North Pole By The Sea
Visitors can play in real snow, make party hats, and take photos in a holiday-themed VW bus. Families can write wish lists to drop off at the North Pole mail room on the ocean view deck while enjoying holiday music and movies. Festivities throughout the village also feature carolers, roaming characters, and the annual downtown tree lighting.
What to Expect
Seaside holiday celebration with real snow, festive crafts, and tree lighting.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Del Mar Village
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Del Mar Village Association
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate for kids and adult beverages are available for purchase at Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and playful
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Event: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm; VW Bus Holiday Photoshoot, Rad Hatter Party Hat Kids Craft, Snow at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and kids craft/photo opportunity/holiday movies and music: 1:00 to 4:00 pm; Letters to Santa and Carolers and Characters: 1:00 to 5:00 pm; Hot Chocolate and Drinks: 4:00 to 6:00 pm; Holiday Tree Lighting: 5:00 pm.
Tips & Advice
- Visit St. Peter’s Episcopal Church between 1 and 4 p.m. for the real-snow play area, which is free and open to the public.
- Stop at 15th Street by 4 p.m. for the party-hat craft or VW bus holiday photo opportunity, both scheduled from 1 to 4.
- Head to Del Mar Plaza’s ocean-view deck before 5 p.m. to write a wish list and leave it in the North Pole mail room.
- Save the amphitheater stop for 4 p.m. onward if you want hot chocolate or an adult beverage before the 5 p.m. tree lighting.
- Expect to move among event spots around the village; wear comfortable shoes and an extra layer for outdoor activities.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
St. Peter's Episcopal Church brings in real snow for kids to play in. There's a Rad Hatter party hat craft on 15th Street, and Wisdom Properties has a kids' craft, a photo opportunity, and holiday movies and music. Kids can also write letters to Santa.
Where do kids write their letters to Santa?
On the Del Mar Plaza ocean view deck. Write your wish list there and drop it off at the North Pole mail room.
Is there food or drink?
Yes. The Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L'Auberge Del Mar has hot chocolate for kids and adult beverages for sale before the tree lighting.
Will we see Santa or other characters?
Holiday characters roam the village during the afternoon, so keep an eye out for photos. Santa and the Grinch join the crowd at the tree lighting.
How does the day wrap up?
Everyone heads down to the Jim Watkins Amphitheater for the annual lighting of the downtown tree, with hot chocolate, adult beverages and holiday characters.
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