Seasonal Sights and Sounds in North County

From hayrides to Hanukkah parties, the holiday festivities this month in North County are numerous and varied. Aside from the more traditional tree lighting ceremonies, parades and concerts, there will be Renaissance feasts and caroling by trolley.

A variety of children’s activities have also been planned, including a Santa’s bakery and a life-size game of Candyland.

Below is a guide to some of the seasonal sights and sounds of North County.

FOR CHILDREN

Children’s Holiday Party: (Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Julian Town Hall, corner of Highways 78-79 and Main Street, Julian). Julian Triangle Club’s free annual holiday party with caroling, refreshments and visits with Santa Claus. Children can be photographed with Santa for a fee, or parents can take their own photographs. Julian service organizations and businesses donate to the party. The annual event began at least 30 years ago when community members gathered near an outdoor tree to sing carols. Call 765-1857.

Christmas T-Shirt Painting: (Dec. 8, 10 a.m.--noon, Washington Park, 501 N. Rose, Escondido). Children ages 7 and up can decorate a T-shirt for the holidays. There will be more than 20 designs to choose from, complete with the option of glitter. Cost is $10, with a $6 supply fee. It includes a T-shirt in a choice of red, green or white. Sponsored by the Escondido Parks and Recreation Department. Call 432-4538.

Cradle Roll: (Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m.--10 a.m., Temple Adat Shalom, 15905 Pomerado Rd., Poway). Open to preschoolers, ages 3 to 5, and their parents to commemorate Hanukkah. Call 451-1200.

Creative Holiday Crafts: (Dec. 15, 10 a.m.--1 p.m., Glen Park Scout House, 2149 Orinda Dr., Cardiff). Children ages 6 to 12 can make wreaths and holiday figures. The $5 fee includes all supplies. Sponsored by Encinitas Community Services Department. Call 944-3382.

Story Hour and Art Project for Children: (Dec. 15, 10 a.m., Temple Adat Shalom, 15905 Pomerado Rd., Poway). Children, ages 3 to 8, are invited to listen to Hanukkah stories and participate in art projects. Call 451-1200.

Breakfast With Santa: (Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Escondido Elks Lodge, corner of Washington and Escondido Blvd., Escondido). Children, ages 1 to 10, can breakfast with Santa. Cost is $2 per person; advance registration, limited to 150 children. Sponsored by the Escondido Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with the Escondido Soroptimists and the Escondido Elks Lodge. Call 432-4538.

Holiday Craft Workshop: (Dec. 15 and 21, 9 a.m.-noon, Beach Community Center, 300 N. Strand, Oceanside) Children, ages 6 to 12, can make crafts and participate in a holiday party, complete with music, goodies and a surprise visitor. Cost is $3 and the event. Sponsored by the Beach Community Center. Call 966-4545.

Santa’s Bakery: (Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-noon, Brengle Terrace Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista). Children, ages 6 to 12, can bake goodies for the holidays. A $7 registration fee is required. Sponsored by Vista Parks and Recreation Department. Call 630-6151.

Li’l Elves Workshop: (Dec. 17-19, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m., Community Center, 133 Pacific Ave., Solana Beach) Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Department sponsors the one-day workshops for children, ages 5 to 10. Activities include holiday baking, children’s games, crafts and art projects. Workshops limited to 40 children per day. A $4 fee includes all project supplies, snacks and supervision. Children can sign up for more than one day; activities and projects will be different each day. Call 755-2998.

Ho-Ho Hotline: (Dec. 18, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Escondido). Children can dial the hot line (741-6464) and tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Escondido city employees have manned the hot line one night during the holiday season for 10 years.

Christmas Crafts: (Dec. 18 and 20, 10 a.m.-noon, Vista Community Center, 600 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista) Children, ages 3 to 6, will make holiday crafts. Registration required; $7 fee. Sponsored by the Vista Department of Parks and Recreation. Call 630-6151.

Holiday Fun and Games: (Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Brengle Terrace Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista). Children, ages 5 to 12, are invited for a day of activities. Lunch is provided. Registration and fee. Sponsored by Vista Parks and Recreation Department. Call 630-6151.

Candyland Game: (Dec. 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Poway Community Park auditorium, 13094 Bowron Road, Poway). Life-sized board game based on the Candyland characters, geared for children 2 to 10 years old. A giant die is thrown and children hop around the board. About 30 children play the game at any one time. When they reach certain squares, elves hand out prizes. At the end, the kids visit with Santa. Between 700 and 1,000 children are expected throughout the day. Cost is $1 at entrance. Call 748-6600, Ext. 343.

