A dazzling trip to the track

Del Mar, Calif.

Nov. 23-Jan. 1: The Holiday of Lights is designed to make eyes pop open even after third helpings of turkey. On Thanksgiving night, the 12th year of the drive-through event kicks off with more than 400 lighted, animated scenes that greet motorists as they round the 1 1/2 -mile Del Mar racetrack.

On the racetrack at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Interstate 5 at Via de la Valle, Del Mar. 5:30-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 5:30-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. $13 per carload of up to five people, $18 per car with six or more people; (858) 755-1161, www.sdfair.com/holidayoflights.

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Lihue, Hawaii

Dec. 1-24: For keiki and keiki at heart, Kauai continues a tradition begun nearly half a century ago by local legend Auntie Josie, who had opened up her home to visitors during the holiday season for about 40 years so they could see the folk artist’s creations, such as a tree made of 7,500 green toothpicks, wreaths created from egg cartons and a chandelier made from wire coat hangers. After the death of her husband in 1996, she gave up the tradition and Kauai County took over with the Festival of Lights. The Historic County Building displays decorations, including Auntie Josie’s. (This year’s theme is “Santa Goes Kauaian.”) Opening festivities Dec. 1, beginning about dusk, include performances by local choirs and the Lights on Rice Parade with illuminated floats.

Historic County Building, 4396 Rice St., Lihue. 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Info: (808) 828-0014.

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Carmel

Dec. 2: Fido fans and their pooches put on the dog for Carmel’s parade of hounds. The Reindoggie Parade, brainchild of those at Mackie’s Parlour, a Pet Boutique, is in its second year. “This is about you and your pet getting dressed for the holiday,” said Mackie’s co-owner, Vince Anginoli, “and it can be simple or it can be bizarre.” Dogs are judged in three divisions: puppy, adult and senior citizen, with honors for, among other things, “most outrageous,” “fastest wag” and “best look-alike” (pets that most resemble their owners or vice versa). Three downtown blocks are closed to traffic for the festivities, which include a balloon sculptor, music and a caricaturist. The event is a fundraiser for Monterey County’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

To participate: $10 for one dog, $20 for multiple dogs. Registration is at Carmel Plaza, Ocean Avenue and Mission Street, Carmel, at noon, parade at 1:15 p.m.; (831) 626-0600, www.mackiesparlour.com.

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Big Bear Lake, Calif.

Dec. 23: Eyes will be peeled for beaks and bald heads as the Big Bear Discovery Center begins its eagle-spotting tours. Participants scout for the regal eagles during a two-hour tour by van around Big Bear Lake. Use of telescopes and binoculars as well as refreshments are included in the price of admission.

9 a.m.-noon Dec. 23-March 10; $30, ages 6-16 $20. Participants depart from Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 Northshore Drive. Space is limited to 13, and reservations are recommended. Info: (909) 866-3437.

-- Amy Hubbard