McDonald’s Peppermint Mocha looks yummy, but 16 ounces has more than 400 calories, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 13 teaspoons of sugars.

Starbucks’ Gingerbread Frappuccino blended beverage isn’t any better—with whipped cream and whole milk, 16 ounces has 370 calories, which includes 15 teaspoons of sugars and 9 grams of saturated fat.

Holiday coffee drinks are a surprising source of saturated fat. In the ones Consumer Reports looked at, the saturated-fat content ranged from about 22 percent to almost 100 percent of what you should have in an entire day.

But don’t despair.

Simply ordering a smaller size and substituting skim milk takes a huge bite out of the fat and sugar content of all the holiday drinks Consumer Reports analyzed.

For instance, choosing the smaller Starbucks Gingerbread Frappuccino with skim milk saves you 110 calories, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 3½ teaspoons of sugars. Choosing the smaller Dunkin’ Donuts Salted Caramel Swirl Hot Latte with skim milk saves you 170 calories, 5 grams of saturated fat, and about 4 teaspoons of sugars.

No matter where you get your drink, one easy way to cut fat and calories is to simply skip the whipped cream.

With the Starbucks Gingerbread Frappuccino Blended beverage, even with whole milk, you’ll knock 100 calories off the medium size and bring the saturated fat down to a reasonable level of 7 percent of what’s recommended you consume every day.

Another tip: Reduce or switch the syrup that flavors the drinks. Some franchises offer artificially sweetened syrups, which will cut down significantly on the calories in the drink.

‘Tis the season for lots of eating and drinking.

But here’s a warning: Drinking even a little alcohol when you’re taking certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be a health hazard. Some drugs taken with alcohol can make the alcohol more potent. In other cases, taking medication while drinking can actually increase its effect or cause potentially harmful side effects.

For example: anti-anxiety drugs like Valium or Ativan. Taking them with alcohol can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or very slow breathing, and doing so increases the risk of an overdose. And the same goes for opioids like Vicodin, Percocet, and Demerol. 

Mixing alcohol and antibiotics such as azithromycin can cause nausea and vomiting. And drinking alcohol while taking doxycycline can reduce the drug’s ability to fight infection.

Many over-the-counter drugs can also interact with alcohol. Some antihistamines like Dimetapp, Zyrtec, and Benadryl Allergy can cause increased drowsiness when taken with alcohol. Even common pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol can be dangerous when taken with too many drinks. The health risks can increase when people take more than one medication. 

Blood pressure medicine can cause various heart problems when taken with alcohol. And if you’re on the blood thinner Coumadin and have more than 3 drinks, it could increase the risk of a stroke. So if you’re on medication, think twice before you reach for that drink.

Consumer Reports recommends that if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist about drinking.

A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a crash Friday night in Miramar, the San Diego Police Department confirmed.

The crash happened at approximately 5:11 p.m. on Camino Santa Fe and Rasha Street.

Police say the motorcyclist was coming out of a driveway when a vehicle crashed into the bike. 

The driver of the vehicle did stay on scene.

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 

Westview High School in the Poway Unified School District just installed two “Fit Desk” stationary bikes to help students studying for exams cope with the stress. Students can read or write while still exercising.

The Westview Foundation approved the idea after it was pitched by the school’s librarian.

She was inspired to bring the bikes to campus after hearing about colleges around the country installing them.

The National Commander of the American Legion will speak at several events in San Diego Saturday.

Charles E. Schmidt will start his San Diego tour at 10:30 in the morning for a brunch at the Albert J. Hickman Post 460 located at 7815 Armour Street in San Diego.

He will then watch the Army vs Navy football game at 12:15 p.m. at the San Dieguito Encinitas Post at 416 at 210 West F. Street.

Finally he will attend a Christmas Dinner Ceremony at the Larry E. Homberg Post 731 located at 7245 Linda Vista Road in Linda Vista starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are available and people who want to attend are encouraged to RSVP.

These events are open to all military, honorably discharged veterans and invited guest. Congressional Members, Commanding Officers and Public Service teams are strongly encouraged to attend.

