Encinitas Holiday Parade & Other Holiday Activities This Weekend

Numerous annual holiday festivities are on tap around San Diego County Saturday.

Among them are the North Park Toyland Festival and Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. along University Avenue; the 34th annual Ocean Beach Holiday Parade, at 5 p.m.; and the Encinitas Holiday Parade, also at 5 p.m. along South Coast Highway.

"One of the great things about the (Encinitas) parade  is that we have something like 3,000 children in the parade," said Nick Buck of the city's Recreation Department. "That means that we have all of those parents, grandparents and friends along the parade route enjoying the show and showing their support. It's a great event and the perfect way to kick off the holidays in Encinitas.'

Free shuttles will run every 20 minutes from Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas on Santa Fe Drive and the YMCA/Ecke Sports Park parking lot on Saxony Road, according to the city. Both shuttles start running at 4 p.m. and go until 8:30 p.m.

The drop-off point is at the North County Transit District bus station on Vulcan Avenue, a half block from the parade route.

Also in the North County, the NCTD will hold its eighth annual Coaster Holiday Express, a 90-minute train ride from Oceanside to the Sorrento Valley station and back with Santa Claus and elves aboard. Trains will depart the Oceanside Transit Center at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The NCTD event is sold out.

Among other events:

• the second day of the city of San Diego's annual December Nights festival in Balboa Park runs from noon to 11 p.m.;
• an estimated 300 needy third graders will benefit from the 20th annual Shop With a Cop, in which they will enjoy a private show at SeaWorld San Diego and then go on a $100 shopping spree with law enforcement officers at a nearby Target store;
• Marine Band San Diego will perform a free holiday concert that's open to the public at 4 p.m. at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Loma Portal; and
• also at 4 p.m., the Little Italy Association will hold its annual tree lighting and Christmas Village, along W. Date Street, between India and State streets.

Tomorrow, the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Festival is scheduled beginning at 2 p.m. at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St.