November Holiday Events and Thanksgiving Camps 2024

table setting

Indulge in extra helpings of family fun! Check out this month’s calendar “stuffed” with an abundance of Thanksgiving and holiday events.

November 2024 Featured Holiday Events

FREE The Super Dentists Candy Buy Back. Turn candy into cash, receive $1 for each pound of candy. Through Nov. 8. Deliver to any of their six locations. www.thesuperdentists.com

“The Addams Family.” A comical feast that embraces the kooky elements in every family. Through Nov. 10. $20.50–$22.50. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park. www.juniortheatre.com

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” A wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Select dates through Dec. 31. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org

Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Pumpkins, corn maze, tractor ride and more. Through Nov. 3, 9 am–6 pm. 1050 Cannon Rd. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com

FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree, enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Daily, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com

November Events

friday | 1

FREE Halloween Candy Buy Back. Swap candy for toys, activities and gift cards, while supplies last. Tours will be offered to attendees. 12–6 pm. Brain Balance Centers of San Diego (Nov. 1–5), Chula Vista (Nov. 4–5) and Encinitas (Nov. 5). www.brainbalancecenters.com

FREE Día de los Muertos - La Experiencia. Face painters, altars, live music and more. Through Nov. 3, 11 am–9 pm. Old Town. www.fiestadereyes.com/ddlm/

SeaWorld Spooktacular. Set sail for a spooky family-friendly event featuring pirate entertainment, a candy quest, magical mermaids and more. Through Nov. 3. Included in admission. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. www.seaworld.com/sandiego

“The Addams Family.” A comical feast that embraces the kooky elements in every family. Through Nov. 10. $20.50–$22.50. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park. www.juniortheatre.com

FREE Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch. Today, 4–8 pm & tomorrow, 10 am–8 pm. 1924 E Mission Rd., Fallbrook. www.fallbrookpumpkinpatch.com

Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Pumpkins, corn maze, tractor ride and more. Through Nov. 3, 9 am–6 pm. 1050 Cannon Rd. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com

Oma’s Pumpkin Patch. Giant slides, petting zoo and more. Today, 10 am–7 pm & tomorrow, 9 am–7 pm. $12.95–24.95. 14950 El Monte Rd., Lakeside. www.omasfamilyfarm.com

FREE Pumpkin Patch at Mellano Farm Stand. Corn maze, pan for gold, inflatables and more. Through Nov. 3, 10:30 am–5 pm. 5714 N. River Rd., Oceanside. www.mellanofarmstand.com

Sherman Heights Día de los Muertos. Community altars, craft workshops and more. Today & tomorrow. Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave. https://shermanheightscc.org/ddlm

Dia de los Muertos at SeaWorld. Enjoy the flavors and sounds of this family centric Mexican tradition. Through Nov. 3. Included with admission. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Details: www.seaworld.com/sandiego

saturday | 2

FREE Day of the Dead San Diego. Altars, face painting, decorations and more. 10:30 am–8 pm and tomorrow 10:30 am–7 pm. Gaslamp District. www.dayofthedeadsd.com

Dia de los Muertos Festival. Today & tomorrow, 10 am–4 pm. 5714 N. River Rd., Oceanside. Details: www. mellanofarmstand.com

FREE Escondido Tamale Festival. Celebrate Hispanic culture with tamale contest, kids’ zone, music and more. 11 am–7 pm. Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway. https://usamulticultural.org/escondido-tamale-festival

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular. Silly, not-too-spooky fun. Today & tomorrow, 10 am–6 pm. 2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista. www.sesameplace.com

Sherman Heights Día de los Muertos. Community altars, craft workshops and more. Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave. https://shermanheightscc.org/ddlm

FREE Día de los Muertos Celebration. Community altar, kids crafts, ofrenda competition, mercado, car show and more. 3–8 pm. Downtown Chula Vista. www.downtownchulavista.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration

Movies on the Beach: “Coco.” Snuggle up in a theater under the stars. 7:30 pm. $26.50. Del Beach, 1500 Orange Ave. Reservations required: www.hoteldel.com

FREE Christmas on the Farm Craft Fair. Live music, handmade crafts and more. Today & tomorrow, 9 am–4 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd. www.batesnutfarm.biz

Novemberfest. Live music, food, craft booths, games and more. 12–4 pm. For ages 21+. $50. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org

sunday | 3

Daylight Saving Time ends

FREE Fall Back Festival. Fun, educational activities and demonstrations for families. 12–4 pm. Gaslamp Quarter. www.gaslamp.org