For more information, people can contact the American Legion Public Relations Team at (760) 908-3550 or email public.relations@calegionpost416.org regarding membership.

The American Legion has 2.2 million members and was created in Paris after World War I as a wartime veteran's organization. 

A new Santee park named after a San Diego Sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty is opening to the public this weekend.

The City of Santee announced in July that it was naming Deputy Ken Collier Neighborhood Park after Sheriff Kenneth James Collier who was killed on Feb. 28, 2010 when his cruiser went off the side of State Route 52 as he chased a DUI suspect driving against oncoming traffic.

Members of the law enforcement community, local residents and Santee city leaders will introduce the half-acre park at a grand opening ceremony on Saturday at 10 a.m. The park is nestled against SR 52 at 9127 Via de Cristina north of Prospect Avenue.

Park amenities include a playground structure, benches, a covered picnic area, interactive bikeway, half basketball court and outdoor fitness equipment.

Several environmentally-friendly features were also implemented into the park’s design like drought tolerant plants, a low-evaporation watering system, and a solar-powered overhead light.

The park’s $1.2 million price tag was partially offset by the city with state and local grants totaling $321,000, and a County Neighborhood Reinvestment Program Grant of $64,413.

The City of Lemon Grove will hold a community workshop Saturday designed to make downtown an even better place to live and work.

The workshop will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center and will cover topics such as land use, urban design and art and business development.

Part of the Downtown Village Specific Plan Expansion, the workshop will include refreshments, childcare and Spanish translation services.

Those interested can RSVP here.

Donald Trump at a rally on Friday said African-American voters who didn't show up to the polls "felt good about me."

"The African-American community was great to us," Trump said. "They came through big league."

"If they had any doubt, they didn't vote," Trump added. "And that was almost as good. Because a lot of people didn't show up, because they felt good about me."

Trump made the comments at the fourth stop on his "Thank You" tour, meant ostensibly to thank the millions of voters that delivered him a resounding White House win last month.

A 10-year old soccer player from the South Bay, diagnosed with a brain tumor is getting a helping hand from his teammates to get him back on the field.

George Olvera was a standout student and soccer player for the Atlante Futbol Club in Imperial Beach.

But a recent eye check-up showed that George had a rare brain tumor, the family said. The 10-year old has spent the last two weeks at Rady Children's Hospital, recovering from two surgeries.

“They told me I had something wrong with my eye and then they sent me to take some photos,” George told NBC 7. “Next day and next day they took whole photo of my body and said I have a brain tumor.”

George is now bound to a wheelchair after losing motor skills on the left side of his body.

He says that soccer means a lot to him and it hurts that he can’t be on the field anymore.

“His first question was ‘Gramma when am I going back to school? When am I going back to soccer?’” his grandmother, Martha Flores told NBC 7. “I say ‘honey I don’t have answer for that.”

Flores says the family was informed that George’s recovery would take a year but now they are being told it might be over a year.

“I have a smart little boy, an active little boy so it’s breaking my heart and all the family,” Flores said.

Cesar Ramirez, the Coach for Atlante Futbol Club and the team started a GoFundMe page to help pay for future medical expenses.

“His teammates want to see him back out there,” Ramirez said.

“Our team is a family. When one hurts, we all hurt, that's the way I see it on field. One of kids needs help, I try to do as much as I can for them,” he added.

George says he loves his teammates and he wants to thank them for their support.

If you would like to donate, click here.

A local woman survived the crushing weight of a car after she was pinned underneath it, thanks to the efforts of a few Oceanside Police officers.

The incident happened in front of Nancy Nelson's home on Mountain Vista Way in Oceanside around 9 a.m. on November 28.

Nelson says her left leg from her thigh to her pelvis is numb after her more than 3,000 pound Mitsubishi Galant pinned her to the ground and parked on her pelvis.

“The pain was excruciating, I was screaming," Nelson told NBC 7.

The car rolled over her when she accidentally left it in gear and stepped out to close the garage door to her Oceanside home.

Neighbor Al Pappalardo said he remembers hearing someone yelling, “Help me! Help me!”

He was one of the several neighbors who tried to help the 52-year-old woman pinned beneath the front driver’s side tire of her car.

