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Exploring San Diego: Things to do Dec. 13-16

Thanksgiving traditions to share this year
Posted at 12:16 PM, Dec 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-12 15:34:12-05

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — There's still plenty of holiday fun left to find in San Diego!

There's beachfront holiday fun at Belmont Park with Beachfront Holidays and in Pacific Beach as the Santa Run takes to the streets. You can also fun more to enjoy at Hillcrest's Taste 'n' Tinis and holiday stroll through town.

If you're looking for some off the rails fun, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is holding their annual Ales N' Rails fundraiser and there's plenty of other holiday gatherings to toss on an ugly sweater and head over to.

Here's a look at some of the fun around town this weekend:

THURSDAY

Beachfront Holidays
Where: Belmont Park; Cost: Free
(Runs Thursday - Sunday) Head over to Belmont Park for a beach-style winter with activities, photos with Santa on Saturdays, and the Free Ride Toy Drive, offering one free ride with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy.

Taste 'n' Tinis
Where: Hillcrest; Cost: Free
The Hillcrest Business Association hosts the annual Taste 'n' Tinis event, offering shopping, eats, and seasonally-inspired martinis in a holiday atmosphere. Every purchase at a participating retail enters shoppers into a $2,500 shopping spree drawing.

FRIDAY

Garden of Lights
Where: San Diego Botanic Garden Park; Cost: Free - $18
(Runs Thursday - Sunday) "Garden of Lights" at San Diego Botanic Gardens showers the garden in more than 125,000 lights, and hosts marshmallow roasting, a musical light show, and more.

Ales N' Rails
Where: San Diego Model Railroad Museum; Cost: $25 - $60
Ugly sweaters, holiday cheer, and craft beer all in one place! Ales and Rails raises money to benefit the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, all while guests enjoy samples of craft beer from local brewers, take part in an ugly sweater contest, and test their observational skills on a scavenger hunt.

SATURDAY

Elf Jr. The Musical
Where: Ocean Beach Playhouse; Cost: $19 - $34
(Runs Friday - Sunday) Love the movie Elf? Check out the Ocean Beach Playhouse's production of Elf Jr. the Musical! Be transported to the North Pole where Buddy the elf realizes he's actually a human and embarks on a quest to find out the truth about his past.

San Diego Holiday Half Marathon
Where: La Jolla; Cost: $109
Lace up and tack on a new personal record before the new year hits at the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon. The course takes runners through Rancho Penasquitos and finishing at beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach. Organizers say the race's 711-foot elevation drop makes it great for setting that new record.

San Diego Santa Run
Where: Pacific Beach; Cost: $20-$45
If hitting 13 miles isn't your thing, you can always get your exercise in at a shorter distance — and arguably, more enjoyable with hundreds of Santa around you. Pacific Beach's Santa Run hits the streets with hundreds of Santas dashing through town. Kids can jump into the action, we assume dressed as elves or mini Santas.

SUNDAY

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
Where: Gaslamp District; Cost: Free (To register to be in the parade, $15-$20)
Pets will parade down Fifth Ave. from the iconic Gaslamp Quarter archway in the holiday's most unique in San Diego! The Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade will see pets and their owners march through downtown in their favorite costumes. Participants and onlookers can also check out a holiday pet market with live music, presentations, and a bunch of pet-themed goodies.

Vet+Pet West's Wag PetCon
Where: San Diego Convention Center; Cost: Free - $15
(Runs Saturday - Sunday) Everything a pet owner needs can be found at Vet+Pet West's Wag PetCon this weekend at the convention center! Owners can learn about everything from behavior and nutrition, to pet enrichment and senior care. All from the professionals.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Where: San Diego Bay; Cost: Free
Back for the 47th year, San Diego Bay will host its spectacular Parade of Lights that brings out more than 100,000 San Diegans for this year's theme of "Tropical Island Christmas." Miss the first weekend? Now's your chance to catch the beautiful display of hundreds of lights on the water!