December 9, 2011 to January 1, 2012 – Celebrate the Holidays at the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is decked out for the holidays! Now in its third year, Jungle Bells has quickly become a fun, family holiday tradition full of lights, music, acrobats and animals.
The San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells celebration runs from December 9, 2011 to January 1, 2012 and is free with paid admission to the Zoo. During Jungle Bells, the Zoo grounds offers extended hours and will stay open until 8:00 pm (except for December 24, 2011, when the Zoo will close at 5:00 pm).
During the three-week Jungle Bells celebration, guests of the San Diego Zoo will be greeted by a traditional English hand bell choir, be amazed by elves who dance in the air and be delighted by a flashy light show. There also are twinkling lights in the shape of animals, sing along fun nightly at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm, Santa’s workshop, extra encounters with animal ambassadors, Candy Cane Lane, the Treehouse “Blitzen” Light Experience, a Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer theme at the Skyfari, the “Reindeer Express” bus ride to see the lights and Dr. Zoolittle’s holiday show in the Children’s Zoo.
Also making its debut during Jungle Bells is the Zoo’s new 4-D theater. The theater is a fun, family oriented sensory experience sure to delight the kids. The 50 seat theater combines the visual drama of a 3-D film with a variety of sensory effects that are built into the seats and theater environment, such as water mist, blustery wind, snow, bubbles, scents, seat vibrations, and more. Two films, each about 15 minute long, will alternate in the theater. The theater is across from the Skyfari’s west-end station, near the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge exhibit. Films show throughout the day to provide a great entertaining and educational experience for guests. The cost of viewing a film is $6.00 per person and is in addition to Zoo admission.
Got the munchies? Again this year, the Zoo’s talented chefs are cooking up some holiday deliciousness to put guests’ taste buds in the spirit! Jungle Bells will be celebrated at Albert’s with “Happy Holidays Happen at Albert’s.” The event features a $6.00 appetizer, wine, beer and cocktail menu from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily. There also will be a $30.00 prix fixe dinner featuring a tender baby greens salad, slow-roasted pork medallions and Amarula spiced cheesecake for dessert. Special taste treats will also be available throughout the Zoo, including holiday colored cotton candy for the kids while they coo over camels, coffee with Kahlua for adults catching the polar bears in play, and much more.
Social Media Events During Jungle Bells
There are several fun opportunities to get online and share your Jungle Bells experiences in the social media:
The Tweeting of the Bells (Twitter): Five bell-shaped “Jungle Bells” will be placed throughout the Zoo during Jungle Bells. If you find one, complete the photo challenge and tweet the photo to www.twitter.com/sandiegozoo to be entered into a drawing to win a Backstage Pass for four.
foursquare Battle for the Mayor (foursquare): Whoever is the mayor of the Zoo on foursquare gets to light the Conservation Tree on December 10, 2011 to kick off Jungle Bells 2011.
Conservation Tree Photo Contest (Zoo Website): Submit photos of you and your loved ones in front of the Conservation Tree for a chance to win a behind the scenes experience. Every week during Jungle Bells one photographer will win an Inside Look tour for four, and one grand prize winner at the end of the month will score a Backstage Pass for four! Enter photos at http://sandiegozoo.org/junglebells
Holiday Wishes for our Animals (Facebook): Post holiday wishes for the Zoo animals on the San Diego Zoo’s Facebook page and they’ll choose one every week to share with all of their fans.
The San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells 2011 runs from December 9, 2011 to January 1, 2012. This family friendly event is free with paid admission to the Zoo. During Jungle Bells, the Zoo will stay open until 8:00 pm (except for December 24, 2011, when the Zoo will close at 5:00 pm).
The San Diego Zoo is located adjacent to downtown San Diego in Balboa Park (at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101).
