Fantasy on Ice Friday, through Jan. 8. $12-$14. Enjoy ice-skating outdoors adjacent to Horton Plaza. Two sessions Friday-Sunday: 10am-7:30pm, and 8-10pm. Open until 5pm Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Rink closed Christmas Day. Admission includes skate rental. 858-966-6700. Horton Square, 225 Broadway Cir., San Diego.
"Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Park," Sat., Dec. 10, 3:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Bring an ornament to decorate community Christmas tree, participate in tree-lighting ceremony (5:20pm). Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive aboard 1907 Baldwin Steam Engine, accompanied by park’s western gunfighters (5:30pm). Carolers, school choirs, Nutcracker by New West Ballet, Heritage Dancers square dancing, Theatre-in-the-Park’s Readers Theater, Christmas crafts. Hay rides (4-8pm). Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd., Poway.
Christmas in La Mesa Village, Fri.-Sat., Dec. 9-10, 5-10 p.m. Free. Begins with holiday parade both nights (5pm), includes bonfires, horse-drawn carriage rides, vendors, live music, Santa, carnival rides, puppet shows, strolling minstrels, carolers, street entertainers, more. La Mesa Village, Spring St. at La Mesa Blvd.
Lunar Eclipse Hike, Sat., Dec. 10, 5-7 a.m. Free. Ranger Kathy Boyd leads moderate 2.5 mile roundtrip hike in search of "a view of the lunar eclipse through a telescope." Bring binoculars, flashlight. Carry water. Overcast or rainy conditions cancel. (760) 839-4345. Daley Ranch-La Honda trailhead, 3024 La Honda Dr., Escondido.
Kwanzaa Celebration, Sat., Dec. 10, 2-2:45 p.m. Free. Performance by Teye Se Thiosanne dance drum troupe, followed by dance demonstration and audience interaction. (619) 232-6203 x129. San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park.
Winter Holiday Trail Tales, Sat., Dec. 10, 8:30-10 a.m. Free. Coyotes feasting on holly berries, birds planting mistletoe, and other glimpses into the strange and exotic lives of San Diego plants and wildlife revealed on guide-led scenic walk from Kumeyaay Lake Campground to historic Old Mission Dam. Kumeyaay Lake Campground, Two Father Junipero Serra Trail, Santee.
East County Ramble, Sat., Dec. 10, 8:45 a.m. Join San Diego Bicycle Touring Society riders for 50-mile adventure along a new route. (619) 647-3212. Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights! Sundays, Dec. 11 & 18, 5:30-9 p.m. Free. "Back to the Future" is theme for 40th annual event, beginning with fireworks each evening. Boats sail from Shelter Island to Coronado. (619) 224-2240. Embarcadero along Harbor Dr., downtown SD.
Hanukkah Happening! Sun., Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$3. 28th annual party "for people of all faiths and ages" promises appearances by Cinderella and Shrek, carnival games, arts and crafts, obstacle courses for kids of all ages, "a teen experience," more. (858) 457-3030. Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla.
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade! Sun., Dec. 11, 1-5 p.m. $10. Pets and owners invited to dress in costumes for promenade through Gaslamp Quarter, starting and finishing at Hilton's park. Pet expo follows (1-5pm). (619) 233-5227. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, 401 K St., downtown SD.
Chargers Football! Sun., Dec. 11, 1:15 p.m. $61.50-$107. Buffalo Bills arrive for football against San Diego Chargers. Game broadcast on CBS. 877-CHARGERS. Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley.
Rolling Hoops 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Experience, Sun., Dec. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $60-$150. San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation hosts event enabling able-bodied athletes to participate in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with more than 36 wheelchair athletes. (619) 336-1806. Balboa Park municipal gymnasium, 2111 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park.
Las Posadas, Mon., Dec. 12, 5 p.m. Free. The 61st annual Las Posadas is a walking reenactment of biblical story of Mary and Joseph's search for a birthplace for Christ; participants invited to join candlelit procession, sing traditional holiday songs as players move "from inn to inn, asking for symbolic lodging." Procession concludes with piñata party. (619) 297-3100. Old Town State Historic Park, 4002 Wallace St., Old Town.
