Events

“Run for Hope” Thanksgiving Day 5K

Nov. 23. Start the holiday by burning some calories at Balboa Park for a good cause. Father Joe’s Villages’ 22nd annual, family-friendly Thanksgiving 5K is San Diego’s longest-standing Thanksgiving Day turkey trot. Proceeds from race admission help to provide meals to those in need and who are experiencing homelessness, as part of the organization’s Food Services Program. Festivities include an optional sunrise mass and a closing awards ceremony. Dogs and strollers are welcome. Race starts at 7:30 a.m. (Registration opens at 6:30 a.m.) See website to register. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. More Info

Mr. Jingle’s Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 24. In the hunt for that perfect Christmas tree this year? Mr. Jingles is a one-stop tree shop for every taste. With three San Diego outposts—near Balboa Park, Clairemont/Pacific Beach and La Jolla—the company offers six different types of fresh trees—ranging in height from 2 feet to towering Douglas Fir trees—plus wreaths, garland, mistletoe, holiday lights, ornaments and more. Mr. Jingles also offers online tree ordering, delivery, fireproofing and removal; plus disposal bags, at-home decorating kits, wreaths and garland. See website for addresses, hours and pricing. More Info

“Over the Top” at Top of the Hyatt

Through Dec. 27. Top of the Hyatt—Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego’s cocktail lounge located 40 stories up, overlooking San Diego Bay—has been overhauled into the “Over the Top Holiday Lounge.” The pop-up experience transforms guests to a snowy winter wonderland, reminiscent of a nostalgic family vacation, complete with bunk beds and a cozy hearth to sit near with a hot toddy. The fun includes a themed holiday cocktail menu featuring Maker’s Mark, small plates, live entertainment and those epic bird’s-eye views. See website for hours and details. 1 Market Place, downtown, 619.232.1234. topofthehyatt.com

Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll

Nov. 25. Sip, shop, stroll repeat. Celebrate Small Business Saturday at this eighth annual event, with holiday cocktails and sweets served at 25 independent retailers, restaurants, breweries and bars along Adams Avenue. Mixologists will be shaking up libations at AC Lounge, The Ould Sod, Polite Provisions, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, The Rabbit Hole and more; along with beer pours and sweet treats at Blind Lady Alehouse, Blackmarket Bakery, Mission Brewing, The Incredible Cheesecake Company and many more. 2-5 p.m. $35 per person (21+). Adams Avenue, University Heights to Kensington, 619.282.7329. More Info

Food + Drink

Animae Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov. 23. Enjoy a decadent, not-so-traditional meal on Thanksgiving at this posh downtown hot spot—with a special four-course menu created by executive chef Tara Monsod. Offerings include starters like Hamachi tataki and Laab beef tartare; a second course of crispy pig ears, lamb chops or charred cabbage; short-rib kare kare, roasted turkey, mushroom ragu or Szechuan fish as mains; family-style sides such as roasted broccolini and golden chicken rice; and green-apple-yuzu semifreddo for dessert. Reservations required. 3-8 p.m. $110 adults; $42 kids. 969 Pacific Hwy., downtown, 619.432.1225. animaesd.com

Bleu Bohème Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov. 23. Celebrate by indulging in the French bistro’s special three-course menu—with your choice of appetizer, entree and dessert—by owner/executive chef Ken Irvine. Choices include pumpkin-hominy soup and duck pâté with pork terrine to start; beef bourguignon (pictured), Faroe Island salmon, and turkey prepared two ways as entrees; and crème brûlée and warm brioche-bread pudding with caramelized apples and white chocolate for dessert. Add-ons such as the limited-edition Pumpkin Pie Martini are also available. Reservations required. Noon-4 p.m. $75 adults; $29 kids under age 12. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. bleuboheme.com

Holiday Dining at Hotel del Coronado 

Nov. 23. The landmark resort hosts a grand Thanksgiving dinner buffet in its new Southpointe Ballroom—complete with all your favorite dishes, traditional trimmings, live music, and stunning holiday lights and decor. The buffet includes seafood, sushi, whole-roasted turkey, pepper-crusted prime rib, vegan curries and desserts. Afterward, head outside for Skating by the Sea, and stroll around the property—which is decked out with art-deco-style decorations and lights for this year’s theme: “A Twenties Holiday Affair.” See website for reservations and pricing. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com

Holiday Dining at Rancho Valencia Resort 

Nov. 23. The luxe resort is offering an array of family-friendly fun on Thanksgiving—including its signature buffet offering a raw bar, carving stations, salads, sides and a decadent dessert display; along with carriage rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, lawn games, and arts & crafts for the kiddos. (And new this year: Rancho Valencia is offering “Thanksgiving To-Go,” with full meals that serve four people; $350 minimum order.) Call for dining reservations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $195 adults; $55 kids age 3-11. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com

“A Cocktail Carol” at Polite Provisions

Through Dec. 31. The corner of 30th Street and Adams Avenue is aglow again with this annual holiday pop-up (formerly “Miracle on 30th Street”). Enter a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and snowflakes hanging from the bar’s atrium-style ceiling and rafters; plus wreaths, trees, holly, tinsel, garland and other decorations. Polite Provisions will offer a collection of holiday-themed cocktails in addition to its usual menu. Hideous sweaters and other festive attire are encouraged. See website for hours (closed Thanksgiving Day). 4696 30th St., North Park, 619.269.4701. politeprovisions.com

Arts + Culture

“Wild Holidays” at Safari Park

Nov. 25-Dec. 31. See San Diego Zoo Safari Park aglow with family-friendly holiday fun (on select dates)—including festive lights, music, treats and experiences. The entertainment includes “Light Up the Holidays,” an area of trees that illuminate in a choreographed show set to a holiday soundtrack; visits and photos with Santa at Safari Base Camp; firefly stilt walkers (pictured) around the lagoon; the Turtle Doves violin duo; a holiday troubadour; the Bridge of Lights lighted archway; and much more. See website for hours and admission info. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 619.231.1515. sdzsafaripark.org

Photo credits: Animae by James Tran. Hotel del Coronado by Leetal Photo. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.