January - March (call for exact dates): Moonlight Amphitheatre's Winter Season continues at the Avo Theatre, 303 Main St., Vista, and includes a variety of entertainment specials. Call (760-724-2110).

http://www.moonlightstage.com

Enjoy a delicious four-course meal as you interact with actors and guess 'whodunit' in this delightful murder mystery show. Shows run Friday and Saturday evenings indefinitely, with new shows yearly at the Imperial House Restaurant, Balboa Park area. For current features, call (619-544-1600).

http://www.mysterycafe.net

January - May: The Poway Center for the Performing Arts season with varied presentations including comedy, children's plays, Broadway productions and enrichment programs runs from late January through to the end of May. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway. For productions, dates and showtimes, call (858-748-0505).

http://www.powayarts.org

January - March (call for exact dates): The season includes Special Concerts and the Masterworks, Family Festival, Light Bulb and Winter Pops Series. Dates and performance times vary. Copley Symphony Hall and other venues. Call (619-235-0804) or (619-235-0800).

http://www.sandiegosymphony.com

This laugh 'til it hurts storyline percolates with a comedic trio, reunited after 25 years together in show business. Travel back in time as they relive the laughs, bumps and bruises that brewed along the way. Set in a coffeehouse in the year 2002, Triple Espresso uses humorously reengineered musical refrains, slapstick comedy and even shadow puppets. Performances every Wed.-Sun. Horton Grand Theatre at 4th and Island in the Gaslamp Quarter. Call (619-234-9583).

http://www.tripleespresso.com

The Welk Resort Theater presents a season of musicals at the Welk Resort Center Dinner Theater, Escondido. The productions are live and presented at this Broadway-style theater. For productions, dates and showtimes, call (888-802-SHOW).

http://www.welkresort.com

January - March: Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds of the coast of Baja California. Glimpse these peaceful "giants of the sea" from Cabrillo National Monument or on special whale-watching cruises. Call (619-557-5450) or (619-236-1212).

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January 1st - Noon - 5 p.m. Organ music, singing, dancing, displays and a birthday cake celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Spreckels Organ. Call (619-702-8138) for information.

http://www.sosorgan.com

January 17 - January 23: Annual PGA Tour men's golf tournament featuring top players from the PGA Tour. Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla. Call (800-888-BUICK) or (619-281-4653).

http://www.buickinvitational.com

January - March (call for exact dates): Moonlight Amphitheatre's Winter Season continues at the Avo Theatre, 303 Main St., Vista, and includes a variety of entertainment specials. Call (760-724-2110).

http://www.moonlightstage.com

Enjoy a delicious four-course meal as you interact with actors and guess 'whodunit' in this delightful murder mystery show. Shows run Friday and Saturday evenings indefinitely, with new shows yearly at the Imperial House Restaurant, Balboa Park area. For current features, call (619-544-1600).

http://www.mysterycafe.net

January - May: The Poway Center for the Performing Arts season with varied presentations including comedy, children's plays, Broadway productions and enrichment programs runs from late January through to the end of May. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway. For productions, dates and showtimes, call (858-748-0505).

http://www.powayarts.org

January - March (call for exact dates): The season includes Special Concerts and the Masterworks, Family Festival, Light Bulb and Winter Pops Series. Dates and performance times vary. Copley Symphony Hall and other venues. Call (619-235-0804) or (619-235-0800).

http://www.sandiegosymphony.com

This laugh 'til it hurts storyline percolates with a comedic trio, reunited after 25 years together in show business. Travel back in time as they relive the laughs, bumps and bruises that brewed along the way. Set in a coffeehouse in the year 2002, Triple Espresso uses humorously reengineered musical refrains, slapstick comedy and even shadow puppets. Performances every Wed.-Sun. Horton Grand Theatre at 4th and Island in the Gaslamp Quarter. Call (619-234-9583).

http://www.tripleespresso.com

The Welk Resort Theater presents a season of musicals at the Welk Resort Center Dinner Theater, Escondido. The productions are live and presented at this Broadway-style theater. For productions, dates and showtimes, call (888-802-SHOW).

http://www.welkresort.com

January - March: Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds of the coast of Baja California. Glimpse these peaceful "giants of the sea" from Cabrillo National Monument or on special whale-watching cruises. Call (619-557-5450) or (619-236-1212).