“The four of us attempted to get on the side she was on and lift vehicle off her, but there was no way," said Pappalardo.

That was until Oceanside police arrived on scene.

Nelson said she was writhing in pain beneath the car but remembers the officers lifting the car off of her.

“He looked like he was Ironman. I mean, I thought this man is a god," Nelson said, speaking of Sgt. John McKean.

McKean and his partner, Officer Tom Cahill were able to lift Nelson's Mitsubishi with her neighbors help just enough to ease her pain.

Outside the Oceanside Police Department he showed us on a different car how he got by the wheel well and his partner Tom Cahill got in the middle of the car and were able to lift Nancy’s Mitsubishi, with neighbors help—just enough to ease her pain.

"We were probably there a good seven minutes trying to hold the car up,” McKean said. “She was yelling at us 'Please don’t let it down. Please don’t let it down'."

“I could feel the car getting heavier and heavier,” said Cahill. “I asked someone to get a jack.”

Once two more officers arrived, the group were finally able to lift the car high enough to pull Nelson to safety.

She says she’s forever grateful but the officers told us, they were just happy to help.

Nelson is going through physical therapy and has to use a walker but she did not suffer any broken bones. 

She works as a massage therapist and says she will give free lifetime massages for the officers if they are ever in need.

The family of a California man who lay dying in a hospital wanted to make sure his beloved dog had one last chance to say goodbye.

Ryan Jessen, 33, had suffered a ventricular brain hemorrhage and was on a ventilator at Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville when his family brought his dog of six years, Mollie, to see him shortly before his death on Nov. 30, the "Today" show reported.

Michelle Jessen caught the heartbreaking moment on video and posted it on Facebook for friends and family. It has been viewed over 13 million times.

"The hospital did the sweetest thing for us and allowed us to bring my brother's dog in to "say goodbye" so she'd know why her human never came home. If you knew my brother, he really loved his sweet dog," Jessen's sister, Michelle, wrote on Facebook.

A person rescued from the beach at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego on Friday has died, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) confirmed.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. on the 700 block of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.

SDFD says emergency crews attempted life-saving efforts but the person was pronounced dead on the beach.

It is unknown if this was a water rescue.

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 

After a week of testimony from witnesses and investigators, a San Diego judge ruled Friday that Jahi Turner's stepfather will be tried in the toddler's shocking disappearance 14 years ago.

The two-year-old boy was reported missing from a South Park playground in April 2002. His body or remains have never been found.

Now, Jahi's stepfather, Tieray Jones, will be tried on charges of murder and the infliction of child abuse resulting in death. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life on each charge.

Prosecutors called various witnesses who testified as to what they saw in the playground area of the park at 28th and Beech on April 25, 2002.

Jones called 911 on that day to report that his stepson vanished after he had stepped away to purchase a soda from a park vending machine.

Through the testimony of several witnesses and investigators, prosecutors have attempted to show how Jones' story changed throughout the day. Details including whether he had brought the child's cup to the park and what time he and his stepson had left their apartment that morning varied according to some testimony.

Deputy District Attorney Nicole Rooney said inconsistencies in the defendant’s story “indicate that something terrible happened to Jahi Turner in that apartment.”

“Nobody ever saw Jahi Turner alive after Monday April 22, 2002,” Rooney said. “We had numerous witnesses in the complex, at the park all around town who saw the defendant and who saw the defendant without Jahi Turner.”

Jones' attorneys told NBC 7 they did not hear a "smoking gun" in the prosecution's case.

Defense attorneys Alex Ozols and Vik Monder said the only new evidence presented by the prosecutors this week was a controlled phone call recorded in March 2015. They say all other evidence was available to investigators and prosecutors in 2002.

They also pointed out that police found no physical evidence in Jones' military housing apartment.

They say their client has professed his innocence since the beginning.

The 911 call and a recorded interview with San Diego Police were entered into evidence Wednesday. Prosecutors also played a controlled phone call between Jahi's mother Tameka Jones and Tieray Jones that police coordinated in 2015.

