Free Things To Do in San Diego : December 2009
December 2nd, 2009
The RandomSanDiego.com Deal Finders wanted to remind you of a few free, family friendly events taking place in San Diego this month, December 2009:
Ongoing:
Poinsettia Display in Balboa Park – Botanical Building, Balboa Park – Magnificent poinsettia plants turn Balboa Park’s historic wood lath Botanical Building into a glowing tribute to the holidays. Built for the 1915-16 Exposition, along with the adjacent Lily Pond, the historic building is one of the largest lath structures in the world. The seasonal display, offered to San Diegans and guests for the twenty-third year, opens Thursday, December 3, 2009 and will run through January 6, 2010. Free to the public on Friday through Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Thursdays and holidays). http://www.balboapark.org/
Tuesday, December 1, 2009:
Free Admission to the San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Botanical Gardens) in Encinitas http://www.sdbgarden.org/
Enjoy Free Admission to the following Balboa Park Museums (Free Admission is limited to San Diego City and County residents, Active Military and their families):
- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
- Centro Cultural de la Raza
- Model Railroad Museum
- Natural History Museum
Wednesday, December 2, 2009:
Holiday Festival at the Del – Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado – The Del will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with the resort’s magnificent outdoor ice rink, St. Nick and his elves at Santa’s Village and holiday booths with games and prizes. The 100,000 lights will be illuminated and provide a dramatic backdrop for the evening’s festivities. http://www.hoteldel.com/
Free Concert at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido – The Pacific Belles Chapter of Sweet Adelines – Discover the real story behind all those pipers piping and drummers drumming when this women’s four-part a cappella chorus from Escondido takes the audience on a humorous romp through “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” featuring seasonal favorites and an assortment of musical treats from throughout the year.
Free Admission to the Art Museum at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido
Thursday, December 3, 2009:
Oceanside Tree Lighting Ceremony – Downtown Oceanside – Arts and crafts, tree lighting, and a visit from Santa! http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/
Temecula Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Temecula Duck Pond http://www.cityoftemecula.org/
Friday, December 4, 2009:
December Nights at Balboa Park – Free Festival and Museum Entrance
Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony – Coronado http://www.coronadochamber.com/
Friday Night Liberty – Liberty Station, San Diego – Friday Night Liberty is a monthly first-Friday evening of free open artist studios, galleries and events throughout Liberty Station’s NTC Promenade Arts and Cultural District. http://www.ntcpromenade.org/
Santa’s Electric Light Parade – Temecula http://www.cityoftemecula.org/
Saturday, December 5, 2009:
December Nights at Balboa Park – Free Festival and Museum Entrance
Free Admission to Select San Diego Museums
USO Holiday Concert – Balboa Theatre, downtown San Diego – Featuring the Marine Band San Diego, The USO hosts their Holiday Concert as an annual event to thank all those who volunteer and donate to the USO throughout the year. The community as well as active and retired military are invited. A perfect holiday event for the whole family to enjoy! http://www.sandiegotheatres.org/
Chula Vista’s Starlight Parade – Third Avenue between H and E Streets, Chula Vista – The largest nighttime parade in the South County, with over 5000 participants each year. Special features will include carolers, delightfully decorated floats, local school marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus! Other events will include: the Children’s Holiday Festival and the Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Memorial Park. Also, enjoy the sounds of the strolling holiday carolers before the parade kicks off. http://www.thirdavenuevillage.com/
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village – Piazza Natale on the corner of India & Date Streets – Come one and all; family, friends and pets are welcome! Music, Italian cookies, cider and coffee will be provided; and keep your eyes open for a surprise guest to add to the holiday cheer! http://littleitalysd.com/
North Park Holiday Parade – University Avenue, from Utah Street to Iowa Street – Don’t miss out of this joyous, holiday event for the whole family to enjoy. There will be marching bands, car clubs, beauty queens, dancing troupes, dog clubs, and many more fantastic parade entrants from a variety of local businesses, schools and community organizations. http://www.northparkmainstreet.com/
