SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diegans are getting a hearty helping of holiday cheer to kick off December this weekend!
Numerous holiday parades will take to the city's neighborhoods, along with events running across the country to ring in the season.
Between the holiday extravaganza this weekend, a couple of events will entice local foodies with some delicious chili and, of course, craft beer. Here's a look at some fun to explore this weekend:
THURSDAY
Skating by the Sea
Where: Hotel Del Coronado; Cost: Free - $30
Skate along the sand and surf at the Hotel Del Coronado during their Skating by the Sea ice rink. Get tired of fun on the ice? Kick back at the beach or the rink side "Frostbite" lounge for food, drinks, and a roaring fire pit. Proceeds from the rink benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego.
Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play
Where: Horton Grand Theatre; Cost: $30 - $70
(Runs Thursday - Sunday) Usher in the holidays enjoying the story of the Christmas classic "Miracle on 34th Street" in a live 1940's era radio broadcast.
FRIDAY
Liberty Station Tree Lighting
Where: Liberty Station; Cost: Free
Liberty Station is kicking off the season with a tree lighting and holiday fair, complete with an 88-foot pine tree decked out with holiday magic, a vendor marketplace, carolers, and, of course, Santa!
Holiday by the Bay
Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront; Cost: $15 - $20
(Runs Friday - Sunday) More holiday fun awaits at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, featuring a two-story 100-foot ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, nightly snowfall, crafts, and much more seasonal fun! Proceeds benefit military service members via USO San Diego.
SATURDAY
Del Mar Craft Beer Fest
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds; Cost: $22 - $26
More than 100 local and international brews, ales, and ciders can be sampled during the Craft Beer Festival at Del Mar this weekend. Enjoy a racetrack admission for the races and head over for a taste of San Diego's finest craft beers.
39th annual OB Holiday Parade
Where: Ocean Beach; Cost: Free
Ocean Beach celebrate the holiday season as only OB can. Point Loma Marching band, SD Roller Derby Dolls, classic Woodies, and more will strut down Newport Ave., along with live music and brightly lit floats to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Chula Vista Starlight Parade
Where: Third Avenue, Chula Vista; Cost: Free
Downtown Chula Vista jumps into the holidays with their annual holiday parade and fair, featuring a snow hill, pictures with Santa, a children's train, games and crafts, and more. The parade begins at 6 p.m., as Third Avenue transforms into a winter wonderland of holiday fun!
SUNDAY
Chanukah at the Mall
Where: Westfield North County; Cost: Free
Chabad of Poway will help kick off the first night of Chanukah at Westfield North County with a grand Menorah lighting, dreidel spinning, live music, crafts, delicious foods and more!
Christmas on the Prado
Where: Spreckles Organ Pavillion; Cost: Free
(Runs Saturday - Sunday) For two days, families can visit Balboa Park for pictures with santa, a tree lighting, fun at the park's International Cottages, and more during Christmas on the Prado. The free event also encourages families to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots this holiday season.
SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off
Where: South Park; Cost: Free - $20
The ultimate chili face-off returns this weekend in South Park, as local chefs go head-to-head for a seat in the chili hall of champions! The fun doesn't end at delicious chili though. Enjoy a kid's zone with face painting and games, delicious food and beers, and a lineup of local bands providing some sweet tunes!
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Where: La Jolla; Cost: Free
What better way to kickoff the holidays then beachside? La Jolla's annual Christmas parade brings "The Sounds of Christmas" to the coastal city with a lineup of colorful floats, entertainment and pictures with Santa!
