In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
Holiday plans are stacked this week, with live music, holiday markets, warehouse sales, family events, and festive nights happening across Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, and Solana Beach.
From Christmas karaoke to punk shows, Frozen sing-alongs, canyon hikes, and cozy film screenings round out a weekend with something for every age and energy level.
Carlsbad earns national recognition as a top food destination for 2026, and our favorite Christmas light neighborhoods are still glowing strong.
Let’s get to it.
📸 Looking for a Local Christmas Gift?
If you’re looking for an easy, meaningful last-minute gift, this one’s a favorite (not sponsored, just worth sharing). Local Carlsbad photographer @light.warehouse has released a 2026 calendar filled with coastal scenes, beach vibes, and everyday North County beauty. It’s the kind of gift that feels personal without trying too hard.
The calendar is $25, with local pickup available or shipping for $5. To order, simply send a DM on Instagram to @light.warehouse. A great way to support a local creative and share a little Carlsbad sunshine with someone you love.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Thursday 12/18:
🛍️ Cuts Warehouse Sale | Alternative Retail, 2561 El Camino Real, Carlsbad | Thu–Tue, Dec 18–23, 10am–6pm | Shop up to 70% off men’s and women’s premium apparel at this multi-brand warehouse sale. One timed-entry ticket gives access to all brands onsite. Free tickets required for ages 15+. details
🎶 Amplified Studios Wrapped: Pass-The-Aux for Local SD Musicians | Amplified Studios, 2796 Loker Ave W, Carlsbad | Thu, Dec 19, 7–10pm | A listening party for local musicians who released music in 2025, with burgers and a chance to meet other artists. RSVP and song submission required. details
Friday 12/19:
🎤 Slabratory / Pour House Xmas Punk Party | Pour House, 1903 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside | Fri, Dec 19, 8pm–12am | A high-energy holiday punk show featuring Angry Samoans with The Plagues, Big Attitude, and High Compression. A loud, late-night Christmas party for punk fans. details
🎈 FROZEN Dance & Sing Along! | The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad | Fri, Dec 19, 12–3pm | A free family event featuring Frozen characters with singing, dancing, festive storytelling, and photo opportunities in the Center Court. Characters arrive at noon and stay through the afternoon for meet-and-greets and interactive fun. details
Saturday 12/20:
🛍️ Sneakers Saturday: All Shoes $10–$25 | 2505-B Vista Way #1, Oceanside | Sat, Dec 20, 10am–8pm | A massive shoe liquidation sale with thousands of styles priced $10–$25, including fresh sneaker stock added on Saturday. Women’s sizes 6–11, free to attend, and free parking. details
🛍️ Stussy Outlet Sale at Prohibition Brewing | Prohibition Brewing Co., 2004 E Vista Way, Vista | Sat, Dec 20, 10am–4pm | Shop wholesale-priced men’s and women’s Stussy apparel, including past-season styles and collaborations. Timed entry encouraged, with standby access if slots fill. Stay after to enjoy craft beer and food. Free to attend. details
🍺 Arcana 13th Brewversary | Arcana Brewing Company, 5621 Palmer Way Ste C, Carlsbad | Sat, Dec 20, 1–9pm | Celebrate 13 years of Arcana Brewing with craft beer, good vibes, and a special pairing featuring a beer of your choice and four custom chocolates. Food available from Chocolates By E and The French Door Cafe. details
🎤 Ugly Sweater Christmas Karaoke Party | Junkyard Sports Bar & Grill, 3617 Ocean Ranch Blvd Ste 100, Oceanside | Sat, Dec 20, 7pm–11:59pm | A festive karaoke night with ugly sweaters, holiday energy, and late-night singing. All ages welcome until 10pm, then 21+ only. details
🎨 “’Tis the Season” Christmas Cookie Board Paint Party | Beach Terrace, 2775 Ocean St, Carlsbad | Sat, Dec 20, 2–5pm | A festive afternoon paint party where guests create Christmas-themed cookie boards in a relaxed, social setting. No experience needed. Ideal for friends, solo creatives, and holiday crafting lovers. details
🎶 LeperKhanz Christmas Show at Witch Creek | 2906 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad | Sat, Dec 20, 6–11:30pm | A holiday live music night at Witch Creek Winery featuring LeperKhanz plus West Coast Love Machine, Rustic Strings (with special guest Nick O’Madden), and house music by QLEAP. details
🥾 Annie’s Canyon Group Hike | Annie’s Canyon Trail, N Rios Ave Trailhead, Solana Beach | Sat, Dec 20, 10am–12pm | A guided, community-focused hike through Annie’s Canyon featuring an easy-to-moderate route and ladder climb. Family friendly with coffee perks and a relaxed social vibe. Free to attend with RSVP. details
Sunday 12/21:
🛍️ Holiday Market | Mas Fina Cantina, 2780 State St, Carlsbad | Sun, Dec 21, 12–4pm | An open-air holiday market featuring local vendors and handmade gifts, just in time for Christmas. Enjoy live music by Carlsbad’s own Nicky Nestor, Polaroid photos with Santa, and a festive, family friendly atmosphere. All ages welcome. details
🐾 Pet Photos with Santa | Carlsbad Pet and Feed, 2832 State St, Carlsbad | Sun, Dec 21, 2–4pm | A festive afternoon for pet lovers featuring photos with Santa, treats, and holiday fun for furry family members. A sweet stop for dog parents looking to capture a seasonal memory. details
🎬 Winter Wonders Holiday Film Fest: White Christmas | Oceanside Theatre Company at The Brooks, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside | Sun, Dec 21, 1–3pm | A big-screen showing of White Christmas as part of the Winter Wonders Holiday Film Fest. Wear a holiday sweater for a free gourmet hot chocolate. Tickets $10 general, $7 student/senior/military. details
🎶 Live Music at Coomber Craft Wines | Coomber Craft Wines, 611 Mission Ave, Oceanside | Sun, Dec 21, 6–9pm | An evening of live music, food, and wine on Coomber’s back patio. details
🍊🥑Farmers Markets:🍓🧺
Wednesday: Carlsbad: 2:30pm-7pm | State Steet | details
Thursday: Oceanside: 9am-1pm | Pier View Way | details
Friday: San Marcos: 4pm-8pm | N City Drive | details
Saturday:
Sunday:
🌤️🌊 Carlsbad Weather and Wave Forecast
Weather ☀️
Thursday 12/18
68 🌡️ 50 | ☀️
Friday 12/19
67 🌡️ 51 | ☀️
Saturday 12/20
65 🌡️ 51 | 🌤️
Sunday 12/21
64 🌡️ 51 | 🌤️
🍽️🌊 Carlsbad Named a Top Food Destination for 2026
Carlsbad just received some well-earned national love. Travel + Leisure has named our coastal town one of the top U.S. destinations to visit for food and drink in 2026, and honestly, it feels right on point.