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade & Craft Fair – Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach – http://www.oceanbeachsandiego.com/
Encinitas Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting – Downtown Encinitas – Bring family and friends to watch as nearly 100 entries make their way down the Parade route as they celebrate this year’s Parade theme is “Season’s GreeNings,” celebrating all things environmental in Encinitas. http://www.ci.encinitas.ca.us/
Santa’s Magical Village – San Marcos Community Center – Come visit this special village where the magic of the season comes alive. Stroll through the “streets” where children can create ornaments, decorate cookies, and make holiday decorations while parents shop at arts and crafts booths! Have your picture taken with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer! Enjoy free entertainment throughout the event. http://www.ci.san-marcos.ca.us/
Vista Christmas Parade & Village Fest – Downtown Vista – A fun-filled day of international foods, original arts, designer crafts, live music, Kids Land, and family fun. The Parade will feature incredible floats, bands, equestrians, and kids. Our Grand Marshall will be Col. Rick Searfoss, Astronaut & Space Shuttle Commander. Keep your eyes open for the spectacular WWII airplane fly over at 1:30! http://www.vistachamber.org/
Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland – California Center for the Arts, Escondido – Don’t miss out on this special event that will get everyone in the holiday spirit. The Center will sparkle up the evening with dancing lights, seasonal music, the lighting of the Center’s beautiful tree, Victorian carolers, a children’s art activity, costumed entertainers, a special visit from Santa Claus, free cookies and of course a snow play area for children. http://www.artscenter.org/
Grand Holiday – Downtown Escondido http://www.downtownescondido.com/
Lakeside Spirit of Christmas Celebration & Animal Holiday Costume Contest – Maine Avenue, between Lakeshore & Parkside, Lakeside, CA – Activites, games, jumpy jump, hayrides, tree lighting, pet costume contest, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus. Plus, bring your letters to Santa and drop them off in the special mailbox! http://www.lakesideca.com/
Sunday, December 6, 2009:
Free Admission to Select San Diego Museums
Free Family Art Day – Oceanside Museum of Art - Ornament Day – Create Ornaments from Recycled Materials
Pups on Parade – Downtown Carlsbad http://www.visitcarlsbad.com/events
Carlsbad Village Tree Lighting Ceremony – Downtown Carlsbad http://www.visitcarlsbad.com/events
Solana Beach Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – Fletcher Cove Park, Solana Beach – Enjoy cookies, live music and a visit from Santa! http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival – La Jolla, CA http://lajollatowncouncil.org/
Santa’s Magical Village – San Marcos Community Center – Come visit this special village where the magic of the season comes alive. Stroll through the “streets” where children can create ornaments, decorate cookies, and make holiday decorations while parents shop at arts and crafts booths! Have your picture taken with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer! Enjoy free entertainment throughout the event. http://www.ci.san-marcos.ca.us/
Free Organ Concert – Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park – Christmas Music with Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist and the San Diego Children’s Choir. http://www.sosorgan.com/
Art in the Park, Coronado – Enjoy distinctive art work by more than fifty top artists showcasing works in a wide variety of genres. http://www.coronadoartassn.com/
Bird Walk – Tijuana Estuary http://www.tijuanaestuary.org/
Temecula’s 20th Anniversary Celebration – Town Square, Old Town Temecula – Join Temecula residents and celebrate Temecula’s 20th Anniversary. Watch the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Town Square, listen to live music from The Answer, enjoy yummy refreshments and much more. http://www.cityoftemecula.org/
Doves and Desperados – Julian, CA – Enjoy historic comedy skits in the heart of Julian, between Cabbages & Kings and the Julian Market & Deli. (weather permitting) http://www.julianca.com/
Tuesday, December 8, 2009:
Enjoy Free Admission to the following Balboa Park Museums (Free Admission is limited to San Diego City and County residents, Active Military and their families):
- Museum of Photographic Arts
- Museum of San Diego History
