November Holiday Events and Winter Camps 2023

table setting

Indulge in extra helpings of family fun! Check out this month’s calendar “stuffed” with an abundance of Thanksgiving and holiday events.

November 2023 Featured Holiday Events

The Super Dentists Candy Buy Back. Turn candy into cash, and receive $1 for each pound of candy. Through Nov. 6. Deliver to any of their six locations. www.thesuperdentists.com/candy-buy-back-2/

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” A wonderful, whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book. Select dates Nov. 8-Dec. 31. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org

Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show. A fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. Select dates Nov.17-Dec. 24. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org

FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut down your own Christmas tree, explore the mini hay maze and more. Open daily beginning Nov. 24, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com

November Events

wednesday | 1

The Super Dentists Candy Buy Back. Turn candy into cash, and receive $1 for each pound of candy. Through Nov. 6. Deliver to any of their six locations. www.thesuperdentists.com/candy-buy-back-2/

FREE Halloween Candy Buy Back. Exchange candy for toys, activities and gift cards, while supplies last. Tours will be offered to attendees. Through Nov. 3, 11 am–6:30 pm. Brain Balance Centers of San Diego, Chula Vista and Encinitas. www.brainbalancecenters.com

FREE Día de los Muertos Celebration. The open-air shopping center will be transformed into a colorful holiday celebration with traditional altar displays, live music, dancing, sugar skull face painting, stilt walkers and more. Nov. 1, 7–10 pm. Terra Nova Plaza, 394 E. H St., Chula Vista.

FREE Día de los Muertos. Traditional altars, live music, family-friendly crafts, face painting and more. Nov. 1, 4–9 pm. The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.artcenter.org

FREE Día de Los Muertos - La Experiencia. Face painters, altars, live music and more. Nov. 1-2, 11 am–9 pm. Old Town. www.fiestadereyes.com/ddlm/

thursday | 2

El Día de los Inocentes. Day of the Children/All Saints Day. Nov. 2, dusk–8 pm. Old Town. www.dayofthedeadsd.com

FREE Día de Los Muertos - La Experiencia. Face painters, altars, live music and more. Nov. 1-2, 11 am–9 pm. Old Town. www.fiestadereyes.com/ddlm

friday | 3

FREE Celebrate Día de Muertos with Mariachi Juvenil. Outdoor concert featuring students from LJMS’s own Community Music Center. Including themed arts & crafts. Nov. 3, 5 pm. The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. www.theconrad.org

Día de los Muertos. Bring together the flavors and sounds of this family-centric Mexican tradition. Through Nov. 5. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworldsandiego.com

Ice Skating at Viejas. Open daily, 3-10 pm. 5003 Willows Rd., Alpine, www.gonctd.com/holidayexpress

Looking to get rid of excess Halloween candy? Find a candy buy-back program near you here.

saturday | 4

FREE Holiday Market & Bake Sale. Thanksgiving and Christmas decor and more. Hosted by Kiwanis Club of Scripps Ranch. Nov. 4, 9:30 am–3 pm. Scripps Ranch Community Center, 11885 Cypress Canyon Rd.

FREE Christmas on the Farm Arts & Crafts Fair. Handmade crafts, pony rides and face painting. Nov. 4-5, 9 am–4:30 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz

Don't forget to preorder your Thanksgiving pies! Check out our list of favorite pie shops in San Diego, here!

sunday | 5

Daylight Saving Time ends

FREE Fall Back Festival Children’s Historical Street Faire. Old-time activities, crafts and games. Nov. 5, 11 am–4 pm. The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, 410 Island Ave. www.gaslampfoundation.org

Ice Skating at Viejas. Open daily, 3-10 pm. 5003 Willows Rd., Alpine, www.gonctd.com/holidayexpress

Makers and Shakers Holiday Small Business Market. Nov. 5, 11 am- 5 pm. Rancho Guejito Vineyard, 17224 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-small-business-market-tickets-745819555367

friday | 10

A Very Furry Christmas. Sesame Place will transform into a festive winter wonderland filled with holiday magic and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends. Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 31. 2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista. www.sesameplace.com

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. Where holiday traditions are made, with delicious food, stunning live shows, delightful shopping and joyous entertainment. Nov. 10-Jan. 7. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworldsandiego.com

Don’t forget to call to confirm dates, times and admission prices.

saturday | 11

Veterans Day

“Coco” Live-to-Film Concert. Nov. 11, 3:30 pm and Nov. 12, 7:30 pm. Starting at $33. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. www.theconrad.org

Santa Meet and Greet. Nov. 11, 10 am-12 pm. Come meet Santa and enjoy some time with your family in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Venue Information: The Well, Grossmont Mall (located next to Famous Footwear.) Tickets are refundable up to 1 week before the event. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to a family in need, identified by HUGS & BAGS (a San Diego-based non-profit). 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #195 La Mesa. www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-meet-and-greet-registration-732085747177