Sycamores and a Waterfall, Sat., Dec. 17, 8 a.m. Free. Naturalist Linda King leads moderately paced loop hike to Carson's Crossing, waterfall, and Sycamore Crossing. (858) 484-3219. Del Mar Mesa trailhead, 7107 Park Village Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos.
North Pole Limited Santa Train, thru Dec. 17. Ride Times: 5, 6, 7 or 8 p.m. according to date. $20-$45. Celebrate the holidays aboard the North Pole Limited for a 90-minute Holiday Ride. Santa’s Elves will serve cookies and hot chocolate, lead a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols and read a famous Christmas train story as the Limited rockets toward the North Pole and Santa’s Workshop where Santa Claus boards train and visits the children. Elves invite children to wear their pajamas and dress warmly. Pacific SouthWest Railway Museum, Campo facility, Hwy 94 & Forrest Gate Rd. (619) 478-9937. www.psrm.org
Sockers vs. Stars! Sat., Dec. 17, 7:05 p.m. $10.50-$17.50. San Diego Sockers take on Tacoma Stars. (866) 799-4625. Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Miner's Loop Trail Walk, Sat., Dec. 17, 9-11 a.m. Arne Johanson leads hike along north face of Black Mountain Open Space Park. Meet at parking staging area. (858) 484-3219. Black Mountain Open Space Park staging area, 14850 Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos
Professional Men's Basketball, Sat., Dec. 17, 5 p.m. Free-$10. San Diego Sol men’s team hosts Los Angeles Slam in SportsCenter. (619) 933-7740. Alliant University, 10455 Pomerado Rd., Scripps Ranch.
Surviving in the Wild, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 17-18, Wed., Dec. 21, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Learn how animals and plants adapt to their environment, co-exist and thrive on a during guide-led walk. Meet at the Visitor Center. Mission Trails Regional Park, One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Carlos.
Shaman's Hike, Sun., Dec. 18, 3-5 p.m. Free. Take short hike with Will Bowen to "power spot to explore shamanic traditions of indigenous people of the Americas" and "do some healing work, sharing, and storytelling," then make some shamanic art. Bring blanket to sit on, drum or rattle. (858) 484-3219. Peñasquitos west-end staging area, 4300 Sorrento Valley Blvd., Sorrento Valley.
Holiday of Lights! runs thru Jan. 1. (Sun-Thur 5:30-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:3-10:30) More than 400 lighted, holiday-themed displays for viewing from visitors' cars. Holiday Hayrides: Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, and 16, every half hour (5:30-8:30pm). Admission: $14 per vehicle (up to five people), $19 per vehicle with six or more people, $49 per bus. (858) 792-4252. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar.
"Fantasy on Ice" tuns thru Jan. 8, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $13-$14. Ice-skate outdoors next to Horton Plaza. Two sessions Fri.-Sun.: 10am-7:30pm, and 8-10pm. Open until 5pm Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Rink closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Includes skate rental. (858) 966-6700. Horton Square, 225 Broadway Cir., downtown SD.
"Train of Thought Open-Mike Experience," Tuesdays through Feb. 7, 8-11 p.m. $5. Hone your skills! Gill Sotu hosts inclusive open mike for poets, storytellers, singers, songwriters, comedians, musicians. All welcome. Queen Bee's Art & Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St., North Park.
Farmers Markets: Pacific Beach Farmers' Market Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, Mission Blvd. between Reed Ave. and Pacific Beach Blvd.; Poway Farmers' Market Saturdays, 8 to 11:30 a.m., corner of Midland Rd and Temple St.; Vista Farmers' Market at the county courthouse, 8 a.m. to noon, every Saturday; Ramona Open Air Market, Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-12:30, Collier Park, 7th & F streets; City Heights Farmers' Market Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Wightman Street between Fairmount and 43rd; Little Italy Mercato Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., on Date St. between Kettner Blvd. and State St. Scripps Ranch Farmers’ Market Saturday, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m .at the corner of Corner Scripps Poway Pkwy.and Spring Canyon Rd.
