A local's calendar, North San Diego County
November in North County
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire kicks things off on the first, Veterans Day lands on a Wednesday, and by the weekend before Thanksgiving the holiday lights and street fairs are back. Listed day by day, with the city above each event so you can find what is close to home.
This Month, Day by Day
0 eventsCarlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, Escondido and San Marcos first, then the bigger county events that are worth a drive. Several holiday attractions open mid-month and run into January, so they appear on the day they start.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad Village Street Faire
Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm
Roughly 900 booths along Grand Avenue and State Street, with food, crafts and family entertainment, and an estimated 100,000 people through the Village. The clocks fall back at 2 am, so you get the extra hour. Free shuttles run from The Shoppes at Carlsbad and the Coaster station, and the city's bike valet is not available this year.
Grand Avenue and State Street, Carlsbad Village · carlsbad.org
Worth the Drive · Old Town San Diego
Día de los Muertos in Old Town
Saturday through Monday, Oct 31 to Nov 2 · Catrina Contest Sunday, Nov 1
More than 40 altars to tour, a festival weekend in the historic plaza and a Catrina Contest for the best attire and makeup. Free parking is available through Old Town, with overflow in the Caltrans lot on Taylor Street on weekends.
Old Town San Diego · sandiego.org
Worth the Drive · Coronado
Coronado Island Film Festival
Wednesday through Sunday, Nov 4 to 8
Five days of films and filmmakers in the seaside village of Coronado.
Coronado · sandiego.org
Worth the Drive · Balboa Park · Runs All Month
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe
Nov 4 through Dec 31
The Old Globe's 29th season of the holiday musical, with "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and the rest. It sells out, so tickets are worth buying early.
The Old Globe, Balboa Park · theoldglobe.org
Worth the Drive · Countywide · Runs All Month
San Diego Asian Film Festival
Nov 4 to 15 per the organizer, with screenings at theaters across the county
The 27th year of the festival, presented by Pacific Arts Movement. Some listings show Nov 5 to 14, so check the schedule for the screening you want.
Various theaters · pacarts.org
Oceanside
First Friday: Oceanside Art Walk
Friday, 5 to 8 pm
Live performances, jewelry, pottery, crafts and pop-up galleries in local businesses and public spaces around downtown. A good excuse to wander the Artist Alley end of town after work.
Artist Alley, downtown Oceanside · visitoceanside.org/events
Worth the Drive · Del Mar · Runs All Month
Del Mar Fall Racing Season
Nov 6 through Nov 29 · first post at 2 pm
The fall meet, sometimes called the Bing Crosby Season, with dirt and turf racing at the Del Mar Racetrack. Check the track calendar for the exact race days.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. · dmtc.com
Worth the Drive · San Diego Embarcadero
San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival
Friday through Sunday, Nov 6 to 8
Restaurant pop-ups and wine and spirits tastings on the waterfront at Embarcadero Marina Park North. Ticketed. A second food and wine festival lists the same dates in the same area, so confirm which one you are buying tickets for.
Embarcadero Marina Park North · sandiego.org
Worth the Drive · San Diego Bay · Runs All Month
Fleet Week San Diego
Nov 6 to 15
Ship tours, military displays and activities that honor service members, centered on Broadway Pier and the USS Midway. Last year's Broadway Pier events were canceled during the federal shutdown, so check fleetweeksandiego.org for what the Navy has confirmed.
Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr. · sandiego.org
Carlsbad
Cannon Biennial Exhibition Public Reception
Saturday, 3 to 5 pm
The city's biennial returns with "everywhere home," a group show of about 90 regional artists exploring what it means to feel at home. The exhibition runs Oct 23 through Jan 3, and this is the public reception.
William D. Cannon Art Gallery, 1775 Dove Lane · carlsbadca.gov/arts
Worth the Drive · Ramona
Ramona Art, Wine and Music Festival
Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm
The 14th year, now at a new location. Ages 21 and over, $70 general admission or $55 for a designated driver. Tickets are bought online and you pick up a wristband, program and gift bag at registration.
