After a hiatus, the Cool on the Coast column returns this month, highlighting events in the region of interest to the communities covered by the North Coast Current and OsideNews.

This year, the region hosts a wide variety of events during the holidays for all ages to enjoy. Across San Diego County, families can gather to watch light shows, listen to music and enjoy delicious holiday-themed food and beverages. Below are some of the most popular holiday attractions in coastal North County that are suitable for all ages.

Encinitas: Botanic Garden Lightscape: Select Nights through Jan. 1 — San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas hosts its lightscape from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on select nights through Jan. 1 with the exception of Christmas Day. The garden includes a 1-mile trail decorated with holiday lights, tunnels, attractions and installations from artists that mesh color with sound. Tickets are $29 for adults, $18 for children ages 3-12 and free for children under 3. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Carlsbad: Hanukkah Celebration: Dec. 21 — For those who want to get a taste of other cultures this holiday season, Chabad La Costa hosts a lighting of the menorah from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 21 along with games and free refreshments at The Forum Carlsbad in the courtyard between Chico’s and White House Black Market. More details can be found here.

Carlsbad: Legoland Holidays: Now through thru Jan. 8 — Legoland during the holidays can be a magical experience for all ages. Until Jan. 8, Legoland will host live entertainment, bright lights, holiday treats and snowfall. There will also be nightly tree lightings of the park’s 30-foot Lego tree decorated with Lego lights and ornaments. Holiday photos can be taken with Lego versions of Santa and his reindeer. In addition to Christmas festivities throughout the month, a Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party will be held on December 31. Holiday festivities are included with the purchase of a regular park ticket or annual pass. Visit legoland.com for more information on how to purchase tickets.

Carlsbad: Cabana Christmas Village: Now through Dec. 31 — Park Hyatt Aviara Resort will hold classic holiday festivities such as food and beverage offerings, roaming carolers, ornament decorating, hot cocoa and cider stations and s’mores. The resort will host this holiday wonderland for both locals and guests from noon to 3 p.m. And 5 to 8 p.m. daily. Valet parking is available for $40. More information can be found here.

Carlsbad: Santa Meet and Greet: Now through Dec. 18 — Santa will be in town on select weekends in December to get everyone’s wish list. Families can visit Santa for free in the garden area of The Forum in Carlsbad from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays now through Dec. 18. Santa will be accompanied by holiday characters and strolling carolers on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. More details can be found here.

San Diego: Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo: Now through Jan. 1 — The San Diego Zoo will host its annual holiday event from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. now through Jan. 1, with the exception of Christmas Eve when the park closes at 5 p.m. The zoo features bright lights, live entertainment, shows and views of wildlife. In addition to these immersive experiences, the park will host Santa along with other holiday characters children can interact with. This holiday experience is included with the purchase of a regular park ticket or annual pass. For more information on how to purchase tickets, click here.

Carlsbad: Winter WonderLights: Now through Dec. 17 — It’s not often we get to see a white Christmas in California. From 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 3-17, guests can watch a holiday lightshow and California snowfall at The Forum in Carlsbad, located at 1923 Calle Barcelona. In addition to the light show and snowfall, holiday characters will make an appearance for children to interact with and take photos with. This event is suitable for all ages accompanied by shopping and nearby restaurants. More information can be found here.

The North Coast Current and OsideNews welcome Current Events submissions. Email them to currentevents[at]northcoastcurrent.com.