Happy Holidays!

We hope you have a safe and merry holiday this year! We'll be back in 2009 with more great family activities for you to enjoy. Until then, make the most of the rest of the year and we'll see you next year!

Breakfast with Santa at Seaport Village

What: The only thing better than breakfast, is breakfast with Santa! This special event for kids of all ages includes pictures with Santa, face painting, a kids' show and a gift bag. Don't forget to bring your appetite! Reservations are required, so call now.

Where: The Harbor House Restaurant at Seaport Village - 849 W. Harbor Drive #D.

When: Saturday, December 20th from 9-10:30am. You can also attend on Sunday, December 21st.

Cost: $25

Need More Info: Visit www.seaportvillage.com or call (619) 235-4014, ext 3.

The Nutcracker

What: It's The Nutcracker, presented by California Ballet. If you haven't seen it, you should! This is a holiday classic complete with beautiful music, exciting dancing and exquisite costumes. Feel the spirit of the season with a magical story, dancing sugar plums and a heroic Nutcracker.

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre - 1100 Third Avenue, Downtown San Diego

When: Friday, December 19th at 8pm. Additional shows through December 23rd.

Cost: Tickets range from $25-$80

Need More Info: Visit either www.ticketmaster.com, www.californiaballet.org or call (858)560-6741

Pacific Beach Holiday Parade

What: It's the annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade! Join the celebration and see Santa, shoppers, sleighs, and surfers in true Pacific Beach style.

Where: Garnet Avenue, between Ingraham and Cass Streets

When: Sunday, December 14th from 1-4pm

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.pbholidayparade.com or call (858) 273-3303

Garden de Light Holiday Event

What: Gardens are pretty to look at, but they are even more spectacular when they are lit up! Visit The Water Conservation Garden and enjoy tours, lighted exhibits, music cookie decorating, warm cider, holiday shopping and more!

Where: Cuyamaca College Dr. West, El Cajon

When: Friday, December 12th from 5-9pm

Cost: $2 - ages 12 and under are free

Need More Info: Visit www.thegarden.org or call (619) 660-0614

Balboa Park December Nights

What: What's Christmas without lights? Head on over to Balboa Park and see a myriad of sparkling lights! This community festival also features free admission to participating museums, carolers, ice skating, local bands, international cuisine and much more! With more than 300,000 people expected to attend, take advantage of the free off-site shuttles or consider using public transportation.

Where: Balboa Park, San Diego

When: Friday, December 5th from 5-10pm and Saturday, December 6th from Noon-10pm Museum Admission is from 5-9pm on both days

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.balboapark.org or call (619) 239-0512

Little Italy Holiday Tree Lighting

What: Celebrate the Christmas season Little Italy style! Listen to live music and partake of some delicious Italian cookies, cider and coffee. A surprise guest from the North Pole will also be attending!

Where: Piazza Natale - the corner of India and Date Streets, Little Italy

When: Saturday, December 6th, from 4:30-7:00pm

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.littleitalysd.com or call (619) 233-3898

Free Kids Craft at Lakeshore Learning

What: Kids, age 3 and up can come to the Lakeshore Learning Store and enjoy making a themed craft. This week's Family Tree is sure to be a big hit!

Where: Two locations: 7510 Hazard Center Dr. Ste. 201 San Diego or 702 Center Dr., San Marcos

When: Saturday, November 29th at 11am - 3pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit the website here or call (619) 297-8494 or (760) 504-0292.

Julian Christmas Tree Lighting

What: Make the trip down to the historic town of Julian and take in the spirit of the season. It will be well worth it to hear Christmas carols sung by local singers, and to get a little shopping done on the side. You may even want to indulge in some of that delicious, Julian pie! Santa will be coming aboard a fire engine and tree lighting will follow his big arrival.

Where: Pioneer Park, 2811 Washington Street

When: Sautrday, November 29th at 4pm. Tree lighting begins at 6pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.julianca.com or call (760) 765-1857.

Classics 4 Kids: "Hand in Hand" Family Concert

What: Treat yourself and the kids to a special concert performed by The Classics Philharmonic and City Ballet of San Diego. These two talented groups are teaming up to bring you Hand in Hand. Be introduced to musical elements, musical notation and solfege (think do, rei, me) in an entertaining setting complete with live music and dance!

Where: Balboa Theatre - 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown San Diego

When: Sunday, November 23rd at 2pm

Cost: Ticket prices range from $12-$21.50

Need More Info: Visit www.classics4kids.com or call (619) 570-1100.

Family Yoga

What: Get the family together for a "fit" activity at the library. Learn the art of yoga through stretching and relaxing techniques. A great way to relieve stress! Bring a yoga mat or towel for each family member

Where: Rancho Penasquitos Branch Library - 13330 Salmon River Rd.

