Jessica Chenoweth 
Thanksgiving is the official start to the holiday season and there is no better place to celebrate than in San Diego. There is SO much to do this year all over the county that will definitely get your family in the holiday spirit.
The Holiday Market at Petco Park
Magical Christmas lighting displays, various local artisan shops, seasonal food and beverage, Santa and other holiday characters, dazzling walkthrough lighting displays illuminating the December sky, with returning favorites such as Candyland with carnival games and life-size, sparkling lollipops and candy canes, and Santaland featuring photo opportunities with Santa and live reindeer. Select dates through Dec. 27, 4–10 pm. $12–$15. Gallagher Square. www.padres.com/holidaymarket
“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
A wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Select dates through Dec. 31. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org
A Very Furry Christmas
Sesame Place will transform into a festive winter wonderland filled with holiday magic and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends. Saturdays & Sundays plus Nov. 11 & 23–30, through Jan. 5. 2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista. www.sesameplace.com
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
Christmas shows, tunnel of lights, meet Santa & Rudolph, parades and more. Through Jan. 5. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworld.com/sandiego
“Lightscape”
This one-mile walking trail features a California poppy-inspired display, an illuminated laser sky, playful fiber optic flowers and a bespoke floral display. Through Jan. 5. 5–10 pm. $15–$34; under 3 free. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbg.org
North Pole Limited
Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas music as you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 21, 5 & 7 pm. Starting at $15. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. www.psrm.org
Camp Christmas
Spectacular water show, hayrides, bounce houses, laser tag and more. Friday–Sunday, through Dec. 22. 5:30–9 pm. $10–$15; 4 & under free. 8668 Pine Creek Rd., Pine Valley. Tickets: www.PineValleyCampChristmas.com
Skating by the Sea
Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado’s famous beachfront ice rink featuring stunning views of the Pacific and benefitting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Through Jan. 5. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. Tickets: www.hoteldel.com
“All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular
Experience the magic as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with lively holiday jazz and snow flurries. Nightly every 30 minutes, 5–9 pm. Through Jan. 5. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com
Jingle Jets
The Midway will be transformed into a festive holiday wonderland on the sea. Select nights, through Dec. 23, 5:30–9:30 pm. $20–$30; 3 & under free. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org
Holidays at LEGOLAND
Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 5. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com
Dazzling Holiday Light Show & Snowfall
Falling snow, dancing lights and more. Fri.–Sun. through Dec. 22, 6 & 7 pm. Village Walk at EastLake, 884 Eastlake Pkwy. www.shopvillagewalk.com
Winter Wonder at Belmont Park
Over one million twinkling lights guiding you through an unforgettable experience of holiday cheer. Through Jan. 5. 3146 Mission Blvd. www.belmontpark.com/winter-wonder
Wild Holidays at the Safari Park
Go on an expedition of light and travel through places that glow, shine and twinkle with holiday cheer with fanciful characters, musical entertainment and more. Select nights through Jan. 5. Included with admission. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. https://sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays
Holiday Lights at the AGSEM
Twinkly lights, hayride, train rides and more. Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 21, 5–9 pm. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. Tickets: www.agsem.com
