CARDIFF
Thrift shop benefits animal shelter; donations sought
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Thrift Shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 120 Aberdeen Drive. The nonprofit is accepting donations of unused or gently used items such as furniture, clothing, housewares, computer equipment, electronics and sporting goods. Folks can shop in person with their well-behaved pets. For the nonprofit’s wish list, visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Amazon and Chewy wish lists at www.sdpets.org (click on “Give” then scroll down to “Wish List”).
CARLSBAD
New Year’s Eve Party at Legoland
Legoland will have live entertainment, twinkling lights, holiday treats and some snowfall through Jan. 5. Visitors can see the park’s 30-foot Lego tree decked with lights and Lego ornaments built out of more than 350,000 Lego and Duplo bricks. Photos can be taken with life-sized festive Lego models or costumed characters such as a Lego Santa, toy soldier, gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park ission. The park is at One Legoland Drive. Visit legoland.com.
The Flower Fields seeks volunteers
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad is looking for volunteers this spring to lead walking tours for elementary school children, teach about recycling and vermicomposting, and lead art walks and Butterfly Encounters. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 4. Volunteer shifts start March 1 and run through May 11. Experience is not required, and volunteer hours are flexible. Call Joni at 760-930-9123, ext. 118.
CHULA VISTA
‘Sesame Street’-themed holiday shows
“Sesame Street”-themed shows, attractions and entertainment will be offered on select dates through Jan. 5 at the Sesame Place San Diego theme park, 2052 Entertainment Circle. Highlights include Elmo’s Christmas Wish show, Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, Christmas Tree Maze and Sesame Street Christmas Cavalcade. Visit sesameplacesandiego.com.
EL CAJON
Wings and Snow exhibit
Sophie’s Gallery & Gift Shop is hosting the Wings and Snow exhibit through the end of January at 140 E. Main St. This year’s show blends nature with art, and features bird mosaics, woodland animal paintings and cyanotype feather prints. There will be handmade gift items for sale by local artists. Sophie’s Gallery’s artists are students of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, a nonprofit that educates and empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proceeds from the gallery go to the nonprofit. The exhibit is free. Visit stmsc.org/specialization/sophies-gallery.
ENCINITAS
Light show at botanic garden
The Lightscape light show runs through Jan. 5 at the San Diego Botanic Garden. The immersive experience guides visitors through a mile-long garden trail of one million twinkling lights featuring light installations designed by international artists. Installations range from Flame Skimmer Dragonfly and Winter Cathedral to California Poppies. There will be hot chocolate and other seasonal treats. Visit sdbg.org.
Community Resource Expo seeks exhibitors, sponsors
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce seeks sponsors and exhibitors for its Community Resource Expo slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The free event, in partnership with the city of Encinitas, is expected to draw several hundred community and more than 40 local businesses who will give information about their services, goods and attractions. of the community can meet exhibitors from local businesses in areas such as fitness, finance, estate planning, health, insurance, real estate, senior services and travel. Email [email protected] or visit encinitaschamber.com.
ESCONDIDO
Safari Park features Wild Holidays
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the “Wild Holidays” with an expedition of light and travel through places that twinkle with holiday cheer and seasonal culinary delights from 4 to 8 p.m. on select nights through Jan. 5 at the park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. The Safari Park will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the event, with Wild Holidays festivities beginning at 4 p.m. Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show with holiday soundtracks, Holiday Troubadour, fanciful characters, and visits with Santa along with the lighted archway Bridge of Lights, Forest of Color, Baja Gardens and Nairobi Lantern Walk. Wild Holidays activities are free with Safari Park ission or hip. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.
Library holds half-price book sale
The Friends of the Escondido Library bookstore is holding its monthly half-price sale the entire month of December at the library, 239 S. Kalmia St. All items in the store will be 50 percent off, including a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, collectors books, and DVDs and CDs, along with an extensive children’s section, with books, DVDs and VHS. Call 760-839-4832. Visit library.escondido.org.
Senior Service Council seeks volunteers
The Senior Service Council of Escondido at 728 N. Broadway is looking for reception desk volunteers who can spare three hours per week. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. The council has provided various services, groups, tech tutoring and health care counseling for seniors in the community since 1972. Call 760-480-0611 or visit www.escondido-senior-services.org.
Chorale seeks singers
The Center Chorale will be accepting new singers starting Jan.1 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido in the Conference Center. Sign up for an audition time at www.escondidochoralarts.com. The Center Children’s Chorus will also be accepting new singers and will resume rehearsals in the CCAE Conference Center from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Jan. 6 for ages 8 (third grade) to age 15; cost is $75 January-May. Visit www.escondidochoralarts.com/children-s-chorus-.
FALLBROOK
Library bookstore’s Christmas Boutique still open
The Fallbrook Library’s Bottom Shelf bookstore is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will host its annual Christmas Boutique through Dec. 31. The Boutique features art books, coffee table books, collector’s items and children’s books. Visit 124 S. Mission Road. Visit fallbrooklibraryfriends.org.