When: Saturday, November 22nd at 10:30am

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.sandiegolibrary.org or call (858) 538-6161.

Christmas Celebrations at The Globe

What: Feel the spirit of the season with a live performance of Dr.Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Chritmas! Afterwards, see a unique holiday tree by attending a Christmas Tree Lighting and more. (Tickets to the tree lighting are available to subscribers, donors and those watching today's Grinch show.)

Where: Old Globe Plaza, Balboa Park.

When: Sunday, November 16th. Performance begins at 4:30pm. Christmas Tree Lighting begins at 6pm.

Cost: Tickets for Grinch show are $29 for adults, $29 for children age 3-17. Tickets for tree lighting festivities are free.

Need More Info: Visit www.theoldglobe.org or call (619) 231-1941.

Bounce Time at Playhouse Cafe

What: The jumping bounce house at Playhouse Cafe is ready for you! Come bring the kiddos, grab something to eat and let them work off all their energy by jumping and playing.

Where: 6690 Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego

When: Friday, November 14th all day (call for times.)

Cost: $3

Need More Info: Visit www.playhousecafesd.com or call (619) 282-2800.

Family Show by Ellis Paul

What: Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Ellis Paul will be performing music and tales from his Parents Choice Award winning CD, The Dragonfly Races. Fun for the little ones, and fun for you too!

Where: 4650 Mansfield St., San Diego, CA 92116

When: Sunday, November 9th at 5pm.

Cost: Adults $10, Children ages 5-15 are $5.

Need More Info: Visit www.acousticmusicsandiego.com or call (619) 303-8176.

Make Friends with the Birds

What: The Escondido Children's Museum is having a great bird activity! Come and meet Lucy the Chicken and munch on some themed snacks. Learn how to make a bird feeder and a bird seed collage. Take home color and puzzle pages are also part of the fun.

Where: Escondido Children's Museum - 380 N.Escondido Blvd.

When: Saturday, November 8th at 1:00pm.

Cost: Free with admission - $5.00 (under age one is free)

Need More Info: Visit www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org or call (760) 233-7755.

Boo Bash!

What: The Salvation Army Kroc Center is having a Boo Bash! Come on down and enjoy some ice skating, trick or treating, carnival games and much more!

Where: The Kroc Center - 6845 University Ave, San Diego.

When: Friday, October 31st at 5pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.kroccenter.org or call (619)287-KROC

Trick or Treat on India Street

What: Trick or Treating! Take your little ones for a spooky stroll and receive some sweet treats! Little Italy businesses will be handing out candy, so don't miss out. Also, for ages 10 and under join in on some Halloween fun with the costume contest at the Piazza Basilone.

Where: Little Italy, India and Fir Streets

When: Friday, October 31st from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Costume contest starts at 6:30pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.littleitalysd.com or call (619)233-3898.

Children's School Fall Festival

What: Bring the whole family and enjoy the festivities! Eat lots of food, experience the haunted house, shop at the farmers market, do the hay maze and much more!

Where: 2225 Torrey Pines Lane, La Jolla

When: Sunday, October 26th from 11am-3pm.

Cost: Free entry

Need More Info: Visit www.tcslj.org or call (858) 454-0184

Color Me Mine's 2nd Anniversary Party

What: Color Me Mine is celebrating their 2nd anniversary with a party! Come in your best halloween costume and enjoy free studio time, games, prizes, and free air brush face painting.

Where: 214B Town Center Pkwy., Santee

When: Saturday, October 25th 11am-1pm and 4-6pm

Cost: Studio time is free (come in costume), ceramics projects vary

Need More Info: Check out www.santee.colormemine.com or call (619) 258-8525

The Knack Saturdays at Michaels

What: The Knack Saturdays at Michaels Store. Kids ages 5-12 can get creative and make their very own haunted house frame.

Where: Michaels Store - see website for locations

When: Saturday, October 18th from 10am-noon. Half hour sessions starting at 10am, 10:30am, 11am and 11:30am.

Cost: $5.00, including supplies

Need More Info: See their website at www.michaels.com

Drop-in Family Days at San Diego Museum of Art

What: Take your family and "drop-in" at the San Diego Museum of Art. Learn about the art on view, explore, take part in interactive games, storytelling and art activities. Child-friendly tours are also available.

Where: San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park

When: Sunday, October 19th from 11am-1pm

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.sdmart.org or email Brian Patterson at bpatterson@sdmart.org

Disney On Ice

What: Disney On Ice! Celebrate 100 years of magic as Disney's beloved characters come to life on the ice. Join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, the Disney Princesses and many more of your favorites. Be captivated by the thrilling moments from Disney films and enjoy the spectacular skating!

Where: San Diego Sports Arena
3500 Sports Arena Blvd. San Diego, CA 92110

When: October 9-12, times vary

Cost: Ticket prices range from $12.00-$52.50

Need More Info: To see the various ticket prices and times visit ticketmaster.