December 8, 2011 – International Singing Star Brings Holiday Show to San Diego
International singing star Cristina Fontanelli brings her highly successful show Christmas in Italy to the San Diego stage. Currently in its 8th year in New York City, Ms. Fontanelli will sing a program of Italy’s best loved songs, arias, Neapolitan and Christmas classics during her first San Diego Christmas In Italy concert at the Neurosciences Institute, La Jolla, CA on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
For this special one day event, Ms. Fontanelli will be accompanied by piano, mandolin, guitar and accordion in order to evoke the authentic Italian flavor of the music. The Italian Cultural Center of San Diego’s Children’s choir will join Cristina, helping to accomplish her goal of preserving these musical gems for future generations. The San Diego program also features award-winning classical mandolin artist Chris Acquavella and guitarist Joe Amato.
Called a “vocal genius” by the New York Sun, Ms. Fontanelli’s show is a love letter to her Italian heritage and a tribute to her grandparents, who kept Italian traditions alive in their new country. “I decided to begin this tradition of performing holiday favorites and well known songs and arias because of my concern that Italian folk and classical music is quickly becoming a lost art,” says Ms. Fontanelli.
Christmas In Italy is a vocal journey through Italy’s best loved songs and arias as well as Neapolitan and Christmas classics. Her repertoire will include songs and arias by Donizetti, Tosti and Puccini along with such classics as Torna A Surriento, Ave Maria and the Italian Christmas classic Tu Scendi dalle Stelle (You Came Down From The Stars). Born in Brooklyn, she is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and attended The Juilliard School. Fontanelli’s CD Cristina Fontanelli Sings Great Italian Favorites is currently available.
More about Cristina Fontanelli –
Cristina Fontanelli recently appeared as PBS host for the historic Andrea Bocelli concert in Central Park NYC (airs December 2011). She appeared on CBS Weekend in interview/performance/co-hosting roles; performed for Jimmy Kimmel’s Feast of San Gennaro in Hollywood; is the voice of “Nonna” on PBS Chef Lidia Bastianich’s animated Christmas special; and is the “voice” of Domino’s Pizza on the national radio commercial. On October 29, Cristina sang for President Obama at the National Italian American Foundation Gala, where the President delivered the keynote speech. She has also performed for the Clinton White House, singing at the Presidential Inaugural Ball in 2005, and appearing with Tony Bennett, The Boston Pops, Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency, the St. Louis Symphony and three world tours with the Mantovani Orchestra.
Brooklyn-born Cristina Fontanelli was awarded the OSIA Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts (previous recipients include Luciano Pavarotti), has been cited as one of the top alumni of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (along with Robert Redford, Anne Bancroft, Anne Hathaway et al) and has been named “Woman of the Year” by many Italian organizations throughout the country.
The Christmas In Italy concert takes place on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla (10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive). Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling 800-838-3006.
Pay for a Day and Return for a Free Day at Legoland CA
The RandomSanDiego.com Deal Finders have found a great deal for you to Legoland California! Take advantage of this free ticket deal while it lasts!
BOGO Offer to Legoland California
Visit Legoland California now till December 31, 2011 and receive a second day return ticket for free! To receive your free ticket, you must present your one-day paid admission ticket at the Guest Information Desk located inside the Park any time between November 19 and December 31, 2011. Upon presentation of your paid one-day admission ticket stub, you will be given a free second day ticket, which you can redeem for a free second visit any day between January 1 and March 31, 2012. Consider it Legoland’s Gift to You!
The fine print: The Legoland “Our Gift to You” return ticket is valid for use at Legoland California only; you must request your second-day ticket on the day of your first visit; and, your second-day ticket must be redeemed between January 1 and March 31, 2012. Other restrictions may apply.
Happy Holidays!
Editor’s Note: Be sure to stop by FunTown to enjoy Legoland’s newest attraction, Snow Days. During Holiday Snow Days, Fun Town will be transformed into a magical, winter wonderland where the weather forecast calls for real snow every day and guests can build snowmen using Lego carrots and other fun Lego elements, throw snowballs at Lego themed targets and play with large, soft Lego bricks in the snow.Click below for a video sneak peek at Holiday Snow Days at Legoland California.
December 3, 2011 – Free, Family Friendly Holiday Celebration in Escondido
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is presenting its biggest annual holiday celebration ever staged at the Center for the enjoyment and excitement of children and families in Escondido and throughout the North County. Now in it 7th year, the annual celebration includes a wide variety of activities and entertainment with the acclaimed Marine Band San Diego performing a holiday program in the Concert Hall. The concert and the holiday celebrations are free and open to the public.