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February 5, 4th & B, located at 345 B Street, Downtown San Diego. San Diego celebrates the Magic of Carnaval and hosts the 13th Annual Brazilian Mardi Gras Ball. From 9 p.m.-1 a.m. this party never stops. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit "Villa-Lobinhos", a non-profit organization in Rio de Janeiro that teaches life skills and music to underprivelged children. Live music. 21 and up. For tickets call (619-231-4343). For more information call (619-224-4684).

http://www.brazilcarnival.com February

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March 20 - Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club (San Diego): The Robert Griffith Celebrity Golf Classic is the premiere fund raiser for the Foundation's Scholarship Fund. Past participatants include Cris Carter, Robert Smith, Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Hatchette, Dennis Green, Dorsey Levens, Jerome Bettis, Terrell Owens, as well as many other national sports, entertainment and media celebrities. For more information, call (770-439-GOAL).

http://www.RobertGriffith.org

March 27 - Board 10:30 a.m., Cruise 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Hornblower Cruises & Events for an Easter Sunday Brunch Cruise to remember. Enjoy ever changing water views, complimentary champagne, an elaborate brunch buffet, and award winning service. Best of all, you can have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! Reservations required. Call (619-686-8700).

http://www.hornblower.com

Includes crafts fair, kite making, decorating and flying contest for all ages. Food, entertainment, parade to the beach for kite flying. Free kite making, or bring your own kite to be judged. Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For exact date, call (619-531-1527).

March - May: Every March and April, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch blossom into a spectacular sea of brightly colored ranunculus flowers. Visitors can view and tour the fields in Carlsbad. Open to the public seven days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For directions, take I-5 N. to the Palomar Airport Rd. Exit. Adults ($7), Seniors 60+ ($6), 3-10yrs ($4). Guided tours must be arranged in advance. Call (760-431-0352).

http://www.theflowerfields.com

March - October: Enjoy free Sunday programs of ethnic song and dance from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. on the outdoor stage of the International Cottages. While you are there, be sure to visit The International Cottages, open noon-5:30p.m. Sundays, featuring international artifacts, history and international food samples. Call (619-239-0512) or (619-234-0739).

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April 3rd - 5 p.m. FUSION is a showcase of the top hip-hop dance teams in southern California, as well as cultural exhibitions from various UC-San Diego organizations.

http://www.fusionhiphop.com

April 27 - Board 11 a.m., Cruise 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Smart bosses know how important it is to shower their support staff on Administrative Professional's Day. One great way to show how much you appreciate them is on a two hour Hornblower Luncheon Cruise. Relax aboard a luxury yacht, while enjoying a taste-tempting menu created just for this occasion. Panoramic city and bay views and courteous stewards await! $38.95 per adult. Call for reservations (619-686-8700).

http://www.hornblower.com

April - September: The Padres of National Major League Baseball will play their games at Petco Park. For tickets, call (619-29-PADRES); for exact dates, call (619-283-4494).

http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=sd

Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1, 2005: Enjoy a free 2-day Mexican celebration featuring dance, music, food and historical re-enactments. The fiesta exposes residents and tourists to Mexican history and Hispanic culture and takes place throughout the Old Town community, Old Town State Historic Park and Bazaar del Mundo courtyard. Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (619-296-3236). * Parking can be scarce; the SAN DIEGAN recommends taking the San Diego Trolley.