Pacific BeachFest

What: Before the cooler weather sets in, spend the day with the family at Pacific BeachFest! Kids can create works of art in the KidFest activity area, see a giant sandcastle, and eat some delicious food. Also check out the beach volleyball and the Arts and Craft Village. Make sure to stay for the fireworks!

Where: Pacific Beach Boardwalk, between Crystal Pier and Thomas St.

When: Saturday, October 11th from 11am-7:30pm. Fireworks begin at 7:30pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Check out www.pacificbeachfest.comor call (858) 864-7994

Family Day at Poway Park

What: Train Song Festival and Railroad Movie Night

Spend the day at the park, and experience live entertainment about the history and culture of railroads. Train-related vendors and displays will showcase arts and crafts, food, storytelling, train robberies, and children's entertainment. Train rides will also be available. Then, settle in for an old-fashioned railroad themed movie under the stars. Bring a blanket and the family, and enjoy the show!

Where: Old Poway Park
14134 Midland Rd
Poway, California 92064

When: Saturday, October 4th

Train Song Festival from 10am-4pm
Railroad Movie from 7pm-9pm

Cost: Free - Nominal fee for train rides, candy and popcorn

Need More Info: Visit www.poway.org or call (858) 668-4576

Oma's Pumpkin Patch

What: Oma's Pumpkin Patch

Take the whole family and head out to Oma's Pumpkin Patch, located on a working dairy farm. Enjoy activities such as a hay ride, hay maze, milk bottle bowling, a climb on Cottonseed Mountain, petting zoo, playground equipment, and sand pile with toy trucks and tractors.

Where: 14950 El Monte Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040

When: Open from 10am-7pm Tuesday through Saturday

Cost: $6.00 per child 1 year and older; One free adult for every paying child. Additional adults $3.00. Admission includes pumpkin, bottle of water and all the activities.

Need More Info: Visit www.omaspumpkinpatch.com or call (619) 390-2929.

Family Day at the Maritime Museum

What: Family Day at the Maritime Museum! Climb aboard the 1914 harbor Pilot boat for a short cruise on San Diego Bay. Enjoy sing-a-longs, crafts and other fun activities.

Where: Maritime Museum of San Diego - 1492 North Harbor Dr., Downtown San Diego

When: Sunday, September 28th from 11am - 4pm

Cost: Adults $14, Children ages 12 and under free (only two kids per adult admitted free.)

Need More Info: Visit www.sdmaritime.org or call (619) 234-9153 ext.101

Rip Squeak Story Time

What: Rip Squeak Story Time. Settle in for a reading of these popular tales and view the series' magical art.

Where: Rip Squeak and Friends Gallery, Seaport Village - 849 W. Harbor Dr. Ste B, Downtown San Diego

When: Saturday, September 27th at 11am and 1pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: www.ripsqueak.com or call (619) 531-1127

Friday Night Disco Party at Java Mama

What: Disco Party at Java Mama

Dancing fun for all ages! Strap on your shoes, show off your moves and boogie alongside a disco light, bubble machine, ribbons and hoola hoops!

Where: Java Mama - 8250 La Mesa Blvd.

When: Friday, September 19th 6:30-7:30pm

Cost: Free

Need More Info: See the Java Mama website for more details.

Old Town San Diego Art Festival

What: Fun for the whole family! The Old Town San Diego Art Festival features live entertainment, international foods, contemporary artists, fine crafts and much more!

Where: San Diego Avenue from Twiggs to Conde Streets, and throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

When: September 20-21 10am-6pm

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Art Festival website or call 888-ART-FEST

The New Children's Museum

What: The New Children's Museum

"Think, Play, Create" at the New Children's Museum! Sculpt with clay, dress up and perform, build block towers, play with bubbles, and more. There's no limit to where your imagination can take you.

Where: 200 West Island Avenue, Downtown San Diego

When: Open every day, except Wednesday.

Cost: Adults and Children $10. Children under one year, free. Every second Sunday, enjoy free admission for all.

Need more info: http://www.thinkplaycreate.org/

San Diego Zoo

What: The San Diego Zoo

The perfect way to spend an afternoon! With over 4000 animals from all around the world, there's always something to see. Check out the Children's Zoo for an up close encounter with the animals.

Where: 2920 Zoo Drive

When: Open every day from 9am to 4pm (grounds close at 6pm)

Cost: General admission - $28.50 adult, $18.50 child (ages 3-11)

For the month of September, stop by any Starbucks in San Diego County on Tuesday from 2-4pm. You will receive a ticket voucher (with Starbucks purchase) for a buy one, get one free adult or child zoo admission.

Need More Info: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/ or call any Starbucks in San Diego County.