Encinitas event briefs: Dec. 6

Botanic Wonderland: Holiday Nights in the Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, will illuminate 37 acres of flora, including pine trees, Pony Tail palms and aloes, Dragon trees and bamboo, with more than 125,000 sparkling lights during its Botanic Wonderland Holiday Nights in the Garden. There’s nightly entertainment, visits with Santa, holiday crafts, twinkling light tunnel, dazzling 10-foot poinsettia tower, a musical light show and Kids Fun Zone with nightly “snowfall.” There’s a food truck court, a beer, wine and mulled wine garden, hot chocolate, coffee and more. Visitors can stop by from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3-8, 10-15,17-23 and 26-30. Tickets: $12-$25. sdbgarden.org

Families Make History, December Craft

From noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays Dec. 15, 22 and 29 at Heritage Ranch, 450 Quail Gardens Drive, families are invited to create holiday ornaments for their homes and Christmas trees. Free. (760) 632-9711.

Encinitas Heritage Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Encinitas Heritage Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Friday, Dec. 6 from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. at the corner of 4th and C Streets at Moonlight Beach. To commemorate the 25th anniversary, the Encinitas Historical Society will bring together local music groups to perform traditional holiday songs for the entire family. Santa Claus will make a special appearance atop a hook-and-ladder fire truck provided by the Encinitas Fire Department. Food will be available from Union Food Truck, a local Encinitas business. Visit encinitashistoricalsociety.org.

Exhibit: Gerald Olivas, “Seductive Winter in Venice”

A photography exhibit displaying black-and-white glossy photos taken during the winter of 1978-1979 in Venice, Italy will be on display for view Monday through Friday during open hours at Civic Center Gallery, City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave., through Jan. 5, 2020. The photographs capture the serene beauty and romance of the canals, bridges, buildings and quaint spaces of Venice. Free. (760) 633-2600. drolivas@hotmail.com

Exhibit: Alex Long, “Horsehair Raku and Stoneware Pottery”

An exhibit of raku pottery is on view Monday through Friday during open hours at Civic Center Gallery, City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave., through Jan. 5, 2020. These one-of-a-kind pieces are vary in size from small to monumental, and are perfected in the firing process, creating beautiful glazes and unique art pieces. Free. (760) 633-2600. facebook.com/alexlongraku

Exhibit: Cheryl Ehlers, “A Retrospective”

An exhibit of oil and acrylic paintings is on view daily during open hours at the Encinitas Library Gallery, 540 Cornish Drive through Jan. 6, 2020. “I find myself reflecting that art must be an integral part of one’s self and can’t simply mirror what’s taking place,” said artist Cheryl Ehlers. “It must ally itself with the forces of creativity and became a key figure within a vibrant community of artists, writers, and activists. We just need to lift the veil of time to experience it.” Free. (760) 753-7376. cherylehlersart.com

Exhibit: Evie Ault, “Creative, Fun-ctional Art”

An exhibit of fused glass is on view daily during open hours at the Encinitas Library Gallery, 540 Cornish Drive through Jan. 6, 2020. “Fused glass allows me to use my creativity in forming unique art pieces with the colors you see,” said artist Evie Ault. The exhibit demonstrates the wide variety of glass products which can be created through the fusing process. Free. (760) 753-7376. eault@hughes.net

Exhibit: Jill Campbell, “Flora and Fauna”

A photography exhibit is on view daily during open hours at the Encinitas Library Gallery, 540 Cornish Drive through Jan. 6, 2020. Artist Jill Campbell finds her inspiration in colors, lines, shadows, textures and patterns in nature. Her photographs are taken with a Canon PowerShot camera or iPhone X and printed on paper or can vas. Free. (760) 633-2746. jillcornforth@hotmail.com

Exhibit: Cathy Wessels, “Images of North County”

An oil painting exhibit is on view daily during open hours at the Encinitas Community Center Gallery, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive through Jan. 8, 2020. Artist Cathy Wessels can be seen painting along the Highway 101, capturing favorite scenes such as the Encinitas sign, Moonlight Beach, Dog Beach, Swami’s, Del Mar and Fletcher Cove. All artworks are original Plein Air oil paintings. Free. (760) 943-2260. artbycathyw.com

Exhibit: Max Roemer, “I Like Birds and Birds Like Me”

A mixed media exhibit will be on view daily during open hours at the Encinitas Community Center Gallery, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive through Jan. 8, 2020. This exhibit is a series of birds created by Roemer by painting and assembling palm fronds. (760) 633-2748. encinitasca.gov/exhibits

