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Exploring San Diego: Things to do December 1 - 4

Christmas San Diego
Posted at 12:52 PM, Nov 28, 2022
and last updated 2022-12-02 13:45:43-05

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Much more seasonal fun is heading San Diego's way, as parades and holiday fairs highlight the weekend.

Balboa Park's December Nights kicks off on Friday, bringing holiday fun to the park for two days for live music, vendors, and food. La Jolla, OB, and La Mesa will also hold their own holiday extravaganzas this weekend.

Plus, the Holiday Market returns bigger and better for a third consecutive year to Gallagher Square at Petco Park.

Here's a look this weekend's happenings in San Diego:

THURSDAY
Holiday Market
Where: Petco Park; Cost: $10 kids, $18 adults
(Runs until Dec. 23) This year’s market at Gallagher Square will feature local artisan shops, magical lighting displays, seasonal food and beverage, Santa and other holiday characters. Be on the look out for the perfect stocking stuffers or handcrafted holiday gifts.

Walk in A.R.T.
Where: Hillcrest; Cost: FREE
Walk in ART is Hillcrest's monthly mini art show in Mural Alley. This event will have be a holiday edition from 5-10 p.m. featuring local art, vendors, craft cocktails, performances, and more. Mural Alley is between 4th and 5th south of University Ave.


FRIDAY
December Nights
Where: Balboa Park; Cost: FREE
(Friday - Saturday) December Nights will cover Balboa Park in holiday cheer with light displays, bands and performances, attractions, shopping, and delicious foods from vendors and the park's International Cottages to Spanish Village.


SATURDAY
Fire Truck Parade and Toy Drive
Where: Parkway Plaza; Cost: FREE
Starting at 11 a.m. Salvation Army Fire Trucks will parade in the parking lot along with Frosty the Snowman, toy soldiers and Smokey the Bear. There will also be a giant red barrel for guests to fill with toys for underprivileged children in the El Cajon community.

43rd Annual OB Holiday Parade
Where: Ocean Beach; Cost: FREE
Ocean Beach celebrate the holiday season as only OB can. Hundreds are expected to lined up along Newport Ave., as brightly lit floats and live music strut down the street to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Night of Christmas
Where: The Rady Shell; Cost: Varies
It's expected to be a Christmas spectacular featuring classic carols, live fireworks, a symphony orchestra, breathtaking aerialists, captivating storytelling, and many more festive surprises. All proceeds will benefit two local charities.

Holiday in the Village
Where: La Mesa Village; Cost: FREE
Celebrate the holiday season in La Mesa, as the Village is transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday music and entertainment, a Santa's village, sidewalk pet adoptions, and even snowfall!

Barbie Malibu Pop-Up Truck
Where: The Shoppes at Carlsbad; Cost:
The Pop-Up Truck will offer an array of new 70s-themed Malibu Barbie beach apparel and accessories to celebrate the 50th Anniversary and iconic heritage of the original California girl, Malibu Barbie. The Barbie Malibu Pop-Up Truck will be parked near Regal Cinemas and Luna Grill.


SUNDAY
La Jolla Christmas Parade
Where: La Jolla; Cost: Free
La Jolla celebrates the magic of Christmas starting at 11:30 a.m. during the city's annual Holiday Festival and the Christmas Parade kickoffs at 1:30 p.m. The parade will travel down Girard Ave. and Prospect Street.

Santa Cares
Where: Parkway Plaza; Cost: $20 and up
A a trip to the mall to visit Santa can be unnerving for children with special needs, so to take the stress out of seeing from 10 - 12 p.m. where children with sensory needs can come meet Santa before the crowds to experience a quieter, stress-free experience.

One Love 4 All
Where: Del Mar Social; Cost: FREE
Visitors will enjoy live music, performances, food, kid-friendly activities, craft vendors, and more. Most importantly visitors are encouraged to bring donations to help local families overcome hardships this holiday season.

Chula Vista Starlight & Children's Faire
Where: Third Avenue, Chula Vista; Cost: FREE
Downtown Chula Vista jumps into the holidays featuring a snow hill, pictures with Santa, a children's train, games and crafts, and more.

SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off
Where: North Park; Cost: Free - $20
The ultimate chili face-off returns this weekend, as local chefs go head-to-head for a seat in the chili hall of champions! The fun doesn't end at delicious chili though. Enjoy a kid's zone with face painting and games, delicious food and beers, and a lineup of local bands providing some sweet tunes!