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. Spend as little as $5 and as much as $3,500. 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. Flip to p. 13 of our November issue for more info. 

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

More November Holiday Events 2025

saturday  |  1

Oma's End of Season Pumpkin Smash. Bring your old pumpkins or use what’s left at the patch and get ready to launch, toss and squish your way through the day! Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure to pre-purchase your tickets online. 9 am-8pm. 14950 El Monte Rd,. Lakeside. www.instagram.com/p/DQU3XirklUq/?hl=en 

Día de los Muertos at SeaWorld. Enjoy the flavors and sounds of this family centric Mexican tradition. Today & tomorrow. 500 Sea World Dr. Details: www.seaworld.com 

FREE Día de los Muertos Celebration. Live music and dance performances, themed photo ops, kids crafts and more. 3–8 pm. Downtown Chula Vista. www.downtownchulavista.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration

FREE Old Town San Diego Día de los Muertos. 40+ altars, fun activities, candlelit procession and more. Today & tomorrow. Old Town. www.parks.ca.gov/EventDetails/17797  

FREE Day of the Dead Gaslamp. Altars, decorations and more. Today, 11 am–9 pm & tomorrow, 11 am–6 pm. Gaslamp, downtown. www.dayofthedeadsd.com

FREE Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch. Colorful decorations, arts and crafts, photo ops and more. Today & tomorrow, 10 am–3 pm. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln. www.carlsbadca.gov  

Rooftop Cinema Club: “Coco.” 1:30 pm. $11–$17. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Pl. Full schedule: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/san-diego 

Novemberfest. Face painting, photo booth, raffles and more. Proceeds support the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens and the Amigos De Vista Lions Club. For ages 21+. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org/novemberfest/

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park. $34.99. For ages 10+. Balboa Dr. & Juniper Rd. www.hauntedtrail.net

Haunted Corn Maze. 7–10 pm. $25. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, Cannon Rd. & I-15. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com

SeaWorld Spooktacular. Candy, costumes and plenty of spooky surprises. Today & tomorrow. Included with admission. 500 Sea World Dr. www.seaworld.com

Brick-or-Treat Monster Party. Trick-or-treating, character meet & greets with LEGO Monsters and more. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

sunday  |  2

Daylight Saving Time ends

FREE Coronado Holiday Festival. Performances by Coronado school children, Skydiving Santa, a dazzling fireworks show and more. Schedule: www.hoteldel.com 

FREE 25th Annual Fall Back Festival. Fun, educational activities and demonstrations for families. 12–4 pm. Gaslamp Quarter. www.gaslamp.org 

FREE Old Town San Diego Día de los Muertos. 40+ altars, fun activities, candlelit procession and more. Old Town. www.parks.ca.gov/EventDetails/17797  

SeaWorld Spooktacular. Candy, costumes and plenty of spooky surprises. Included with admission. 500 Sea World Dr. www.seaworld.com

FREE Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch. Colorful decorations, arts and crafts, photo ops and more. 10 am–3 pm. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln. www.carlsbadca.gov   

Día de los Muertos at SeaWorld. Enjoy the flavors and sounds of this family centric Mexican tradition. 500 Sea World Dr. Details: www.seaworld.com 

monday  |  3

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

Halloween Candy Buy-Back Event. Bring your unopened candy to any San Diego Brain Balance center and receive a special treat in return. Exchange your candy for toys, activities, gift cards and more. While supplies last. Costumes encouraged! Nov. 3, 11 am-Nov. 7, 7 pm. Brain Balance of Greater San Diego. www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-candy-buy-back-event-tickets-1825858524999

Carmel Valley Orthodontics. Nov. 3-4, 9 am-5 pm. Participants receive $1 per pound of donated candy and a goodie bag. Participants' school will also receive $1 per pound of candy donated. Limit of 10 pounds. 12395 El Camino Real, #309. www.CarmelValleyOrtho.com 

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

thursday  |  6

The Great Halloween Buy Back. Nov. 6, 3-6 pm. Bring your unopened candy and cards for our military troops in exchange for $1 per lb of donated candy (5 lb max), a free toothbrush kit, a Dr. Chan chocolate bar and a chance to spin the prize wheel. All donated candy goes to service members. 12835 Pointe Del Mar Way #3. www.curtischandds.com/about-us/how-dr-chan-gives-back/ 

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

FREE Santa Arrives on the Holiday Express Train. Train rides, crafts and more. 12–3 pm. Village Walk at EastLake, 884 Eastlake Pkwy., Chula Vista. www.shopvillagewalk.com

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

friday  | 7

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

Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink. Nov. 7-Jan. 4.  

saturday  |  8

“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

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

sunday |  9

“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 Christmas on the Farm Craft Fair. Live music, handmade crafts and more. Today & tomorrow, 9 am–4 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd. www.batesnutfarm.biz

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

monday |  10

Veterans Day

FREE Veterans Day Parade. Honoring those who served past and present. 10 am. Harbor Dr., in front of the County Admin Bldg. Details: www.sdvetparade.org

friday | 14

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. Where holiday traditions are made, with delicious food, stunning live shows, delightful holiday shopping and joyous entertainment. Select dates through Jan. 4. 500 Sea World Dr. www.seaworld.com

“Lightscape.” This mile-long, illuminated trail has been reimagined with vibrant new installations from artists from around the world, plus a few returning favorites that continue to dazzle. Through Jan. 4, 5–10 pm. $18–$28; 2 & under free. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbg.org

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

saturday | 15

“Lightscape.” This mile-long, illuminated trail has been reimagined with vibrant new installations from artists from around the world, plus a few returning favorites that continue to dazzle. Through Jan. 4, 5–10 pm. $18–$28; 2 & under free. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbg.org

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

friday  |  21

Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show. Fast, funny and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. Select dates through Dec. 28. Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.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. Daily through Jan 4. 1500 Orange Ave. Tickets: www.hoteldel.com 

FREE Oz Lightshow Spectacular. Experience the magic of the season as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show set to an Oz-inspired soundtrack and a finale of snow flurries. Nightly every 30 minutes, 5–9 pm. Through Jan 4. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com 

FREE Santee Holiday Lighting. Face painting, holiday photo ops and more. 5:30–8:30 pm; tree lighting 6:15 pm. Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd. www.cityofsanteeca.gov 

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. Today & tomorrow, 7:30 pm. Starting at $52. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. www.broadwaysd.com

Camp Christmas. Spectacular water show, hayrides, bounce houses, laser tag and more. Fri.–Sun., through Dec. 23. 5:30–9 pm. $10–$15; 4 & under free. 8668 Pine Creek Rd., Pine Valley. Tickets: www.pinevalleycampchristmas.com 

saturday |  22

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

Holidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 4. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

Holiday Market. 10 am–4 pm. $14–$16. Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park. www.niwa.org

sunday  |  23

FREE Encinitas Holiday Street Fair. 9 am–5 pm. Coast Hwy. 101 from D to J St. www.encinitas101.com

Wobble before you gobble at one of San Diego's festive Turkey Trots! Find our complete list here. 

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. Spend as little as $5 and as much as $3,500. Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Starting Thanksgiving Day, Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town San Diego. Flip to p. 13 of our November issue for more info. 

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

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. Spend as little as $5 and as much as $3,500. Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Starting Thanksgiving Day, Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town San Diego. Flip to p. 13 of our November issue for more info. 

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. 3–8 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

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

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 

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 

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

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.uniortheatre.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

Fleet Science Center.

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet. 

The Hot Spot. 

Little Fish Comic Book Studio.

City Ballet School. 

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Updated: October 2025

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