Good morning, Escondido.

The Escondido Jaycees will host the 74th annual Christmas Parade Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m. on Grand Avenue from Juniper to Orange — marking the first nighttime parade in over 20 years — and the event will feature a citrus-themed celebration honoring the city's agricultural roots.

Local volunteers from the Street Stewards group helped CalTrans adopt the North County Mall onramp to I-15 to keep Escondido’s streets clean—residents can join monthly cleanups using the group’s sign-up system.

Vessel Refills will host a Holiday Craft Night on December 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.—and downtown will celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 29 with bingo activities, a trolley tour, and festivities at Heritage Garden.

Interfaith Community Services — the county's largest social services organization — will host its 39th annual Thanksgiving meal event today at 550 W.

Washington Ave., Escondido, to provide a free, full holiday meal for residents facing food insecurity. The organization also distributed 230 turkeys on November 25 for its case-managed clients.

The Times-Advocate invites Escondido nonprofits and organizations that benefit the community to send a short description of their work by early December — details must be emailed to [email protected] so residents can benefit from 2025 tax incentives before the year ends.

Local entrepreneur Ceci Patrizi launched handmade Claygrounds kits for imaginative travel play on Etsy after noticing her child's love for creative role-play.

The kits include magnets for moving peg figures — designed for children four and older — and support her local mom-owned business.

This Small Business Saturday, many neighborhoods across San Diego County will host events to support local shops — downtown Escondido will feature free trolley rides, a bingo challenge, and a tree-lighting celebration from noon to 5 p.m. Shoppers can also enjoy special discounts and festive activities in areas such as North Park, Little Italy, and Ocean Beach throughout the holiday season.

The Venardos Circus Decade of Dreams tour will come to Escondido at Mershops North County Mall from November 28 to December 7, featuring animal-free Broadway-style acts like a flying trapeze and classic circus performances under a custom Italian-made red-and-white striped tent — guests can choose from general or VIP seating as shows are offered at several times.

Design teacher David Nemteanu from Del Lago Academy was chosen as one of (28) educators to join the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors program and will work with teachers from 17 states during the 2025-26 year to create student projects by June.

He said (I’m excited to bring new ideas to my classroom) as he prepares to introduce new projects for his students.

San Diego County health officials and doctors have urged everyone to get their flu and COVID shots after county data since June 29 shows 1,855 COVID hospitalizations with 63 deaths and 157 flu hospitalizations with three deaths.

Experts say getting vaccinated now is key to preventing more hospital visits as the worst of the flu season may hit near Christmas—shots work best if given about two weeks before severe outbreaks.

San Diego FC beat Minnesota United FC 1-0 Monday night at Snapdragon Stadium with Anders Dreyer scoring the lone goal to send the team to the Western Conference Final— they will host Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday at 6 p.m. PT as they chase a spot in the MLS Cup Final.

International Ballet Stars

2-3:30 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting afternoon of dance featuring talented ballet performers.

Holiday Wreath Workshop

11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Domaine Artefact Vineyard & Winery — $80.00 — Craft custom holiday wreaths with fresh greenery and enjoy winery views.

World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker

7:00 – 8:30 PM — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — $60.00 - $138.00 — Experience a timeless holiday classic where dreams and reality blend in a magical ballet journey.

Golden State Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

2:00 – 3:30 PM — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of the season with a classic ballet performance.

A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K

7:00 AM - 11:59 PM — Kit Carson Park — $42.95+ — Celebrate 60 years of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' with family-friendly runs and festive activities.

City Ballet's The Nutcracker

2:00 – 3:30 PM — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket details unavailable — Experience the magic of the classic holiday ballet with City Ballet of San Diego.

The Nutcracker by City Ballet

7:30-9 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Tickets required — Experience the magic of the holiday season with this timeless ballet performance.

City Ballet of San Diego's The Nutcracker

7:30-9 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday classic brought to life in a magical ballet performance.