http://www.fiestacincodemayo.com

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Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1, 2005: Enjoy a free 2-day Mexican celebration featuring dance, music, food and historical re-enactments. The fiesta exposes residents and tourists to Mexican history and Hispanic culture and takes place throughout the Old Town community, Old Town State Historic Park and Bazaar del Mundo courtyard. Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (619-296-3236). * Parking can be scarce; the SAN DIEGAN recommends taking the San Diego Trolley.

http://www.fiestacincodemayo.com

May 12th, 2005, Cruise 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The animals from the Rancho Coastal Humane Society and the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter need your old towels and blankets for their cages at the shelter. Bring them down to Hornblower Cruises with your donation you will be reward a FREE HARBOR CRUISE PASS good for any one-hour cruise AND on May 12th only, bring your dog along FREE on the one-hour cruise. All dogs must be an a leash and under control to cruise. Maximum 2 passes per person. Call for more information (619-686-8700).

http://www.hornblower.com

Saturday, May 14. Enjoy a free block party with live music, arts, crafts, children's activity area, farmer's market, entertainment and food booths. All proceeds go to Pacific Beach organizations and schools. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., on Garnet Ave., between Ingraham St. and Mission Blvd. Call (619-641-5823).

http://www.pbblockparty.com

Sunday, May 15. The North Park Spring Festival is a celebration of arts, culture and entertainment featuring 5 stages of live entertainment, Kids Art Beat, Artists Village, more than 150 arts, craft and food vendors, juried arts area and Pet Zone. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (619-294-2501) for more information.

http://www.northparkmainstreet.com

May 20th. California Center for the Arts - 340 N. Escondido Blvd, Escondido. This is the largest wine tasting event in San Diego County, to benefit local charities. Over 80 local, California and international wineries will be represented. 6 p.m.-11 p.m. $65 per person. 21+ only. Call (800-456-4465) for more information.

http://www.bonsallrotary.org

May 22nd. This year The Hot Licks Fiery Food Festival will feature a verity of hot sauces, salsas, and barbeque sauces from as far away as Hawaii and as well known as San Diego's very own Ring of Fire. Live music will get your body moving as your tastebuds dance in the fire ignited by all the free samples. We invite you to try a Fire Dog either loaded with Jalapenos, or left unmolested in order to better quench the fire left in your mouth by all those other free samples. For more information call (619-235-4000).

http://www.2hotlicks.com

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June 3 - 5: The 2005 Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Lake Skinner. The Festival begins with the very popular Friday evening Balloon Glow and community night that offers musical entertainment and the choreographed "glow". Saturday and Sunday offers a "Festival within a Festival," with top-name concerts, wine tasting in the Wine Gardens, Kids Faire, Arts & Crafts and Commercial exhibits and the Food Court. Wine tasting features different premium wines from numerous Temecula Valley wineries as well as others from Southern California. Call (951-676-6713) for more information.

http://www.tvbwf.com

June 10 - July 4: San Diego's annual county fair features a midway, exhibits, carnival rides for all ages, flower and garden shows, art in all media, gems and minerals, hobbies, and concerts by top name entertainers. Closed Mondays. 24-hour event hotline: (858-793-5555) or (858-755-1161).

http://www.sdfair.com

June 26: A Toast to Music is an afternoon of wine and food tasting. Over 35 wineries from around the world, 15 restaurants and 5 breweries will be on site for tasting. Call (619-401-8858) for more information.

http://www.downtownelcajon.com/event_ttm.shtml

June 18 - September 5: A night safari aglow by moonlight, new exotic performances, and animal encounters will set the mood for Park at Dark, an entertaining and educational summer nights adventure at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park. Cooler temperatures and twinkling stars create an atmosphere at the Wild Animal Park that both visitors and the 3,500 animal inhabitants will find enchanting. With 429 animal species, guests are bound to view nocturnal animals such as lions and tigers that are more active in the evenings. Even the animals in the Park’s larger multi-species field exhibits, such as the rhinos, giraffes, and antelope of East Africa, change their stride at night. Entrance gates open until 8 p.m. Guests may remain in the park till 10 p.m. Call (619-234-6541) or (760-796-5621).