Year-Round Waterskiing, Sundays, 8-11 a.m. $8-$15. Convair Waterski Club provides ski boats for waterskiing. Group meets at south end of Crown Point Beach. (858) 863-4755. Crown Point, 3700 Crown Point Dr., Pacific Beach.
Public Organ Concert every Sunday 2-3 p.m. If you happen to be at Balboa Park on a Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy beautiful sounds of music drift through the park. Every Sunday, Civic Organist Carol Williams sits before a majestic piped organ at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and performs delightful selections for your listening pleasure.
Explore Silverwood Sanctuary, Audubon Society offers free guided walks on Sundays, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (619) 682-7200. Silverwood Sanctuary, 13003 Wildcat Canyon Rd., Lakeside.
Get to Know UCSD, Sundays, 2 p.m. Walking tours offered first Sunday of each month; bus tours are offered every other Sunday. Free. Guided tours of "award-winning architecture and stunning landscaping" on campus led by expert adult guides. Aug. 1-Dec. 12,. Reservations: (858) 534-4414. University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla.
Veterans Memorial Service, 3rd Saturday each month, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Our brave American veterans are not forgotten. Each month, a memorial service is held in honor of current veterans and veterans of past wars who have not been previously honored. Taps will be played. You're welcome to attend. Balboa Park, Veterans Memorial Center, 2115 Park Blvd.
Blue Sky Walks 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, park entrance kiosk on Espola Rd., Poway. Free. (858) 679-5469. Slow-paced guided walks for the whole family. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring bottled water.
Calling All Flutists! Wednesdays (ongoing), 7 p.m. Ongoing flute choir program led by instructor Ron Ebel "for flutists of all ages who have played at least two years." Music ranges from classical to pop. Fees $40/month or $10/drop-in. Registration: (760) 757-3096. Encinitas School of Music, 775 Orpheus Ave., Encinitas.
Board Game Night, Thursdays ongoing, 5 p.m. Free. Enjoy "old school gaming" nights; bring your favorite board game or use one at the shop, from checkers to poker. (619) 523-5540. Reds Espresso Gallery, 1017 Rosecrans St., Point Loma.
Ukes and Hula, Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Free. Ukulele Society of America gathers to play, teach ukulele. People hula as well. (760) 729-4131. Ocean House, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad.
Real Old-Fashioned Trolley Cars and a model railroad that fills a room are on display at San Diego Electric Railway Association Museum. Museum is located in historic National City Depot, the first transcontinental terminal, established 1882 -- is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Located at the corner of Bay Marina Dr. and Marina Way, National City. Free. (619) 474-4400.
Daley Ranch Naturalist Hikes: Daley Ranch is located in the northeastern portion of the City of Escondido, north of Dixon Lake and west of Valley Center Rd. Access is provided via La Honda Drive to the south, Valley Center Road to the east, and Cougar Pass Road to the west. Daley Ranch is a 3,058-acre conservation area acquired in 1997 by the City of Escondido and is managed in perpetuity for the preservation of a biologically unique and diverse habitat area of regional importance. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational and educational opportunities and experiences in a historically significant setting. Reservations are reqeusted for evening hikes (760) 839-4680. http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us/glance/uniquely/daley/
Wacky Science Sundays, ongoing every Sunday, 12:15 and 2:15 p.m. Free-$13. Explore wild and wacky worlds of mysterious creatures, fascinating habitats, and phenomenal science with Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus. Included in regular museum admission. (619) 232-3821 x110. San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park.
Baseball Card Show, Fridays, through mid December, 4-9 p.m. Free. "Enjoy the hobby of collecting your favorite sports star." Single cards and boxes for sale; bring cards to trade or sell. (619) 297-2231. Kings Inn San Diego, 1333 Hotel Circle South, Mission Valley.
Swing Jam Friday! Fridays, 8 p.m. Age 18+. Casual swing dance with lessons, workshops before dance, hosted by 2toGroove Swing Dance Club. Tickets: $8 for dance only, $15 with class. (619) 291-3775. Dance for 2, 7528 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa
Enroll in Fishing University! Sundays ongoing, 1 p.m. Free. Ranger Hugh Marx's "Fishing University" classes concentrate on what is working best. Instruction covers use of mini-jigs, spoons. Check in at Lake Jennings Bait and Tackle Shop. (619) 390-1300. Lake Jennings, 9535 Harritt Rd., Lakeside.
