When it comes to celebrating the holidays in California, few places capture the magic quite like Encinitas. This charming beachside community offers a unique blend of coastal relaxation and festive cheer, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a memorable Thanksgiving Day (or the whole week). Christmas in Encinitas provides an enchanting escape from the ordinary, where palm trees meet twinkling lights and ocean breezes carry the spirit of the season.
Thanksgiving in Encinitas: Starting the Season Right
The holiday season in Encinitas kicks off with a bang, beginning well before Thanksgiving. On November 23, the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair transforms downtown into a festive wonderland. This cherished tradition, held annually on the Sunday before Thanksgiving from 9 am to 5 pm, stretches along the picturesque Coast Highway 101. Over 450 unique vendors offer arts, crafts, and food, while four entertainment stages provide live performances throughout the day. Children’s rides, a family-friendly beer garden with live music, and free entertainment make this event a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. It is a true reflection of the community’s commitment to celebrating together.
For those looking to burn off some calories before the big feast, the Encinitas Turkey Trot on November 27 offers both 5K and 10K distances. It is a wonderful way to embrace the coastal weather while participating in a beloved Thanksgiving tradition. The races start early the morning leaving you with the rest of the day to relax and get dinner.
Speaking of Thanksgiving dinner, several restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Encinitas offer exceptional dining experiences. Be sure to make your reservations early.
- Herb & Sea is offering a special four-course Thanksgiving menu
- Ember & Rye has both a Thanksgiving brunch and a dinner option
- Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana offers options that eliminate cooking stress while delivering memorable meals
- VAGA Restaurant and Bar is located at that Alila Marea Beach Resort
- Solana Beach’s Lana and Del Mar’s Steak 48 round out the options for those willing to venture just beyond city limits.
Small Business Saturday and Beyond
Following Thanksgiving, Shop Small Saturday on November 29 invites the community to support local merchants. The 101 MainStreet Associations collaborate with local businesses to create a festive shopping experience complete with live music, sidewalk sales, and special deals. Participating businesses offer limited edition prints, making it easy to find unique gifts while supporting the establishments that make Encinitas special.
December Delights: A Coastal Christmas Celebration
December transforms Encinitas, CA for the holidays into a wonderland of events and experiences. The month’s festivities begin with the Encinitas Holiday Parade on December 6 along South Coastal Highway 101. This year’s theme, “Peace by the Pacific,” perfectly captures the laid-back, joyful spirit of this beachside community. The parade brings friends, families, neighbors, and visitors together for an evening celebrating peace, creativity, and the unique coastal culture that defines Encinitas.
On December 7, neighboring Cardiff hosts the 18th Annual Cardiff Kringle Mingle, a free holiday gathering that embodies community spirit. Children can meet Santa in his vintage Camera Camper sleigh, enjoy live music from local musicians, and participate in crafts. The Makers Market along Aberdeen Drive offers locally made gifts, while complimentary holiday treats, coffee, and hot chocolate keep visitors warm and festive.
For those seeking something truly extraordinary, the 4th Annual Dark X-Mas Market of Vista on December 13 provides an alternative holiday experience. This European-inspired Christmas market showcases everything from Norse Viking-inspired ornaments to gothic-style decorations, complemented by traditional Welsh Morris Dancing, German stein-holding competitions, and Dickens-style carolers. The evening concludes with The Wild Hunt of Vista, a vibrant German/Austrian procession that encourages cultural learning and community participation.
Also on December 13, the Nutcracker comes to life at the SDA Theater, presented by the City of Encinitas and Encinitas Ballet. This timeless winter classic features talented local dancers, vibrant costumes, captivating choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score. Perfect for all ages, this production fills hearts with wonder and festive spirit.
Light Up Your Holidays
No celebration of Christmas in Encinitas would be complete without experiencing the area’s spectacular light displays. The San Diego Botanic Garden Lightscape 2025 runs from November 14 through January 4, despite the garden’s San Diego name—it’s actually located right in Encinitas. This mile-long illuminated trail features reimagined installations from artists worldwide, combined with lively music, seasonal bites, and festive cocktails. It’s a dazzling journey through light, color, and imagination.
For a more grassroots experience, the “Fantastic Christmas Light Neighborhood Show” on Oviedo Street and nearby intersections in Leucadia draws visitors with elaborate, neighborhood-wide displays. This unofficial but beloved attraction showcases the creativity and holiday spirit of local residents.
Just south in Del Mar, Coastal Christmas Del Mar runs December 12-14, 18-23, and 26, offering a holiday light trail, glice skating, holiday wine walk, and holiday market for those wanting to extend their coastal holiday adventures.
Christmas Dining in Paradise
For those preferring to dine out rather than cook, several restaurants open on Christmas in Encinitas and nearby areas offer special holiday menus. Reservations are strongly suggested.
- Chart House Cardiff provides stunning ocean views alongside holiday fare
- Pacifica Del Mar’s tagline is “Seafood Is Our Passion”
- Salt + Lime Del Mar offers modern Mexican cuisine
- Kai Ola Sushi Encinitas provides a unique twist on holiday dining
The Encinitas Holiday Experience
What makes celebrating the holidays in Encinitas truly special is the perfect blend of coastal California lifestyle and traditional holiday magic. Where else can you enjoy holiday festivities with ocean views, mild weather, and a community that embraces both relaxation and celebration? From parades and markets to ballet performances and neighborhood light displays, Encinitas offers something for everyone.
Reserve a room at Kate Stanton Inn and enjoy all that the holidays have to bring. After enjoying all of the energy of the events in town, head back to the inn to relax on the patio with ocean and lagoon views.