On the holiday hunt

South Park Walkabout

Bundle up and head to the South Park Walkabout on Saturday, December 6, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. The tree-lined business district is lit up for the holidays and will lead you toward independent businesses, taverns, and restaurants. Complimentary treats, live entertainment, and special offers will be available, so grab a walking guide at the information booth located at Juniper and 30th Street in the California Liquor lot when you arrive. For a more leisurely tour of the neighborhood, just hop on the free trolley offered during the event.

Christmas in the Valley

Valley Center

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at the third annual Christmas in the Valley on Friday, December 12, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fun starts when Santa trades in his sleigh and arrives by fire engine on Friday and helicopter on Saturday. The event also features live entertainment, storytelling, caroling, and hay ride, all free of charge for you and yours. Browse gifts for everyone on your list at pop-up vendor booths and the Bates Nut Farm and Farmer’s Daughter shops.

Jingle Bell Hill

Solomon Avenue and Pegeen Place, El Cajon

If you’re on the hunt for festive light displays, head to East County and follow the sizable star atop Rattlesnake Mountain to Jingle Bell Hill in El Cajon. The neighborhood twinkles bright from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. weekends through New Year’s Day. Join the row of cars just off Pepper Drive to enjoy a seated view or park and walk the route to set your own pace. Either way, don’t forget the flask filled with hot chocolate!

Garden of Lights

Encinitas

Over 100,000 twinkling lights transform the San Diego Botanic Garden into a whimsical winter backdrop December 6–23 and 26–30 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The whole family will enjoy live music and horse-drawn wagon rides while the kiddos partake in holiday crafts and a visit with Santa. If the timing’s right, you just might see snow fall! Admission: members, $8; non-members, $14; seniors, active military, and students, $10; children ages 3 to 12, $6. Additional fees apply for some activities.

Oily bliss

Coronado

Coronado Taste of Oils offers alternatives to the obligatory bottle of wine presented to every holiday host. Visit the Orange Avenue storefront to sample olive oils infused with blood orange, mushroom and sage, or chipotle as well as balsamic vinegars aged with coconut, espresso, or lavender. There are combinations suitable for every palate — just ask the staff to direct you toward award-winners and best-sellers. If you can’t make it to the island in between decorating the tree and celebrating the season, place your order online.

Chocolate O.D.

South Park

Nothing pairs better with festive libations than gourmet chocolate. Eclipse Chocolate produces handcrafted chocolate bars, truffles, caramels, and drinking chocolates — some of which are vegan and gluten-free friendly. All confections are made from ethically sourced chocolate and all-natural ingredients and are available in the South Park storefront, online, and from retailers throughout the city. Eclipse pledges 10 percent of net profits to local charities, so give back this holiday season by purchasing a sweet basil mint bar, maple bacon caramels, or cinnamon masala drinking chocolate.