Coronado Heritage Walk, Wed., 2 p.m. & Fri., 10:30 a.m. Ongoing. $10. Hour-long narrated strolls through historic downtown, Star Park Circle, past oceanfront mansions led by Coronado Historical Association docents who present vintage photographs of these areas to contrast current views. Reservations required (619) 437-8788. Coronado Museum of History and Art, 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado.
Explore Little Italy, Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Learn 139 years of neighborhood history during guided walking tour. (760) 736-1138. Café Zucchero, 1731 India St., Little Italy.
Discover Magnificent Beauty! Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Ages 8+. Nature walks led by trained naturalist, providing "insight into the history of the reserve, while discussing the many plants and animals that reside within it." (760) 436-3944 x701. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff.
Get Fit! Sat., Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Age 17+. "Fitness experts" Leah Francis and JJ Brawley lead well-rounded workouts encompassing cardio, strength, agility, balance, coordination, more. Registration: (619) 800-3480. Bird Park, 28th and Thorn Streets, North Park.
History Walk, Saturdays, 10 a.m. Free. Offshoot Tours offers hour-long history walk, blending Balboa Park history with its wealth of architectural and botanical treasures. (619) 235-1121. Balboa Park Visitors' Center, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park.
Knitting Made Easy, meets weekly on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Do you knit? Join "a very relaxed group of people" meeting every Saturday to knit or crochet. (858) 573-1396. Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library, 9005 Aero Dr., Serra Mesa.
"USA Dance" Ballroom Party! 1st Saturday of every month. Wide variety of music: ballroom, Latin, swing, salsa & more! Lessons at 7pm & dancing from 8-11 p.m. All ages & ability levels, singles & couples welcome. Casual dress. $7 per person at the door. Held at "Dance North County," 535 Encinitas Blvd. Suite 100 in Encinitas. (760) 525-5124 or www.geocities.com/usadancesd for info.
California Wolf Center in Julian hosts public programs focusing on North American gray wolves every Saturday at 2 p.m. Programs include slide show, visit and tour with resident wolf pack. Tickets: $8 general, $5 for seniors, $4 for children ten and younger. Required reservations at (619) 234-WOLF.
Look at Me: Self Portraits, Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. Free. "Art Explorations" program for families with children 5-12 years old. Participants engage in studio activities inspired by museum's collections. (619) 232-7931. San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park.
Smile, Laugh, Relax! Sun., Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Free. Laughter yoga class led by Dr. Funshine, a.k.a. Caroline Meeks, M.D. Dress warmly, bring a chair if needed to spot on grass just south of Visitors' Center. (858) 490-6288. Mission Bay Visitors' Center, 2688 East Mission Bay Dr., Pacific Beach.
Torrey Pines State Reserve Walks 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors Center, 12600 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Free. Parking: $6 to $8. (858) 755-2063 or www.torreypine.org. Catch a glimpse of the California quail along trails lined by rare pine trees on an easy interpretive walk.
Mission Bay Woodcarvers meet every Monday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at Santa Clara Recreation Center, 1008 Santa Clara Pl., Pacific Beach. All skill levels from beginner to master carver encouraged to join. Free. (858) 581-9928.
Quilting Bee welcomes quilters old and new on last Monday of month at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in UTC, 9:30 a.m. in Room #6 of Roetter Hall. Fabric and batting provided for quilts for Advent Baby Shower, otherwise bring your own! Cutters, quilters especially needed. Bring your sewing machines! 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121. The hall is large glass and beige stucco structure at end of parking lot. Info (858) 458-1501.
Meditation techniques! Tuesdays ongoing, 7:30 p.m. Free. Weekly meditation classes led by Sujantra McKeever, taught to him by his teacher Sri Chinmoy. "Techniques are simple and effective." (619) 640-4438. Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga, 3301 Adams Ave., Normal Heights.