http://www.wildanimalpark.org/calendar/wap_parkatdark.html

June 18 - September 5: When the sun goes down, the entire park transforms. Laugh out loud at the new sea lion show, Clyde and Seamore in Deep, Deep Trouble. Experience Riptide, our all-new acrobatic extravaganza featuring live music and amazing gymnastics. And share the 20th anniversary celebration of Shamu's House of Douse. For it's final year, we've made this family favorite bigger, better and wetter than ever! Special evening entertainment and fireworks are featured at SeaWorld nightly, with extended evening hours. Call (619-226-3901) or (800-23-SHAMU).

http://www.swc-parkevents.com/summer-nights/index.htm

Enjoy works by local artists, food, children's area and entertainment on three stages. The event will commence from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., at the end of Newport Ave., Ocean Beach. This free event will feature 200+ vendor booths. For exact date, call (619-226-2193).

Musical comedy productions presented under the stars at Starlight Bowl, Balboa Park. Productions 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. For productions, dates and showtimes, call (619-544-STAR).

http://www.starlighttheatre.org

The San Diego Symphony presents their SummerPops programs, under the stars, every Fri. and Sat. during the summer season. All concerts are at 7 p.m., with a fireworks show on some nights. Location: Navy Pier, Broadway and Harbor Drive. For dates and times, call (619-235-0804).

http://www.sandiegosymphony.com

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July 14-July 17: Features many special guest stars, art show, panels, slideshows and autograph signings. San Diego Convention Center. Call 619-491-2475 or 619-525-5000.

http://www.comic-con.org

Over-the-line softball is played on a small field and is unique to San Diego. there is free viewing of San Diego's original beach softball event at Fiest Island, Mission Bay, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Also held July 12-13. Call 619-688-0817.

July 20 - Sept. 7: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club presents live thoroughbred racing six days a week. Post time: 2 p.m. for the nine race program, most days. Fairgrounds at Del Mar. I-5, exit Via de la Valle. Call 858-755-1141 or 858-792-4242.

http://www.dmtc.com/

July 29-July 30: Approximately 25 square blocks of San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter and East Village are transformed into California's largest, most diverse urban food and music festival. Features 100+ international and national touring artists and favorite vocal groups. For more information, call (800-260-9985).

http://www.street-scene.com

Saturday events include parade at 10 a.m. and children's sandcastle contest at 2 p.m. with a fireworks display at dusk. Sandcastle competition is Sunday, starting at 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with award at 4 p.m. at the Imperial Beach Pier. For more information and exact dates call 619-424-6663.

Come and enjoy Japanese foods, arts, Japanese folk dancing and drumming at the Vista Buddhist Temple and Community Center. East meets West at the free Obon Summer Festival. A silent auction will also be featured. This free event will commence at 12 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. For more information, call (760-941-8800).

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August 4 - August 21: The La Jolla Chamber Music Society is hosting SummerFest La Jolla, featuring artists in a subscription series of 10 concerts. A pre-concert talk featuring at least one artist on the concert program is given one hour prior to each concert. Enjoy great music in beautiful La Jolla, set against the backdrop of the blue Pacific Ocean at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla. For tickets, call (858-459-3728).

http://www.ljcms.org

Aug. 6 - Aug. 7: Features professional theatre, jesters, dancers, musicians and other period performers on five stages. Fine food, drink, games, contests and hand-crafted goods of all kinds as well as demonstrations of life in Elizabethan times. Morley Field in Balboa Park. Call (619-589-5412).

http://www.sdrf.com

August 17 - August 21: The Festival of Sail will feature tall ships of different sizes and shapes from all around the world. Includes the sailing of the Star of India, a ship open house, pirate cannon battles, pirate re-enactments, souvenires, food and drink. The event takes place at the North Embarcadero, near the Maritime Museum. Adults ($12), Children 12 and Under ($10). For more information, call (619-234-9153).

http://www.sdmaritime.org

Pre-Season and regular season home games are played at Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley. For a complete schedule with exact dates, call (619-280-2121).