FREE Day of the Dead San Diego. Altars, face painting, decorations and more. 10:30 am–7 pm. Gaslamp District. www.dayofthedeadsd.com

Dia de los Muertos Festival. 10 am–4 pm. 5714 N. River Rd., Oceanside. Details: www. mellanofarmstand.com

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular. Silly, not-too-spooky fun. 10 am–6 pm. 2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista. www.sesameplace.com

FREE Christmas on the Farm Craft Fair. Live music, handmade crafts and more. 9 am–4 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd. www.batesnutfarm.biz

“The Addams Family.” A comical feast that embraces the kooky elements in every family. Through Nov. 10. $20.50–$22.50. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park. www.juniortheatre.com

Looking to get rid of excess Halloween candy? Find a candy buy-back program near you here.

wednesday | 6

Imaginarium “Where Light Meets Magic.” An enchanting interactive walk-through light spectacular with millions of lights, enchanted forests and more. Tues.–Sun., 7–11 pm. Through Nov. 10. $21. Las Americas Premium Outlets, 4211 Camino De La Plaza. www.imaginarium360.com/san-diego

Don't forget to preorder your Thanksgiving pies! Check out our list of favorite pie shops in San Diego, here!

friday | 8

saturday | 9

FREE Red, White & Blue Salute. SeaWorld holds the men and women that have served in our armed forces in the highest regard, and are honored to host them at their park as guests. Through Nov. 11. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworld.com/sandiego

A Very Furry Christmas. Sesame Place will transform into a festive winter wonderland filled with holiday magic and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends. Saturdays & Sundays plus Nov. 11 & 23–30, through Jan. 5. 2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista. www.sesameplace.com

San Diego Made 10th Anniversary Holiday Market. Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses. Today & tomorrow, 10 am–5 pm. $6. NTC Park, Liberty Station. www.sdmademarkets.com

FREE Holiday Marketplace. Unique gifts from local makers and artists. All sales benefit the park. 9 am–3 pm. MTRP Visitor Center, One Junipero Serra Trail. www.mtrp.org

FREE Red, White & Blue Salute. SeaWorld is honored to recognize the sacrifice and bravery of our armed service members with special Veterans Day entertainment and activities. The park will open each day with a flag ceremony and the national anthem, paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of our brave servicemembers. Guests will enjoy special Veterans Day entertainment and activities including a nightly patriotic fireworks show. Nov. 9-11. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworldsandiego.com

Don’t forget to call to confirm dates, times and admission prices.

sunday | 10

San Diego Made 10th Anniversary Holiday Market. Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses. 10 am–5 pm. $6. NTC Park, Liberty Station. www.sdmademarkets.com

Looking for Veterans Day events? Find an event near you here.

monday | 11

Veterans Day

National Parks Fee FREE Days. All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

FREE Veterans Day Ceremony. A ceremony to honor those who selflessly served our country. 11 am. Veterans Park, 14134 Midland Rd., Poway. www.poway.org

Salute to Service Veterans Day Celebration on the USS Midway. Nov. 11, 10 am–3 pm. Free entry with military ID. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, contests, free food and drink samples and more. 910 N. Harbor Dr. Details: www.midway.org

FREE Veterans Day Ceremony. Join the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial as they pay homage to Korean War Veterans, their families and those missing in action. Nov. 9, 11 am–12 pm. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr. S. www.soledadmemorial.org

5th Annual Veterans Day Parade and VetFest. Nov. 11. Parade, 9:30 am. VetFest at 12 pm. Veterans Day Ceremony, lunch, kids’ zone, sponsor and military displays, veteran services, and FREE lunch for Active Duty military at the Post. Sign up your school, business or civic group to be in the parade or become a sponsor and help make this the premier Veterans Day event in North County. www.escovetfest.org

Veterans Day Boat Parade. View the parade from the shore of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Coronado Tidelands Park. The public is invited to San Diego Bay to watch the procession of military-themed decorated boats. Boats of all sizes are invited to salute and honor our active duty and retired service members. Elaborate decorations are encouraged! Nov. 11, 10:15 am. www.fleetweeksandiego.org/veterans-day-boat-parade

