Making Spirits Bright

17 merry-making experiences to elevate the season

Unwrap the magic of the holidays with these holly jolly experiences from our partners that are sure to warm your heart and create merry family memories!

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is back for its 26th year of holiday fun for the entire family. The wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book features the songs “Santa for a Day” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” All ages performances are available! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is transformed into snowcovered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. www.theoldglobe.org

Enjoy Village Walk’s Dazzling Holiday Light Show

Thursdays–Sundays Dec. 1–24 at 6 pm and 7 pm. A Family Holiday Celebration takes place Saturday, Dec. 2, Noon–3 pm with free visits with Santa in his sleigh, free train rides and a free children’s craft activity. Sunday Fun Days take place Dec. 3 & 10 from 4–6 pm with free photos with Frosty in a life-size photo frame. www.ShopVillageWalk.com

Experience an old-fashioned holiday celebration: Julian’s Country Christmas. See the tree in Town Square, visit Santa and do crafts at Town Hall, attend the light parade, Christmas sing-along and “A Christmas Carol” performances. Drop letters to the North Pole in Santa’s mailbox. Unique shopping, dining and lodging. Fun for the whole family! www.juliancountrychristmas.com

The San Diego Symphony Orchestra presents Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert , featuring a screening of Disney’s holiday classic with GRAMMYwinning composer Danny Elfman’s musical score performed live. The concert will be led by conductor Thiago Tiberio on Dec. 23 at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. www.TheShell.org

Family-owned Family Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon, a living tree farm where you can cut the perfect tree (or choose from pre-cut trees in hard-to-find sizes) is now open! Sip hot cider or hot chocolate, take family photos, enjoy hayrides and a petting zoo, and shop for wreaths and gifts—all in a spirited Christmas atmosphere. It’s a bit of country in the city—and a San Diego County family tradition! www.family christmastreefarm.com

Cygnet’s holiday smash hit is back!

“A Christmas Carol” is a holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. This imaginative production features original music, creative stagecraft and puppetry, and live sound effects. It’s a unique storytelling experience that delights the entire family! Half-off kids with paid adult. www.cygnettheatre.com/season/season20/a-christmas-carol-2023

Experience Noel Noel Dec. 15, 16 and 17 at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park . Noel and her friends search for Santa and the magic he brings with the season. This year’s performance features guest vocalist Devin DeSantis. Enjoy Christmas classics, sing-alongs, holiday cheer and jolly spirit. Led by guest conductor Christopher Dragon and Director Jonathan Gilmer, featuring the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Master Chorale and San Diego Children’s Choir. www.TheShell.org

Experience a festival of trees and lights

Dec. 15–22 at Noah Homes’ Enchanted Village. Enjoy a winter wonderland with millions of dazzling lights, a giant musical Christmas tree, interactive holiday displays, and take a photo with Santa! Proceeds benefit Noah Homes, a nonprofit for people with developmental disabilities. www.EnchantedVillage.org www.sdcdm.org/membership www.flowerhill.com/event-calendar

Give the gift of exciting discoveries and lifelong memories with a membership to San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum in Escondido. Embark on unforgettable adventures and spark a love of learning with hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family. Membership guarantees a year of unlimited fun!

Delight in holiday magic all month at Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar. Enjoy festive lights and decorations while shopping and dining with family and friends. Santa is planning extra holiday cheer Dec. 2 & 3 from 11 am–3 pm with photo ops, real snow play, crafts, snacks and face painting!

Experience holiday magic at Del Mar Fairgrounds Dec. 14–30 during Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular, an extravaganza of festive activities and holiday cheer. Stroll through millions of twinkling lights, take photos with Santa & friends, enjoy skating, a holiday market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, private igloo rentals and more. www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com

Based on the 1934 Ford pickup owned by the Wikki Stix Co., the Adventures Across America activity book offers a fun and engaging learning adventure using Wikki Stix to complete each scene. Filled with geography and fun facts for ages 4–8. The perfect gift to give and enjoy with the kids! www.wikkistix.com/ product/adventures-across-america-book www.thesuperdentists.com

Join The Super Dentists for holiday cheer at their Winter Wonderland on Dec. 16, 11 am–2 pm (Kearny Mesa office). Get ready for a day of fun with ugly sweater contests, photos with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, chocolate milk station, ornament making, live music and massive giveaways!

Ignite your Christmas spirit with First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley this Christmas Eve, offering in-person and online services. Join the children’s pageant for youth-led worship including music, readings and the Nativity scene. Or choose a candlelight service with choral music, carol singing and an inspiring message. Visit www.fumcsd.org/ christmaseve.

Bring the family to Lights at the Lakes drive-through holiday light show at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, featuring 35+ dazzling light displays synchronized to music on your car radio. This highly anticipated event is on select dates December 1–28. Advance tickets are required at https://santeelakes.ticketspice.com/ lights-at-the-lakes-2023. No on-site tickets available.

Experience holiday magic at Bernardo Winery! Join us for Holiday Nights , Dec. 13–17 and 20–23, 5–9 pm; enjoy sparkling lights, carolers, artisan shopping and more. Free admission. Grab tickets to Breakfast with Santa from 9 am–12 pm, featuring breakfast, animal encounters and other festivities for kids! www.bernardowinery.com/pages/holidaynights-at-bernardo-winery

This month our famous Map of Christmas Lights will provide illuminated, sparkling entertainment to thousands of families across the county. Don’t forget to take along our scavenger hunt! Kids get a big kick out of looking for specific decorations, lights and features. Print it at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ seasonal-happenings.