- Veteran’s Museum and Memorial Center
Wednesday, December 9, 2009:
Cajon Classic Cruise Car Show: Parade of Lights – Downtown El Cajon http://www.downtownelcajon.com/
Friday, December 11, 2009:
Christmas in the Village – La Mesa Village, corner of Spring Street & La Mesa Boulevard – La Mesa Village is transformed into a Victorian Wonderland with Strolling Minstrels, Carolers and Street Entertainers. Live Music is featured in a number of stage areas, while Horse Drawn Carriages and Bonfires fill the Boulevard. The kids will love Santa, the Carnival Rides and the Puppet Shows. http://www.lmvma.com/
Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Hill Festival – Alpine, CA – Santa is coming to Alpine! After the parade, Santa with his helpers will light the Community Christmas Tree and attend the Snow Hill Festival. http://www.alpinechamber.com/
Saturday, December 12, 2009:
Las Posadas Festival in Old Town – Old Town San Diego State Historic Park – Now in its 59th year, Las Posadas is a walking reenactment of the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for a birthplace for the Christ child. Everyone is invited to join the candlelit procession and sing traditional holiday songs as the players go from inn to inn, asking for symbolic lodging. http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/events.asp
Family Storytelling – Timken Museum of Art, Balboa Park – Professional storyteller Harlynne Geisler will share a lively tale inspired by Museum masterpieces. Family Storytelling is a fun educational program that encourages visitors of all ages to broaden their perspective about art. Ages 5 and up are welcome. http://www.timkenmuseum.org/
Invasive Animals (Wealth of Wildlife Series) – San Dieguito River Park, Escondido – Come out and learn about wildlife in our backyard and what these everyday critters do for us and for our environment. This event includes live presentations and is suitable for all ages. http://www.sdrp.org/
Mission Bay Christmas Parade of Lights – Mission Bay Park – More than 60,000 people are expected at San Diego’s Mission Bay Park for the annual Mission Bay Christmas Parade of Lights followed with a fantastic fireworks display. A highly anticipated event, more than 100 vessels decorated for the holiday season take to the water for the parade. http://www.missionbayparadeoflights.org/
Oceanside Parade of Lights – Oceanside Harbor – Decorated boats parade the Oceanside Harbor. http://www.oceansideyc.com/
Holiday Night on the Promenade – Liberty Station, San Diego – Free Holiday Event. Photos with Santa, Holiday Carolers, Bounce Houses, Face Painters, Kids’ Crafts, Tree Lighting, child celebrity autograph signing and Holiday Bazaar. http://www.ntcpromenade.org/
Christmas in the Village – La Mesa Village, corner of Spring Street & La Mesa Boulevard – La Mesa Village is transformed into a Victorian Wonderland with Strolling Minstrels, Carolers and Street Entertainers. Live Music is featured in a number of stage areas, while Horse Drawn Carriages and Bonfires fill the Boulevard. The kids will love Santa, the Carnival Rides and the Puppet Shows. http://www.lmvma.com/
Poway’s Christmas in the Park – Old Poway Park – Witness Christmas traditions come to life during Christmas in the Park, including: Christmas tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by train, face painting, holiday ornament craft, petting zoo, live musical holiday entertainment and caroling, children’s theater, singing and tap dancing performances and much more! http://www.poway.org/
Grand Holiday – Downtown Escondido http://www.downtownescondido.com/
ArtWalk – Downtown Escondido http://www.downtownescondido.com/
Jazz on Grand – Escondido http://www.downtownescondido.com/
Community Music Day – Old Town Temecula – Celebrate the holidays with local middle school and high school bands and choirs all day. http://www.cityoftemecula.org/
Nature Walk – Tijuana Estuary http://www.tijuanaestuary.org/
Enjoy admission to over 55 San Diego area attractions, activities and tours, including the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park and Legoland California, for one low price. The GO San Diego Card is available in 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 day increments. For more details click here to visit the GO San Diego card website.
Sunday, December 13, 2009:
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – San Diego Bay, Downtown San Diego – Kicking-off with a fireworks extravaganza at 5:30 pm, this free, distinctly-California celebration features more than 80 boats decorated for the holiday season. The boats will sail from the east end of Shelter Island into the downtown waterfront and Coronado areas. This year’s parade celebrates “Christmas at the Zoo.”