The race begins at 7 a.m. at the Cabrillo National Monument, follows scenic San Diego Bay, winds through downtown San Diego and ends in beautiful Balboa Park. For more information, call (858-792-2900).

http://www.afchalf.com

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Sept. 1-Sept. 30: This self-guided walking tour with shuttle stops to some of Downtown San Diego's finest restaurants, offering delightful samples that are sure to please the palette. Tasters will travel from the Waterfront to Little Italy and from the Core District to the Gaslamp Quarter. Tickets are $18 in advance; $20 at the door. For more information, call (619-233-5008).

Sept. 14-Sept. 18: Yacht Fest San Diego is a boutique showing of mega-yachts from 80 feet and up. This allows attendees to visit and tour super yachts and enjoy an exhibition of yachting products, accessories, hospitality, food and entertainment at the Shelter Island Marina. Call (858-373-8700).

http://www.yachtfest.com

Sept. 9-Sept. 25: The San Diego Senior Olympics is open to athletes 50 years of age and older. This is a qualifier event for the California State Championships. The events will be held at 23 different venues in San Diego County. Call (619-226-1234).

http://www.sdseniorgames.org

Sept. 15-Nov. 15: Enjoy autumn foliage, art shows, entertainment and seasonal foods, such as apple cider and pie, in the scenic mining town of Julian. Special events on the weekends. Call (760-765-1857).

Sept. 21-Sept. 25: The San Diego Film Festival is proud to announce its first annual celebration of film, showcasing the best in American and International full-length features, documentaries and short films. Features Q & A sessions with the directors, workshops and panel discussions, guest appearances by film and video artists and more. This event will take place at the Gaslamp Quarter, downtown, San Diego. Call (619-582-2368).

Sept. 16-Sept. 18: Features Thunderboats (world's fastest boats), tunnel hulls, unlimited lights, drag boats and other racing classes. Specialty vendors and food. Mission Bay, gates open 7 a.m., races 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (619-225-9160).

http://www.thunderboats.net

The Del Mar International Horse Show attracts more than 250 of the finest Hunter/Jumper riders and horses. The highlight of the four-day horse show will be the $40,000 Del Mar International Grand Prix on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., call (858-792-4252).

Sept. 24-Sept. 25: A free event that showcases the cultures, food, crafts and customs of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Features continuous entertainment all day long. Location: Ski Beach, Mission Bay from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., call (619-699-8797).

http://www.pacificislanders.com

Sep. 27-Oct. 19: This is San Diego's tribute to the Military. There are many events associated with Fleet Week. Activities include a "Salute to the Military," a parade of ships, the sailing of the Star of India, surface ship tours and the MCAS Miramar Air Show. Some of the events are listed below. Please check in advance for the complete schedule. Call (619-858-1545).

http://www.fleetweeksandiego.org

Octoberfest for the entire family at San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park Club. On Saturday, all ages are invited to learn polkas and other Germanic dances from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., followed by a dance party starting at 7:30 p.m. Sunday will find the ballroom filled with dancers in costumes of many nations performing and inviting visitors to dance. Folk arts vendors. Free admission to all events. Call (619-422-1584).

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Oct. 1-Oct. 31: Children 11 and under will be admitted free to the San Diego Zoo during October 9 a.m.- 4p.m. School groups, call the Education Department at (619-234-3153).

http://www.sandiegozoo.org

Exact date TBA, call (858-487-1767). Works of art by local artists for sale and display, food, wine and beer tasting at The Bernardo Winery.

http://www.bernardowinery.com

Exact dates will be announced later, call (619-220-TIXS) or (619-641-5823). The awards ceremony honors the best of local musicians and groups. Local and national celebrities will present the awards. All proceeds benefit San Diego elementary schools instrumental music programs at Humphrey's By the Bay, Shelter Island. This event will commence at 7 p.m.