Ramona Outdoor Community Center · kpbs.org
Worth the Drive · Countywide · Runs All Month
San Diego Beer Week
Saturday, Nov 7 through Sunday, Nov 15
A countywide celebration of local craft beer hosted by the San Diego Brewers Guild, with events at breweries across North County too. One listing starts a day earlier, so check the Guild's schedule.
Breweries countywide · sandiego.org
Worth the Drive · Coronado
Silver Strand Veterans Day Half Marathon, 10 Miler, 12K & 5K
Sunday
Run, walk or roll along the Silver Strand with the Pacific on one side and the bay on the other, in a Veterans Day event with half marathon, 10-mile, 12K and 5K options.
Coronado · search "Silver Strand Half Marathon" to register
Escondido
North County VetFest and Veterans Day Parade
Wednesday, Veterans Day · check the parade start time
A parade through the heart of Escondido with veterans, local organizations and community groups, then family activities, sponsor booths and a chance to connect with veterans at Grape Day Park, and a celebration at American Legion Post 149.
Downtown Escondido and Grape Day Park · escondido.gov
San Marcos
Veterans Day Ceremony
Wednesday, 11 am, with a reception after
Military and active duty are encouraged, not required, to attend in uniform. Bring lawn chairs and carpool if you can. Parking is at the church next to the park.
Helen Bougher Memorial Park, 1243 Borden Road · sanmarcosca.gov
Worth the Drive · Downtown San Diego
San Diego Veterans Day Parade
Wednesday, 10 to 11:30 am
Marks the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, with a Grand Marshal. A Veterans and Military Boat Parade also runs on San Diego Bay the same day as part of Fleet Week.
Harbor Drive, in front of the County Administration Building · midway.org
Worth the Drive · Solana Beach
Solana Beach Veterans Day Event
Wednesday · see the city page for the time
The City of Solana Beach is working with VFW Post 5431 on a Veterans Day event. The city's events page has the details.
Solana Beach · cityofsolanabeach.ca.gov
Worth the Drive · Mission Bay · Runs All Month
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
Daily, Nov 13 through Jan 3
More than a million lights, nightly snowfall, holiday animal shows and Santa. Included with park admission.
SeaWorld San Diego · sandiego.org
Escondido
Toast, The Ultimate Bread Experience
Friday, 7 pm
A live concert in the Concert Hall at the California Center for the Arts, with tickets listed from $58.
California Center for the Arts, Escondido · artcenter.org
Escondido
An Evening with the Jane Monheit Quartet
Thursday · check the box office for the start time
A night of jazz vocals from Jane Monheit and her quartet, presented by the California Center for the Arts.
California Center for the Arts, Escondido · artcenter.org
Worth the Drive · Liberty Station · Runs All Month
Rady Children's Ice Rink
Nov 19 through Jan 3
Outdoor skating at the Arts District in Liberty Station with skate rentals and helmets included. Net proceeds benefit the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children's Hospital.
Arts District Liberty Station · rchicerink.org
Encinitas · Runs All Month
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Nov 20 through Jan 3 · evenings, check the date you want
A one-mile walking trail of illuminated art, a music-activated tunnel and fire installations. Ticketed, with prices that vary by date. One listing starts Nov 18, so confirm your night on the garden's site.
230 Quail Gardens Dr. · sdbg.org/lightscape
Worth the Drive · Coronado · Runs All Month
Hotel del Coronado Holidays and Skating by the Sea
Nov 20 through Jan 3 · free to stroll, activities by reservation
This year's theme is A Holiday Through Time, with a two-story lobby tree and beachfront ice skating on Windsor Lawn. Popular time slots sell out weeks ahead.
1500 Orange Ave. · hoteldel.com
Worth the Drive · Chula Vista · Runs All Month
ICE! at Gaylord Pacific
Nov 20 through Jan 3
Ice artisans carve twelve walk-through scenes themed to "A Charlie Brown Christmas," with ice slides, in a gallery kept at 9 degrees. Parkas are provided. Ticketed, and on sale now.