LA MESA
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LEMON GROVE
More than 600 toys given out at annual Toy Giveaway
More than 600 toys were given out to over 200 children at this year’s Lemon Grove Toy Giveaway, thanks to toy donations from Lemon Grove residents and from local groups such as the Lemon Grove Lions Club, GFWC-Lemon Grove Forward Club, and the Improving Lemon Grove group and local businesses.
NORTH COUNTY
Dinner dance, happy hour hosted by Widows and Widowers group
The North County Widows and Widowers Club holds a dinner dance from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Vista Elks Lodge, 1947 E. Vista Way. There will be dinner and dancing to live music. Non-Elks are required to pay $15 at the door. RSVP by Jan. 2 at 760-438-5491. The club holds a happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Vista Village Pub, 224 Main St. RSVP by Jan. 4 at 760-716-9000. Visitwidowsandwidowersnc.com.
Catholic Widows and Widowers group holds events
The Catholic Widows and Widowers of North County, a group that fosters friendships through various social activities, will hold these events. Reservations are required; call 818-665-8150.
- Jan. 7: Lunch, The Mining Co., San Marcos.
- Jan. 9: Walk, Lake Calavera Trail, Carlsbad. Meal to follow, Teri Café’ Oceanside.
- Jan.15: Brunch, Brunch Point, Vista.
- Jan. 23: Walk, Oceanside Harbor. Meal to follow, Oceanside Broiler.
- Jan. 26: Mass, St John the Evangelist Church, Encinitas. Meal to follow, The Cottage, Encinitas.
- Jan.28: Dinner, Carvers Steakhouse, Rancho Bernardo.
Visit www.cwwnc.com.
OCEANSIDE
Library holds movie screenings and discussions
The Oceanside Public Library will host a series of free monthly movie screenings and discussions January through March in the Civic Center Library Community Room at 330 N. Coast Highway. Professor Garrett Chaffin-Quiray will discuss a new movie series: Media Circus. The library will screen three films that “explore how celebrity, ego, and satire all contribute to the media landscape of yesterday and today.” Chaffin-Quiray, a professor of Cinema Studies at Palomar College, will explain the artistic and sociological character of the films and lead a discussion. No registration is required. The schedule is “Ace in the Hole” at 6 p.m. Jan.6, “The King of Comedy” at 6 p.m. Feb.3 and “The Truman Show” at 6 p.m. March 3. Chaffin-Quiray is the author of “Cine-Me” (2012) and “Under the Tent-Pole: A Primer on Movies: Blockbusters, Oscar Winners, Alternatives, and You” (2014). Visit oceansidelibrary.org.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Salvation Army holds donation drop-off event
The Salvation Army will hold a donation drop-off event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan.11 at the Seven Oaks Community Center parking lot, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Donated items should be in good condition or working order for resale and may include clothing, housewares, books and tools to small countertop appliances. Items torn, stained or broken will not be accepted. Unacceptable items include large or bulky items, building materials and fixtures, hazardous waste or perishable items. No dumping of items is allowed. Visit 7OaksRB.com.
Free concert at library
A free concert, “Homa Massih Yazdani: Music and Tale” is from 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Rancho Bernardo Branch Library in the second-floor Community Room. Visit https://friendsoftherblibrary.org/index.php/the-library/discovery-concerts.
SAN DIEGO
City Lights at East Village
City Lights, an immersive walk-through light and sound display, takes place every 30 minutes from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will run through Jan. 19 at Quartyard, 301 Market St., in East Village. Participants walk through six unique zones combining digital art and interactive installations, with each choreographed light and sound performance inspired by aspects of city life. There will be cocktails and bites from El Comal’s tapas-style menu. Cost is $20, $15 for students and free for kids younger than 5. Visit quartyardsd.com.
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo’s annual holiday event, Jungle Bells, runs through Jan. 5 at 2920 Zoo Drive, and features a wonderland of twinkling lights, live entertainment, music and views of wildlife. Highlights featured at various times include Reindeer Games, Jingle Brass concerts and Holiday Troubadour along with Holiday Light Treks. There will be food, drinks and shopping for gifts. The zoo is open late from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event. The event is free with zoo ission or hip; parking is free. Visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells.
SeaWorld holds holiday celebration
SeaWorld San Diego’s holiday celebration runs through Jan. 5 with new Christmas shows, and the debut of the Happy Harbor Holiday Live Character Show. The SkyTower will be adorned with sparkling lights and there will be a tunnel of lights and music. The new Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Parade with her merry elves will be held daily. Highlights include A Stocking Full of Soul night of live music, singing and dancing and A Christmas Wish Fireworks Show on Dec. 31 along with Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show nightly. SeaWorld has a Hanukkah display to celebrate the Jewish holiday with menorah lighting, holiday décor and Hanukkah music Visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.
Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder
Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder, the annual event at the beachside amusement park in Mission Beach, runs through Dec. 31 featuring festive rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland and Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts and Polar Plunge. Highlights include hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, oversized winter sculptures and seasonal characters throughout the park, 3146 Mission Blvd. Jingle Jams with holiday tunes are from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. A Miracle at Draft Pop-Up Bar with cocktails is new this year. Tickets and es are at belmontpark.com.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
blood drives
The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):
Starbucks National City Plaza: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at 1325 E. Plaza Blvd., National City.
Central Congregational Church: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at 8360 Lemon Ave., La Mesa.
Frontwave Arena: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside.
Target: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Jan. 5 at 3150 Business Park Drive, Vista.
Chick-Fil-A: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at 9418 Mission Gorge Road, Santee.
Summit College: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Jan. 6 at 411 N. Marshall Ave., El Cajon.
Albertsons: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at 1929 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos.
Anytime Fitness: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Jan. 7 at 850 Main St., Ramona.
The Cottage Encinitas: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at 127 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas.
Donors must be 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call 800-469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
San Diego Food Bank holds holiday food drive
The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank holds its 44th annual Holiday Food Drive through Jan. 1. Community can drop off nonperishable food at Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions supermarkets. Also through Jan. 1, the community can purchase $5 Hunger Bags during checkout. Donations can be made online at sandiegofoodbank.org/holiday.
Free museum ission
Along with free general ission to the exhibits at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park on the third Tuesday of each month for San Diego County residents, the museum now offers another free day on the second Thursday of each month for all visitors, regardless of where they live. The next such free days are Jan. 9 and Jan. 21. Also, students, veterans and active-duty military can now get into the museum free any day with valid identification. Service can take in one guest for free. Visit sdmart.org.
Speech Trek open to high school students
The Poway-Peñasquitos Branch of the American Association of University Women holds its annual Speech Trek competition for high school students. Participants create a 5- to 6-minute speech on a topic chosen by AAUW, and deliver it on Feb. 8 to a of local judges. The prizes are $750 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. The registration deadline is Jan. 24. The competition is limited to the first 10 applicants. For information, email [email protected].
Volunteers sought at Laguna Mountain
The Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association in cooperation with Cleveland National Forest, Descanso District, is looking for volunteers to help out in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Volunteers are needed to help with trail maintenance, serve in the visitor center and as trail ambassadors and help with interpretive programs for summertime guided hikes and campground programs. No experience is necessary and on-the-job training is provided. Learn more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Red-tailed Roost, 10385 Sunrise Highway, Mount Laguna. Bring a sack lunch. Snacks, drinks and all materials will be provided. In case of bad weather, you will be notified of an alternative site. Sign up by emailing [email protected].
Coast to Crest Challenge
The Coast to Crest Challenge starts its eighth year this month for hikers to sample San Dieguito River Park’s trail network by finishing a series of five hikes, organized by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. The deadline to complete this year’s series is June 30, 2025. Visit sdrvc.org.
Fleet Science Center s Museums for All program
The Fleet Science Center has ed the Museums for All program to encourage people of all backgrounds and financial resources to visit the museum. The access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services is istered by the Association of Children’s Museums. The program s those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting the Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, in Balboa Park, and allows them gallery ission for a minimal fee of $3 per person with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer card at the ticket counter. Visit fleetscience.org/deals-discounts.
SAN MARCOS
Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse
A Frozen Fun Zone, a “Polar Express”-inspired train ride, holiday lights, igloos and s’mores by the fire are among the attractions on weekends through Dec. 29 at the Lakehouse San Marcos, 1025 La Bonita Drive. Entry tickets are $5 per person 10 and older and free for hotel guests. Food, drinks and additional tickets for certain attractions will be sold. Visit thelakehoesort.com.
Model A Ford club to hold meeting
The Palomar Model A Ford Club will hold its monthly hip meeting to discuss tours, technical advice and more at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Palomar Estates East Clubhouse, 650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. Refreshments and socializing will follow the program. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month except in December; local day tours are typically scheduled for the Saturday following the meeting, departing from the clubhouse. All Model A owners and enthusiasts are welcome to attend meetings and the tours; moderns are also welcome. Email [email protected], call 619-425-3241 or visit palomarmodelaclub.org.
VISTA
Adoption center offers cat cuddling hour
A Cat Cuddle Hour at Love Your Feral Felines is from noon to 5 p.m. Jan. 4 and 5 and Saturdays and Sundays at the LYFF Adoption Center, 1929 W. Vista Way. The cage-free adoption center is open to the public on the weekends for Cat Cuddle Hours. Visitors can cuddle and play with up to 30 cats and kittens for an hour. Cost is $10 donation; $5 for children. Proceeds go to LYFF’s mission of continuing to rescue cats and animal welfare education. Walk-ins are welcome, but weekends are busy, so reservations are recommended. Visit loveyourferalfelines.com/lyff-adoption-center.
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email [email protected]. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and information for readers within the email text. Event listings should be submitted about two weeks in advance. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.
