Indulge in extra helpings of family fun! Check out this month’s calendar “stuffed” with an abundance of Thanksgiving and holiday events.
Featured November Events 2025
Giving Machine. Giving Machines are a unique twist on vending machines. Help others by purchasing essential items like clothing, medicine, food and livestock for charities worldwide. Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Starting Thanksgiving Day, Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town San Diego in front of the Old Town Theater. Visit www.givingmachinesocal.org for more information.
FREE The Super Dentists Candy Buy Back. Bring your candy to any Super Dentists' location from Nov. 3-10 to receive $1 for every pound of candy donated. All candy collected will be enjoyed by Active Duty Service Members. www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1412224083799132&set=a.757562405931973
“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” The Old Globe Theatre is transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. Featuring the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).” Select dates Nov. 8–Dec. 31. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree, enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Daily, starting Nov. 28, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
Marinelli Bros. Circus. Jaw-dropping stunts, soaring aerialists and world-class performers. Nov. 13-Dec. 5. $15–$55; under 2 free. Parkway Plaza, 415 Fletcher Pkwy., El Cajon. www.marinellibroscircus.com
More November Holiday Events 2025
thursday | 27
Thanksgiving Day
Giving Machine. Giving Machines are a unique twist on vending machines. Help others by purchasing essential items like clothing, medicine, food and livestock for charities worldwide. Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Starting Thanksgiving Day, Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town San Diego. Visit www.givingmachinesocal.org for more information.
O’Side Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & Kids Run. Move your feet before you eat. Features live entertainment on the course, costume contests and more. 330 N. Coast Hwy. Register: www.osideturkeytrot.com
Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K. 7:15 am. Balboa Park. Register: www.thanksgivingrun.org
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 Turkey Trot. 8 am. Proceeds benefit the Pediatric Ophthalmology Department at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego. Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Dr. Register: www.rchacoronadoturkeytrot.com
2nd Annual North County Turkey Trot. Nov. 27, 7:30 (5K) and 8:45 am (1K Kids Fun Run). 4S Ranch Sports Park, 16118 4S Ranch Pkwy. www.northcountyturkeytrot.org
Thanksgiving Lunch Cruise. Gourmet meal, waterfront views and more. 1–3 pm. Flagship San Diego, 990 N. Harbor Dr. Tickets: www.flagshipsd.com
Thanksgiving Day Cruise. Family-friendly cruise with balloon art, face painting and more. 2, 3:15 & 4:30 pm. 998 W Mission Bay Dr. Tickets: www.bahiahotel.com
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Del. Enjoy a lavish feast with live music. 12:30–7 pm. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. Reservations required: www.hoteldel.com
Thanksgiving Buffet Feast. 12–6 pm. 998 W Mission Bay Dr. Details: www.bahiahotel.com
friday | 28
Black Friday
Oasis Camel Dairy Turkey Palooza. Nov. 28, 12-2 pm. Celebrate the season with a Wild West Turkey Stampede at Oasis Camel Dairy. Show inclused performing parrots, Camelot the Camel and Turkey Races. Animal treat feeding included with admission. 26757 Hwy. 78 Ramona. www.visitjulian.com/julian-events/#organizers=677951340
Giving Machine. Giving Machines are a unique twist on vending machines. Help others by purchasing essential items like clothing, medicine, food and livestock for charities worldwide. Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Starting Thanksgiving Day, Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town San Diego. Visit www.givingmachinesocal.org for more information.
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree, enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Daily, starting Nov. 28, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
Jingle Jets. The Midway will be transformed into a festive holiday wonderland on the sea. Select nights, through Dec. 30, 5:30–9 pm. $20–$30; 3 & under free. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org
North Pole Limited. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas music as you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Through Dec. 21. Fri.–Sat., 5 & 7 pm; Sun., 3 & 5 pm. Starting at $15. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. www.psrm.org
Turkey Bash at Lions Tigers & Bears. Witness rescued big cats and bears savoring their Thanksgiving Feast. Today & tomorrow, 10 am. 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. Tickets: www.lionstigersandbears.org
FREE Santa’s Coming! Craft Fair. One-of-a-kind holiday shopping, live music and more. Today & tomorrow, 9 am–4 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd. www.batesnutfarm.biz
“A Christmas Carol.” A reimagined production of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. Through Dec. 28. Starting at $44. The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Rd. www.cygnettheatre.org
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, 1286 Camino Del Rio N.; 13421 Highland Valley Rd., Rancho Bernardo. www.pinerychristmastrees.com
saturday | 29
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree, enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Daily, starting Nov. 28, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
Holiday Movies on the Beach. Tonight & Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 & 31. $25.75. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com
FREE Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon. Santa, trackless train rides and more. 4–8 pm. Prescott Promenade. www.downtownelcajon.com/hlm
FREE Country Christmas Tree Lighting Craft Market. Santa, music and more. 12–6 pm; tree lighting at 6 pm. Julian Town Square. www.visitjulian.com
Holiday Hayride: A Christmas Celebration. Hayride, ornament making, candle making and more. 10 am–4 pm. $20–$25. Fort Cross, 4425 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel. www.fortcross.com
Oasis Camel Dairy Turkey Palooza. Nov. 28, 12-2 pm. Celebrate the season with a Wild West Turkey Stampede at Oasis Camel Dairy. Show inclused performing parrots, Camelot the Camel and Turkey Races. Animal treat feeding included with admission. 26757 Hwy. 78 Ramona. www.visitjulian.com/julian-events/#organizers=677951340
Jingle Jets. The Midway will be transformed into a festive holiday wonderland on the sea. Select nights, through Dec. 30, 5:30–9 pm. $20–$30; 3 & under free. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org
North Pole Limited. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas music as you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Through Dec. 21. Fri.–Sat., 5 & 7 pm; Sun., 3 & 5 pm. Starting at $15. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. www.psrm.org
Giving Machine. Giving Machines are a unique twist on vending machines. Help others by purchasing essential items like clothing, medicine, food and livestock for charities worldwide. Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Starting Thanksgiving Day, Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town San Diego in front of the Old Town Theater. Visit www.givingmachinesocal.org for more information.