Military Family Day at Broadway Pier.. Nov. 10, 10 am-4 pm. A fun-filled day dedicated to military families that’s not to be missed! Get out and dance (or just listen and enjoy) to live music on stage throughout the day. Experience military displays, light armored vehicles, armaments and even robots. Lots of fun activities for the kids and food trucks! Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr. www.fleetweeksandiego.org/military-family-day

FREE Veterans Day Parade. Honoring those who served past and present. 10 am. Harbor Dr., in front of the County Admin Bldg. Details: www.sdvetparade.org

friday | 15

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. Christmas shows, tunnel of lights, meet Santa & Rudolph, parades and more. Through Jan. 5. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworldsandiego.com

“Lightscape.” This one-mile walking trail features a California poppy-inspired display, an illuminated laser sky, playful fiber optic flowers and a bespoke floral display. Through Jan. 5. 5–10 pm. $15–$34; under 3 free. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbg.org

Camp Christmas. Spectacular water show, hayrides, bounce houses, laser tag and more. Friday–Sunday, through Dec. 22. 5:30–9 pm. $10–$15; 4 & under free. 8668 Pine Creek Rd., Pine Valley. Tickets: www.PineValleyCampChristmas.com

Don't forget to preorder your Thanksgiving pies! Check out our list of favorite pie shops in San Diego, here!

saturday | 16

sunday | 17

Camp Christmas. Spectacular water show, hayrides, bounce houses, laser tag and more. Friday–Sunday, through Dec. 22. 5:30–9 pm. $10–$15; 4 & under free. 8668 Pine Creek Rd., Pine Valley. Tickets: www.PineValleyCampChristmas.com

Don’t forget to call to confirm dates, times and admission prices.

friday | 22

FREE Santee Holiday Lighting. Santa, sledding, holiday photo ops and more. 5:30–8:30 pm; tree lighting, 6:15 pm. Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd. www.cityofsanteeca.gov

San Diego Fine Woodworkers Holiday Gift Sale. Handmade wooden treasure, toys, holiday decor and more. Today & tomorrow, 9 am–5 pm. 5360 Eastgate Mall, Ste. E. www.sdfwa.org

“A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again.” A laugh-out-loud funny and heartfelt story. Through Dec. 15. $30. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr. Tickets: www.lajollaplayhouse.org

The Polar Express. A magical trip to meet Santa with hot chocolate and a cookie served by dancing chefs. Select dates through Dec. 31; 11:30 am, 1:30, 4, 6 & 8 pm. $63.25–$70.25. Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S. “A” St., Perris. www.socalrailway.org

Rady Children’s Ice Rink. Kick off holiday festivities and give back to San Diego families dealing with childhood cancer. Open daily through Jan. 5, 10 am–10 pm. $15–$20; includes skate rental and helmets. Central Promenade, ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. www.rchicerink.org

Skating by the Sea. Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado's famous beachfront ice rink featuring stunning views of the Pacific and benefitting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Through Jan. 5. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. Tickets: www.hoteldel.com

FREE “All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular. Experience the magic as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with lively holiday jazz and snow flurries. Nightly every 30 minutes, 5–9 pm. Through Jan. 5. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com

Jingle Jets. The Midway will be transformed into a festive holiday wonderland on the sea. Select nights, through Dec. 23, 5:30–9:30 pm. $20–$30; 3 & under free. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org

saturday | 23

San Diego Fine Woodworkers Holiday Gift Sale. Handmade wooden treasure, toys, holiday decor and more. 9 am–5 pm. 5360 Eastgate Mall, Ste. E. www.sdfwa.org

Pinery Christmas Trees. Open daily (except Thanksgiving); Mon.–Thurs., 10 am–9 pm & Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. 4 locations: 5354 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita; Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 1/2 El Camino Real; Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; 1341 Highland Valley Rd., Rancho Bernardo. www.pinerychristmastrees.com

Holidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 5. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

Holiday Market. 10 am–4 pm. $14–$16. Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park. www.niwa.org

sunday | 24

FREE Encinitas Holiday Street Fair Classic cars, live music and more. 9 am–5 pm. S. Coast Hwy. 101 from D St. to K St. www.encinitas101.com

Pinery Christmas Trees. Open daily (except Thanksgiving); Mon.–Thurs., 10 am–9 pm & Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. 4 locations: 5354 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita; Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 1/2 El Camino Real; Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; 1341 Highland Valley Rd., Rancho Bernardo. www.pinerychristmastrees.com

Holidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 5. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree, enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Daily, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com

