Donation drives, no-cost Thanksgiving meals and makers markets: Holiday happenings in San Diego
Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate or enjoy local holiday traditions, these events will bring San Diegans together this season.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Maya Srikrishnan
From no-cost Thanksgiving meals and winter festivals, to donation drives collecting food, winter clothing and toys, here are some ways to spread cheer in San Diego County this holiday season.
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Nov. 27
Thanksgiving Day 5K: Father Joe’s Villages is hosting its 24th annual Thanksgiving Day 5K, which raises funds to feed unhoused community members in San Diego. Sunrise mass at Plaza de Panama begins at 6 a.m. followed by the race kick off at Cabrillo Bridge at 7:15 a.m. and a festival at Plaza de Panama. Registration starts at $45 online. 6 - 10 a.m., Balboa Park, El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Thanksgiving Community Meal in Hillcrest: The Asian Bistro in Hillcrest is providing free meals on a first-come, first-served basis to community members. No questions asked. Guests will receive fried rice, soup and a fortune cookie, which can be eaten in-house or taken to-go. 8 a.m. - noon, 414 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Scott Carlson/Dan Ferbal Thanksgiving Community Dinner: The Imperial Court de San Diego and Rob Benzon Dan Ferbal Foundation are hosting the annual Thanksgiving dinner at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. A comedic film will play during the meal, and there will also be a clothing and toiletries drive. Doors open at 11 a.m., with meal service from noon to 3 p.m. The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
The Salvation Army Thanksgiving Meal: The Salvation Army is hosting in-house and to-go Thanksgiving meals at its locations in downtown San Diego and Oceanside, and drive through meal distribution at its location in El Cajon. Meals are first come, first served while supplies last. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., The Salvation Army Centre City Corps, 825 Seventh Ave., San Diego, CA 92101; 11 a.m. - noon, The Salvation Army East County Red Shield Community Center, 1025 E Main St., El Cajon, CA 92021; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., The Salvation Army Oceanside Corps Community Center, 3935 Lake Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056
ThanksLiving Vegan Potluck: The Kind Heart Coalition is hosting its eighth annual vegan Thanksgiving Day potluck at the WorldBeat Cultural Center. Guests must bring their own name-labeled reusable plates, cups and cutlery. There will also be a blanket drive during the event. There is a minimum $1 donation. RSVP online required. 1 - 5 p.m., 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Nov. 28
Oceanside Green Friday Fair: Sustainability is Sexy and Viridian Productions are hosting an eco-friendly alternative to Black Friday shopping in downtown Oceanside. The event features more than 70 vendors, live music and games. Noon - 4 p.m. on Pier View Way between Coast Highway and Ditmar Street
A Denim Mending Workshop : The Anti-Consumerism Sewers Club is hosting a denim-mending workshop. Bring your denim and learn mending techniques. No sewing experience is required. Venmo @gpwnce $25 to RSVP. 6 - 8:30 p.m., 2113 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Nov. 29
Small Business Sábado: All for Logan is hosting more than 70 small businesses for its shop Logan Avenue event. Shoppers receive one free tote bag with purchase of $25 or more. Noon - 4 p.m., San Diego Vintage Co., 2185 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll: Holiday-themed cocktails and treats will be served alongside seasonal activities on Adams Avenue to celebrate Small Business Saturday. Reserve tickets online. Ages 21 and older. 2 - 5 p.m., Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
Nov. 30
Planksgiving: SHIFT Pilates will lead a 45-minute mat class in Old Trolley Barn Park. 9:30 - 10:15 a.m., 1943 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Dec. 3
Celebrate Without the Waste: I Love A Clean San Diego is hosting a free webinar focused on how to be sustainable during the holiday season. Speakers will provide ideas for low- and no-waste gifts, decorations, wrapping methods and food use. The event is free, and attendees must register online here to receive a virtual link to attend. 10 - 11 a.m.