Encinitas Library Half-Price Monthly Book Sale

The Encinitas Friends Bookstore will hold a book sale beginning 9 a.m. (for members) or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Encinitas Library Bookstore, 540 Cornish Drive. The entire store will be half price, with most books priced from 25 cents to $1, CDs priced at 25 cents and DVDs priced at $1. Books range from current fiction, children’s selections, biography, self-help and spirituality to health, history, travel and science. (760) 944-7294. encinitaslibfriends.org

Cardiff Library Book

& Bake Sale

A book and bake sale will be hosted by the Cardiff Library 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 in the library’s Community Room, 2475 Montgomery Ave. All books, including rare and collectible books, as well as all media, will be half-off their marked price. An assortment of home-baked holiday treats will be available for purchase. All funds go to support the library and its programs. friendscardifflibrary.org

Lagoon Discovery Tour

The public is invited to learn about the San Elijo Lagoon with Nature Collective, an experience where fresh water and salt water meet and mix, migratory and resident birds share a sanctuary and where many animals find a home. No matter the season, guests will be able to photograph and identify a host of native plants. The tour takes place 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave. Free. (760) 436-3944. thenaturecollective.org or info@thenaturecollective.org

Forest/Nature Bathing

Shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing, is a way of connecting people to nature and the positive health benefits of simply being and walking in a state of relaxation in the natural world. The public is invited to join the experience 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. From $32. sdbgarden.org/classes.htm

Coastal Communities Concert Band Annual Holiday Concert

Under the direction of Tom Cole, the award-winning, 75-piece Coastal Communities Concert Band will perform holiday favorites and Christmas selections from Broadway and the movies, plus Ode to Hanukkah and Armed Forces Salute, among others. The concert proceeds benefit Meals-on-Wheels. Featuring vocalist Michael Ruhl. The concert takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. Tickets: $15-$20. (760) 736-9900. meals-on-wheels.org

Wednesdays@Noon: Christine Brown, Holiday Melodies on piano

Christine Brown in an award-winning composer and Kawai piano artist. She is known for her soothing solo piano and original new age music with a classical elegance. She won the 2018 album of the year for Whisperings Solo Piano Radio. Her concert takes place noon to 12:50 p.m. Dec. 11 at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 633-2746. christinebrownpiano.com

Happy Tales

Dec. 13, 4-5 p.m. Happy Tales is a Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s reading program. Children ranging from ages 6-12 will have the opportunity to read to the adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits. Space is limited and preregistration is required. (760) 753-6413. education@sdpets.org or sdpets.org. Register at bit.ly/happytalesreading

North Coast Symphony performs ‘A Symphony of Carols’

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra’s performance for “A Symphony of Carols” will take place 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The orchestra will perform festive holiday music, including A Celtic Christmas Overture by Daniel Semsen, A Carol Symphony by Victor Hely-Hutchinson, Fantasia on “Greensleeves” by Vaughan Williams and many more. Bass vocalist Kenneth Bell will sing selections from Handel’s Messiah and the Spanish carol Riu Riu Chiu. Admission is $10 general, $8 for seniors/students/military and $25 per family. northcoastsymphony.com

Studio Series:

Judy Tuwaletstiwa

The public is invited to join Artist-in-Residence Judy Tuwaletstiwa’s Studio Series from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real. Tuwaletstiwa will discuss her background and artistic process, and unveil her residency work. The reception during the first hour will include music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments. Free for Lux members, $10 guests. (760) 436-6611.

Ron Salisbury presents: The Crossover

Award-winning poet and teacher Ron Salisbury will highlight the 2019 One Book, One San Diego selection, “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free. (760) 753-7376. sdcl.org

San Dieguito Art Guild Ninth Annual Holiday Bazaar

The San Dieguito Art Guild’s Ninth Annual Holiday Bazaar gives local artists a venue to offer their hand-made items to the public and shoppers a chance to purchase one-of-a-kind artworks. The event offers a variety of photographers, watercolorists, oil or acrylic painters, as well as multi-media artists. The event takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Free. (760) 942-3636.

Community Planting & Harbaugh Seaside Trails

The community is invited to volunteer to be part of the historic restoration of Harbaugh Seaside Trails. Volunteers will help Nature Collective biologists to install native plants that will attract pollinators, such as birds, bees and butterflies. This volunteer opportunity takes place 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 14 at Harbaugh Seaside Trails, 2965 Highway 101. Free. (760) 436-3944. info@thenaturecollective.org or thenaturecollective.org/events

Open Air Yoga Experience

The community is invited to participate in an Open Air Yoga Experience from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Cost: from $20. Guests must bring their own mat. sdbgarden.org/classes.htm

American Red Cross Blood Drive

The American Red Cross Blood Drive will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. (760) 753-7376. Sdcl.org To schedule an appointment, sign up at redcrossblood.org using the code: SDLibrary

