Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SANTA BARBARA--The Museum of Natural History’s Fleischmann Auditorium becomes an international marketplace from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Admission to the Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace is free and features arts and crafts from sites including Africa, South America and the Middle East. Among the items for sale: Pharaonic jewelry and ethnic dresses from Egypt; beadworked votive bowls and masks of the Huichol Indians from Mexico; and tapestries and weavings from Peru, Bolivia and Bali. The museum is at 2559 Puesta del Sol Road. (805) 682-4711.

DEL MAR--Del Mar racetrack hits the slow lane during the Holiday of Lights display when motorists can view 200 lighted structures surrounding the track, with themes such as Toyland and Candy Cane Lane. Nightly through Jan. 1. 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $8, vehicles with up to five people; $13, six or more. Also at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., is the Holiday Faire Friday, Saturday and Dec. 15, with about 50 crafts and food vendors. 6-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15. $3, adults; $2, children 6-12; free for children under 6. (619) 793-5555.

REDWAY--Holiday shoppers might discover a unique gift or two at the Winter Arts Fair, Saturday and Dec. 15 at Mateel Community Center, 59 Rusk Lane. Artisans will staff about 35 booths filled with handcrafts, including jewelry, woodworking and pottery. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $3, adults; free for those over 65 and children under 12. (707) 923-3368.

SANTA ROSA--Musical performances--from Celtic to the blues--highlight the Spirit of Christmas Crafts Faire. There also will be 250 craft and gift exhibits and, for children, jugglers, magic and more. Noon-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 15 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road. $4, adults; $2 children 6-12; children under 6, free. Half price on Friday. (707) 575-9355.

PORTOLA--All aboard for a complimentary turn around the tracks at the annual Portola Railroad Museum’s Santa Train event this Saturday. Five cabooses and an engine will be decorated with lights, and St. Nick will hitch a ride. 5:30-9 p.m. Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies also are free. The museum is on Western Pacific Way. (916) 832-4131.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.