Encinitas events this weekend
These are some of the Encinitas happening in Encinitas this week and weekend. More info can be found here.
Garden of Lights
The Garden is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 100,000 sparkling lights for a magical holiday experience. With horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday crafts, marshmallow roasting, live entertainment, food, hot mulled wine (on select nights) and Santa.
Through Dec. 23 and 26-30, 5-9 p.m. San Diego Botanic Garden. 230 Quail Gardens Drive. $15, $10, $5, ages 0- 2 free.
Exhibit Opening: Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch, 100 Years of Blooming History
For nearly 100 years, three generations of the Ecke family have raised poinsettias in Encinitas. Their efforts resulted in the poinsettia becoming the indoor Christmas plant for the nation and helped establish Encinitas as ‘the flower capital of the world.’ The exhibit was curated by Paul Ecke III, local author Diane Welch and Director of Exhibits Mary Fran Riggs.
Thursdays-Sundays, 12-4 p.m. San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Drive. Free. Info, 760-632-9711.
This Week at Lux
Handmade Holidays: Shibori Workshop. Create your own beautiful, indigo dyed fabric. Make a beautiful, one-of-a-kind scarf, share it with someone you love or keep it for yourself. For all ages. Sat. Dec. 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. $50, $65.
Lecture: The Blob, El Niño, and Related Topics
Katherine Zaba, from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will lecture on recent atmospheric and oceanic anomalies in the Pacific, focusing on the “blob” and El Niño, and their potential impacts on the ecosystem. (Life Club, San Elijo)
Friday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m. San Elijo Campus, MiraCosta College, 3333 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, room 201. Free, parking $1.
Encinitas West African Dance
The guest instructor is longtime San Diego teacher Aminisha Cunningham, artistic dance director of Teye Sa Thiosanne (in Our Tradition). Her teaching is accessible and clear. Accompanied by accomplished percussionists. All levels welcome.
Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Dance North County, 535 Encinitas Blvd. Suite 100. $13. 760-402-7229.
This Week at San Elijo Lagoon
Lagoon Platoon. Those who love to get their hands dirty can join in the fun of community habitat restoration. No experience is necessary and tools, refreshments, and nature tour are provided. Ages 13+. Saturday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. San Elijo Lagoon (check web for map). Free.
Holiday Guided Walk
See resident and migratory birds wade, hover, hunt, and rest in the salt marsh and mudflat habitats upon which they depend. Trail-goers might see mullet or silvery fish splash from the water, or glimpse Osprey and Egrets hunting in the salt marsh. All ages. Sat. Dec. 19, 10-11 a.m.; Sun. Dec. 20, 3-4 p.m. San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave. Free. Info
Families Making History: Poinsettias & Pomanders
In conjunction with our new soon-to-open exhibit, “Paul Ecke Ranch, 100 Years of Blooming History,” this month we will be making poinsettia ornaments and old-fashioned pomanders, made from oranges and cloves, pretty enough to give as a gift or hang as a decoration.
Every Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Drive. Free. 760-632-9711.
Encinitas Ballet: The Nutcracker
Candy canes leap through the air, giant mice doing battle with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and the Nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince. Choreographed to the music of Tchaikovsky. Guest artists Isabella Franka and Edgar Khachatryan will perform the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier.
Saturday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Thompson Performing Arts Center, 1 Maverick Way, Carlsbad. $25, $20. Tickets/Info, 760-632-4947.
Visits With Santa
Come to downtown Encinitas and spend some quality time with Santa! Receive a free digital photo, courtesy of Shadowcatcher Imagery. (Encinitas 101 Mainstreet Association)
Saturday, Dec. 19, 3-5 p.m. Lumberyard Courtyard, 947 S. Coast Hwy 101. Free.
An Afternoon of Flute Music
Presenting the studio of Dr. Elena Yarritu and friends performing music for flute and piano, and flute ensemble. Enjoy holiday music by Tchaikovsky, Dinicu, McMichael, Vivaldi, Hirose and Bach.
Saturday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m. Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Free.
Folk Concert: Molly’s Revenge
A dynamic, acoustic Celtic trio known for their unique and infectious enthusiasm. With Christa Burch and Winterdance Irish dancers. (San Diego Folk Heritage)
Saturday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Street. $22. Info
Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra
Featuring Pasha Tseitlin, violin, Annelle Gregory, viola and Nic Gerpe, piano. They will perform Corigliano’s Violin Sonata, Handel/Halvorsen’s Passacaglia, Bach’s Air, and Spring and Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. (Virtuosi USA)
Sunday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. $25, $21.
La Paloma Theatre
Now Showing: Bridge of Spies, Room, Die Hard, Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Tickets: $10, $9 (cash only). 471 Coast Hwy. 101. Show Times 760-436-7469.
Winter Solstice, Drumming in the Light
An interactive, joyful, multicultural experience with Christine Stevens and special guest artists Richard Rudis, Tibetan gongs, Frank Lazzaro, Middle Eastern drum master, Dan Cartamil, Afro-Cuban ensemble and others. Drums and percussion instruments provided or you may bring your own.
Sunday, Dec. 20, 7p.m. Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive. $25.
JFS Coastal Club
Seniors 60+ choose from 4 different activities: 10 a.m., Yoga with Danyll; 11am, David Amos presents a concert of popular holiday music, both familiar and new; 12 p.m. lunch; and at 1 p.m. see the film: The German Doctor.
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Temple Solel, 3575 Manchester Ave. Cardiff. Free. Lunch $7 RSVP here.
Wednesdays@Noon: Christine Brown, piano, Holiday Melodies
Christine is known for her soothing solo piano, original new age music with a classical elegance. In 2014, she won album of the year for Whisperings Solo Piano Radio. She will perform music from her holiday CD and her other recordings. (Encinitas Arts Division)
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 12-12:45p.m. Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive.
Dinner and a Movie
Love can actually happen in this ensemble romantic comedy set on Christmas Eve. Bring dinner to enjoy.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m. Cardiff Library, 2081 Newcastle Avenue. Free. Info 760-753-4027.
Holiday Guided Walk
See resident and migratory birds wade, hover, hunt and rest in the salt marsh and mudflat habitats upon which they depend. Trail-goers might see mullet or silvery fish splash from the water, or glimpse Osprey and Egrets hunting in the salt marsh. All ages welcome.
Saturday, Dec. 26, 10-11 a.m. San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff. Free. Info
Encinitas West African Dance
A special double class with L.A. choreographer and performer, Kara Mack. 6 p.m. session: West African. 7:30 p.m. session: Samba Funk. Learn from a great teacher who is also a professional singer and dancer. All levels welcome.
Saturday, Dec. 26, 6 p.m. Dance North County, 535 Encinitas Blvd. Suite 100. $15 or $25. Info, 760-402-7229.