From Twinkling Light Shows to Gift Hunting at Your Favorite Stores, This Outdoor Lifestyle Center Will Put You in the Holiday Spirit

For the shopper who’s got a list full of wishes to fulfill, The Forum Carlsbad has something for everyone all in one place! Whether you’re on the hunt for kids toys, sporty attire or high-end jewelry for your special someone, you’ll find it all at this upscale lifestyle center. Stop by one of the many sit-down restaurants or casual cafes to fuel your shopping or just for a much-deserved midday break. You’ll even have the opportunity to check off a few holiday must-do activities with the family throughout the month! Make your lists and check ‘em twice—here’s why The Forum Carlsbad is your one-stop shop this season for all things holiday.

 

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 

21st Annual Tree Lighting Celebration

Date: Friday, Dec. 1 (6-9 p.m.)

Officially welcome the holiday season with what this time of year does best: dazzling light displays! The Forum Carlsbad’s 21st annual tree lighting will take place on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Come for the tree, stay for the entertainment: There will be live performances, holiday characters and entertainers, photos with Santa and even a little San Diego snowfall!

 

Santa Visits The Forum

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23

You better alert the kids now so they’ve got time to behave—and time to sort out what the No. 1 gift on their wish list is, of course. Santa Claus will be comin’ to town every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 2 to 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m! Visits are complimentary, but don’t forget to clear some room on the camera roll to capture the Christmas memories. The meet-and-greet will take place at the Garden Area near the YETI store!

 

Christmas Tree Wonderlights

Dates: Daily (5-9 p.m.), Dec. 2-25

Happening on the hour, every hour from 5 to 9 p.m., take a break from your long day of shopping to sit back and enjoy a Christmas tree light show every day, Dec. 2-25! Take in the twinkling lights of a choreographed light and music show happening on the giant Christmas tree outside of Anthropologie. This show is sure to add a little sparkle to your shopping spree.

 

Hanukkah Celebration

Date: Dec. 12 (4-6 p.m.)

Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights by joining The Forum Carlsbad for its official Hanukkah celebration, taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m! Happening right in the middle of the eight special nights of Hanukkah, San Diego synagogue Chabad La Costa will be lighting the menorah along with hosting family-friendly activities and complimentary refreshments for all guests. 

 

SHOPPING 

For the Sporty One: Alo Yoga, Lululemon, Nike, Vuori

If there’s a sporty one on your shopping list, you’re in luck. For the yogi, grab them a new high-quality workout set from Alo Yoga or Lululemon. For the gym rat or distance runner, a new pair of running shoes from Nike will have them jumping (or sprinting) for joy! There’s something for every sporty kind this season—and every athlete could use a super-soft lounge set from Vuori for those recovery days.

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For the Kiddos: Geppetto’s Toy Store

Christmas is the most magical time of year for a lot of us, but it would be nothing without seeing the joy through the eyes of the kiddos we celebrate with! Snag toys for kids of every age at Geppetto’s Toy Store, where you’ll find gizmos and gadgets aplenty, from classic construction sets to puppets and plush toys all the way to electronic experiences and educational toys! Bring some extra joy with a toy.

 

For the Fashionista: gorjana, Bluemercury, Anthropologie

The fashionista in your family always knows how to dress to impress. So give her wardrobe even more to be thankful for with the perfect piece from The Forum Carlsbad’s selection of shops! Enhance her style with a Laguna Beach-inspired gold-plated or solid-gold piece from gorjana or a new blush and lipstick from leading luxury beauty brand Bluemercury. Know them well? Anthropologie is every fashionista’s dream with their classy, chic clothing.

 

For the Outdoorsy One: YETI

There’s always one member of the family who seems to always be on a weekend getaway. It’s the same one who’s always responding three days later due to no service. A gift for them is best found at YETI Carlsbad, no doubt! Spoil them with a new place to store it all away with an easily stowed cooler bag, or rest easy knowing their water will always stay cold in one of their famed Rambler mugs.

 

For the Hostess With the Mostest: Sur La Table

It’s Christmas. Joy is in the air. Dinner is being cooked. We’ve set the scene: Now, who is setting the table? To find a gift for whoever popped into your head, Sur La Table is a sure-fire place to secure their gift. Shop everything on their list, from stunning tableware and kitchen linens to high-quality cookware and food processors. There’s a host of options here—get it?

 

DINING 

Urban Plates

Who said the holidays can’t be healthy? Fuel up with a healthy, whole meal from Urban Plates before you take on your day of shopping, whether you’re looking for a veggie-packed salad, well-rounded bowl, or a vegan option! Sit down and stay a while in their casual space; pair your meal with an iced tea or lemonade and you’ll be ready for round two of shopping!

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Casa de Bandini

Looking for a fiesta at The Forum Carlsbad? Curb all of your cravings with a visit to Casa de Bandini. Serving all of the traditional Mexican dishes you know and love in a vibrant setting, grab yourself a giant grilled carnitas burrito, a sizzling plate of fajitas or opt for something from their seasonal menu like the spicy salmon tacos! Don’t skip out on a margarita, of course.

 

Kaiseki Sushi

‘Tis the season for some sushi. You’ve been on a roll powering through shopping, so take a break, snag a table and enjoy some fresh rolls from Kaiseki Sushi. Head chef Tin Nguyen has 16 years of sushi chef experience, serving up only the freshest sushi, sashimi and other Japanese-inspired dishes. Try their specialty Hot Night Crunch Roll or keep it classic with a Rainbow Roll—and don’t forget the side of sake to share.

 

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams

A long, accomplished day of shopping calls for a sweet treat. After all, it’s hard work out here. Stop in for a scoop of ice cream made from only the finest, freshest local ingredients. Take your pick of their signatures, such as the Turkish coffee and chocolate-covered strawberry, or enjoy a seasonal delight like the chocolatey, peppermint mix of their limited-time Reindeer Tracks flavor!

 

The Forum Carlsbad
1905 Calle Barcelona
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760.479.0166