Sandpipers Square Dance Club holds community dance

The Sandpipers Square Dance Club will host a family-friendly community dance at St. James Parish Hall on Saturday, Nov. 25. From 6-7 p.m., a caller will teach modern western square dancing with refreshments and fellowship. Donation of $10 is suggested; free for children. No need for a partner or dance experience. The church is located at 625 S. Nardo Ave. sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org or call (310) 710-7530.

Solana Beach Library to host “Fun Family” event

The Solana Beach Library will host a performance by Ralph Covert, aka “Ralph’s World”, on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Ralph’s World is a “mega-fun music show where kids rock and dance to their heart’s delight.”

This family event will be immediately followed by the opportunity to work on winter crafts.

Solana Beach Library is located at 157 Stevens Ave., Solana Beach. (858) 755-1404.

North Pole by the Sea

North Pole by the Sea will be held Sunday, Dec. 3 in Del Mar.

Get into the holiday spirit in Del Mar Village! Enjoy family-friendly festivities throughout Del Mar Village:

Photos with Santa, 1-5 p.m.

Carolers and Characters, 1-5 p.m.

Hot Chocolate and Drinks, 4-6 p.m.

Holiday Tree Lighting in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar, 1-5 p.m.

Visit www.delmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea for more information about activities and to register for Santa photos.

Author Laing Rikkers book signing to be held at Julie’s Beach Life

Cardiff resident and author Laing Rikkers will appear at Julie’s Beach Life in Del Mar on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m.-noon for an author signing event.

Rikkers is the author of “Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief, and Connection,” a poetry collection that Rikkers released on May 16.

Rikkers is a leader in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), an often hidden – and potentially fatal – medical condition. After her sister died of undiagnosed OSA, Laing sought solace from nature and creativity, and wrote Morning Leaves, a book of poetry and art to help others navigate grief, according to her website at www.laingrikkers.com.

Julie’s Beach Life is located at 1440 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. (858) 792-1359.

North Coast Symphony Holiday Lights Concert

Join the North Coast Symphony for its Holiday Lights concert on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the Encinitas Community Center. The orchestra will play festive favorites old and new, including, Holst’s “In the Bleak Midwinter”, Jaffe’s “Symph-Hanukkah”, Tchaikovsky’s” Symphony No. 1 Daydreams on a Winter Journey” and more. The orchestra will be led by conductor Liesl Hansen.

Admission is $15 general, $12 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and under. The community center is located at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. For more information, visit northcoastsymphony.com.

San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells festivities

Familiar holiday traditions take on a wild twist at the San Diego Zoo with the return of Jungle Bells, supported by California Coast Credit Union. The Zoo will be aglow with holiday cheer and decorations, festive music, roaming entertainers, special food items and sweets, and awe-inspiring views of wildlife. Jungle Bells will run Dec. 8 –Jan. 1, 2024 with extended hours, except for Dec. 24 (when no Jungle Bells activities are scheduled).

When you give a gift from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, you are directly supporting wildlife conservation around the world. Guests won’t want to miss the nightly magic of Aurora, a twice-per-night spectacular that blends 3D projection mapping, music and lights. Jungle Bells activities are free with Zoo admission or membership. Parking is free.

San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive. Visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells

Sparkle, Dazzle and Glow at Timken Museum of Art

Sparkle, Dazzle and Glow at Timken Museum of Art, Balboa Park runs Nov. 18 – Dec. 31. The Timken Museum of Art has once again partnered with San Diego State University’s Theatre, Television and Film department and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum to create a festive experience showcasing the Timken’s exquisite holiday ornament collection. Jewels of the Season is a sparkling and dazzling display of more than 1,000 unique, handcrafted ornaments beautifully capturing the essence of the holiday season.

The decorative ornaments, often compared to Fabergé eggs, were designed and handcrafted by San Diego artists Florence Hord and Elizabeth Schlappi. And back by popular demand the “Jewels of the Season” Ornament-Making Workshop takes place on Nov. 27.

Timken Museum of Art – Balboa Park is located at 1500 El Prado, San Diego.Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Visit timkenmuseum.org for more information.

Country Friends Annual Holiday Tea

The Country Friends Annual Holiday Tea will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa. The event features a delicious luncheon, boutique shopping and more.

For more information and to purchase tickets go to countryfriends.org. The Westin is located at 5480 Grand Pacific Drive in Carlsbad.

Community Resource Center to hold Jingle & Mingle benefit event

Jingle and mingle for a cause at Community Resource Center’s annual fundraising event on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Morgan Run Club & Resort in Rancho Santa Fe. The event features a lively silent auction and raffle, jewelry pop-up shops by CRC’s Resale Stores and Kendra Scott and a heart-touching program showcasing how your generosity helps those in need. Enjoy delectable food, drinks, and joyful tunes, all included in your ticket. Community Resource Center is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help neighbors create paths to healthy food, stable homes and safe relationships. For tickets go to: shorturl.at/alCP7.Visit crcncc.org for more information on CRC. Morgan Run is located at 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe.