In honor of the founding of the San Diego Zoo, everyone is admitted free to the San Diego Zoo from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (619-234-3153).

http://www.sandiegozoo.org

Organized by the United Italian-American Association and the Fleet Week Foundation, the parade and festival celbrate and commemorate Christopher Columbus' landing in the Caribbean, October 12, 1492 and retired and active United States military personnel. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Harbor Drive and Grape Street, and continues south on Harbor Drive to Market Street. The parade is immediately followed by the festival. This is a Fleet Week event. Call (619-469-0795).

This aviation expo features the Blue Angels, consumer aviation fair with static displays and aviation performances on Fri., Sat., and Sun.: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with a twilight show on Saturday only from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Admission parking is free. This is a Fleet Week event. Call (858-577-1000) or (858-577-6289). For special seating (grandstand, box seat, chalet), call (619-220-TIXS).

http://www.miramarairshow.com

The Fall Back Festival brings the history and culture of the Gaslamp Quarter and Old San Diego alive for children and families. FEatures History Hill Showcase, entertainment, demonstrations of blacksmithing and candle making, carriage and pony rides and food from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Island Ave., between 4th and 5th Streets, downtown, San Diego. Call (619-233-4692).

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Exact date is TBA, call (619-223-9767). The faire presents an enriching day of family entertainment in appreciation of cultural arts. Features arts & crafts booths, dance music, international food court and other entertainment. Admission is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Scott & Canon Streets in Point Loma.

The popular parade honors American veterans and the theme will be announced later. Starts at 11 a.m., downtown, at the County Administration Building, and ends at Seaport Village. Information can be obtained from the Veterans' Memorial Center at (619-239-2300).

East County's annual celebration features floats, clowns, bands and equestrians. This event begins at 12:30 p.m. at West Main and Chambers and continues East on Main to 2nd Street and North on 2nd Street to Madison in El Cajon. Held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day. Call (619-444-8712).

http://www.mothergooseparade.com

The Annual SD Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival at the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center includes five days of music. It is considered one of the premiere events in the world of traditional jazz attracting approximately 6000 fans from around the world. Nearly continuous music will be played in eight different venues for ones listening or dancing pleasure. The festival features 25+ bands from throughout the United States and Europe. For more information, call (619-297-5277).

http://www.dixielandjazzfestival.org/jazzfest.html

Nov. 27-Jan. 1: The racetrack infield will be transformed with over 350 lighted holiday displays for viewing as the public drive their cars onto the oval dirt racetrack. Displays will be available Sun.-Thurs. 5:30 p.m.- 10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Call (858-793-5555).

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Exact date TBD, please call in advance at (619-588-0206) or (800-696-1929). A Christmas musical spectacular presented by the Christian Community Theater. East County Performing Arts Center, El Cajon.

Exact date TBA, call in advance (760-722-5751). Features a wide variety of boats, brightly decorated for the Christmas season. Starts at 7 p.m. and circles the inner Oceanside Harbor.

The spectacular boat parade of lights features individually holiday decorated private craft. The boat parade starts at the southwest end of Shelter Island, travels past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Convention Center, the Coronado Island Marriott Hotel, the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace and ends at the Navy carrier turning basin. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m., free viewing. The event is also being held on another Sunday in December with dates to be announced for 2003. Please check website for future dates.

http://www.sdparadeoflights.org

Dec. 1-Dec. 31: The Quail Botanical Gardens celebrates the holidays with their annual celebration of joy, family, holiday magic and goodwill. Festivities include horse drawn wagon rides, food and shopping. Hours for the Garden of Lights: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. NO GARDEN OF LIGHTS ON DEC. 24 & 25. Admission is $5/adult, $3/children 5-12, children under 5 are admitted free. Call (760-436-3036).

