As the holidays approach Fairmont Grand Del Mar is hosting a “Winter Wonderland” with many festive activities. At the Winter Wonderland you can experience  holiday fun with family and friends by riding the Ferris wheel or sipping hot chocolate and snacking on s’mores by the warm fire. Festive activities in this event include ice skating, carousel rides, and pictures with Santa. The Winter Wonderland has a free entry with ice skating for $30 and a parking fee of $20.  This event is going on until Jan. 1 from 3-6 p.m. during the week and 1-9 p.m. during the weekend, so you can experience the winter joy all December. 

   Make a new holiday tradition by visiting the San Diego Botanic Garden Wonderland. This event is held in the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, on 330 Quail Gardens Dr., Encintitas, CA. This family-friendly occasion contains live entertainment each night, holiday crafts, musical light shows and more. This event happens from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on multiple dates, starting Dec. 3 and ending Dec. 30, with select days not available. The price also ranges depending on the visiting date, adults range from $20-$25, seniors $14-$19, and youths (ages 3-17) $12-$17. Tickets are purchased upon arrival. 

   “I would like to go to this event because it seems like a fun thing to do over winter break with my family and friends. And it would be a good way to get out of the house and enjoy the holidays,” Julianne Martin (9) said. 

  Christmas on Knob Hill began in 1988 and has become one of the largest light displays in the San Diego county. Decorating starts as early as October and each year the display grows and becomes more festive. This one house display holds over 80,000 lights, 100 plastic figures, 20 rope light figures, 80 snowmen, and 100 candy canes. The lights are on daily from 5 to 9 p.m. starting around Thanksgiving and ending Dec. 30. To visit, come to 1639 Knob Hill Rd., San Marcos, CA. 

   “Christmas on Knob Hill puts anyone in the holiday spirit because a lot of people aren’t as festive and you can always count on the house to be there. It can put you in a good mood and reminds you of the good things in life,” Ashley Reyes (11) said.