SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The holiday season returns to San Diego this week. But while Thanksgiving and Black Friday are on everyone's minds, there are other options to break away from the dinner table to enjoy.
Surfin' Santa shreds into town this week at the annual Seaport Village event, offering photo opportunities, holiday shopping, and more. Hotel del Coronado and the Hilton Bayfront will also be opening up skating rinks for the season.
There's plenty more to get excited about. Here's a look at some fun events to fill up your holiday calendar:
San Diego JazzFest at Town & Country San Diego
When: Wednesday - Sunday
The "crown jewel of jazz festivals" takes over San Diego this week, as JazzFest highlights Thanksgiving week. Venues featuring dance floors and intimate listening areas for all listeners. Fans of jazz can also enjoy a variety of styles from traditional jazz to dixieland, ragtime, and swing.
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
When: Thursday - Sunday
The Hotel del Coronado will open up its spectacular ice rink this week to kick off the holiday season in Coronado. Head down for some skating by the sea with holiday music and hot chocolate. A portion of the proceeds from Skating by the Sea will benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego.
Father Joe's Villages 16th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K at Balboa Park
When: Thursday
Take some time out of your Thanksgiving to hit the pavement running for a good cause. Father Joe's Villages annual Thanksgiving run. Proceeds from the event will go toward the organization's efforts to feed San Diego's homeless population. For more Turkey Day trots, check out our roundup here.
Holiday by the Bay at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
When: Friday - Sunday
Kick off the holidays by San Diego's scenic bayfront with Holiday by the Bay. Guests can enjoy ice skating, holiday movies, a life-size gingerbread house, and more holiday fun. Proceeds from the event will benefit USO San Diego.
Craft Beer & Cider Fest at Del Mar Fairgrounds
When: Saturday
Enjoy craft beer, cocktails, cider, and wine at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend. More than 100 selections of local, international, and seasonal varieties will be available and guests have a chance to meet with local brewers after the races.
1st Annual Paradise Hills Night Market at Penn Athletic Field
When: Saturday
Paradise Hills Night Market will celebrate local vendors, artists and musicians, and more from the South Bay neighborhood.
Surfin' Santa Arrival at Seaport Village
When: Saturday
Santa makes his arrival in San Diego at Seaport Village with a parade, photos, and more holiday fun at the Surfin' Santa Arrival. Guests can make their own special Christmas ornaments, get some holiday shopping done, and more. For more holiday shopping events around San Diego, check out more local holiday fun here.
Wing Feast at Del Mar Fairgrounds
When: Saturday
Like wings? Then you're in luck. Wing Feast hits Del Mar Fairgrounds, with several top wing purveyors showing off a variety of delicious flavors.
Holiday Hayride at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures
When: Saturday - Sunday
Julian's holiday season gets underway this weekend, and guest can venture up to the mountain town for a holiday hayride, petting zoo, ornament making, and more this weekend.
