale. Tickets include a delicious pancake breakfast, entrance into three craft houses and a visit with Santa, who will take photos. Tickets are $10 per participant and is expected to sell out! The event is at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Dr., from 7:30-11 a.m.
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Etc.
City hike! Join the city of San Marcos for a San Elijo Hills West tour and explore the canyons, hills and neighborhoods of westerly San Elijo. Trails to be included are the Canyon, Old Creek Ranch, Copper Creek, Quarry and Morgan Trails. This 4.75-mile route with 785’ of total elevation gain. The hike is from 9 a.m.-noon on Dec. 7 and hikers will meet at San Elijo Hills Park, 1105 Elfin Forest Rd.
Tree lighting! Join the city of San Marcos for its annual Christmas tree lighting celebration from 2-7 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the San Marcos Civic Center. There will be festive crafts, activities, vendors and more.
Holiday market! Check out the Holly Jolly Holiday Market in North City. The market is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 8 and includes holiday gifts, seasonal eats, live music, pet adoptions, Santa and more.
SOLANA BEACH
Nov. 25
Attention music lovers. Check out the famous BellyUp. This week’s lineup consists of Jimi Hendrix celebration (Nov. 26), Queen Nation (Nov. 27), Full Strength (Nov. 29), The Greyboy Allstarts (Nov. 29-30) and Pete Holmes and Patton Oswalt comedy show (Dec. 1).
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Etc.
Tree lighting! Join the city of Solana Beach for its annual Fletcher Cover Holiday Tree Lighting at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. There will be treats, hot cocoa and cider, Santa Claus and much more.
VISTA
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday! Be sure to check out the Downtown Vista’s annual Winterfest event and participating businesses.
Etc.
Mulch! The city of Vista and EDCO are partnering for a free mulch giveaway from Dec. 6-8 from dawn to dusk at the vacant lot at Vale Terrace Drive and Williamston Street. This is a self-serve, self-load, and self-haul event. Residents must use their own containers, gloves, and shovels. If you are hauling mulch in an open truck bed, please bring a tarp. Commercial vehicles are not permitted.
Brrrr! Slide into the holidays at the Wave Waterpark’s Penguin Plunge. The Icy Cold Slide Tower will be open from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 14 for free! Those brave enough to take the slide down to the icy Penguin Plunge will receive one free 2025 Wave admission ticket and a Plunge Certificate. To take the plunge, you must be at least 42" and meet all slide riding requirements. Reserve a ticket.
Holiday show! Join the Moonlight Moonlight Amphitheater from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 6-21 for its annual Jingle Terrace Live. A free event featuring dazzling light shows, live entertainment, and fun activities for the whole family.
Holiday lights! Check out the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum holiday lights show from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 6-7. Enjoy a festive light display in this historical museum setting. Get tickets.
Parade! Join the Vista Chamber of Commerce for its 66th annual Christmas Parade in downtown on Dec. 7. This year’s them is Christmas at the Movies and floats will be decorated as their favorite holiday movie. The parade starts at 1 p.m.
Holiday Fest! Join the Vista Historical Society for its annual holiday fest from noon-4 p.m. on Dec. 8 at 2317 Old Foothill Dr. A community event filled with holiday spirit and festivities includes photos with Santa, music, kids crafts, vendors and much more.
Farmer’s Markets
The Grand Farmers Market runs from 2:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday on Juniper Street between Grand Avenue and Valley Parkway at Heritage Park. The market has a great selection of produce and meats with a variety of vendors.
The open-air San Marcos Farmer’s Market is year-round and is held every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. at 251 N. City Dr. off Twin Oaks Valley Road and across from Cal-State San Marcos.
The State Street Farmer’s Market in Carlsbad is every Wednesday from 2:30-6 p.m. on State Street between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. This lively market features amazing produce, organic eats, locally prepared food, live entertainment and an all-around good vibe.
*Note: The State Street Farmer’s Market spring/summer hours are 2:30-7 p.m. from March 10 through Nov. 3.
The Oceanside Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Sunset Market every Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at the corner of Pier View Way and Coast Highway. The popular market provides a delicious display of local produce, meats, flowers and nursery items!
The Vista Farmer’s Market is the county’s longest running market and is every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine at the San Diego County Courthouse, 345 S. Melrose Dr.
The Cardiff Farmer’s Market at Mira Costa College, 3333 Manchester Ave., runs every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features numerous international food vendors, food and plant vendors plus much more!
The Del Mar Farmer's Market is the second oldest in the region and is every Saturday from noon–4 p.m. on the lower outdoor parking lot at the Del Mar Civic Center, 1050 Camino Del Mar. This certified, non-profit market brings to the community a variety of fresh local produce, seafood, fresh coffee, locally prepared international specialty foods to enjoy on-site or to take home, artisan creations, and live music.
The Leucadia Farmer’s Market is every Sunday (except Easter) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Paul Ecke Central School, 185 Union St. in Encinitas. The market has a great collection of more than 30 certified growers, 10 certified organic and more than 70 total vendors.
The Bonsall Farmer’s Market and Open Air Faire runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday at Bonsall Elementary School, 31555 Old River Rd. The market highlights fresh garden-to-table locally grown fruits, veggies, hormone-free meat, local artisan cheese and much more.
The Solana Beach Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday from noon-4 p.m. (except on Easter, July 4, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) The market features organic farmers with nature's finest produce to skilled artisans crafting one-of-a-kind creations, our vendor lineup is a celebration of local talent and creativity.
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