SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The holiday season gets underway this week, as several holiday events head to town.
Thanksgiving offers families the chance to run off the turkey before dinner time with several Thanksgiving runs and races around San Diego. For those not planning to cook at home, there are plenty of buffet-style dinners host at local restaurants to enjoy.
After Thanksgiving, Liberty Station and Seaport Village start the holidays with a tree lighting and by welcoming Surfin' Santa to town.
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Christmas on the Prado also takes over Balboa Park this weekend, while Julian celebrates their own Country Christmas in the mountains.
Outside of the holiday fun, the San Diego Jazz Festival brings the smooth, hip, and swaying sounds of music to town for a multi-day festival. And the SoNo Chili Cook-Off pits the area's best cooks head-to-head in a chili showdown.
THURSDAY
Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K
Where: Balboa Park; Cost: $30 - $50
The 18th annual Thanksgiving Day 5K benefits Father Joe's Villages food services program to serve homeless individuals in San Diego. Stick around post race for live music, a beer garden, and Disney character meet-and-greets.
MORE Thanksgiving Day races around San Diego
Thanksgiving at Bleu Bohème
Where: Kensington; Cost: $20-$65
Enjoy french cuisine this Thanksgiving at Bleu Bohème, where chefs are serving crab croquette, roasted turkey, King salmon, short ribs, fresh beats and more on their menu. Dinners are $65 per person and $19.95 for children 12 and under.
MORE Thanksgiving Day dinners around San Diego
FRIDAY
Liberty Station Tree Lighting
Where: Liberty Station; Cost: Free
The holiday fun gets started at 5 p.m. in Liberty Station before the district's 88-foot tree is switched on by a patient family of Rady Children's Hospital. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, shopping, and outdoor viewing of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
Surfin Santa at Seaport Village
Where: Seaport Village; Cost: Free
Surfin' Santa makes his arrival at Seaport Village after the Thanksgiving holiday, sporting his favorite Hawaiian shirt and wet suit. Visitors can pose for free pictures with Santa on his giant surfboard under a six-foot wave. Guests can also enjoy a festive parade on the boardwalk, live street performers, and fun at Seaport's shops.
SATURDAY
Christmas on the Prado
Where: Balboa Park; Cost: Free
Christmas on the Prado brings tons of Christmas fun to Balboa Park's Organ Pavilion and International Cottages, including holiday kids crafts, photos with Santa, music, delicious seasonal treats, and a tree lighting.
Holiday Lights on Main
Where: El Cajon; Cost: Free
Downtown El Cajon is bringing the holidays to Main St. with carnival rides, ice skating, live music, delicious food, and more during Holiday Lights on Main. Visitors can also visit with Santa in his village and check out the grand tree lighting.
Julian's Country Christmas
Where: Julian Pioneer Park; Cost: Free
Kick off the holiday season in Julian with sleigh rides, gathered around an open fire, Christmas decorations, and a visit from Santa during a tree lighting ceremony.
SUNDAY
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
Where: North Park; Cost: $17-$22
It's not a "holiday" event, but chili is best enjoyed when its cold outside! The annual cook-off features delicious chili, three stages of live music, and vendors with handmade holiday gifts.
Winter Wonderland at the Grand
Where: Fairmont Grand Del Mar; Cost: Free to attend, some attractions cost money
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar hosts a free winter wonderland of fun, with a Ferris wheel, carousel, 25-foot tree, photos with Santa, ice skating, or lounging by a fire for some S'mores.
San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza
Where: Town and Country Resort & Convention Center; Cost: $30-$125
(Thursday - Sunday) San Diego celebrates its 40th San Diego Jazz Fest over the Thanksgiving holiday, bringing amazing acts performing traditional jazz, swing, ragtime, and more to San Diego. Guests can take part in dance demonstrations, a swing extravaganza, a "pianorama" and more for jazz fans.
