The holidays
Tree lightings, light displays, visits with Santa, holiday markets, Nutcracker and carol performances, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations in Carlsbad, updated every day.
Annual events, checked against each organizer's own page. Confirm details there before you go.
Saturday, November 21
LEGOLAND's seasonal holiday event with a giant LEGO tree, holiday shows, holiday lights and themed treats on select dates through December 31.
LEGOLAND California Resort, One Legoland Drive
Visit Carlsbad: Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND →Friday, December 4 · 6-8 p.m.
Annual tree lighting at The Forum with a marching band, Santa's arrival, a light show and artificial snowfall, then Santa photos and live music.
The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona
Visit Carlsbad: 24th Annual Tree Lighting at The Forum →Saturday, December 5 · 5-8 p.m.
City-run evening at the historic ranch with lights, a tree lighting, Santa, crafts, cookie decorating, train rides and an outdoor holiday movie.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane
Visit Carlsbad: Holiday at the Rancho →Saturday, December 5 · 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through December 20
Free weekend visits with Santa at The Forum during the first three weekends of December.
Garden Area behind YETI, The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona
Visit Carlsbad: Santa Visits The Forum →Sunday, December 6 · 1-4:30 p.m.
Family holiday afternoon in Carlsbad Village with kids' art activities, music, carols and Santa, sponsored by the Carlsbad Rotary Club and SIMA.
Village Faire, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive
Visit Carlsbad: Jingles Holiday Celebration →Wednesday, December 9 · 4-6 p.m.
Public menorah lighting with latkes, doughnuts and crafts, hosted with the Chabad at La Costa.
The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona
Visit Carlsbad: Chanukah Celebration at The Forum →1 holiday event for 2026 on Carlsbad’s local calendars. Updated every day.
Light displays, drive-throughs and tree-lighting ceremonies.
Photos with Santa, breakfasts and letters to the North Pole.
Shop local makers for the holidays.
Ballet, choirs, concerts and holiday theater.
Menorah lightings and celebrations across traditions.
Crafts, story times and holiday fun for kids.
Everything else on local calendars this season.
Add your event to the Carlsbad calendar. Staff review every submission before publication.
Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026.
This page lists upcoming holiday events in Carlsbad from local calendars, including libraries, the city, venues and organizers. It updates every day as calendars post new dates.
The “Holiday lights and tree lightings” section lists public light displays and tree-lighting events on local calendars, with dates and links to each organizer.
Use the "Share an event" form. Include the date, time, place and the organizer’s link; a person reviews it before it appears.