Free Admission to the San Diego New Children’s Museum
Festive Concert & Presentation: John Doan’s Victorian Christmas – Schulman Auditorium, Carlsbad – The Museum of Making Music presents A Victorian Christmas with John Doan. This festive seasonal program is a live version of the Emmy-nominated Public Broadcasting television special which re-enacts what it might have been like to celebrate Christmas a century ago. This event takes place at the Schulman Auditorium at 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Seating is limited at this free event; admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. http://bit.ly/1orLgl
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade – Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego – Come out to cheer on San Diego pets and owners as they dress up in their favorite costumes for a special promenade throughout the Gaslamp Quarter to celebrate the holiday season. You can only imagine the fun and excitement as downtown is filled with costumed pets and their handlers all vying for prizes and bragging rights including Best Costumed Duo, Cutest Critter, Best Pet Costume and Best Human Costume. (Note: A parade entry fee applies; spectators are free.) http://www.gaslamp.org/
Pacific Beach Holiday Parade – Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach – Down-home holiday parade with local businesses providing lighthearted floats and marchers, along with area clubs, schools, church groups, bands and more. http://www.pacificbeach.org/
Christmas at Crystal Pier – Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach – Don’t miss out on a great way to jumpstart some holiday cheer: Music, tree lighting, decorating, as well as a visit from jolly Santa, the playful Shamu, and don’t forget to watch out for the Grinch! http://www.pacificbeach.org/
Free Organ Concert – Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park – Festive Music with Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist. http://www.sosorgan.com/
Bird Walk – Tijuana Estuary http://www.tijuanaestuary.org/
Doves and Desperados – Julian, CA – Enjoy historic comedy skits in the heart of Julian, between Cabbages & Kings and the Julian Market & Deli. (weather permitting) http://www.julianca.com/
Tuesday, December 15, 2009:
Enjoy Free Admission to the following Balboa Park Museums (Free Admission is limited to San Diego City and County residents, Active Military and their families):
- San Diego Art Institute
- San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego Museum of Man
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Mingei International Museum
Saturday, December 19, 2009:
Grand Holiday – Downtown Escondido http://www.downtownescondido.com/
San Marcos Bike Tour – Lakeview Park, San Marcos - Tour San Marcos Parks and Trails by bike! http://www.ci.san-marcos.ca.us/
Sunday, December 20, 2009:
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – San Diego Bay, Downtown San Diego – Kicking-off with a fireworks extravaganza at 5:30 pm, this free, distinctly-California celebration features more than 80 boats decorated for the holiday season. The boats will sail from the east end of Shelter Island into the downtown waterfront and Coronado areas. This year’s parade celebrates “Christmas at the Zoo.”
Children’s Nutcracker Performance – Del Mar Plaza, Ocean View Deck – The Scripps Performing Arts Academy performs this timeless Christmas classic. http://www.delmarplaza.com/
Free Organ Concert – Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park – Christmas Sing Along with Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist. http://www.sosorgan.com/
Art in the Park, Coronado – Enjoy distinctive art work by more than fifty top artists showcasing works in a wide variety of genres. http://www.coronadoartassn.com/
Bird Walk – Tijuana Estuary http://www.tijuanaestuary.org/
Doves and Desperados – Julian, CA – Enjoy historic comedy skits in the heart of Julian, between Cabbages & Kings and the Julian Market & Deli. (weather permitting) http://www.julianca.com/
Tuesday, December 22, 2009:
Enjoy Free Admission to the following Balboa Park Museums (Free Admission is limited to San Diego City and County residents, Active Military and their families):
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- San Diego Hall of Champions
- House of Pacific Relations International Cottages
Thursday, December 24, 2009:
Christmas Eve
Friday, December 25, 2009:
Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2009:
Newport Nights – Art, music, food and fun on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. http://www.newportnights.org/
Nature Walk – Tijuana Estuary http://www.tijuanaestuary.org/
Sunday, December 27, 2009:
Free Organ Concert – Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park – Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist. http://www.sosorgan.com/
Bird Walk – Tijuana Estuary http://www.tijuanaestuary.org/
Doves and Desperados – Julian, CA – Enjoy historic comedy skits in the heart of Julian, between Cabbages & Kings and the Julian Market & Deli. (weather permitting) http://www.julianca.com/
Wednesday, December 30, 2009:
Big Bay Balloon Parade & Family Festival – Harbor Drive, Downtown San Diego – Over 100,000 street-side spectators along with a nationwide television audience will enjoy this exciting family event, which brings together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons. (Note: Street-side viewing of the parade is free of charge. Grandstand seating is available for a fee.) http://www.holidaybowl.com/
Thursday, December 31, 2009:
New Year’s Eve
Editor’s Note: Did we miss an event? Tell us about other free events (post a comment or email us) and we’ll add it to the list!
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