PARADES

Encinitas Starlight Holiday Parade: (Dec. 6, 7 p.m., 1st Street, between D and J streets, Encinitas). The 5th annual parade, sponsored by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce. Parade attracted 15,000 viewers last year. Call 753-6041.

Escondido Jaycees Christmas Parade: (Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-noon, Broadway Avenue, from Escondido High School to Grape Day Park, Escondido). The 40th annual event will feature a band competition, with an awards ceremony following the parade at Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway Ave. Call 741-4691.

Fallbrook Christmas Parade: (Dec. 8, 5 p.m., South Main Street to North Main Street, Fallbrook). The 9th annual Christmas Around the World parade will feature Marine Corps members, the Naval Weapons Station color guard, floats and bands. Call 728-5845.

Vista Christmas Parade and Street Fair: (Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m., South Santa Fe, down Vista Way to Escondido Avenue, Vista) Parade will include floats, bands and appearances by North Pole celebrities. Call 726-1122.

Oceanside Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: (Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside Harbor Drive, Oceanside). More than 40 boats are expected for the 14th annual event, sponsored by Oceanside Yacht Club. The private yacht club is open to the public during the evening. The Cape Cod Merchants (13 stores at the south end of the harbor) will offer free coffee and hot chocolate to all onlookers. Call 722-5721.

EVENTS

Romancing the Holidays: (Dec. 7 and 8, Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17750 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo). The 9th annual fund-raiser for the Boys’ & Girls’ Club of Escondido. Events include a champagne buffet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, a breakfast with Santa at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8, and a dinner dance at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8. For ticket information, call 746-3315.

Renaissance Feast: (Dec. 8-9, 6:30 p.m., Fallbrook Presbyterian Church, 463 S. Stagecoach Lane, Fallbrook). A Royal Christmas Festival and Feast, featuring traditional foods, will be followed by Christmas caroling. A $15 donation for adults, $10 donation for children. Call 728-5804.

Encinitas Christmas Street Fair: (Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., First Street between D and G streets, Encinitas). Seventh annual assembly of artists, artisans, food booths, entertainment and games. A donation from event organizers will benefit the Community Resource Center Christmas Basket Program. Call 591-3769.

Parade of Christmas Trees: (throughout December, hours vary, Neiman at the Twin Inns Restaurant, 2978 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad). North County Concert Assn.’s Parade of Christmas Trees, on display in the restaurant lobby. Call 729-4131.

Second Sunday at Inn L’Auberge: (Dec. 9, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Inn L’Auberge, 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar) Del Mar Chamber sponsors the Christmas pageant, which features carolers. Call 755-4855.

Hanukkah Dinner Dance: (Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m., Temple Adat Shalom, 15905 Pomerado Rd., Poway). Cost is $37.50 per person; open to the public. Call 451-1200.

Singles Shabbat Hanukkah Dinner: (Dec. 14, 6 p.m., Temple Solel, 552 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas). A catered dinner for singles. Cost is $10. Call 436-0654.

Hanukkah Party: (Dec. 16, 4 p.m., Temple Adat Shalom, 15905 Pomerado Rd., Poway). The event, open to the public, will include games, music, dramatic readings and lighting of Hanukkah candles. Call 451-1200.

Hanukkah Party: (Dec. 16, 5-7 p.m., Chaparral Elementary School, 17250 Tannin Dr., Poway). Annual party sponsored by the Ner Tamid North County Inland Conservative Synagogue. Open to the public. Call 592-9141.

Hanukkah Celebration: (Dec. 16, 4 p.m., Congregation Beth Am, 525 Stevens Ave., Solana Beach). A dinner for the entire family. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children, with those 2-year-old or younger free. Reservations by Dec. 12. Call 481-8454.

SIGHTS

Santa’s Wonderland: John and Velma Myers’ home, 920 5th Ave., has become a landmark in Escondido, with more than 3,000 lights decorating their yard. A living Christmas tree is covered with about 1,800 lights. The display includes a Santa’s village, complete with handmade reindeer. The entire scene is covered with “snow.” Every night through Dec. 31, the couple dresses as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause to greet passers-by. The tradition began 25 years ago. The public is invited to view the display and sign the Myers’ guest book.

