Skip the crowds, shop Carlsbad this season
Matt Sanford
City of Carlsbad
The sunsets are hitting earlier. The waves are getting bigger. And those hoodies are staying on longer. These are sure signs that the holidays are not far behind.
Soon, our days will be filled with family, comfort food and of course, shopping for everyone on our list. For me, this time of year is yet another reminder of just how good we have it in Carlsbad. From high-end luxury to homespun macrame, you can find it here—all while skipping big crowds. 
Of course, holiday shopping in Carlsbad is not only convenient; it’s also good for our economy. In fact, Carlsbad is home to thousands of small businesses that collectively provide about 38,450 jobs in our community.
Many of us already value the importance of shopping locally. But in case anyone needs an extra nudge, here’s a quick look at some of the new or lesser-known perks you’ll want to have handy as you start your holiday shopping in Carlsbad:
Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad Village Drive in downtown Carlsbad
Of course, it just wouldn’t be a complete holiday season without a visit (or a few) to Carlsbad Village. Easily one of the most iconic parts to our community, this bustling hub always delivers excellent shopping, dining and events. As we enter the holiday season, mark your calendar for these happenings:
• The much-loved Holiday Showcase will return Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Michael’s by-the-Sea
Episcopal Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd. This is your prime opportunity to shop for locally-made gifts, including clothing, jewelry, handbags, pottery, home décor, macrame, glasswork, photography, artwork, woodworking and more.
• New Village Arts has also announced that due to popular demand, it’s bringing back its production of “1222 Oceanfront: A Black Family Christmas.” The production premiered last year to much acclaim, with The San Diego Union Tribune calling it one of the best productions of 2021. Shows start Saturday, Dec. 3. To get your tickets, visit newvillagearts.org.
The Forum Carlsbad, 1905 Calle Barcelona
Since its opening in 2003, this outdoor mall has become one of North County’s top shopping destinations. This fall, there’s no shortage of seasonal perks to enjoy there:
• Sur La Tab is offering a lineup of holiday cooking classes that will teach you how to make that perfect lattice-top pie to a whole host of festive fall breads. Visit surlatable.com/cooking-classes/ to view all the options and sign up.
• Pressed, which makes all sorts of fresh juices, is running a special to help keep everyone healthy this holiday season. Now through Nov. 28, you can get six juices for $35—each one packed with vitamins to help keep your immunity and spirits up.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets, 5620 Paseo Del Norte
Home to more than 85 retailers, this open-air outlet mall attracts shoppers from all over San Diego County. While it’s well-known to most of us locals, here are few things to keep on your radar this fall:
• Luxury label Karl Lagerfeld recently opened a store here, which notably, is the only one in San Diego County. Zadig&Voltaire, another high-end retailer, also joined the ranks in the past year—making it the only location in North County.
• Of course, because this is an outlet mall, the discounts already run deep. But, did you know you can score even bigger discounts by enrolling in the VIP Club here? It’s free to join, and you’ll get additional savings on top of discounted prices, allowing you to save up to 70 percent. Go to premiumoutlets.com/vip go start saving.
These are just a few of many ways you can make the most of your holiday shopping here in Carlsbad. Whether you visit one of these areas, The Shoppes, Bressi Ranch, or any of our small businesses throughout the city, shopping in Carlsbad this holiday season is a win/win. And most importantly, however you choose to celebrate the season, we hope that it brings you plenty of happiness and health!