Marinelli Bros. Circus. Jaw-dropping stunts, soaring aerialists and world-class performers. Nov. 13-Dec. 5. $15–$55; under 2 free. Parkway Plaza, 415 Fletcher Pkwy., El Cajon. www.marinellibroscircus.com
sunday | 30
FREE East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market. Festive evening of fun activities, Santa and more. 4–8 pm; tree lighting 6:45 pm. Quartyard & 13th Street. www.eastvillagesandiego.com
Holiday Farm Tour Adventure. Embark on a 2.5 hour guided adventure with petting zoo, reptile show, archery, tomahawk throwing, slingshot range, and a hayride with caroling! $28 for ages 4 and up. Prepaid registration required. Check-in 15 min. before reservation. 10 am-12:30 pm. Fort Cross, 4425 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel. www.visitjulian.com/to-see-do/special-events/country-christmas
The Nutcracker by International Ballet Stars. All-new, hand-painted sets and over 200 exquisite costumes. 2–4 pm. $54–$114. California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.artcenter.org
FREE Dazzling Holiday Light Show & Snowfall. Features falling snow, choreographed music and dancing lights. Kids receive free magic glasses for viewing. Every Fri.–Sun. thru Dec. 21, 6 & 7 pm. Village Walk at EastLake, 884 Eastlake Pkwy., Chula Vista. www.shopvillagewalk.com
Jingle Jets. The Midway will be transformed into a festive holiday wonderland on the sea. Select nights, through Dec. 30, 5:30–9 pm. $20–$30; 3 & under free. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org
Oasis Camel Dairy Turkey Palooza. Nov. 28, 12-2 pm. Celebrate the season with a Wild West Turkey Stampede at Oasis Camel Dairy. Show inclused performing parrots, Camelot the Camel and Turkey Races. Animal treat feeding included with admission. 26757 Hwy. 78 Ramona. www.visitjulian.com/julian-events/#organizers=677951340
North Pole Limited. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas music as you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Through Dec. 21. Fri.–Sat., 5 & 7 pm; Sun., 3 & 5 pm. Starting at $15. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. www.psrm.org
“A Christmas Carol.” A reimagined production of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. Through Dec. 28. Starting at $44. The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Rd. www.cygnettheatre.org
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, 1286 Camino Del Rio N.; 13421 Highland Valley Rd., Rancho Bernardo. www.pinerychristmastrees.com
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree, enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Daily, starting Nov. 28, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
Giving Machine. Giving Machines are a unique twist on vending machines. Help others by purchasing essential items like clothing, medicine, food and livestock for charities worldwide. Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Starting Thanksgiving Day, Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town San Diego in front of the Old Town Theater. Visit www.givingmachinesocal.org for more information.
Thanksgiving Break Camps
San Diego Junior Theatre. Balboa Park Thanksgiving Break Camp. Campers may be dropped off as early as 8:15 am. We also provide an optional aftercare program from 3-5 pm for an additional $20 per day. Kindergarten-Grade 6. Nov. 24-26, 9 am-3 pm. 1650 El Prado #208, Casa Del Prado, Balboa Park www.juniortheatre.com/classes/programs
Thanksgiving Critter Camp. Campers explore animal connections, the importance of appreciating all creatures, and how seasonal changes impact critter diets and behaviors. Daily sign-ups available. Nov. 24-26. Pre-K through Grade 6. 6461 El Apajo Rd., Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education
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Updated: November 2025
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