California Corner

ESCONDIDO--After regular hours, the Wild Animal Park will light up with the Festival of Lights, daily through Dec. 30. Festivities include railway tours, kids’ crafts, caroling and holiday lights throughout the Nairobi Village section of the park. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. 4-8 p.m. $7.95; $3.95 for ages 3-11. (760) 747-8702.

STOCKTON--Party in the streets on New Year’s Eve during First Night Stockton, an alcohol-free event throughout downtown and around Hunter Square, Weber Point and the waterfront. The Children’s Museum will offer kids’ activities, and a Teen Scene will provide entertainment for teens. Fireworks at midnight. 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $6 in advance; $8 at the door; free under age 7. (209) 937-8136.

PALM SPRINGS--Bring the whole family to welcome in the New Year at Palm Springs 2000. Palm Canyon Drive will be closed to traffic from Alejo to Baristo roads, making way for food booths, street performers and five stages of entertainment. There will also be a fireworks display at midnight. Downtown. 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Free. (760) 778-8418.

BIG BEAR LAKE--Schuss your way into the New Year at Big Bear Lake, where torchlight parades will light up the ski run at Snow Summit on New Year’s Eve. About 250 skiers and snowboarders will descend the hill at 8 p.m. Fireworks follow at 8:30 p.m. Free to spectators. (909) 866-5766.

SAN DIEGO--A parade through the historic Bazaar del Mundo will kick off Carnaval on New Year’s Day. Brazilian and Hispanic music and dance will follow, including mariachis, the Super Sonic Samba School and 12-foot-tall puppets. Old Town State Historic Park, 2754 Calhoun St. 1-5 p.m. Free. (619) 296-3161.

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Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@msn.com.