All eyes are on the East Coast right now as Hurricane Sandy threatens to leave millions soaked and in the dark.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the nation, California residents are gearing up to enjoy holiday-themed festivities in much better weather. Tourism officials in San Diego County are going all out to tout their upcoming holiday events taking place in the warm and sunny region.
If you are looking to escape Old Man Winter, but don’t have a ton of money to spend on your seasonal adventures, consider the following family-friendly holiday events that are fun, fabulous, and FREE:
Whale Watch: You don’t have to spend a dime to experience amazing views of California gray whales migrating south to the warm water breeding grounds off the coast of Baja, California. During the month of December thousands of spectators line the shores and cliffs of Point Loma to take in the spectacular sight of the mammoth mammals swimming to their spawning spots.
Concerts: Each Sunday during the month of November you and your family can enjoy free organ concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in San Diego’s Balboa Park beginning at 2 p.m. The Organ Pavilion features the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ sporting monstrous 32-foot lead alloy pipes. During the free concerts pros play holiday favorites, waltzes and show tunes.
Parades: On December 7th take in the sights and sounds of the grand Holiday Celebration in Coronado. The event features a festive parade along Orange Avenue, the lighting of a 75-foot Christmas tree, live holiday music and a fireworks show over Glorietta Bay.
Festivals: San Diego’s popular Old Town State Historic Park will be decked out for the holidays beginning December 15th. That’s when the annual Holiday in the Park celebration kicks off with a variety of seasonal treats, activities and extended shopping hours, along with strolling carolers. On December 16th, you can watch the 62nd Anniversary Las Posadas, a centuries-old tradition in which actors reenact the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph through the town of Bethlehem.
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