Looking for Veterans Day events? Find an event near you here.

sunday | 12

Don't forget to preorder your Thanksgiving pies! Check out our list of favorite pie shops in San Diego, here!

thursday | 16

Rady Children’s Ice Rink. Kick off holiday festivities and give back to San Diego families dealing with childhood cancer. Open daily Nov. 16- Jan. 7, 10 am–10 pm. $15–$20; includes skate rental and helmets. Central Promenade, ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. www.rchicerink.org

Peltzer Ice Rink. 8,400 square feet of skating space. Nov. 16-Jan. 7; closed holidays. $12–$18; skate & helmet rental, $2–$4. Peltzer Family Cellars, 40275 Calle Contento, Temecula. www.peltzerfarms.com

friday | 17

“Lightscape.” This one-mile walking trail features a California poppy-inspired display, an illuminated laser sky, playful fiber optic flowers and a bespoke floral display. Nov. 17- Jan. 1. 5–8:30 pm. $18–$29; under 3 free. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbg.org

Skating by the Sea. Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado's famous beachfront ice rink featuring stunning views of the Pacific and benefitting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Nov. 17-Jan. 7. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. Tickets: www.hoteldel.com

Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show. A fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. Select dates Nov. 17-Dec. 24. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org

FREE “All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular. Experience the magic as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with festive holiday jazz and snow flurries. Nightly every 30 minutes, 5–9 pm. Nov. 17-Jan. 7. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com

FREE Santee Holiday Lighting Celebration. Santa photos, sledding, face painting and more. Nov. 17, 5:30–8:30 pm; tree lighting, 6:15 pm. Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd. www.cityofsanteeca.gov

Camp Christmas. 20 nights of holiday joy, a colorful dancing water show, holiday photo ops, winter hayrides and train rides. Nov. 17-19, 24-26, then December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 19-23; 5:30–9 pm. $10–$15; 4 & under free. 8668 Pine Creek Rd., Pine Valley. Tickets: www.PineValleyCampChristmas.com

saturday | 18

Pinery Christmas Trees. Open daily (except Thanksgiving); Mon.–Thurs., 10 am–9 pm & Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. 4 locations: 5354 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita; Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 1/2 El Camino Real; Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; 1341 Highland Valley Rd., Rancho Bernardo. www.pinerychristmastrees.com

Teen Fall Fest. Acorny activities, delish autumn treats and more. For grades 6–9. $5. Nov. 18, 5-9 pm. Community Park Community Center, 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway. Registration required: www.poway.org

Holidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday characters, 30-ft. LEGO Christmas tree, falling “snow” and more. Nov. 18-26, Dec. 2–3, 9–10, 16–30 & Jan. 1–7. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

FREE PB Christmas Tree Country. Open daily, Nov. 18-Dec. 25. Mon.–Fri., 10 am–9 pm; Sat. & Sun., 8 am–9 pm. 870 Garnet Ave. www.pbchristmastreecountry.com

Don’t forget to call to confirm dates, times and admission prices.

sunday | 19

The Polar Express. A magical trip to meet Santa with hot chocolate and a cookie served by dancing chefs. Nov. 19–22, 24–26 & 29–30; 11:30 am, 1:30, 4, 6 & 8 pm. $43–$50. Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S. “A” St., Perris. www.socalrailway.org

FREE Encinitas Holiday Street Fair. Enjoy over 450 unique food, arts and crafts vendors plus four entertainment stages, children’s rides and more. Nov. 19, 9 am–5 pm. Downtown Encinitas. www.encinitas101.com

Camp Christmas. See Nov. 17.

FREE “All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular. See Nov. 17.

thursday | 23

Thanksgiving Day

Encinitas Turkey Trot 10K, 5K, Walk/Fun Run. Start and finish the race under the world-famous “ENCINITAS” sign on Coast Highway 101. 10K, 7:30 am; 5K, 8 am. Register: www.encinitasturkeytrot.org

Coronado 5K Turkey Trot. 8 am. $20–$50. Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Dr., Coronado. Register: www.rchacoronadoturkeytrot.com

O’Side Turkey Trot 5 Mile & 5K Run/Walk. Move your feet before you eat. Features live entertainment on the course, costume contests and more. Nov. 23. $32–$62. 330 N. Coast Hwy. Register: www.osideturkeytrot.com

Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K. Help provide life-changing meals to feed hungry neighbors in need. Nov. 23, 7:30 am. $30–$45. Balboa Park. Register: www.thanksgivingrun.org

