FAITH ORCINO

PRIDE STAFF WRITER

Communities have many fun-filled events for everyone planned during the first few weeks of December, with a few starting even before December begins. To find more holiday events, check out www.sandiego.org.

Santa’s Magical Village: Santa stops by San Marcos on Dec. 4 and 5.  At 3 p.m., the San Marcos Community Center becomes Santa’s Magical Village where families create winter arts and crafts.  It is a free event. Families can commemorate the occasion by taking a picture with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and of course, Santa Claus.  To find out more, check out the calendar in the city’s website: http://www.san-marcos.net/.

Holiday of Lights: The Holiday of Lights is in the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  It is a drive-thru exhibit of over 400 displays with festive themes.  The event runs Nov. 25 – Jan. 2, 2011.  Since you must drive, prices are based off vehicles and passengers.  A vehicle with five or less people inside costs $14 (per vehicle.)  One with six or more people costs $19.  Buses are $49 and any vehicles with less than three wheels are not allowed. For more information and to check out special deals, visit http://www.sdfair.com/holidayoflights/.

Balboa Park December Nights: On Dec. 3 and 4, Balboa Park kicks off its unofficial winter season with its event, December Nights.  Most of the park opens for the public and from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. The museums are free.  There are many venues from several sponsors and businesses and performances fill the walkways.  The event officially starts on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. on Dec 4.  To see more about the attractions and venues, visit http://www.balboapark.org/decembernights/.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: For those who cannot get enough of the classic story, the Old Globe Theater has performances of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” from Nov. 20 to Dec. 26.  Pricing depends on seating and times. Simply go to http://www.theoldglobe.org to buy tickets and read more.

Sea World’s Christmas Celebration: The water amusement park brings the Christmas spirit to you.  Sea World shows The Polar Express 4-D experience and has an ice rink for those who want to ice skate.  The event is free with the price of a Sea World admission ticket.  It starts on Nov. 26 – 28, the weekends of Dec. 4 – 12 and then daily from Dec. 18 until Dec. 31.  Visit http://www.seaworld.com/sandiego/ for more information and to buy tickets online.