Free tickets to the Marine Band San Diego Concert can be obtained by calling the Center’s Box Office at 1-800-988-4253.
A highly popular activity for children is a chance to play in a big mountain of snow. Children are also invited to visit with Santa who will be available to hear the special requests from all the little boys and girls attending the event. Craft activities, jugglers, balloon artist, stilt walker, carolers and more will also be on hand to help celebrate.
At 6:20 pm, all eyes will be focused on the Center’s 20-foot Christmas tree when Escondido Mayor Sam Abed along with Jon Teeuwissen (Inter CEO) and Carina Courtright (Chair of the Board of Trustees) officially light up the majestic tree.
The Winter Wonderland and Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in and around the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido, CA). This family friendly event is free and open to the public.
December 2 & 3, 2011 – Free Community Festival & Free Museum Admission
San Diego’s favorite kick-off to the holiday season, December Nights 2011 takes places this year on Friday, December 2, 2011 and Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Balboa Park. Celebrating its 34th consecutive year, this event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year.”
The more than 300,000 visitors who are expected to attend San Diego’s largest free community festival can look forward to a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages, the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California, unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village, musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
And once again this year, in the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums will open their doors to the public free of charge from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm both evenings.
With so much to do and see, be sure to arrive early and plan to stay late – this one of a kind free event is a family favorite and should not be missed!
Parking During December Nights 2011 –
Wondering where to park when attending December Nights in Balboa Park?
Park for free at the Zoo Parking Lot in Balboa Park, the County Administration Building North Lot (1600 Pacific Highway, at the corner of Grape Street) or the City College Parking Lots (between 16th and B Streets) and take a free shuttle to the Event. Or, you can park at one of 2,000 parking spots at Petco Park’s Tailgate Park (Imperial Avenue and 13th Street) for $3.00 per vehicle and take a free shuttle to the Event.
The December Nights Free Shuttle runs on Friday from 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm and on Saturday from noon until 11:00 pm in all locations. The last shuttle leaves all sites at 8:45 pm and the last shuttle from the Park is at 10:45 pm.
Other Parking Options:
Only the Zoo Lot will be available for free parking. Historically, this lot will be filled by 6:00 pm on Friday and by 4:00 pm on Saturday. If you plan on arriving after these times, you should:
Look for parking on the West side (6th Avenue side);
Go directly to the shuttle stops; or
Take public transportation.
All of the other lots along Park Boulevard are designated as follows:
$20.00 Preferred Parking – on the East side of the Park (at Park Boulevard and Village Place adjacent to the Cascades Holiday Marketplace and the San Diego Natural History Museum)
$10.00 Parking – in the Inspiration Point parking lot at Park Boulevard and President’s Way.
Handicap Designated Parking - available at: Park Boulevard and Space Theatre Way; Park Boulevard and President’s Way; and, Laurel Street and Balboa Drive. These areas have limited space, so plan on arriving early. Vehicles entering these areas must have a valid placard and identification card. Handicap parking is also available in the Zoo Lot.
By permit only – spots designated for event permit holders only.
Balboa Park’s December Nights 2011takes place on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday, December 3, 2011 from noon to 10:00 pm. Admission to this family friendly event is free. Free admission to the Balboa Park Museums is offered on both nights from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The Raj Report takes viewers to exciting events, places, and happenings in and around San Diego. With his unique perspective and signature style, this budding broadcaster brings whimsical insight to the pulse of San Diego.
In this video segment, The Raj Report visits Legoland California as skateboarding legend Tony Hawk lights the 30 foot tall Lego Christmas Tree (largest in the world!) and kicks off the Park’s Holiday Season. Mr. Hawk talks about Legoland, the Tony Hawk Foundation, and offers some words of wisdom to young children.
Also in this segment is a peek at Snow Days – Legoland’s “cool” new attraction (runs November 19, 2011 to January 2, 2012) where guests have the unique opportunity to play in real snow!