Winter Wonderland: Tony and Betty Carvalho display dancing bears, Nativity scenes, snowmen, Santa and his reindeer and a lighted tree at 263 E. 9th Ave., Escondido. A 5-foot star lights the entire yard. Visitors are welcome and can sign the guest book. The display is lit every evening from 5-9 p.m., though Dec. 31.

Christmas Display: Hadin and Betty Hanson feature more than 15,000 lights on a holiday display at their home, 1256 San Vicente Rd., Ramona. The couple began the tradition eight years ago. Santa will arrive Dec. 15 and stay until Dec. 24. Free candy canes are distributed to children who visit. The display is lit from 5-9:30 p.m. every evening, until Jan. 1.

Christmas Card Scene: A display at Danny and Dee Baker’s yard, 1927 4th St., Julian, features three antique elves, a Nativity scene, a skating scene and a gingerbread house. The couple have been decorating their home for 16 years. The display can be viewed Dec. 15-31, from dark until 9 p.m. nightly.

Festival of Lights: (Dec. 6-30, excluding Dec. 24-25, 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Nairobi Village, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido). More than 1,000 lights will cast animal silhouettes on the park lagoon. The event will also feature face painting and crafts for children. Special admission price of $4.75 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 3-15. Participants are asked to bring canned food or wrapped gifts to be distributed to needy families. Call 747-8702, Ext. 5140.

Westwood Club Luminarias: (Dec. 24, 6 p.m., West Bernardo Drive and Rancho Bernardo Road, Rancho Bernardo). Boy Scout Troop 681, led by Eldon Jennings, will sell paper bags with candles set in sand to about 2,000 homeowners in the Westwood Club area of Rancho Bernardo. Community volunteers help prepare the luminarias for sale. Residents light the 44,000 candles Dec. 24. The display can be viewed by driving or strolling down streets in the area. Drivers are asked to use parking lights during the display, which has been an event for about 20 years.

TREE LIGHTINGS

Holiday Tree Lighting at the Plaza: (Dec. 6, 5:30-7 p.m., Fletcher Cove, Old Highway 101 at Plaza, Solana Beach). The second annual event will feature holiday singing, refreshments and a visit with Santa and his elves. Sponsored by Solana Beach Department of Parks and Recreation. Free. Open to public. Call 755-2998.

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration: (Dec. 15, 7-9 p.m., The Barn, 149 E. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos). Celebration will include sale of homemade cookies and tree ornament. Proceeds to benefit San Marcos day-care centers. A tree-decorating contest will be part of the festivities. Groups can bring in a fully decorated tree for the contest, with prizes of $20 to $50. The San Marcos Junior High and High School bands and choirs will perform. Tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.. Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear with their elves. Children will receive free balloons and candy canes. More than 1,000 participants are expected. Call 744-1875.

SOUNDS

Poway Stables Hayrides: Poway Stables has hayrides for holiday carolers seven days a week, through Dec. 23. The wagons can accommodate about 30 adults or 55 to 60 children, according to owner Paul Minor. Call 788-1600.

Holiday Family Concert: (Dec. 7, 7-9 p.m., Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, 120 Stevens Ave., Solana Beach). “An Evening with Sam Hinton,” sponsored by Solana Beach Department of Parks and Recreation. Free. Hinton will present seasonal music. Anyone with special seating needs can call 755-2998.

San Elijo Community Chorus and Candlelight Orchestra: (Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 8-9, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff). Christmas by Candlelight concert will feature a variety of selections, including a musical arrangement of “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” acted out by members of the Carlsbad High School drama program. Tickets are $5, and include dessert at intermission. Call 757-2121, Ext. 435.

San Luis Rey Chorale: (Dec. 8 & 16, Old Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside). A $5 donation will be accepted at the door for A Christmas Fantasy, the story of Christmas in song. Call 726-4280.

The Messiah: (Dec. 9, 2 p.m., Grace Community Church, 1234 Barger Place at San Vicente, Ramona). The 12th annual community sing of Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring choir members from many of Ramona’s churches. Free. Call 789-0562.

Coastal Communities Civic Band: (Dec. 9, 2 p.m., Crest Hall, Oak Crest Junior High School, 675 Balour Dr., Encinitas). A $3 donation will be accepted for the annual Holiday Concert. Call 436-0783.