Thanksgiving Day Brunch Cruise. Enjoy the holiday on the Bay with friends and family. Nov. 23, 11 am–1 pm. $63.92–$79.92; 3 & under free. Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr. www.cityexperiences.com

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Del. Enjoy a lavish feast with live music. Adults, $195; ages 4–10, $100; 3 & under free. Southpointe Ballroom, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. Reservations required: www.hoteldel.com

Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise. Gourmet meal, waterfront views and more. Nov. 23, 1–3 pm. $56.70–$94.50; 3 & under free. Flagship San Diego, 990 N. Harbor Dr. www.flagshipsd.com

FREE Purdy Tree Farms. From tabletop trees to towering 16-ft. tall trees and everything in between, you’ll find the perfect tree for you. Open daily Nov. 23-Dec. 21, 9 am–3 pm. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.delmarfairgrounds.com

friday | 24

Black Friday

FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut down your own Christmas tree, explore the mini hay maze and more. Daily, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com

North Pole Limited. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas music as you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 16, 5 & 7 pm. Starting at $15. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. www.psrm.org

Thanksgiving Turkey Bash. Watch big cats and bears savoring their Thanksgiving feast. Nov. 24-25, 10 am. $35–$60. Lions Tigers & Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org

FREE Craft Fair, Santa’s Coming. One-of-a-kind holiday shopping, live music and more. Through Nov. 26, 9 am–4 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd. www.batesnutfarm.bi5

FREE December Nights at One Paseo. Lights, festive decor and snow. Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 23, 5–7 pm. 3725 Paseo Pl. www.onepaseo.com

Wild Holidays at the Safari Park. Embark on a joyous holiday expedition and travel through places that glow and twinkle with seasonal cheer. Nov. 24–26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-23 & 25-31. Included with park admission. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. www.sdzsafaripark.org

saturday | 25

Small Business Saturday

Pajama Party: “Arthur Christmas.” Nov. 25-26, Angelika Carmel Mountain, 11620 Carmel Mtn. Rd. www.angelikafilmcenter.com

FREE Christmas Market. Crafts, gifts and more. Nov. 25, 12–8 pm. Julian Town Square, 2712 Washington St., Julian. www.visitjulian.com

Holiday Hayride: A Christmas Celebration. Hayride, archery, candle making and more. Nov. 25, 10 am–4 pm. $20–$25. Fort Cross, 4425 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel. www.fortcross.com

FREE Tree Lighting at One Paseo. Lights, Santa and snow. Nov. 25, 5–8 pm; tree lighting 5 pm. 3725 Paseo Pl. www.onepaseo.com

FREE Holiday Lights on Main Street. Family fun, ice skating, holiday music and more. Nov. 25, 2–8 pm; tree lighting, 6 pm. Downtown El Cajon. www.downtownelcajon.com/holiday-lights-on-main

FREE Julian Christmas Tree Lighting. Santa, music and more. 12–7:30 pm; tree lighting at 5:30 pm. Julian Town Square. www.visitjulian.com

sunday | 26

Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show. A fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. Select dates Nov. 17-Dec. 24. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org

Victorian Christmas Teas. Set menu includes finger sandwiches, savories, tea breads, seasonal desserts and more. Through Dec. 23, (closed Wed.) 11:30 am, 1 & 2:30 pm. $15.95–$39.95. Julian Tea & Cottage Arts, 2124 Third St., Julian. Reservations required: www.juliantea.com

Pajama Party: “Arthur Christmas.” Nov. 25-26, Angelika Carmel Mountain, 11620 Carmel Mtn. Rd. www.angelikafilmcenter.com

FREE Craft Fair, Santa’s Coming. One-of-a-kind holiday shopping, live music and more. Through Nov. 26, 9 am–4 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd. www.batesnutfarm.bi5

Camp Christmas. See Nov. 24.

Thanksgiving Break Camps

San Diego Junior Theatre Thanksgiving Camp. Nov. 20-23, 9 am-3 pm. Grades K-6. Elementary students are welcome to join us for fun-filled days rotating through classes in drama, music, dance and a specialty subject (improv, stage combat, design, etc). Whether your child is used to the spotlight or new to the stage, Junior Theatre’s camps have something for everyone. Friends and family will be invited to an Open Sharing on the final day of camp to see a sampling of what students have learned. Kindergarten students must be currently enrolled in a school program and fully potty-trained to participate. Register at www.JuniorTheatre.com.

Fleet Science Center Fall Camps. Looking for something extra fun this fall break? Students in grades 1-3 or 4-6 will enjoy a variety of hands-on and educational activities in our full-day camp. Nov. 20-22, 9 am-4 pm. www.fleetscience.org/events/camps

Thanksgiving Critter Camp. Nov. 20-22. Preschool-Grade 6. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/thanksgiving-break-critter-camp/

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Updated: November 2023

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