Jones entered not guilty pleas following his March 2016 arrest. He was the last person to see Jahi Turner alive before the two-year-old boy was reported missing.

Hundreds of volunteers and police officers spent weeks looking for Jahi near the playground. Law enforcement officers raked through 5,000 tons of garbage at the Miramar Landfill, but came up with nothing.

Jahi's mother was deployed with USS Rushmore the day her son was reported missing.

• Listen to the full 911 call here.
• Watch the recorded police interview with Jones here.
• Click here to read the search warrant.

Anna Krone nearly lost her life when a drunk driver plowed into her as she was standing outside her home in Chula Vista.

She lost both her legs. But she didn’t lose her spirit.

This week, she met with the two Chula Vista police officers she credits for saving her life.

In the Nov. 20 crash on Montclair Street, Officers Curtis Chancellor and Casey Rose provided tourniquets to both Krone’s legs to prevent her from bleeding to death.

She recalled how they comforted her as they waited for firefighters and paramedics to arrive at the crash scene.

She remembered the pain and fear she felt, but also how tightly the officers held her hand.

“The best thing was his hand,” she said of one of the officers. “His hand was the most comforting.”

“He said, ‘You’re in good hands. That’s the best thing to hear,” she said.

Krone said that even with the loss, she has a lot to be grateful for.

“I have my sister, my family, my friends and my kids,” she said.

Now, she and the officers will share a bond for life.

“They saved my life. What do you say when they saved your life?”

President-elect Donald Trump is apparently softening his stance on immigration.

But some, like Itzel Guillen aren't buying it.

Guillen, 22, is a senior at San Diego State University majoring in Political Science. She was born in Mexico City, and brought to the U.S., illegally, when she was four-years old.

Guillen currently has legal status through the federal DACA program established by President Obama in 2012.

But during the presidential election campaign, Trump vowed to abolish the program, which provides temporary legal status for certain undocumented young people.

This week, President-elect Trump appeared to be softening his stance when he told Time Magazine he would "work something out" with DACA participants.

But Guillen isn’t quite convinced.

“For a lack of a better word, he was very hateful,” said Guillen. “His words can now be a reality. So in the immigrant community there’s a pretty big fear about what could happen in the next four years. Just because he seemed to be softening up, I don’t think that changes a lot of the fear that he’s already ignited.”

But attorney Dean Broyles with the National Center for Law & Policy sees things differently. He says Trump is showing understanding and compassion by softening his position. Broyles doesn’t feel the DACA program is a priority in Trump’s immigration reform plan.

“I think he’s listening to people and rethinking a position when it may not have been well thought through in the first place is a good idea,” said Broyles.

Guillen works at Alliance San Diego, an organization that provides legal resources to immigrants. She says she’s still fearful, but the debate has forced the immigrant community to unite, and is encouraging people to seek out advice and guidance on the issue.

At least two vehicles were involved in a crash in La Mesa Friday night, the La Mesa Police Department confirmed.

The crash happened at approximately 4:25 p.m. on Grossmont Boulevard.

One person complained of pain but the extent of injuries is unkown.

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 

The man accused of hitting and killing a homeless man in Chula Vista pleaded not guilty in court Friday.

Nicholas Ramirez, 28, has previously been arrested for four DUIs. He is facing first degree murder charges and vehicular manslaughter charges for the death of 65-year old William Gerling.

The crash happened on Sunday, Dec. 4 at approximately 6:46 p.m. near the intersection of Orange and Third avenues.

According to the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD), Ramirez had been involved in two minor collisions in a parking lot of a bar. Witnesses reported that after someone confronted him, Ramirez drove off.

His vehicle jumped the curb and then crashed into a bus stop bench where Gerling had been resting.

Gerling suffered an amputated leg during the crash and was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

“It’s actually very disheartening because obviously, you know, the first time he didn’t learn...he had the opportunity, 6-7 years ago to you know, get his life back on track," said Deputy District Attorney Cally Bright. 

Ramirez had two DUIs in 2009—in one incident, he slammed into four cars.

"To pick up two DUI’s with such high blood alcohol levels all within the same year—obviously there was some issues going on and it’s sad to me that he didn’t learn from that," Bright said. "And here we are, 7 years later and someone’s died as a result of his actions.”