Encinitas Chamber of Commerce December Sundowner

The community is invited to join the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Best Western Inn & Suites at Moonlight Beach, 85 Encinitas Boulevard for the December Showdown, which is slated to take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. Light hors d’oeuvres, adult refreshments and plenty of opportunities to get to know the Chamber family will be provided. Food provided by co-host Sabor de Vida Brazilian Grill. Free for members and first time guests, $20 for returning guests. (760) 753-6041. asst@encinitaschamber.com or bit.ly/ECCDec2019Sundowner

Wednesdays@Noon: Diana Farrell (soprano), Michael O’Lalloran (baritone) and Kate Bode (piano)

Each musician has performed around the world and have become staples in Southern California’s classical music circles, from Los Angeles to San Diego. Farrell is the president and artistic director of Lyric Opera of Orange County. The trio will perform a program of arias, duets and scenes from favorite operas by Mozart, Puccini, Bizet and others. (760) 633-2746. dianafarrellsoprano.com

Community Planting & Harbaugh Seaside Trails

The community is invited to volunteer to be part of the historic restoration of Harbaugh Seaside Trails. Volunteers will help Nature Collective biologists to install native plants that will attract pollinators, such as birds, bees and butterflies. This volunteer opportunity takes place 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 21 at Harbaugh Seaside Trails, 2965 Highway 101. Free. (760) 436-3944. info@thenaturecollective.org or thenaturecollective.org/events

Nathan & Jessie:

A holiday special

A musical experience of exhilarating piano music, roaring accordion, choir-esque female and male vocal harmonies is slated for 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Celebrating the end of the year and the start of a new, Nathan Rivera and Jessie Andra Smith host a night of music, featuring Trevor Mulvey on upright bass. Beer and wine will be served. A portion of proceeds go to local music non-profit Banding Together. Tickets: $14. (951) 719-5038.

Master Composter (five-week course)

A five-week Master Composter course is being offered to provide training in the art and science of composting. This course will take place 1:30-4:30 p.m. Fridays Feb. 8, 2020 through March 7, 2020 at Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, 137 N. El Camino Real. Price: $50. bit.ly/compostingcourse

Holiday Closures

In observance of the holidays the following facilities will be closed:

Encinitas Library: Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1

Encinitas Community Center: Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1

City Hall: Dec. 24-Jan. 1.

Pop Up Pottery Painting

The community is invited to hand-paint unique ceramic gifts, ornaments and Cookies for Santa Plates at Art A Go Go, located in the polka dot vintage trailer. This family-friendly activity will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. all weekends now through Dec. 15 at Sunshine Gardens, 155 Quail Gardens Drive. Pieces will be glazed, fired and back for the holidays. Or, partake in a DIY home kit party! Price: $7 and up. (760) 943-1800.

Sunshine Gardens Holiday Weekends

All weekends now through Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sunshine Gardens, 155 Quail Garden Drive, the community is invited to partake in holiday fun. Santa Claus will visit, guests will receive a free, framed family photo, and a farm-like setting will include baby goats, a tortoise, koi fish, birds and beautiful plants. Visitors may paint special ceramic gifts, ornaments and more at Art A Go Go, a vintage polka dot trailer. Food and drinks at Cuppa Juice. (760) 943-1800.

New Year’s Eve Senior Social Dance

The community is invited to enjoy live music, refreshments and surprise giveaways to celebrate the New Year. Tickets on sale at the Senior Center while supplies last, maximum of eight tickets per person. The event takes place 2-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 at the Encinitas Community Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Price: $10. (760) 943-2250. bit.ly/2JgBKcg

Speaker to discuss cougars at Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation event

Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation continues its Fall Speakers Series on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. with a presentation on cougars by Robin Parks from the Mountain Lion Foundation. Learn the behavior, myths, and misinformation of this elusive creature, as well as safety tips. This event is free and good for all ages. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane in Carlsbad. For more information, visit Batiquitosfoundation.org.

Warren Miller’s Timeless at La Paloma Theatre

Year after year, ski and snowboard enthusiasts of all ages look forward to the coming of winter. This fall, Warren Miller Entertainment (WME) confirms that the joys of winter are eternal with its 70th full-length feature film, Timeless, presented by Volkswagen.

Much of the world has changed since Warren Miller started making ski films in 1949, but the passion of snowriders across the globe has stayed the same. Timeless emulates the enduring spirit of winter and gives a deserving nod to the past seven decades of ski cinematography, while looking toward on the future. Get ready to kick off your winter with a cast of fresh faces, inspirational locales, plenty of laughs and camaraderie, and a classic blend of the new and old.