What makes this especially sweet is how naturally it’s happened. Our dining scene has grown up without losing its laid-back charm. Yes, we now have Michelin-starred standouts like Jeune et Jolie and Lilo, but we also have welcoming neighborhood favorites where outdoor tables, seasonal menus, and locally sourced ingredients set the tone. Places like Campfire, Wildland, and Little Victory Wine Bar reflect a very Carlsbad way of eating. Thoughtful, relaxed, and full of flavor.
Chefs are growing herbs on-site, hosting intimate dinner series, and collaborating with local farms, all while keeping things approachable. With new restaurants set to open in 2026, Carlsbad is proving that great food doesn’t need fuss. Just sunshine, good people, and a table worth gathering around.
✨ Best Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights in Carlsbad & North County
In case you missed it last week or want a quick refresher, North County’s best Christmas light neighborhoods are still shining bright. If you’re looking for an easy evening plan, these streets are perfect for a slow drive or a cozy walk with cocoa in hand. From classic lights to playful displays, they’ve become seasonal favorites for a reason.
Bookmark this list and go when the mood strikes. The lights are up, the nights are crisp, and the holiday magic is still very much happening.
Carlsbad Neighborhood Gems
Bressi Ranch
Always a top pick for families. Streets throughout the neighborhood light up with themed homes, big displays, and plenty of photo-worthy stops.
Ammonite Place
A cozy cul-de-sac known for bright, neighbor-coordinated decorations.
Neblinda Dr & Cordoba Place
A festive Carlsbad pocket with welcoming, creative displays.
Highland Dr & Tamarack
Easy to cruise through and often full of traditional-style lighting.
Carlsbad Standout Homes 🏡
6646 Elegant Tern Pl
Old-fashioned lights, big inflatables, Santa’s mailbox, a Christmas village, and nightly treats. Now through Jan 3.
2695 Medford Ct
A 25-song synchronized show that mixes classic lights with pixel technology. Accepts toy donations. Now through Dec 31.
3920 Rockfield Ct
Musical display featuring 25,000+ lights and a show selector with 30+ songs to choose from. Now through Dec 31.
6774 Vermarine Ct
More than 10,000 lights dancing to a mix of classic and modern Christmas music. Now through Dec 31.
3520 Corte Ramon
Lights and characters timed to music, with a new theme each year. Accepting food donations for local families.
5596 Quarter Horse Cir
Over 10,000 RGB pixel lights synchronized to Christmas favorites, complete with singing characters. Tune to 97.1 FM. Now through Dec 31.
5279 Willow Walk Rd
A full 40,000+ light show with a 20-foot tree, arches, and a 30-minute musical program. Now through Dec 31.
Oceanside Spots Worth Checking Out
2329 Snead Dr, Oceanside
Bright, cheerful displays that light up this quiet neighborhood and make it a great quick stop on any holiday route.
1872 Avenida Segovia, Oceanside
A family favorite with classic decorations and plenty of sparkle.
Emerald Dr & Thomas St, Oceanside
A lively corner with colorful lights and a fun community vibe.
Oceanside Harbor
Perfect for a coastal walk at dusk. Boats, shops, and the harborfront glow with festive charm every December.
Christmas Light Show Spectacular – 3715 Oceanic Way
Drive or walk through more than 10,000 synchronized lights set to holiday music on 98.9 FM. Free and running nightly in December.
Bonus Experiences Worth the Drive
Coastal Christmas Del Mar – Del Mar Fairgrounds
Ten nights of holiday fun with dazzling displays, skating, private igloos, s’mores, and family activities. Dec 12–14, 18–23 & 26, 4–9pm. Details
Lightscape – San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
A mile-long illuminated trail with new international art installations and returning favorites. Select dates Now through Jan 4, 5–10pm. Details
Until next time,
Carlsbad Scoop