"Sunbathing Santa" taken at Legoland in 2010.
(Well, why wouldn't he be sunbathing? He's in San Diego!)
Our family was travelling this Thanksgiving Holiday week. We went to beautiful Sedona, AZ. Have you been there? Definitely, should be on your "go to" list! We traveled on the Kumeyaay highway 8 east through San Diego and Imperial counties, driving over the Laguna Summit at 4000 ft elevation, through the Anza Borrego desert where we saw the sand dunes and beautiful ocotillo and other cactus lovelies, over the Colorado river in Yuma, through some small but interestingly named towns like Coyote Wash and Gila Bend, and then through some beautiful desert in AZ, through Phoenix, then upwards to Sedona. And, wow! When you get to Oak Creek and start seeing those beautiful red rocks, it just takes your breath away. I'll be posting more about our trip over at "2nd to the right", my personal blog (since it's not technically "San Diego") but will share a link here this week.
Friday, Dec. 2, 5-10pm, and Saturday, Dec. 3, noon-10pm. Balboa Park December Nights. Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9 pm both evenings and more than 300,000 visitors are expected to experience the joy of San Diego’s largest free community festival. Those who attend will participate in a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
So, where did your family spend Thanksgiving? Did you go anywhere special, or stay home and enjoy the consistently enjoyable weather here in San Diego! I hope it was great!
Now, on to what's happening here in San Diego this week. Lots of great things to do with the family with the holidays quickly approaching.
Through January 2nd, Holiday Snow Days at Legoland! The Park has everything that’s merry, including twinkling lights and bright decorations. A life-sized LEGO brick Santa and Reindeer make the perfect family photo. Search for miniature Santas and reindeer delivering toys throughout Miniland USA.
Weekends Nov. 19-Dec. 11, and daily Dec. 17-Jan 1st, SnowWorld at SeaWorld. Shamu's special Christmas Show and play in the snow at SeaWorld!
Friday, December 9th,k 4-8 pm, Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo.
Friday, Dec. 2, 5-10pm, and Saturday, Dec. 3, noon-10pm. Balboa Park December Nights. Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9 pm both evenings and more than 300,000 visitors are expected to experience the joy of San Diego’s largest free community festival. Those who attend will participate in a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
December 2, 12-7pm, Coronado Holiday Open House and Parade. 3:00-8:00pm Recreation Department's Snow Mountain at the Ferry Landing. 3:20pm Santa arrives at the Ferry Landing Marketplace. 5:30-9pm Merchants Open House on Orange Avenue. 6:00-7pm Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Parade down Orange Avenue. 7:00pm Lighting of the Rotary Park Christmas Tree. 7:15pm Coronado Community Band Concert in Rotary Park. 7:15pm Concert at 9th & Orange - Live Band
December 3rd, Encinitas Holiday Parade.Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on as the 2011 Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101 on Saturday, December 3rd. The 5:30 pm parade is preceded by a 5:00 pm treelighting ceremony at the Lumberyard (near Starbucks).
December 3rd, 9-4pm, Summer's Past Farm's Antique and Craft Fair.Over 60 fine craftsman and expert artisans can be found at this event. Crafts, collectibles, antiques, and a garden sale all on our spacious lawn area. Enjoy your day shopping for the holidays at this great outdoor event.The coffee bar will have drinks and snacks.
November 25th through December 23rd, Oma's Christmas Trees Patch. Tuesday-Friday 2pm-8pm; Saturdays 10am-7pm, CLOSED Sunday & Monday. Pay to Play is $5.00 per child 1 yr. and older. Includes water bottle, candy cane and all the fun activities that the pumpkin patch offers. All adults are free.
Through January 1st, Holiday of Lights, Del Mar Fairground. The Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
is the largest animated drive-through light show on the West Coast. More than 400 twinkling, lively displays located around the Del Mar Racetrack will delight your family. Make it your holiday tradition. Holiday hay rides on Friday, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9 and 16.
is the largest animated drive-through light show on the West Coast. More than 400 twinkling, lively displays located around the Del Mar Racetrack will delight your family. Make it your holiday tradition. Holiday hay rides on Friday, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9 and 16.
Sunday, December 11th and 18th, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Fireworks and Light parade.
December 4th, 2-5pm. Holiday Wonderland in Del Mar Village. Free. Photos With Santa • Holiday Arts & Crafts • Music Performances • Dance Performances • Snow • Fun Zone • Cake Walk • Horse & Carriage Rides • Face Painting & Henna Tattoos • Restaurant Tastes & Much More!
December 4th , 2pm. La Jolla Christmas Parade and Festival.
So many great things to choose from to get you in the holiday spirit!
Anything going on in your area of San Diego that you'd like to share about, holiday or non-holiday related. Feel free to share in the comments or on our facebook page here.
Enjoy the Season and continue to....
Keep Soaring and landing safely,
in beautiful, sunny
San Diego!
Your Soaring Mama,
Mandy