His bail was set at $2 million and he is set to appear in court again on April 13, 2017.

Investigators said Friday an arrest has been made in the case of an 18-month-old baby girl found dead in an Alpine motorhome: the boyfriend of the toddler's mother.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) confirmed that Wiliey Foster, 26, was arrested by homicide detectives and the Fugitive Task Force in connection with the death of Leah Brown-Meza.

On Tuesday, at around 12:05 p.m., the tot was found not breathing in a motorhome parked on a property in the 300 block of Hunter Lane. The girl's 21-year-old mother told deputies she woke up to find Leah unresponsive and called authorities for help. Paramedics tried to revive the toddler, but she was later pronounced dead.

Investigators said the toddler had injuries on her body; it is unclear if those injuries -- which officials did not detail -- are related to her death.

Lt. Kenneth Nelson, with the SDSO's Homicide Detail,said Foster's parents live at a house on Hunter Lane. The motorhome where Leah and her mother were staying was parked at the property. Nelson said investigators are still trying to determine whether Foster lived in the motorhome with his girlfriend and her daughter or if he was staying at the main house where his parents live.

Foster was arrested at the Hunter Lane home just before 8 a.m. Friday.

Nelson said investigators suspect Foster in the death of the toddler based on evidence found at the scene, statements made by witnesses and the injuries found on Leah's body.

The SDSO said he will be booked into San Diego Central Jail on one count of murder. Nelson said additional charges could be filed at a later time.

According to court documents obtained by NBC 7, Foster has a criminal record. In August 2012, he was convicted of felony burglary and receiving stolen property. He was sentenced in September 2012 to three years of probation. He served 180 days behind bars and was ordered to pay $17,774 in restitution.

NBC 7 spoke with neighbors in Alpine Friday who said they had no idea anyone was living in the motorhome parked at the home on Hunter Lane. Many neighbors said they were heartbroken to hear of baby Leah’s death.

“I think I can speak for all of my neighbors: we feel sad for the baby, and families, and everything,” Alpine resident Leonard Dover said. “It’s a sad day.”

The autopsy report for Leah has been sealed, but SDSO officials said her manner of death was classified as a homicide. The toddler died from multiple blunt force trauma but no further details were immediately released.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call the SDSO's Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321, or after hours at (858) 565-5200. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 and remain anonymous.

NBC 7 confirmed that Leah’s family planned to gather at dusk Friday at the home of the toddler’s maternal grandfather and hold special vigil to pay tribute to the little girl.

A New York teenager who went missing after she said she was harassed on a train last week has been found. 

Yasmin Seweid, 18, was found in the early hours of Saturday morning, officials from the Nassau County Police Department's Missing Persons Squad said. The teen was seen being taken from her Long Island home on a stretcher Saturday afternoon.

The Nassau County Police Department put out an alert on Friday saying Seweid had been missing since Wednesday. 

Last Thursday, Seweid spoke out after she said she was harassed and intimidated by three men who tried to rip her hijab - a religious head scarf - off.

Police said they were searching for those men, who allegedly targeted Seweid on the 23rd Street subway station serving the 6 line at about 10 p.m. on Dec. 1.

Seweid posted on Facebook saying the men called her a terrorist, grabbed her bag and broke the strap of it and told her to "take that rag off your head". She said Trump's name was repeated during the alleged attack. 

She called the incident "traumatizing" and spoke with multiple news organizations about it.

It’s a wonderful life…in San Diego. This weekend, our county lights up once again with a bevy of holiday events that will leave you with festive, fuzzy feelings as you enjoy the season in America’s Finest City.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Taste n’ Tinis
4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Hillcrest
This self-guided food and drink tour returns to Hillcrest Thursday night, offering attendees a chance to stroll the neighborhood while enjoying tasty samples of appetizers and desserts at participating eateries and holiday martinis at select retail shops. Some businesses taking part in this year’s event include Crest Café, Village Hat Shop, Baja Betty’s and Babycakes, to name a few. Pre-sale tickets are $25 per person.