Timeless will be presented at La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas Dec. 6 and 7. La Paloma Theatre is located at 471 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 92024. For show times, visit www.lapalomatheatre.com.

Hooterific! Presentation on owls with Living Coast Discovery Center

Join the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and the Living Coast Discovery Center for a one-of-a-kind interactive presentation about owls. Learn about the unique adaptations they have to help them survive. The event will be held Dec. 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the La Colona Community Center, 715 Valley Ave. Solana Beach, 92075. Registration to this family-fun event is required and limited to 50 persons. Do to sdrvchooterific2019.eventbrite.com

Questions: Ana Lutz-Johnson, education manager, SDRVC, ana@sdrvc.org or 858-755-6956.

Encinitas Guitar Orchestra Christmas concert

The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra, comprised of 40 local classical guitarists from amateur to professional level, will perform a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 925 Balour Drive, Encinitas. This year’s Holiday theme is “A Christmas Masquerade,”performing not-so-famous gems of Christmas music. Discover new Christmas music hidden in history with 40 guitars. $12 donation at the door. Visit encinitasguitarorchestra.com

Jingle & Mingle event

Community Resource Center (CRC) invites the community to its Jingle & Mingle event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Grandstand. The event is a holiday fundraiser to benefit the hungry, homeless and hurting in the community. The event will feature behind-the-scenes tours of CRC’s 37th Annual Holiday Baskets, a CRC program providing food, coats and gifts to over 6,000 people in need this holiday season. The event will include festive food and drinks, music, raffle prizes, guest speakers and more. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/crcjingle2019. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit crcncc.org.

Tuesday Night Comics at NC Rep Theatre

Tuesday Night Comics offers one of the funniest nights of comedy in San Diego. Mark Christopher Lawrence taps into his extensive list of talented comedian friends and shares the North Coast Rep stage with them. The show is comprised of talent from all over the country with late-night television credits as well as credits from Comedy Central, HBO and Showtime. The next Tuesday Night Comics event will occur on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Line-up includes: Host: Mark Christopher Lawrence; Musical guest: Haley Blaze; Headliner: Nazareth; Featured Act: Mark Schumacher; Opening Act: Joe Welkie. North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Call 858-481-1055 or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase seats.

STEAM Maker Festival

STEAM Maker Festival will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ O’Brien Hall.

is a collaborative venue for students, educators and professionals to demonstrate programs, projects, practices and resources that enrich STEAM education. The STEAM Maker Festival is an opportunity for members of the community to come out and display their commitment to the outreach of STEAM programs and to show that science and technology can impact learning in fun and exciting ways.

For more information, visit steammakerfest.org

Roger Anderson Chorale Christmas Carol sing-along

The Roger Anderson Chorale will get downtown Encinitas in the holiday spirit with a Dickensian Christmas Carol sing-along on Monday Dec. 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come join the Chorale as they stroll Highway 101 from D St to J St. Local merchants will warm up shoppers and carolers alike with hot apple cider.

For more information, visit www.rogerandersonchorale.com or call 760-522-7187.

Forgiveness Mini-Workshop

A mini workshop on forgiveness will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants learn what makes forgiving so difficult and what gets in the way of it, from the perspective of the specific forgiveness challenges participants bring to the workshop. The workshop is taught by Dr. Jane Ilene Cohen, NLP & TimeLine Master Practitioner. $10-$20 suggested donation. RSVP and get address at (760) 753-0733. Visit JaneCohenCounseling.com/events.

Share/Sing/Volunteer on Christmas Day in Encinitas

All are invited to Seaside Center for Spiritual Living’s annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along Ceremony at noon followed by a Christmas Day potluck dinner to share at 1 p.m. at 1613 Lake Drive, Encinitas next to the Cardiff Sports Park. Families, couples, singles, youths, and seniors are invited to share in the warmth of Christmas Day, Dec. 25, together. If you can, please bring a little extra food so that those who cannot bring a dish can enjoy a feast. Turkey and ham provided. If you cannot bring a dish, please bring yourself. To volunteer for the dinner please contact Susan (Sully) Sullivan, 760-208-3382, sully@seasdiecenter.org.

Welcome in the New Year with a ‘Burning Bowl’ Ceremony

The whole community is invited to Seaside Center for Spiritual Living’s annual New Year’s Eve “Burning Bowl” Ceremony to burn what you want to release for 2019 and set intentions for 2020 in a supportive community setting on Dec. 31 from 7-8:40 p.m. All are invited to this free event at 1613 Lake Drive in Encinitas next to the Cardiff Sports Park Most of the ceremony will take place inside, with a few minutes outside for the actual burning process. For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Christina Tillotson, revdrchristina@icloud.com, 760-944-9226.