The North County coast is alive with festive lights, seaside celebrations, and holiday cheer — and there are still plenty of events ahead! Here’s your guide to Christmas specials you can still enjoy this season in Carlsbad and Encinitas.

Carlsbad Village Holiday Makers Market

Date: December 14, 2025
Location: Carlsbad Village
A curated artisan marketplace featuring:

• Handmade gifts

• Local artists

• Holiday treats

• Seasonal décor

Perfect for supporting local makers and finishing your holiday shopping.

Carlsbad Village Holiday Window Decorating Contest

Ongoing Through December 31
Stroll the Village and see beautifully decorated storefronts competing for “best holiday window.”
A fun, walkable, festive activity for families, couples, and visiting guests.

Holiday magic has arrived at @cbarcarlsbad.
Two blocks from the beach, your new favorite wine bar is twinkling, cozy, and ready to welcome you in with sophisticated wine, seasonal drinks, and that unmistakable Carlsbad Village charm.

Stocking Full of Christmas at Park Hyatt

Encinitas Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden

Dates: Through January 4, 2026
A magical, illuminated night walk through glowing tunnels, whimsical art installations, and sparkling garden landscapes.

Great for:
✔ Date nights
✔ Family outings
✔ Visitors looking for a “wow factor” holiday experience

BONUS: Low-Key, Ongoing Festive Fun

These aren’t tied to exact dates but bring holiday joy all season long:

• Holiday menus & festive cocktails at Carlsbad Village restaurants.

• Seasonal sweets at Leucadia and Encinitas cafés and bakeries.

• Carlsbad & Encinitas beachfront sunsets — the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.

• Christmas shopping at Carlsbad Village boutiques and Encinitas 101 shops.

• Carlsbad Food Tours  3-hour guided walking tour in the village with 6 stops at unique eateries for food & wine tasting. Offered daily 11:30am
  • Book your tour today at www.carlsbadfoodtours.com
• Prohibition Cocktail Tour
• Join us for a virtual trip back in time to the Prohibition Era in Carlsbad

  Old Fashioned Cocktail – Mixology Class, Chocolate Martini, Wine Tasting, Bee Knee’s Cocktail & delicious bites. 
• Carlsbad Wine Crawl Grapes & Grub: Guests can explore flavors unique to the region, learn about California’s wine history and hidden gems in Carlsbad. The Carlsbad Wine Tasting Tour is more than just wine—it’s a celebration of Carlsbad’s vibrant wine culture & delicious bites.

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  Holiday Restaurant Specials in Carlsbad & Encinitas

• Seasons Restaurant — (at Four Seasons Resort Aviara)

  • On Christmas Day 2025, Seasons Restaurant is offering a three‑course prix fixe holiday dinner (5:00 pm–9:00 pm). Menu includes festive winter dishes with entrees like Prime Rib or Arctic Char.

  Chandler’s — (at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa)

  • Holiday dining specials: Christmas Eve four‑course prix fixe dinner (5–9 pm), and Christmas Day holiday brunch (11:30 am–3:00 pm).

  The Crossings at Carlsbad

  • They’ve got a seasonal Ugly Sweater Happy Hour planned for December 21, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm — festive cocktails, holiday‑themed drinks, bites, live DJ, and a fun contest.

  • This could be a fun, more casual holiday‑spirit outing for friends or a fun family gathering before Christmas.

  Bob’s Steak & Chop House

  • Holiday Dinner Series with Santa — 4:30–7:30 PM on Dec 15–18, 2025. Festive décor, seasonal menu, and Santa visits make it ideal for families.

  • Also offering a special Christmas Eve dinner on Dec 24 (reservation required).

  Herb & Sea

  • Their bar — dubbed “The North Pole” — is decorated for the holidays from now through Jan 4, 2026, offering festive cocktails and a cozy beach‑town vibe (walk‑ins only at the bar).

  • On Christmas Eve (Dec 24, 2025) they’ll serve a prix-fixe holiday dinner menu — a great choice for a sit-down festive meal in Encinitas.

  Seasons Restaurant at Four Seasons Aviara

  • Offering a three‑course prix‑fixe Christmas Day dinner on Dec 25, 2025 — with entrees like Prime Rib and Arctic Char, plus wintery seasonal touches.

  Ember & Rye (at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort)

  • This spot is often listed among North County’s holiday dining suggestions for Christmas‑Eve/Day meals, and worth checking if they have holiday specials again this year.

  Ponto Lago (Park Hyatt Aviara) (also at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort)

  • Sometimes paired with Ember & Rye on holiday dining recommendation lists — for those seeking elegant holiday menus around Christmas.

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  What to Do Next & Things to Know

  • Reserve early — holiday menus and “event-style” dinners tend to book up quickly (especially at Bob’s, Herb & Sea, and Seasons).

  • Check menus / call ahead — prices, set menus, and availability can change, especially around Christmas Eve / Christmas Day.

  • Consider timing & crowd size — holiday dinners often start early (e.g. 4–7:30 PM), which is ideal for families or group dinners.

  • Mix & match — for a cozy dinner, try Herb & Sea or Bob’s; for a splurge, Seasons or Ember & Rye at Aviara; for relaxed holiday cocktails + vibes — Herb & Sea bar (“The North Pole”) works well.

  • Enjoy the holidays