Christmas Sing at The Inn: (Dec. 11, 6 p.m., The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe). Rancho Santa Fe School’s 531 pupils, grades kindergarten through eighth, will present the annual concert, led by music teacher Peggy Jacobsen. Free. The annual lighting of the Rancho Santa Fe Village trees occurs at the event, which has been a tradition for more than 20 years. Call 756-1141.

Pomerado Community Band: (Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15500 Espola Road). The 1 1/2-hour concert will feature a piece by Newell Long entitled “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and the 40-member band will perform a variety of familiar and festive holiday band arrangements. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

Pacific Coast Concert Band: Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., MiraCosta College Theatre, One Barnard Dr., Oceanside; Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, 3357 Monroe St., Carlsbad). Traditional holiday music from “Sleigh Ride” to the “Nutcracker Suite” will be performed. A donation of $3 for adults, $2 for students, will be collected. Call 944-7458.

Annual Christmas Concert: (Dec. 14, 8 p.m., Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15500 Espola Rd., Poway). The RB Chorale presents 17th annual Sounds of the Season holiday concert, under the direction of Pat Bean. The 105-member choir will present a family variety show. Tickets are $8, and can be purchased at Clark’s Stationers, 16779 Bernardo Center Dr., Rancho Bernardo, or Ozzie’s Music, 12222 Poway Rd., Poway. Call 486-0225.

Palomar College Annual Holiday Concert: (Dec. 14-16; 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday; Palomar College Theatre, 1140 W. Mission, San Marcos). Palomar Chorale, with David Chase conducting, will perform Brubeck’s “Fiesta de la Posada.” The program also includes the Palomar Dance Ensemble in “A Christmas Fantasy.” Cost is $8; senior citizens and children, $5. Call 744-1150, Ext. 2453.

Holiday Caroler’s Trolley: (Dec. 15, noon-4 p.m., Moonlight Plaza to the Lumberyard Shopping Center, First Street, Encinitas). A caroling tour of downtown Encinitas on a vintage-style trolley. A continuous holiday concert will be held throughout the day at the Lumberyard Shopping Center. Call 943-1950.

North Coast Symphony and College Community Chorus: (Dec. 15-16, 7:30 p.m., MiraCosta College Theatre, One Barnard Dr., Oceanside). Concert features the Christmas cantata “Hodie.” Call 757-2121, Ext. 435.

Living Christmas Tree: (Dec. 15 & 16, 6:30 p.m., Fallbrook First Baptist Church, 125 W. Hawthorne, Fallbrook). The 40-member church choir, directed by Don Tiffany, will present a variety of Christmas songs and several original numbers. Part of the Christmas story will be told in vignettes as the choir performs. The tree will be decorated with chains, garlands, velvet bows and all-white miniature lights. Donations will be accepted. Call 728-7771.

North County Civil Youth Orchestra: (Dec. 16, 3 p.m., Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway). Elementary, intermediate and advanced orchestras will perform traditional holiday and classic music. Tickets are $5. Call 748-0505.

First Annual Community Messiah Sing-a-Long: (Dec. 23, 3 p.m., Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway). The RB Chorale, under the direction of Pat Bean, will sing the Christmas portion of “The Messiah.” The concert will include an orchestra and soloists. Local church choirs are encouraged to join in the event. Tickets are $6 in advance at Clark’s Stationers, 16779 Bernardo Center Dr., Rancho Bernardo, and at Ozzie’s Music, 12222 Poway Road, Poway. Tickets are $8 at the door. Call 486-0225.

THEATER

A Christmas Carol: North County schools can request a visit by the Lamb’s Players touring company, which will present Kerry Meads’ musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic. Call 474-3385.

Patrons of the Arts Foundation: (until Dec. 23, 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday, Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, 3357 Monroe St., Carlsbad). Traditional holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” will be presented in part through a grant from the Carlsbad Arts Center. Tickets ae $10 for adults; $7.50 for seniors, children and military. Call 434-1621.

California Ballet: (Dec. 8 at 2:30 and 8 p.m., and Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m., Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway). “The Nutcracker,” the ballet’s 20th annual performance of the holiday classic, will be staged for the first time at the Poway Center before moving to San Diego Civic Theatre. Call 560-5676.

Patio Playhouse: (Dec. 7-16, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday; East Valley Parkway at Rose, Escondido). Youth Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” For tickets, call 746-6669.