North Coast Repertory Theatre presents popular ‘2 PIANOS 4 HANDS’ for the holidays

North Coast Repertory Theatre is bringing back the joyful, family pleasing “2 PIANOS 4 HANDS” to brighten the holiday season. Get ready for laughter as Jefferson McDonald and Matthew McGloin take the audience on a musical comedic journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists. The talented duo trade stories about piano lessons, pushy parents and eccentric teachers while playing everything from Bach to Billy Joel. This entertaining show not only hits all the right notes, it tickles the ivories and your funny bone.

“2 PIANOS 4 HANDS” performances begin Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Final performance is Sunday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. The show runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Added Wednesday matinees on Dec. 20 and Dec. 27. There is no evening performance, Sunday, Dec. 24. Tickets are $64. Seniors, students and military are entitled to a $3 discount per ticket. Call (858)481-1055, or visit northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.

North Coast Rep to present ‘I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce’

“I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce” starring Ronnie Marmo will be presented at the North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach Nov. 30-Dec. 3 (Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2-3, 2 p.m.)

Directed by Joe Mantegna, with the blessings of Kitty Bruce (daughter of the late Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation.

The show chronicles the life and death of one of the most controversial comedian and undisputed legend of all time, Lenny Bruce. His personal pain, sharply funny social commentary and completely original, freestyle comedy left a lasting impact on today’s poetry, politics, music, film – and of course – comedy. The show explores mature themes, includes strong language and nudity, and is intended for mature audiences.

“I believe Lenny’s is the voice this country needs right now,” says playwright and star Ronnie Marmo in a news release. “In the 1960s, he exposed many of the ‘untouchable’ subjects that are in the news again now: religion, racism, immigration, xenophobia, gender inequality, sexual identity, the criminal justice system, capital punishment, bail reform, government aid, police brutality, corrupt capitalism, the opiate epidemic, marijuana legalization, censorship, I could go on and on. So here we are, over 56 years later, all the issues Lenny was fighting for are still so relevant and even radical. In certain ways, we’ve progressed since Lenny was with us, and in many, we have regressed.”

There will be a talkback with Marmo following the performances on Thursday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 1.

To reserve tickets, visit northcoastrep.org, or call the Box Office at (858) 481-1055.North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles at the Belly Up

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles returns to the Belly Up on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. Featuring all the top hits of the Beatles along with some great holiday tunes, Abbey Road’s Christmas With The Beatles promises to be a night of fun. Tickets are $20 – $35 and may be purchased online at bellyup.com, by phone at (858) 481-8140 or at the venue box office. The Belly Up is located at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach.. The show is 21+

Annual Holiday Open House at The Conrad with live music, crafts and more

La Jolla Music Society (LJMS)’s annual popular free Holiday Open House returns to The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. This festive event includes cider and classic hot cocoa, storytime, crafts for kids, and holiday shopping with local artisans at a holiday market. Enjoy live musical performances of holiday favorites from the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, with a special guest appearance by Davina Sowers from Davina and the Vagabond.

Timing: 4–7 p.m. Holiday Market in The Wu Tsai QRT.yard at The JAI with local artisans; 6 p.m. Storytime with Katia Graham; 7 p.m. Performance by San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus featuring Davina Sowers from Davina and the Vagabonds.

Arts & Crafts and Concessions are available throughout the event Visit theconrad.org/events/2023-holiday-open-house for more information.

Snowman Scavenger Hunt in Del Mar

The Del Mar Village Association will host the Snowman Scavenger Hunt through Sunday, Dec. 18 in Del Mar. A mischievous young snowman has left the North Pole searching for sandy beaches and salty sea air. Find him in Del Mar Village shops, post to social media, and be entered to win fun prizes. See @visitdelmarvillage on Instagram for details and contest rules.

Annual Red Nose Run in Del Mar returns Dec. 9

The Red Nose Run, presented by the Del Mar Foundation, is a 5k/3k fun run/walk on the beach in Del Mar, held every winter holiday season. The 31st Annual event is on Dec. 9, and you can join this lively holiday charity event with proceeds benefitting the Semper Fi/America’s Fund and the San Dieguito River Walk. Sign up for yourself or a team at therednoserun.com.

This year’s event begins in front of the Poseidon Restaurant on the Beach in Del Mar. The focus is on local charities and uplifting those in the community.