Wobble before you gobble at one of San Diego's festive Turkey Trots! Find our complete list here.

thursday | 28

Thanksgiving Day

Encinitas Turkey Trot 10K, 5K, Walk/Fun Run. Start and finish the race under the world-famous “ENCINITAS” sign on Coast Highway 101. 10K, 7:30 am; 5K, 8 am. Register: www.encinitasturkeytrot.org

Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K. 7:15 am. Balboa Park. Register: www.thanksgivingrun.org

O’Side Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & Kids Run. Move your feet before you eat. Features live entertainment on the course, costume contests and more. $30–$67. 330 N. Coast Hwy. Register: www.osideturkeytrot.com

Coronado 5K Turkey Trot. 8 am. $26–$58. Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Dr., Coronado. Register: www.rchacoronadoturkeytrot.com

Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise. Gourmet meal, waterfront views and more. 1–3 pm. Flagship San Diego, 990 N. Harbor Dr. Tickets: www.flagshipsd.com

Thanksgiving Day Cruise. Family friendly cruise with balloon art, airbrush face painting and more. 3–6:30 pm. 998 W Mission Bay Dr. Tickets: www.bahiahotel.com

Thanksgiving Day Dining. A Thanksgiving menu the whole family will love. 2–8 pm. $68–$150. 3999 Mission Blvd. www.catamaranresort.com

Thanksgiving Feast Buffet. 2–8 pm. 998 W Mission Bay Dr. Details: www.bahiahotel.com

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Del. Enjoy a lavish feast with live music. 12–6 pm. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. Reservations required: www.hoteldel.com

friday | 29

Black Friday

Holidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 5. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

North Pole Limited. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas music as you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 21, 5 & 7 pm. Starting at $15. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. www.psrm.org

FREE “All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular. Experience the magic as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with lively holiday jazz and snow flurries. Nightly every 30 minutes, 5–9 pm. Through Jan. 5. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com

Pinery Christmas Trees. Open daily (except Thanksgiving); Mon.–Thurs., 10 am–9 pm & Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. 4 locations: 5354 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita; Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 1/2 El Camino Real; Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; 1341 Highland Valley Rd., Rancho Bernardo. www.pinerychristmastrees.com

Thanksgiving Turkey Bash. Watch big cats and bears savoring their Thanksgiving feast. Today & tomorrow, 10 am. $35–$60. Lions Tigers & Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org

FREE Craft Fair, Santa’s Coming. One-of-a-kind holiday shopping, live music and more. Through Nov. 26, 9 am–4 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd. www.batesnutfarm.biz

Black Friday Kids Drop & Shop. Games, relays, sports skills and more. 9 am–1 pm. $50. My Gym Poway, 12222 Poway Rd. www.mygym.com/poway

FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree, enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Daily, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com

Skating by the Sea. Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado's famous beachfront ice rink featuring stunning views of the Pacific and benefitting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Through Jan. 5. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. Tickets: www.hoteldel.com

saturday | 30

FREE East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market. Festive evening of fun activities, Santa and more. 4–8 pm; tree lighting 6:45 pm. Quartyard & 13th Street. www.eastvillagesandiego.com

FREE Holiday Lights on Main Street. Family fun, ice skating, holiday music and more. 2–8 pm; tree lighting, 6 pm. Downtown El Cajon. www.downtownelcajon.com/holiday-lights-on-main

FREE Country Christmas Tree Lighting. Santa, music and more. 12–7:30 pm; tree lighting at 6 pm. Julian Town Square. www.visitjulian.com

Holiday Hayride: A Christmas Celebration. Hayride, archery, candle making and more. 10 am–4 pm. $20–$25. Fort Cross, 4425 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel. www.fortcross.com

Thanksgiving Turkey Bash. Watch big cats and bears savoring their Thanksgiving feast. 10 am. $35–$60. Lions Tigers & Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org

Thanksgiving Break Camps

San Diego Junior Theatre Thanksgiving Camp. Nov. 25-27, 9 am-3 pm. Grades K-6. Register at www.JuniorTheatre.com.

Fleet Science Center Fall Camps. Looking for something extra fun this fall break? Students will enjoy a variety of hands-on and educational activities covering a variety of topics. Nov. 25-27. www.fleetscience.org/events/camps

Thanksgiving Critter Camp. Nov. 25-27. Preschool-Grade 6. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/thanksgiving-break-critter-camp/

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Updated: October 2024

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