http://www.qbgardens.org

Special holday programs and holiday decorations are featured at Sea World during the entire month of December. Holiday closing times will vary. SeaWorld Adventure Park, Mission Bay (619-226-3901).

http://www.seaworld.com

Event will be held from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at different locations in Coronado. Santa arrives at the Ferry Landing at 5 p.m. The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Orange & 8th Streets and ends at Dana Place. Fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. at the Ferry Landing Marketplace. Entertainment and music included in the event. Call (619-437-8788).

http://www.coronadohistory.org

This is a very popular, park-wide Christmas celebration with carolers, entertainment, ethnic food and crafts from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., with free admission to participating Balboa Park museums after 5 p.m. Call (619-239-0512) or (619-235-1100).

http://www.balboapark.org

Enjoy outdoor market, music, caroling, food and horse drawn wagon rides and a visit from Santa Claus all four nights. La Mesa Blvd. between Date and 4th. Open bonfires on the street. This is a free event from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., also held on Dec. 12 and 13. Call (619-462-3000).

Chula Vista's annual Christmas Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. This is the largest nighttime parade in South Bay, featuring floats, drill teams, marching bands and classic cars. Parade route: North on Third Ave. from H Street to E Street, downtown Chula Vista. This is part of the Chula Vista community tree lighting and holiday festivities. Call (619-422-1982).

http://www.chulavistaca.gov/Events/details.asp?EventID=171

Commemorates the 1846 Battle of the Mexican-American War. Military encampment, battle re-enactment, food and entertainment. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, Escondido from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (760-737-2201).

Christmas Parade, including marching bands and floats, at 2 p.m. in downtown La Jolla. Holiday Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with craft booths, food, games and entertainment. Call (858-454-1444).

Celebrate the holiday season with lights and free children's activities, including Christmas caroling, live animal presentations, and Snow Hill. Gates open until 8 p.m. NO FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ON DEC. 24 AND 25. Call (760-796-5615) or (760-796-5621).

http://www.wildanimalpark.org

The popular boat parade begins at 7 p.m. from the Quivira Basin, with best viewing from Crown Point, east side of Vacation Island or the west side of Fiesta Island. The parade ends with the lighting of the SeaWorld Sky Tower Tree of Lights at 9 p.m. Call (858-488-0501).

Dec. 15-Mar. 15: Annual migration of California grey whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California. Glimpse these peaceful "giants of the sea" from Cabrillo National Monument or on special whale-watching cruises. Call (619-557-5450) or (619-236-1212).

Collegiate football Bowl game, kicks off at 5:30 p.m., Pacific Time, with two top college teams from the PAC 10 and the Big 12. The teams will be announced in December. Pre-game events begin at 5 p.m. at the Qualcomm Stadium. The 2003 date is tentative, please check in advance at (619-283-5808).

Colorful holiday parade, in association with the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, with floats and inflatable balloons and bands. This event begins at 10 a.m., starting at Harbor Drive from the Star of India, all the way to Seaport Village, downtown San Diego. Features regional and national bands and the marching bands of the two Holiday Bowl teams who will be announced in December. The 2003 date is tentative, please check in advance at (619-283-5808).

New Year's Eve: This is a community celebration of music, dancing and fun for the entire family. This alcohol and drug-free event begins at 6 p.m., and will continue through midnight with a firework show. The location is at the California Center for Arts at Grand Avenue, in downtown Escondido. For tickets, call (760-639-0220).

http://www.firstnightescondido.com

New Year's Eve: This alcohol-free event is family-friendly and will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 1 a.m. Featuring food, entertainment, dancing and a midnight firework show at the Embarcadero Marina Park North, downtown San Diego. For tickets, call (619-296-8731).

http://www.firstnightsandiego.com

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