North Coast Women’s Connection to hold ‘Jingle Bell Luncheon’

All are cordially invited to the North Coast Women’s Connection “Jingle Bell Luncheon” on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 10:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. It will be held at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach. The event guest speaker will be Jeanell Piconi sharing “Changing Your Life from Surviving to Thriving.” The program will include Christmas caroling and a fun-filled white elephant gift exchange.

Bring a new or used wrapped gift. Invite your friends and join the event for a festive afternoon of fun, cheer, new friends and laughter.

Tickets are $35 per person.For questions call Barbara Litwiller at (760)487-5151.

NCWC is under nonprofit Stonecroft Ministry, a 501(c)(3) non-denominational nonprofit organization.

Lectures & learning

• The Front Row lecture series at Scripps Research presents “Editing Genes to Tackle Neurological Conditions” with assistant professor Xin Jin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Scripps Research Auditorium, 10620 John Jay Hopkins Drive, La Jolla. Free. bit.ly/47jBXT3

10th annual Bing Crosby racing season

The famous seaside track welcomes fans back for an exciting 10th annual Bing Crosby racing season. The season began Nov. 10 and continues with a variety of events.

For more information, call (858)755-1141 or visit www.dmtc.com. You can follow Del Mar on Instagram and Twitter at @delmarracing or on Facebook@DelMarRaces.

• The Museum of Contemporay Art San Diego presents “Reflections,” a series of art classes for adults 55 and older, on Fridays through Dec. 8 at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. The series explores how ideas about the body integrate into contemporary art. $50 per session for museum members, $60 for non-members. bit.ly/3F6YsOC

• The Pen to Paper writing class is offered at 1 p.m. Thursdays at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The weekly class is open to writers 18 and older of all experience levels. Free. (858) 552-1657

Arts & culture

• Musical partners Allison Scull and Victor Martin play acoustic soul from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at The Flower Pot Cafe and Bakery, 7530 Fay Ave., La Jolla. Saxophonist Martin and guitarist Scull blend jazz, folk, blues, funk, originals and some jazz standards laced with French lyrics. The Flower Pot will celebrate Small Business Saturday with specials and coffee samples. flowerpotcafe.org or allisonandvictor.com

• Guitarist James Clarkston plays songs from his new CD, “Flamenco Serenade,” and tells stories about the inspiration for his music at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Free. bit.ly/3FVkKU7

• The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center presents the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra’s 50th-anniversary concert with conductor David Amos at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The performance will feature Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with soloist Martin Chalifour of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. $25. lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx

• The La Jolla Music Society presents the Latin Grammy–winning all-female ensemble Flor de Toloache at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at The JAI at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. $35-$73. theconrad.org/events/flor-de-toloache

• Author C.J. Cook will discuss and sign his book “Beauty in the Beast” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $39.95 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/cook-2023

• Krista Schumacher Art Gallery launches “12 Days of Deserts” from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at 1113 Wall St., La Jolla. The public event will mark the release of Schumacher’s annual collection based on the 12 days of Christmas, inspired by deserts. Free. bit.ly/3R4M74i

• The La Jolla Music Society’s ConRad Kids Series presents “The Magic of Bubbles” with shows at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at The JAI at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. Italian performer Michele Cafaggi will make giant soap bubble creations. $33 for adults and $23 for children. theconrad.org/events/bubbles

• La Jolla Playhouse presents a staged reading of A.R. Gurney’s play “Love Letters” with Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick and Emmy-nominated Ellie Kemper at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at the Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The play is about the lives of a man and a woman who share their ups and downs with each other through letters and cards exchanged over 50 years. The event, directed by Rosie Glen-Lambert, is a fundraiser for the playhouse. $250-$350. lajollaplayhouse.org/loveletters

• The La Jolla/Riford Library hosts the art exhibit “Our Favorite Things” through Friday, Jan. 5, at 7555 Draper Ave. The show features 38 pieces painted by 21 artists from the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild. Free. bit.ly/47seoqX

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents Anne Labovitz’s “The Blue Hour” art exhibition through Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The exhibit features works that explore luminosity and color. Free. ljathenaeum.org/upcoming-exhibitions

• The La Jolla Historical Society presents “Tigers, Unicorns & Puppy Dog Tales” through Sunday, Jan. 21, at the Wisteria Cottage Gallery, 780 Prospect St. The exhibit highlights three former area landmarks — Unicorn Theatre, Mithras Books and Green Tiger Press. Free. lajollahistory.org

• Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik presents his art exhibition “Heroes & Legends” through Friday, Feb. 16, at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The show explores art prophecy and fear. Free. nicejewishartist.com

• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego presents the exhibition “Kelly Akashi: Formations” through Sunday, Feb. 18, at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. Akashi often pairs hand-blown glass or wax forms with bronze casts of her own hand, each a unique record of the slow-changing human body. The show is the first major exhibition and catalog of her work. mcasd.org/exhibitions/kelly-akashi-formations