Home for the Holidays
Jess Levy
Marketing & Communications Manager,
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
It’s that holiday time again, and my personal local favorite, holiday sea-son by the beach. That vibrant period of time from Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, until New Years is here. For many, fall and winter mark the intense seasonality, but for our beach town we are quite blessed with consistent weather, sun-filled December skies—so much to be thankful for. 
Could Carlsbad be the next Blue Zone? When speaking of gratitude, being thankful is a key ingredient and daily behavior of Blue Zones (geographic areas with the world’s happiest and longest-lived). At the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, we are grateful for our talented group of new and renewed members. Now’s the perfect time of year to pause and note what you’re most thankful for professionally. These are the moments we can practice all the behaviors that make up longer healthier lives, one cherished memory at a time.
Before the end of this year, let’s each do our part to help someone out and give back. And shop, dine, and spend those extra dollars locally, supporting our friends and neighbors – the business owners of Carlsbad who continually uplift North County.
I heard you’ve been working hard this year. Take time to unwind and experience other Carlsbad Chamber members’ holiday activities with these top activities to do locally this holiday season.
Celebrate by ceremony
•The Forum Carlsbad 20th Annual Tree Lighting, Winter Wonderlights, Santa Visits the Forum, and Chanukah Celebration
• Carlsbad Rotary and Village Faire Shopping Center Tree Lighting
Festive sipping and snacking
• Hera Hub Carlsbad Soulful Saturdays
• North Coast Calvary Seasonal Drinks at Story Caffe
• Sur La Table at the Forum Carlsbad Holiday Cooking Classes
Handcrafted with love
• Carlsbad Village Association Jazz Evensong, Makers Market, and Small Business Saturday
• Barrio Glassworks hands-on glassblowing
• Candle Bar hands-on candle making
Hotels with holiday spirit
• 20|Twenty at the Westin holiday brunch and holiday dinners
• Omni La Costa Resort Monthly Artisan Market
• Park Hyatt Aviara Holidays
Musical memories
New Village Arts production, 1222 Oceanfront: A Black Family Christmas
Winter amusement
• LEGOLAND California winter days and kids New Year’s Eve
• City of Carlsbad Leo Carillo Ranch classic Holiday at the Rancho
• The Shoppes Carlsbad take a photo with Santa
• San Diego Botanic Garden Internationally acclaimed show, Lightscape
Whatever you end up doing this holiday season, may these ideas enhance your plans for the rest of this year, and most importantly, give thanks!