San Diego This Weekend – Thanksgiving Edition

By Alex Wright | November 25, 2009

We all know friends and family are great. But this Thanksgiving, how about doing a little more than just sitting around gorging yourself on fatty food? We’ve found some great ideas to add a little holiday cheer to your seasonal celebration.

SAN DIEGO THANKSGIVING DIXIELAND JAZZ FESTIVAL

TIME:  Wednesday-Sunday, November 25th-29th, 2009 10AM

LOCATION:  Town and Country Resort & Convetion Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108

INFO:  The Festival will feature a variety of traditional jazz, Dixieland, and swing jazz styles.  Featuring large concert rooms with double dancefloors as well as smaller, intimate listening rooms, this Festival will appeal to all jazz lovers.

RUN FOR THE HUNGRY

TIME:  Thursday, November 26th, 2009 7:15AM

LOCATION:  Petco Park, 19 Tony Gwynn Way, San Diego, CA 92101

INFO:  San Diego Food Bank has teamed up with Jewish Family Service for the 10K/5K run/walk on Thanksgiving Day.  Starting at Petco Park, the participants will make their way through the historic Gaslamp District and East Village.  The 10K run starts at 7:15AM; 5K run/walk starts at 8:15AM.

FATHER JOE’S THANKSGIVING 5K RUN/WALK

TIME:  Thursday, November 26th 2009 8AM

LOCATION:  Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

INFO:  Price: Adults $31,  Kids $21. Benefiting St. Vincent de Paul Village, San Diego’s largest homeless charity, this annual race is expected to have thousands of participants.  The race will start on Thanksgiving Day at 8AM in Balboa Park.  Post-race entertainment includes music, pie, and a free beer garden.

HOLIDAY OF LIGHTS AT DEL MAR

TIME:  Saturday, November 26th, 2009-Sunday, January 3, 2010 Nightly

LOCATION:  Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA

INFO:  Price:  $14 per car (up to 5 people; buy discount tickets for $12.00 at San Diego County Albertsons/Sav-on stores); $19 per vehicle (6 or more people); $49 per bus; $10 per person for the Holiday Hayride (infants ride free; hayride includes the Holiday of Lights tour, hot chocolate or cider and a holiday cookie). This event is the laregst animated drive-through light show on the West Coast, the Holiday of Lights is back again this year at Del Mar.   Your family will be delighted  by the 400 displays around the Del Mar Racetrack.  The new event for 2009 is the Holiday Hayride–be sure to check it out!

CHARGERS BLOCK PARTY

TIME:  Friday, November 27th, 2009 5PM-11PM

LOCATION:  Gaslamp Quarter, 614 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

INFO:  Price:  $35 in advance.  The 50th Annual San Diego Chargers Block Party will take place on November 27th.  The Block Party will take over Gaslamp Quarter with starting with the introduction of the Greatest Chargers followed with live music entertainment.  The entertainment line-up includes Super Diamond, Fountains of Wayne, and Scooter & Lavelle.

KIDS BIKE RIDING DAY – PEOPLE POWERED PEDAL-PALOOZA

TIME:  Saturday, November 28th, 2009 11AM-2PM

LOCATION:  Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd., San Diego, CA 92108

INFO:  On November 28th, the South East parking lot of Qualcomm Staduium will host the non-profit Pedal-palooza and a kids bike ride.  Provided are free reparis of all toys and bikes, loaner bikes to use, and bike riding lessons for kids.  Bikes, wagons, and scooters will be available as well.  Children of all ages are invited!

LED HOLIDAY LIGHT EXCHANGE

TIME:  Saturday, November 28th, 2009 1PM

LOCATION:  Seaport Village, 849 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101

INFO:  SDG&E is offering free LED holiday lights in exchange for your old incandescent holiday lights at the 2009 LED Holiday Light Exchange.  UP to three incandescent holiday light stands can be exchanged for multi-colored LED holiday light strands free of chage.  Participants will also receive a free Home Energy & Water Savings Kit and an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag!