Most good weekends start with one question: how far do we want to go? This calendar sorts the fall and holiday season around Rancho Del Rey that way, from the closest events to the ones that deserve a full day. Every date comes from the organizer’s own page.
Close to home
Dazzling Holiday Light Show and Snowfall
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from November 29 through December 20, 6 and 7 p.m. · Where: Village Walk at EastLake, 884 EastLake Pkwy
A free, 15-minute show of falling snow and music-synced lights, twice a night, with community carolers in between. It is an easy after-dinner plan on a cool evening. Village Walk 2026 events.
Santa and the Holiday Express
When: Saturday, December 5, noon to 3 p.m. · Where: Village Walk at EastLake
Santa arrives by train. Rides, photos with Santa and a kids’ craft are all free. Details.
2nd Annual Larry Itliong Festival
When: Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m. · Where: Montevalle Park, Chula Vista
A community festival listed on the City of Chula Vista calendar during Filipino American History Month. City of Chula Vista events.
A short drive
Downtown Chula Vista Día de los Muertos
When: Monday, November 2, 3 p.m. · Where: Memorial Park Bowl and Third Avenue
A free evening of altars, costumes and music. You can add a photo of a loved one to the community ofrenda. Event listing.
Starlight Parade and Festival
When: Saturday, December 5 · Where: Third Avenue
Chula Vista’s 62nd annual holiday parade. Start times are posted on the parade’s website. Starlight Parade.
Living Coast Discovery Center
When: National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 10 and 11; Farm to Bay, October 24 · Where: 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista
The bayfront nature center celebrates the wildlife refuge around it on October 10 and 11 and hosts a ticketed sunset fundraiser on Saturday, October 24 (3 to 6:30 p.m.). Living Coast calendar.
Worth the trip
San Diego Veterans Day Parade
When: Wednesday, November 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m. · Where: Harbor Drive, downtown San Diego
This year’s parade marks 35 years since Operation Desert Storm, with marching bands, vintage vehicles and military units. USS Midway Museum.
Balboa Park December Nights
When: Friday, December 4, 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, December 5, noon to 10 p.m. · Where: Balboa Park
The City of San Diego calls it its largest free holiday festival. City of San Diego.
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
When: Saturday, December 5, 4 to 8 p.m., tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. · Where: Little Italy
Two decorated trees, a Christmas village and a visit from Santa. Little Italy Association.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
When: Sunday, December 13 and Sunday, December 20, procession starts at 5:30 p.m. · Where: San Diego Bay
Decorated boats travel from Shelter Island past the Embarcadero and Seaport Village to the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Embarcadero and the Coronado bayside path are good viewing spots. Parade route.
One Rancho Del Rey tip
If you are planning the first weekend of December, you can fit three events into two days: Balboa Park on Friday evening, the Starlight Parade or Santa at Village Walk on Saturday afternoon, and Little Italy that night.
Thinking about making Rancho Del Rey home? Rudy would be glad to talk it through. The four-question Home Strategy Quiz takes about a minute, and he will follow up personally.
Dates and times were checked on the organizers’ and cities’ own pages on October 3, 2026. Events can change or sell out, so open the linked page before you head out. This site is not affiliated with any event listed here.
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