Gaylord Pacific Resort · christmasatgaylordpacific.com
Escondido
Steam Powered Giraffe: Live in Concert
Saturday, 7 pm
The robot-themed theatrical band plays the Center Theater at the California Center for the Arts, with tickets listed from $48.
California Center for the Arts, Escondido · artcenter.org
Encinitas
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, South Coast Highway 101 fills with hundreds of vendors, a craft brewery beer garden, international food, a carnival and two stages of live music. Free to attend.
South Coast Highway 101, downtown Encinitas · encinitas101.com
Oceanside
O'side Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day, 7 to 11 am
Recognized by Runner's World as one of the top trots in the country. Early wave 5K, main wave 5K, a double dip (two 5Ks) and a one-mile kids race, with contests and live entertainment along the course.
Oceanside Civic Center, Pier View Way and N. Ditmar St. · osideturkeytrot.com
Encinitas
Encinitas Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day · listed 10K at 7:30 am, 5K at 8 am
Starts at South Coast Highway 101 and West D Street, with a costume contest. Proceeds are listed as supporting the North County chapter of the San Diego Food Bank. Confirm the schedule on the registration page before you sign up.
South Coast Highway 101 and W. D St. · search "Encinitas Turkey Trot" to register
Worth the Drive · 4S Ranch
North County Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day · 5K at 7:30 am, Kids 1K at 8:45 am
Proceeds go to Active Kids Alliance, which provides sports scholarships to children in need. Some listings add a 10K, so check the registration page.
4S Ranch Sports Park · runsignup.com
Worth the Drive · Fairmont Grand Del Mar · Runs All Month
Holidays at The Grand
Select dates, Nov 26 through Jan 3
A 25-foot tree, outdoor skating, holiday tea service, s'mores around the fire pits and brunch with Santa. The events draw locals as well as resort guests.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar · see the resort's holiday page for dates
Encinitas
Holiday Bazaar
Friday after Thanksgiving
A juried craft show with fine art and fine craft exhibitors and a silent auction, at the Encinitas Community Center. Check the time before you go.
Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr.
Escondido · Runs All Month
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Wild Holidays
Select nights, Nov 27 through Jan 3
Illuminated trails, a living nativity, carolers and Santa at Safari Base Camp, with the park open until 8 pm on Wild Holidays evenings. Included with park admission.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. · sdzsafaripark.org
Worth the Drive · Downtown San Diego · Runs All Month
USS Midway Jingle Jets
Select nights, Nov 27 through Dec 30
More than a million lights on the flight deck of the carrier, with music and seasonal treats overlooking the bay. Tickets are sold online only, and it sells out.
USS Midway Museum · midway.org
Worth the Drive · Campo · Runs All Month
North Pole Limited Train Ride
Fridays through Sundays, Nov 27 through Dec 20
A train ride from Campo Depot to the "North Pole" with hot cocoa, cookies, holiday stories and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The best seats go quickly, so buy tickets early.
Campo Depot · psrm.org
Worth the Drive · Julian
Julian's Country Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, noon to 7 pm
Music in the Town Square all day, with Santa meeting children at 6 pm and the living Christmas tree lighting at dusk. Free.
Julian Town Square · sandiego.org
Worth the Drive · Liberty Station
San Diego Made Holiday Market
Saturday and Sunday, Nov 28 to 29
More than 125 curated local makers, live music, food trucks and craft cocktails in an outdoor setting. Small entry fee.
Liberty Station, Point Loma
Worth the Drive · Black Mountain
Black Mountain Turkey Burner
Saturday
A technical trail race the weekend after Thanksgiving with 5K, 10K and half marathon distances, for burning off the holiday meal.
Black Mountain Ranch Park · search "Black Mtn Turkey Burner" to register
North County Farmers Markets
Handy to have in one place. The afternoon markets get shorter hours once the clocks change on November 1 because they run out of daylight, so confirm the times with the market before you drive.
Monday
- Escondido3 to 7 pm8860 Lawrence Welk Dr.
