In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
The holidays are in full swing, with night markets, neighborhood light displays, and festive gatherings happening across Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, and Vista.
Carlsbad Village, Bressi Ranch, Magee Park, and Oceanside Harbor all have seasonal highlights this week, along with makers markets, live theater, and community workouts.
Community updates keep you in the loop on local traditions like Ho Ho Highland, top neighborhoods for Christmas lights, and new ways to enjoy the season across North County.
Let’s get to it.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Thursday 12/11:
🌅 Sunset Market | Corner of Pier View Way & Tremont St, Oceanside | Thu, Dec 11, 5–9pm | Oceanside’s weekly night market brings international food vendors, handmade goods, live entertainment, and a kids’ zone. It is family friendly, lively, and a great spot to grab dinner while shopping local. Free to attend. details
🛍️ Pacsun Warehouse Sale | Alternative Retail, 2561 El Camino Real, Carlsbad | Thu–Sun, Dec 11–14, 10am–6pm | Shop major markdowns on men’s, women’s, and kids’ apparel with new items added daily. One free timed-entry ticket gives access to all brands onsite. Ages 15+ need a ticket. details
🛍️ lululemon Carlsbad Holiday Shop | lululemon Carlsbad, 1915 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad | Thu, Dec 11, 5-8pm | Members are invited to a special holiday shopping night with 25% off up to 15 full-priced items, seasonal live music, and catering by Mendocino Farms. Spend $300+ for a wrapped surprise from local North County businesses. Free tickets, all ages, and free parking. details
Friday 12/12:
🎄 Holiday Window Decorating Contest | Carlsbad Village | Fri–Tue, Dec 12–16 | Local shops deck out their windows for community voting. Scan QR codes at each display to choose your favorite and enjoy a festive walk through the Village. Free to enjoy. details
🛍️ Holiday Night Market at Sound by the Sea | Sound by the Sea, Oceanside | Fri, Dec 12, 5–10pm | A curated holiday night market with one-of-a-kind gifts, local makers, and live vinyl spinning on the venue’s hi-fi system. Free entry, all ages, and a lively community vibe perfect for small-business holiday shopping. details
🎭 Annie Jr. at Star Theatre | Star Theatre, 402 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside | Fri, Dec 12, 7:30–9:30pm | The second show of the weekend run, offering an upbeat, nostalgic night of theater for families and musical fans. details
🤝 Builders & Backers Networking Mixer | Hera Hub Carlsbad, 5938 Priestly Dr Ste 103, Carlsbad | Fri, Dec 12, 5:30-8:30pm | A free mixer for founders, investors, and creators at Hera Hub’s indoor-outdoor coworking space. Enjoy open bar, food, and relaxed networking, plus quick insights from local startups before open mingling. Ideal for anyone building, funding, or supporting new ideas in North County. details
🧸 Kids Cozy Christmas Storytime | Surf Salutations, 4225 Oceanside Blvd Ste M, Oceanside | Fri, Dec 12, 4:30-5pm | Little ones ages 1-5 can come in festive pajamas for mindful holiday yoga, simple mantras, and Christmas stories. Expect a short, cozy class with a surprise visit from Santa. Free to attend, but space is limited and RSVP is required; one adult may bring up to two children. details
Saturday 12/13:
💪 Magical Holiday Morning at Fox Point Farms | The Hatch at Fox Point Farms, 1200 Fox Point Dr, Encinitas | Sat, Dec 13, 9am-12pm | Booty By Barbells hosts a free festive workout and wellness morning with “Reindeer Games,” a one-hour group workout, cold plunge, hydra-facials, sound therapy, DJ music, and a holiday raffle. Space is limited; bring a mat, towel, and dress in holiday green. details
✨ Christmas Under the Stars | Magee Park, Carlsbad Village | Sat, Dec 13, 6:30pm | A cozy outdoor evening with traditional carols, the Christmas story, and free hot chocolate and cookies. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a festive night under the lights with family and friends. details
🎭 4th Annual Dark X-mas Market of Vista | 110 S Citrus Ave, Vista | Sat, Dec 13, 4-8:30pm | This outdoor Dark X-mas Market transforms historic downtown Vista with gothic-leaning holiday vendors, Norse and folklore-inspired gifts, food, and live street performances. Expect the dramatic Wild Hunt of Vista procession after dark. Free to attend, with donations appreciated and costumes encouraged. details
Sunday 12/14:
🎨 Holiday Paint & Sip | New Village Arts, 2787 State St, Carlsbad | Sun, Dec 14, 10am–1pm | A relaxed morning of painting, wine, and connection where guests create their own artwork with no experience required. A cozy, creative way to spend a December morning. details
🍷 Sunday Sip + Santa | Little Victory Wine Bar + Always Hungry Grocery & Goods, 505 Oak Ave, Carlsbad | Sun, Dec 14, 1–5pm | A festive shopping pop-up with local makers, Santa meet-and-greet, wine by the glass, and special offerings from both spaces. A family friendly stop for gifts, snacks, and holiday cheer. 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 12/11
72 🌡️ 47 | ☀️
Friday 12/12
70 🌡️ 48 | ☀️
Saturday 12/13
69 🌡️ 48 | 🌤️
Sunday 12/14
67 🌡️ 44 | ☀️
🎅 Ho Ho Highland: Carlsbad’s Giant Santa Street Is Back
Highland Drive is glowing again this season, and the giant Santas are out in full force. What began a few years ago as a simple neighborly idea has turned into a Carlsbad tradition, with dozens of oversized Santas lining the street and more popping up each week.
The display has weathered its share of challenges, from popped inflatables to a few that mysteriously disappeared, but neighbors always jump in with repairs, replacements, and extra Santas to keep the magic alive. It has become one of those sweet, only-in-Carlsbad moments where kids wander wide-eyed and parents chat along the sidewalk.
If you’re looking for a cheerful, low-key outing, take an evening stroll down Highland Drive. It’s simple, joyful, and a great reminder of how much charm a community can create together.
✨ Best Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights in Carlsbad & North County
If you’re looking for a festive evening drive (or a slow stroll with cocoa in hand), North County has no shortage of magical streets and standout displays. Here are some of the most-loved spots to explore this season.
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