November 28, 2011 – Tony Hawk Flips the Switch at Legoland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk will light the world’s largest Lego Christmas Tree at Legoland California’s ninth annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, November 28, 2011. Guests of Legoland California are invited to gather around the giant tree which stands more than 30 feet tall, is made of more than 245,000 forest green Duplo bricks and is decorated with nearly 400 Lego ornaments including colorful bulbs and 1,000 lights.
Legoland will commemorate the occasion by making a presentation to the Tony Hawk Foundation. Launched in 2002, the Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth. Through special events, grants, and technical assistance, the Foundation supports recreational programs with a focus on the creation of public skateboard parks in low-income communities. The Foundation has set out to increase the number of safe, legal skate parks for youth in low-income communities across the US. To date, the Tony Hawk Foundation has helped fund 493 public skateboard parks in these communities, which now service 3.5mmillion youth annually.
In addition, in honor of Hawk’s efforts to help youth nationwide, Master Model Builders at Legoland California are adding new ornaments to the Lego tree this year: 50 blue, red and yellow skateboards, each made of more than 250 Lego bricks, will hang from the Legoland California tree.
After the 30 foot tall Lego tree is lit, fireworks will light up the sky and snow will shower Park guests from above kicking off Legoland California’s month-long Holiday Snow Days. During Holiday Snow Days, Fun Town will be transformed into a magical, winter wonderland where the weather forecast calls for real snow every day and guests can build snowmen using Lego carrots and other fun Lego elements, throw snowballs at Lego themed targets and play with large, soft Lego bricks in the snow. The event will also feature festive entertainment, including a visit from Santa himself!
The 2011 Legoland Christmas Tree Lighting with Tony Hawk takes place at 5:00 pm on Monday, November 28, 2011. The ceremony will take place in Legoland’s Fun Town area. Legoland’s Holiday Snow Days runs from November 19 to January 2, 2012.
Legoland California is located in San Diego North at One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008.
The Raj Report takes viewers to exciting events, places, and happenings in and around San Diego. With his unique perspective and signature style, this budding broadcaster brings a whimsical insight to the pulse of San Diego.
In this segment, The Raj Report sits down with Brian Farber of the San Diego Sockers to talk about their Season Home Opener win against the Anaheim Bolts (Interview Date: November 19, 2011).
The RandomSanDiego.com Deal Finders have found a great deal for free movie tickets. Take advantage of this deal while it lasts.
Free Movie Tickets
Be among the first 50 vehicles to tour the Holiday of Lights on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 and receive two passes to UltraStar Cinemas!
About the Holiday of Lights
With more than 400 sparkling, crowd-pleasing displays placed around the world famous Del Mar Racetrack, the Holiday of Lights is a spectacular drive-through light show and exhibit themed for the holiday season. And with over 18,000 vehicles passing through last year, the Holiday of Lights is certainly a very popular family friendly San Diego tradition!
The Holiday of Lights runs from November 24, 2011 to January 1, 2012. For more information about the Holiday of Lights, including discount admission, military discounts and online coupons,check out our post: 2011 Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Racetrack
November, December & January: Cruise Through the Holiday of Lights in Del Mar
The Del Mar Holiday of Lights 2011 is just around the corner! Get ready for another year of sparkling lights, animated displays and family friendly fun at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, starting Thanksgiving Night November 24, 2011 to New Year’s Day January 1, 2011.
With more than 400 sparkling, crowd-pleasing displays placed around the world famous Del Mar Racetrack, the Holiday of Lights is a spectacular drive-through light show and exhibit themed for the holiday season. And with over 18,000 vehicles passing through last year, the Holiday of Lights is certainly a very popular family friendly San Diego tradition!
Visitors drive along the 1.5 mile route through the Del Mar Racetrack and enjoy the lighted displays from the comfort of their car, while enjoying festive holiday music fed through the radio. While the displays are holiday-themed, there’s always a little bit of Southern California thrown in, so be sure to keep your eyes open for the Santas playing beach volleyball!
Don’t worry if you miss anything this first time around, you can take the drive as many times as you like!
Holiday Hayride
Enjoy the Holiday of Lights with a traditional holiday hayride! Guest will be treated to live holiday music and fire pits for roasting marshmallows before boarding the ride and after returning. Your ticket includes the Holiday of Lights tour, hot chocolate or cider, and a holiday cookie. Holiday Hayrides run every half an hour from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm on the following Fridays: November 25, December 2, December 9 and December 16, 2011.
