Coastal Christmas Del MarRunning from Dec. 12 to Dec. 26, Coastal Christmas offers a dazzling winter experience featuring millions of glowing lights, a holiday wine walk, glice skating, holiday market, a kids play zone, and more. Coastal Christmas will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Dec. 12-14, 18-23, and 26. The hours of operation are 4 p.m. — 9 p.m. For more information on events, promotional nights and more, visit www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com/
Zen Modern Asian Bistro hosting Thanksgiving food driveZen Modern Asian Bistro, Del Mar Highlands Sky Deck’s newest restaurant, is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive with Feeding San Diego through Nov. 23. For every non-perishable food item guests bring in, they’ll receive $1 off their total bill. For example, bringing in 30 items would earn you $30 off your check. Discounts must be redeemed the same day the donations are brought in. Zen will match every donation brought in, doubling the impact for families in need. Guests are encouraged to bring in non-perishable Thanksgiving staples such as canned cranberries or yams, boxed stuffing or mashed potatoes, cooking oils and spices. Zen is located at 12925 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley.
Friends of Solana Beach Library Saturday library opening and craft eventFriends of Solana Beach Library will hold a Saturday opening on Nov. 15, with exciting programming. The Solana Beach Library will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and the Friends of Solana Beach will be offering a free Pumpkin Succulent craft event from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Enjoy live music while creating your own succulent pumpkin masterpiece. The event will be held outside, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Pumpkins and succulents provided while supplies last. The Friends of Solana Beach bookstore will also be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Solana Beach Library is located at 157 Stevens Ave., Solana Beach.
Fleet Feet’s 8th annual Thanksgiving 5K and Fun Run
Fleet Feet in the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch will host its eighth annual free Thanksgiving 5K and Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 27. The informal 5k starts at 8 a.m. with a 3.1 mile route that starts and end at the store. There will be a marked turnaround for a 1 mile option as well. In the “fun run” format, the route will be marked, but roads will not be closed. All runners, walkers and participants will be required to follow all pedestrian traffic laws for safety. Strollers and pets are welcome to join.
The event is free but Fleet Feet is are asking for donations of canned food for the San Diego Food Bank to benefit those in need. Register at fleetfeet.com. The first 175 registrants will receive a limited edition 2025 Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day 5k t-shirt.
This year Fleet Feet will again support employee Kevin Hopp, who over Thanksgiving week will be running 350 miles to raise funds for Molly’s Angels Foundation and to support Monarch Schools and Vista Hill, which provides crucial mental health, education, and social services. Join Hopp and his friends on his journey and help them reach their goal to make a lasting impact. Support his week of fundraising by joining the RunGiving Strava group at strava.com/clubs/rungiving where each mile run earns $1 donated with a goal of reaching $50,000! Donations can also be made directly through HoppCan’tStopp.com.
Old Globe: “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”: The Old Globe presents its 28th annual production of this musical adaptation of the holiday children’s book. Andrew Polec has returned for his fifth year in the role of the Grinch. Now playing through Dec. 31. Show times vary. Shiley Stage, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $34 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Senior improv group to perform at Del Mar Town HallDel Mar Community Connections will present a special performance from The Free Spirits improv comedy group to be held on Friday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Del Mar Town Hall (1050 Camino Del Mar). Those interested in joining for the unscripted, unpredictable, and unforgettable free show can learn more and register at www.dmcc.cc/calendar or call the DMCC office at (858) 792-7565.
Red Nose Run returns on Dec. 13The Red Nose Run will hit the beach in Del Mar on Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon, presented by the Del Mar Foundation. Since 1992, The Red Nose Run has been 100% volunteer-organized by a local group of runners and walkers of various ages and running abilities. The fun and festive event benefits Semper Fi and American Fund and the San Dieguito River Park. Course distances are 3K and 5K and registration includes food by Poseidon, cold beer from Viewpoint Brewing, ice cream for everyone by Saffron & Rose and live music from Dos Echos. To register visit therednoserun.com
Uncorked Wine FestivalBing Crosby Season continues with racing, wine and classic seaside fun at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.One of the many events is the Uncorked Wine Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15. Sip and swirl from more than 100 wines and bubblies from around the globe, enjoy delicious bites from top local food trucks, and take in live music all while watching the races trackside from the Stretch Run. This 21+ event offers multiple ticket options, including Early Admission ($95) with exclusive entry and wine tasting from 12-4 p.m., General Admission ($79) with entry and wine tasting from 1-4 p.m. and more.For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.dmtc.com. You can follow Del Mar on Instagram and Twitter at @delmarracing or on Facebook @DelMarRaces.
Encinitas Turkey TrotOver 6,000 runners are expected to participate in the Encinitas Turkey Trot, a treasured local Thanksgiving morning tradition. The Thursday Nov. 27 event features both a 5K and 10K races run along the scenic Highway 101 and a Kid’s K race for the youngest runners. Racing begins at 7:30 a.m. with the 10K, followed by the Kids K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. As always, costumes are encouraged and awards are given to the best individual and group costumes.Proceeds from the race benefit VANC, a nonprofit that helps military veterans and their families navigate life during and after service, with a goal of reducing PTSD and veteran suicide. Encinitas Turkey Trot will additionally be providing a grant to Boy Scouts of America Encinitas Troop 776. Participants will receive a medal and t-shirt. Register at https://encinitasturkeytrot.org/
41st Annual Encinitas Holiday Street FairThe 41st Annual Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, presented by Stretch*d, returns to downtown Encinitas on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coast Hwy 101 will be closed from D Street to J Street, from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m., to make room for more than 450 vendors, plus a Beer Garden, three stages featuring live music, a bike valet and kids’ rides, along this award-winning main street.Due to popularity, the Beer Garden hours have been extended from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The beer garden is family and pet friendly, and will feature the event’s main entertainment stage. The beer garden will offer a wide range of libations including local breweries, hard tea, hard honey, kombucha, and wine, according to a news release. Several bands will rock the Beer Garden Stage, The Lumberyard Courtyard Stage, and The Hansen’s Community Stage. For more information, including the full entertainment line-up, visit www.encinitas101.com
18th Annual Cardiff Kringle MingleThe 18th Annual Cardiff Kringle Mingle will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (photos with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) on Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Cardiff 101 Main Street and BEAM Orthodontics welcome all to Kringle Mingle, a free and festive holiday celebration for the whole community. Stroll through the Makers Market along Aberdeen Dr. to discover unique, locally-made gifts perfect for the season. Snap a free photo with Santa, courtesy of Camera Camper, and treat yourself to hot cocoa, coffee, and seasonal goodies provided by Starbucks, according to a news release. Enjoy a day of creative holiday fun with face painting by Elisabeth Photography, Santa origami, letters to Santa, and rock painting. Live music by Bucket Ruckus will fill the day and it’s the perfect opportunity to get last-minute gifts while shopping locally. Don’t forget to bring a toy for the Toys for Tots collection, supporting the Marines of Camp Pendleton. For more details, visit www.cardiff101.com/events-calendar/kringlemingle2025