Oceanside CA— From beautiful concerts, historic reenactments and an ocean view run, to seasonal-themed light shows and decorations, Oceanside has a variety of holiday events perfect for the entire family. Visitors and locals can count on the fun Oceanside vibe to be infused into every event- making for a getaway or day trip that is the perfect combination of coastal cool and seasonal merriment.
O’side Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Day
Named one of the country’s top trots by Runner’s World, the Pacific Marine Credit Union O’side Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving tradition on one of the most scenic ocean view courses in America. Nearly 10,000 participants come out on Thanksgiving Day to run or walk in the 5K, 10K and kids mile. New this year is the Tri-City Medical Center Senior Festival of Miles for runners age 60 and up. This all day senior experience will take place on the day before Thanksgiving and can accommodate participants of all abilities including those with walkers and wheelchairs. A portion from each entry fee may be designated to a non-profit of choice, or to the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation. Since it began, the O’side Turkey Trot has raised more than $240,000. www.osideturketytrot.com.
Rancho Christmas
Take a trip back in time and experience what the holidays were like in the mid-1800s at Rancho Guajome Adobe. During the celebration, all historic 28-room adobe and 2 large courtyards will be dressed with more than 100 wreaths, garlands and centerpieces. The celebration also includes live music, Ballet Folklorico performances, Native American storytelling, Christmas carolers and hot cider.
Oceanside Tree Lighting
On Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Oceanside will welcome the holiday season with a grand Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Regal Center Plaza in downtown Oceanside. This family-friendly event will be filled with activities for the whole family. Children can visit with Santa Claus, create a craft, enjoy the zip-line, tree climb, bounce houses and games or take a ride to the pier in the horse-drawn carriage.
Holiday Sunset Gift Market
Each Thursday in December, visitors can shop local at Oceanside’s Holiday Sunset Market. Shoppers will find a great selection of local gifts, plus music, a children’s activity area and even a visit from Santa. For information, contact MainStreet Oceanside at (760) 754-4512 or visit www.msoceanside.com.
Parade of Lights at Oceanside Harbor
The Parade of Lights at Oceanside Harbor is a fun tradition that residents and visitors look forward to all year. On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dinghies dress up in holiday swag and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers. Many of the boats feature people dressed up like Santa waving to the crowd.
Annual Christmas Concert at Mission San Luis Rey
The historic church at Mission San Luis Rey is a majestic, spiritual setting for listening to traditional Christmas carols during the Mission’s 6th Annual Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. The concert on Dec. 2 is followed by a dessert reception in the Sacred Garden surrounded by thousands of holiday lights. Tickets range in price from $30 to $60 per person. Proceeds benefit preservation and maintenance of the church. www.sanluisrey.org.
‘Tis the Season to Shop Local
‘Tis the Season to Shop Local is a new series of holiday programs and events throughout Oceanside celebrating the season and all things local. It’s a one-of-a-kind local holiday shopping experience that features a shopping passport, a downtown beer and wine tasting event, a makers fair featuring handcrafted, locally made goods- all surrounded by the glow of holiday lights, decorated shop windows and the cheerful sounds of live holiday music and carolers. Events take place between November 26 and December 4.
www.ShopLocalOceanside.com.
Staying in Oceanside
Oceanside offers a wide variety of accommodation options for any holiday getaway from luxury 10-bedroom homes on the beach to LEED certified hotel rooms. Many properties offer travelers convenient amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, continental breakfast and pools. Popular options include SpringHill Suites Marriott Oceanside, Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort, Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina, Residence Inn by Marriott Oceanside, Courtyard by Marriott Oceanside, Beach Front Only Vacation Rentals and Best Western Oceanside Palms. For more information on where to stay, visit www.visitoceanside.org.
About Oceanside
Oceanside is located along the beautiful Southern California coastline and considered the gateway city between metropolitan San Diego and Los Angeles. A classic Southern California beach town, Oceanside enjoys a rich history as an ideal place to stay and experience California’s casual spirit. The city boasts a number of important historical and cultural attractions such as Mission San Luis Rey (The King of Missions), California’s longest wooden pier, vintage 101 Café, 1920’s era Robert’s Cottages, Top Gun House, California Surf Museum and the Oceanside Museum of Art. Bordering Camp Pendleton, Oceanside has long enjoyed a strong relationship with the U.S. military and a deep commitment to the men and women serving the nation. Today, with 3.5 miles of sandy beach, a quaint New England-style harbor and a stellar year-round climate, Oceanside is a highly sought after location for enjoying active pursuits including surfing, stand up paddling, kayaking, boating, fishing, bike-riding, skydiving and more.
About Visit Oceanside
Visit Oceanside Conference and Visitors Bureau is the official tourism marketing organization in Oceanside, Calif; promoting travel to the city for both leisure and group visitors. The organization generates $271 million in visitor spending in Oceanside each year, which supports nearly 3,000 tourism-related jobs. Visit Oceanside also operates one of the state’s official California Welcome Centers. With just one stop, visitors can find local, regional and state maps, purchase discount tickets to major Southern California attractions, facilitate hotel reservations or shop for the perfect California keepsake. The Visit Oceanside CVB and California Welcome Center- Oceanside are conveniently located just off Interstate 5 at 928 North Coast Highway. For more information, please call (800)350-7873 or visit www.visitoceanside.org.