Discount Tickets and Coupons
Save money with discounted admission and coupons for the Del Mar Holiday of Lights:
Download and print this discount coupon and save $1.50 at the Gate. Coupon valid for one vehicle only; coupon not valid on Friday or Saturday nights. Coupon not valid for the Holiday Hayride.
Pre-purchase a discount ticket at your local Albertsons/Sav-on stores and save $2.00 per vehicle.
Military discounted tickets are available on base only and will not be available at the Holiday of Lights’ entrance. No discounts are offered for the Holiday Hayride. Contact your Base Ticket Office for discount tickets.
Group Discount is available on the advance purchase of 20 or more admission tickets (discount of $3.00 off). Group tickets do not need to be used on the same night. No discounts are offered for the Holiday Hayride.
The 2011 Holiday of Lights takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (Interstate 5 and Via de la Valle), directly on the Del Mar Racetrack and runs every night from Thanksgiving November 24, 2011 to New Year’s Day January 1, 2012 (closed November 28, December 5 and 12, 2011) through to January 2, 2011. The hours are 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The Holiday Hayride runs every half hour from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Fridays November 25, December 2, December 9 and December 16, 2011.
Admission is $14.00 per vehicle, up to 5 people; $19.00 per vehicle for 6 or more people; and $49.00 per bus. Tickets for the Holiday Hayride are $10.00 per person; ages 3 and younger ride free. Note: Motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles are not permitted to tour the Holiday of Lights.
The San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells celebration runs from December 9, 2011 to January 1, 2012 and is free with paid admission to the Zoo. During Jungle Bells, the Zoo grounds offers extended hours and will stay open until 8:00 pm (except for December 24, 2011, when the Zoo will close at 5:00 pm).
Also making its debut during Jungle Bells is the Zoo’s new 4-D theater. The theater is a fun, family oriented sensory experience sure to delight the kids. The 50 seat theater combines the visual drama of a 3-D film with a variety of sensory effects that are built into the seats and theater environment, such as water mist, blustery wind, snow, bubbles, scents, seat vibrations, and more. Two films, each about 15 minute long, will alternate in the theater. The theater is across from the Skyfari’s west-end station, near the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge exhibit. Films show throughout the day to provide a great entertaining and educational experience for guests. The cost of viewing a film is $6.00 per person and is in addition to Zoo admission. 
Got the munchies? Again this year, the Zoo’s talented chefs are cooking up some holiday deliciousness to put guests’ taste buds in the spirit! Jungle Bells will be celebrated at Albert’s with “Happy Holidays Happen at Albert’s.” The event features a $6.00 appetizer, wine, beer and cocktail menu from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily. There also will be a $30.00 prix fixe dinner featuring a tender baby greens salad, slow-roasted pork medallions and Amarula spiced cheesecake for dessert. Special taste treats will also be available throughout the Zoo, including holiday colored cotton candy for the kids while they coo over camels, coffee with Kahlua for adults catching the polar bears in play, and much more. 
For this special one day event, Ms. Fontanelli will be accompanied by piano, mandolin, guitar and accordion in order to evoke the authentic Italian flavor of the music. The Italian Cultural Center of San Diego’s Children’s choir will join Cristina, helping to accomplish her goal of preserving these musical gems for future generations. The San Diego program also features award-winning classical mandolin artist Chris Acquavella and guitarist Joe Amato.
Cristina Fontanelli
The more than 300,000 visitors who are expected to attend San Diego’s largest free community festival can look forward to a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages, the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California, unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village, musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
Only the Zoo Lot will be available for free parking. Historically, this lot will be filled by 6:00 pm on Friday and by 4:00 pm on Saturday. If you plan on arriving after these times, you should:
In this video segment, The Raj Report visits Legoland California as skateboarding legend Tony Hawk lights the 30 foot tall Lego Christmas Tree (largest in the world!) and kicks off the Park’s Holiday Season. Mr. Hawk talks about Legoland, the Tony Hawk Foundation, and offers some words of wisdom to young children.
Holiday Hayride
