November Events in North County San Diego: Your 2026 Local Guide

November in North County means Thanksgiving plans, the first holiday lights, and plenty of reasons to spend a little more time exploring close to home.

From a night at San Diego Botanic Garden to holiday shopping along Coast Highway, here are five November events and outings to add to your calendar.

Del Mar Fall Racing Season

November 6–29, 2026 | Del Mar Racetrack
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

Del Mar’s fall racing season brings another month of racing to the coast. If you enjoy an afternoon at the track, November offers a chance to work it into your weekend plans before the holiday calendar fills up.

Make a day of it with lunch in Del Mar Village, then head to the racetrack. The season also includes the Thanksgiving weekend Turf Festival, November 26–29.

Racing takes place on scheduled dates throughout the meet. Check the official calendar before choosing your afternoon.

View the Del Mar racing schedule and ticket information.

Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden

November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Encinitas
San Diego Botanic Garden

Image source: San Diego Botanic Garden.

If your idea of getting into the holiday spirit involves an evening walk and a lot of lights, put this one on your list.

Lightscape returns for its fifth season with a mile-long illuminated trail, more than 20 new installations, and returning favorites. Music, seasonal food, and festive drinks round out the experience.

It’s an option for a date night, an evening with friends, or an outing with visiting family. Reserve your preferred date and review parking options when booking.

Explore Lightscape dates and tickets.

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

Sunday, November 22, 2026 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
South Coast Highway 101, Downtown Encinitas

Image source: Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association.

Holiday shopping is a little more enjoyable when you can do it outside, stop for something good to eat, and hear live music along the way.

The Encinitas Holiday Street Fair brings food, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, and activities to downtown Coast Highway 101. Browse for gifts, explore local businesses, and leave yourself time to wander.

Admission is free. Arriving early gives you more time to explore before the afternoon crowds.

Get Encinitas Holiday Street Fair details.

O’side Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving morning
Downtown Oceanside

Image source: Visit Oceanside

Before the cooking, hosting, and second helping of pie, there’s the O’side Turkey Trot.

This Thanksgiving tradition features a coastal 5K course, with early and main waves scheduled for 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The event also offers children’s races and ways to support local causes.

The 5K starts on Coast Highway and finishes near the beach. Whether you’re running or walking, register ahead and review the parking and packet pickup instructions.

Register for the O’side Turkey Trot.

Small Business Saturday in Encinitas

Saturday, November 28, 2026 | Downtown Encinitas
Participating local businesses; hours vary

Save some of your holiday shopping for the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Small Business Saturday is a good excuse to visit independent shops, find something personal, and stop into a business you’ve walked past but haven’t explored yet.

Start with coffee, browse downtown Encinitas, and make lunch part of the plan. Check individual businesses for hours and any special offerings.

Learn more about Small Business Saturday in Encinitas.

Make a Little Room for Local This November

You don’t need to fill every weekend. Pick an event, invite someone along, and enjoy a few of the places that make North County feel like home.

At ERA Ranch & Sea Realty | Juncal Real Estate, we’ve called Carlsbad Village home for more than 40 years. Sharing the community is part of what we love about working here.

Save this guide for your November plans, and follow us for more North County events, neighborhood favorites, and local real estate updates.

Event dates, schedules, and availability may change. Visit the linked organizer websites for current details before heading out.