DELights
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Hotel Del Coronado
The Hotel Del Coronado continues its holiday DELights celebration – a festive, colorful light show that projects onto a multi-faceted tree in the hotel’s Garden Patio that’s surrounded by flickering icicles and snowy palms. While gazing at the display, visitors can also enjoy holiday treats and fun activities for the kids. DELights runs on several nights throughout the month of December.

Fermented Pairings Series
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., White Labs Tasting Room
‘Tis the season to host fancy cheese parties and this pairing event at the White Labs Tasting Room (9495 Candida St.) will teach you how to set up the perfect cheese party at home. Experts will discuss the world of infused cheeses that will go over well this holiday season and offer tips and tricks on what to look for when pairing for a party. Guests will leave with samples of the cheeses tasted during the class, too. Tickets are $40 per person.

It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol
7 p.m., Women’s Club of Escondido
The North County Players will put on their production, “It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol,” Dec. 8 through Dec. 18 at the Women’s Club of Escondido (751 North Rose St.). Tickets for Thursday’s show are currently at half-price -- $6 for adults. Shows after that are $12 per person.

Friday, Dec. 9

Beatles Cartoon Pop Art Show
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts
Ron Campbell – the animator behind the Beatles iconic Yellow Submarine and director of the Beatles Saturday morning TV cartoon series – will showcase his art at Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter (363 Fifth Ave., Suite 102). Art enthusiasts can mingle with Campbell as he paints new works live and discusses cartoons. His 50-year career has included work on beloved children’s TV characters like Scooby Doo, the Smurfs, the Flintstones and more. Campbell’s show at this gallery runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, and again Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. His works will be available for purchase.

Stars at Mission Trails
7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mission Trails Regional Park
The San Diego Astronomy Association will bring their telescopes back to Mission Trails, weather permitting, for another installment of stargazing. The group meets on the second Friday of each month at the east end of the Kumeyaay Lake Campground's day use parking lot. The event is free and open to all.

Carols by Candlelight
8 p.m., California Center for the Arts Escondido
The 27th annual Carols by Candlelight concert features musical stars singing holiday classics to benefit San Diego’s Rady Children’s Hospital. This year’s lineup includes: BJ Thomas; Brandy Clark; Collin Raye; Noah Guthrie; Eve Selis; and Anna and Steve Vaus. The show will be held both Friday and Saturday at the concert hall at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido; tickets range from $18 to $67.

Beethoven’s Ninth
8 p.m., Copley Symphony Hall
The San Diego Symphony will present this Jacobs Masterworks Concert for three nights this weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, at Copley Symphony Hall. The concert is conducted by Edo de Waart and features the San Diego Master Chorale, among many performers. Tickets start at $23.

Rented Christmas: The Musical
8 p.m., Lamplighters Community Theatre
La Mesa’s Lamplighters Community Theatre presents this holiday musical about a middle-aged bachelor and businessman with an interesting request: to rent a Christmas, complete with a tree, carols and the wife and family for which he has been longing. Tickets to this production start at $20; the show runs through Dec. 18.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Holiday Block Party
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Liberty Station
Liberty Station’s Arts District (2460 Decatur Rd.) will celebrate the holidays with this free merry block party Saturday night featuring the festive tunes of carolers and lots of activities – from ice skating to a holiday shopping pop-up market. Take a stroll through the shops, grab a bite and toast to the season.

Green Flash Grand Holiday Marketplace
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Green Flash Cellar 3
Throw on that holiday sweater and bring your wallet to Green Flash’s Cellar 3 in Poway (12260 Crosthwaite Circle) Saturday to go shopping at this cool little makeshift marketplace featuring more than 25 local vendors selling their homemade goodies. The lineup of artisans includes Venissimo Cheese, Nibble Chocolate, Pine Tree Road Soap and Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, to name a few. Once you’ve crossed off some names on your shopping list, stay for an Ugly Sweater Contest and the release of Green Flash’s third Barrelmaster’s Reserve brew – the Divine Enebro Tripel Ale, aged in gin barrels. A food truck will be on hand selling bites, too. This event is free, and kid and dog-friendly.

The 2016 Reindeer Games
7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
Head over to the Del Mar Fairgrounds Saturday to watch this holiday-themed fitness contest, the 2016 Reindeer Games, presented by Proving Grounds Competitions. Teams of three fitness buffs will compete across five divisions in a series of physical challenges. Admission for spectators is $10; kids 12 and under get in free. Attendees can also enjoy holiday shopping on site, as there will be a huge vendors village all set up at the venue.

Helen Woodward’s Frosty Farm
9 a.m., Helen Woodward Animal Center
Alpacas, chinchillas, doves, chickens – even Blitzen? Stop by this Frosty Farm for some early Christmas cheer. There will be cookie decorating, face painting, faux snow, a hot chocolate station and, of course, animal encounters. Attendees will even get a chance to take a photo with Santa and his polar dog. Tickets cost $9.99 for adults and $19.99 for children.

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
11 a.m., The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier
Jump-start your holiday shopping by picking out the perfect handcrafted gift at this unique festival. More than 95 artists will display their work, from jewelry to ceramics to clothing to home goods and more. Three local food trucks will cater to all the hungry stomachs at lunch. Tickets cost $5 at the door, and kids under 12 get in for free.

Pacific Beach Holiday Parade
1 p.m., Garnet Avenue
This popular parade – back for another year - will bring marching bands, floats and much more down one of Pacific Beach’s best-known streets. This year’s theme, “From Sea to Shining Sea”, will celebrate the way different cultures and communities come together during the holidays. The family friendly event will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Bring a chair to sit on or grab a spot on the side of the street and enjoy this festive, fun parade. The parade is free.

Liberty Station’s Holiday Block Party
4 p.m., Liberty Station
The halls are decked, there are boughs of holly – Liberty Station is ready for the holidays! This second annual block party, running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., means that all the neighborhood’s unique eateries, artist studios and more keep their doors open late. Restaurants like Solare, Fireside by the Patio and more will be serving complimentary bites. Plus, browse pop up shops to find the perfect special gift for your loved ones. There’s more than just shopping and eating at this block party – bring the kids for some ice skating and kid-friendly activities as you stroll down the decked streets enjoying carolers. Soak up the holidays this season at Liberty Station! Admission is free.

Polar Express Family Day
11 a.m., San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Slip into your pajamas and hope aboard! The San Diego Model Railroad Museum will be hosting The Polar Express this Saturday. Get in the Christmas mood with holiday treats, coacoa, and more on the Polar Express! Bring a pillow and enjoy the show, starting at 11:30 a.m. Guests will also be able to enjoy games, a holiday keepsake to make and a very special visitor from the North Pole! Adult admission costs $10.75, admission for children five and under is free.

Sunday, Dec. 11

Parade of Lights
5 p.m., Maritime Museum of San Diego
Festive lights illuminating the San Diego Bay can only mean one thing: the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is back – a holiday tradition upheld by the local boating community bulb for bulb, year after year. This year’s Parade of Lights returns this Sunday with more than 80 boats decked out in bright holiday lights and decorations proceeding from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Coronado’s Ferry Landing.

Wacky Wonky Wonderland
11 a.m., San Diego Center for Children
Join in on one of the wackiest holiday events out there. The Wacky Wonky Wonderland helps spread holiday cheer to the children and families served by the San Diego Center for Children. Bring an unwrapped toy or gift card ($25 or more), or a monetary donation, to the center as admission and enjoy food and drinks, special holiday activities, live music and more. RSVP in advance by clicking here. 

Sunday Brunch with Santa
9:30 a.m., Hotel Del Coronado
Kids of all ages will get a chance to have breakfast with jolly St. Nick at this festive brunch on Sunday. The brunch will be held in the Crown Room. Parents: don’t forget your camera to capture the magical moment! Tickets start at $23. Tickets must be reserved in advance.

Who Dunnit? Seaport Village Scavenger Hunt
1 p.m., Seaport Village
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a detective, today is your day to shine. Seaport Village’s Murder Mystery Adventure, a scavenger hunt style game, will take you through the iconic seaside destination in a two-hour adventure as you solve a murder mystery. Tickets cost $25.