Why This Carlsbad Lifestyle Center is Your December Must‑Visit for Festive Fun, Shopping Thrills and Seasonal Magic
The Southern California holiday season doesn’t need blankets of snow and a bitter chill in the air to feel magical. At The Forum Carlsbad, you’ll get all the sparkle (and maybe a Pacific breeze) without the frostbite. See why this festive Carlsbad holiday shopping destination is turning heads this season, whether you’re a regular or seeking something fresh. From new stores and curated experiences to relaxed SoCal vibes, here are 10 ways The Forum Carlsbad outshines every other holiday spot in San Diego.
1. A Stunning Shopping Haven
Imagine strolling through palm‑lined walkways with ambient holiday lighting overhead and lush greenery all around. It’s these festive elements that make this outdoor shopping center feel more like a resort than a mall. The Forum Carlsbad’s open‑air design keeps things luxe and breezy, so you won’t feel rushed. Add in easy parking and a thoughtful layout that invites lingering, and you’ve got a seriously stress‑free festive outing.
2. Two New Stores to Explore
Good news for holiday gift hunters: The Forum Carlsbad recently welcomed new shops to its roster, including Tecovas and Abercrombie & Fitch. These fresh additions inject an extra dose of excitement and gift‑potential into your browsing. Whether you’re eyeing a refined leather boot to gift a loved one or a casual elevated outfit to wear to your next holiday party, these new stores make this Carlsbad shopping center feel like a destination rather than just a routine stop.
3. The Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Mark your calendar for Dec. 5. From 6-8 p.m., The Forum Carlsbad’s 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration is back with live entertainment by Woodie and The Longboards, snow effects, a photo booth, carnival games and Santa’s grand entrance, all of which add to the communal holiday buzz. Whether you stop by with friends or bring the whole family along, arrive early for prime seating around the giant tree. This is precisely the kind of kick‑off moment you want to start the holiday season.
4. Santa’s Arrival
During weekend visits with Santa from Dec. 6-21, immersive holiday sessions offer photo ops, holiday magic and a chance to check items off your gift list while browsing. It’s a smart mix: Rotate through your shopping path, grab a coffee or a sweet treat to celebrate the season, then stop by to meet Santa without having to make a separate trip. It’s not just ideal for making memories as a family, it’s good for tick‑off‑your‑list shopping too.
5. Lighting Up the Night
One of the most thrilling holiday events Carlsbad has to offer is Christmas Tree Wonderlights, showing nightly from Dec. 6–25. With choreographed lights and synced music filling the night every hour on the hour, evening visits to The Forum Carlsbad during this time tend to feel cinematic. Grab dinner, stroll after dark and soak in the ambiance, where holiday energy blends perfectly with beach‑town ease.
6. Toys for Tots
Giving back is just part of the vibe at The Forum Carlsbad. Between Nov. 12 and Dec. 1, the Carlsbad shopping center is hosting a Toys for Tots collection at Geppetto’s. This is a feel‑good reason to show up and shop consciously, helping those in need have a merry holiday season as well. Bring a toy and allow yourself to embrace the feeling of being community‑minded all at once.
7. Stylish Dining & Relaxed Spaces
Holiday shopping warrants breaks, and The Forum Carlsbad delivers with ample dining space. Think lunch at the vibrant, healthy Parakeet Café, date night at craveable neighborhood restaurant The Henry or simply a moment for dessert at SusieCakes, all located within the center. The key is to hop off the shopping track for a moment, sip something fabulous, lean back in a cozy lounge area and then hit the stores again once you’ve fully recharged your batteries.
8. A New Home for the Holidays
For one day only, Dec. 14, the center will host an adoption pop‑up in partnership with Amazing Strays Rescue. Visit on this day to enjoy not only your standard shopping outing, but a meaningful experience helping pets find their new homes. Mingle with the dogs, learn how to sign up to volunteer, donate supplies and remember to keep your heart open along the way. Giving back in these kinds of ways helps add an extra layer of meaning to the holiday rush.
9. Uniquely Curated Lineup of Shops
This isn’t just big‑box retail. The shopping center boasts a boutique mix of wellness brands, artisan finds, gift-worthy gear and stores that are equal parts elevated and casual. Turn heads with gifts from shops like gorjana, where dainty gold layering necklaces and initial jewelry stand out, or Outerknown, a sustainable apparel brand offering designs for both men and women. Trending women’s clothing store Van de Vort and children’s collections at Rylee + Cru are also sure to turn heads. With such a uniquely curated lineup to choose from the shopping center feels like a holiday destination rather than a quick stopover.
10. San Diego’s Most Festive SoCal Holiday Celebration
Last but far from least, The Forum Carlsbad blends upscale with accessible, beach‑town ease and a pinch of holiday sparkle. Magical snowfall, festive décor, palm trees and colorful lights come together to create a vibe that’s unique to this corner of the coast. With vibrant events like the annual tree lighting and Christmas Tree Wonderlights show, The Forum Carlsbad is one of North County’s standout experiences. If you want the energy of a big holiday event without the overwhelming mall crush, this is your spot.
Ever since she was a child, Ashley Ryan knew she wanted to write. After working on her high school newspaper and college magazine, she graduated with a degree in journalism and anthropology, eager to tell the stories of people and places in Orange County and around the world. Her prolific career as a writer, editor and photographer has led her to write about travel, culture, art, home design and so much more. When not working on her latest piece, she enjoys visiting new places, going to concerts, hiking, doing yoga on the beach, reading, cheering on her favorite sports teams and spending time with beloved friends and family.