Dec. 4
Old Town Annual Tree Lighting: Old Town San Diego is hosting its annual tree lighting at the Whaley House Museum Complex. The night includes live performances, treats and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 7 p.m., 2476 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA 92110
Dec. 5
December Nights: San Diego’s annual December Nights holiday festival returns to Balboa Park, featuring global food vendors, live entertainment, holiday lights and family-friendly activities. Forever Balboa Park is looking for volunteers to help out during the festivities. Email volunteer@balboapark.org to sign up. Dec. 5 from 3 t- 11 p.m.; Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Light Up Logan: The Logan Heights Community Development Corporation is hosting a holiday market, toy giveaway kids crafts, snow, live music and a tree lighting ceremony. Admission is free. Email info@loganheightscdc.org or call 619-858-0563 for more information. 2 - 8 p.m., The Soap Factory, 2995 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113
Dec. 6
Toys & Joy: Roosevelt Williams III, Feeding San Diego, InspireSD and Greene Cat Liquors are giving away free toys and food to 400 families. Packages will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, but online registration is recommended. Anyone interested in supporting the program can make donations online. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Greene Cat Liquors, 5102 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails : The Hillcrest Cleanup and Cocktails is having a holiday edition of its neighborhood clean up. Participants are encouraged to wear Santa outfits or other holiday attire. Before starting the cleanup, there will be a group photo. At the end of the event, all volunteers will receive a copy of the photo. RSVP form and additional details will be released soon. 8:30 a.m., Hillcrest Sign, 499 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
SD Kollective Christmas Market: SD Kollective is hosting a community market with vendors, food and live performances at the Kujo Eats parking lot. Along with We See You San Diego, SD Kollective is collecting winter clothing and blankets during the market. 3 - 8 p.m., 3400 E 8th St., National City, California 91950
Dec. 7
Santa's Sip & Shop Holiday Market: Viridian Productions is hosting a holiday market with local makers and a visit from Santa Claus at Local Roots Boochyard in Vista. Noon - 4 p.m., 1430 Vantage Court, Suite 101, Vista, CA 92081
Dec. 11
Hillcrest Taste ‘n’ Tinis: Hillcrest businesses are hosting a food and cocktail tasting event to celebrate the holiday season. Reserve tickets online starting at $34. Ages 21 and older. 5:30 - 9 p.m., Hillcrest, San Diego, CA 92103
Dec. 13
Winter Extravaganza: The City Heights Community Development Corporation is hosting a winter celebration with activities, games, snow, entertainment and vendors. Parking will be available at metro Villas Apartments. Noon - 5 p.m., Teralta Park, 4100 Central Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105
Barrio Logan Snow Day y Mercado: The Barrio Logan Association is hosting a market with snow, food, a toy giveaway and an appearance from Santa Claus. Noon - 6 p.m., Mercado del Barrio, 1101 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92113
Caroling in the Heights: The University Heights Community Association is hosting its annual evening of caroling. Carolers will sing holiday songs and share treats starting at 5 p.m. at the Big Front Door, make their way to the Vermont Street Bridge at 5:45 p.m. and end at Pemberley Realty at 6:30 p.m. 5 - 7 p.m., Big Front Door, 4075 Park Blvd. #101, San Diego, CA 92103
Winter Walk: University Heights is hosting its first winter walk, a night of open houses, treats and holiday cheer along Park Boulevard. 5 - 9 p.m. University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
Dec. 14
Oh What Fun in Sherman Heights: Mid-City CAN is partnering with the Sherman Heights Community Center to host a holiday celebration. The event will include creative projects with Sew Loka (Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski). 1 - 4 p.m., Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92102
Dec. 20
Come Home for the Holidays: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting a gathering in honor of diverse cultures and traditions during the winter holiday season. Guests can enjoy a free community meal while learning about local resources. RSVP online. 4 - 6 p.m., The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Multiple Days
Holiday Toy Drive: Border Angels is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for its holiday toy drive to benefit children living in Tijuana shelters. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92102
The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: About 80 boats decked out in holiday lights will parade along the San Diego Bay on Dec. 14 and 21. The route starts in Shelter Island and ends at the Ferry Landing on Coronado Island. Email sdparadeoflights@gmail.com with any questions. 5:30 - 8 p.m., San Diego Bay, Visible from Multiple Locations (See map and schedule)
Winter Solstice Baja Donation Drive: Tipey Joa Native Warriors is collecting items for its annual winter donation drive. Donations will be delivered to Indigenous communities in Baja California. Requested items include canned food, cooking oil, new unopened toys and games, gift sets and Visa gift cards. Drop off through Dec. 15. Thursdays through Sundays, Noon - 4 p.m., Kosay Kumeyaay Market 85472 Calhoun St., San Diego, CA 92110
Logan Heights Toy Drive: The Logan Heights Community Development Corporation is collecting toys for distrobution to children and their families in San Diego during the holiday season. Drop off donations by Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. Call 619-858-0563 with any questions. 3040 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92102
Community Combine: City Farmers Nursery is collecting holiday decoration donations including string lights, ornaments and tree toppers through Dec. 14. The decorations will be donated along with 40 live Christmas trees to San Diego Youth Services group foster homes. Nov. 1 to Dec. 14, City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