Tuesday
- Escondido (downtown)2:30 to 6 pm, October through MayHeritage Garden Park, 121 N. Juniper St.
Wednesday
- Carlsbad (State Street)Starts 2:30 pm, closes earlier after the clock changeState St. between Grand Ave. and Carlsbad Village Dr.
- Encinitas Station4 to 7 pm, October through April600 S. Vulcan Ave.
Thursday
- Oceanside Farmers Market9 am to 1 pmPier View Way & Hwy 101
- Oceanside Sunset Market5 to 9 pm, year-roundCoast Hwy & Pier View Way
Saturday
- Cardiff10 am to 2 pmMiraCosta College San Elijo, 3333 Manchester Ave.
Sunday
- Leucadia / Encinitas10 am to 2 pm185 Union St.
- Sikes Adobe (San Pasqual Valley)10:30 am to 3:30 pmEscondido area
Vista, San Marcos and Fallbrook also have markets that were not confirmed for this list. The full county list is at sdfarmbureau.org.
Already on the Calendar for December
Worth putting in your phone now.
- Thursdays from Dec 3Oceanside Holiday Gift Market, 5 to 9 pm at 701 Mission Avenue, with artisans, live music and Santa
- Dec 4 to 5Balboa Park December Nights, free, Friday 4 to 10 pm and Saturday noon to 10 pm
- Saturday Dec 5San Marcos Tree Lighting & Holiday Market, 1 to 7 pm at the Community Center, tree lighting at 6 pm. The city's page lists both Dec 5 and Dec 6, so check before you go
- Saturday Dec 5Oceanside Museum of Art Exhibition Celebration, 5 to 7 pm, free
- Dec 10 to 26Stocking Full of Christmas at Park Hyatt Aviara, select dates
- Opens Dec 11Coastal Christmas at Del Mar Fairgrounds, advance tickets only
Questions People Ask
The short answers.
What is happening in Carlsbad this November?
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is Sunday, November 1, from 8 am to 4 pm along Grand Avenue and State Street. The city's Cannon Biennial Exhibition opens to the public with a reception on Saturday, November 7, from 3 to 5 pm at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery. The State Street farmers market runs Wednesdays, with earlier closing times once the clocks change.
What is happening in North County on Veterans Day 2026?
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11. Escondido holds its North County VetFest parade and a celebration at Grape Day Park, San Marcos holds its ceremony at 11 am at Helen Bougher Memorial Park, the San Diego Veterans Day Parade runs from 10 to 11:30 am on Harbor Drive downtown, and Solana Beach is hosting an event with VFW Post 5431. Check each organizer for current times.
Where are the turkey trots in North County on Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26. The O'side Turkey Trot runs from 7 to 11 am at the Oceanside Civic Center, the Encinitas Turkey Trot starts at South Coast Highway 101 and West D Street, and the North County Turkey Trot starts at 7:30 am at 4S Ranch Sports Park. Confirm start times and registration on each race's site.
When is the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair in 2026?
Sunday, November 22, from 9 am to 4 pm on South Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas. It is free to attend, with hundreds of vendors, a craft brewery beer garden, international food and two stages of live music.
When do the holiday lights start in San Diego County?
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration opens November 13. Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, Hotel del Coronado's holiday season and ICE! at Gaylord Pacific all start November 20. San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Wild Holidays in Escondido and the USS Midway's Jingle Jets begin November 27 on select nights.
Know about something that belongs on this list?
If there is an event in Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, Vista or San Marcos that should be here, send it over and it goes in next month's roundup.
And if part of what you love about a neighborhood is the stuff happening in it, that is usually worth talking about before you decide where to buy. Happy to set up a private home search site filtered to the areas and price range that fit, so new listings come to you instead of the other way around.
Kyle@BuyOrSellSoCal.com
Lauren@BuyOrSellSoCal.com
Buy Or Sell SoCal Homes
Dates and times come from the event organizers and do change. Check the event site before you head out, especially for anything ticketed. Calendar last updated October 8, 2026.
