Yes, the holidays are here…and my family and I started them off last night at Jake’s in Del Mar, sipping Mai Tai’s, eating Hula pie and watching the beautiful sunset. Oh, there’s no place quite like Del Mar to spend the Holidays, perfect weather and sunsets that are truly magical…a perfect evening, so I thought, my kids ages 6 & 8 were happy and content but when asked what they wanted to do for Christmas, sitting in a beautiful restaurant sipping (virgin) Mai tai’s was not high on the list…

With family in town and kids out of school wanting to be entertained finding holiday activities might be on your list too (as it is mine), here are a few of my favorites, don’t miss out there’s still time for memories to be made…

San Diego Botanical Gardens (formerly Quail Gardens)

After the sun goes down, the San Diego Botanic Garden is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 100,000 sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a magical holiday experience. Leave the hustle and bustle of the malls behind and enjoy a relaxing evening strolling through the lighted Garden. Adding to the sparkle is the Poinsettia Garden, festively decorated with many varieties of poinsettias. Live music fills the air nightly from 6:00 ñ 8:00 pm. One night there will be the Peace on Earth Christmas Carolers, while another night features lively Mariachis. For a complete lineup and details click on link.

Take in Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

For a wild twist to holiday festivities, take in the Zoo’s annual Jungle Bells celebration. Starting Saturday, Dec. 10 through January 1, 2012, families can put a wild-animal twist on familiar holiday traditions during the Zoo’s 2011 Jungle Bells celebration. The Zoo will stay open until 8 p.m. each night except Dec. 24 – when it will close at 5 p.m. – and guests can expect a flurry of whimsical décor and holiday-themed activities including performances by the acrobatic Jumpin’, Jammin’ Elves and musical trio, Angels with Strings. The festivities start nightly with a tree-lighting ceremony at the Zoo’s living conservation tree.

Drive-Thru Christmas Lights

We San Diegans are notorious for using the drive-thru lanes, so why not to see Christmas lights? With more than 400 lighted and animated scenes, this 1.5-mile drive around the world-famous Del Mar Racetrack is sure to get everyone from ages 1 to 100 into the holiday spirit. With returning holiday favorites such as Toyland, Candy Cane Lane, Treasures by the Lake and Elves at Play, the 2011 holiday tradition continues with opening night on November 24 (Thanksgiving) and running through Sunday, January 1, 2012.

Ice Skate Outdoors

It’s our own version of the Rockefeller Center ice rink – the downtown ice rink at Horton Square is a perfect holiday setting, nestled between Horton Plaza and the NBC 7/39 TV studios (can you see the Rockefeller Center parallels?). Beginning Nov. 17 through Jan. 8, 2012, bring the family downtown, in the evening, so you can bundle up in stocking caps and mittens, pretend you’re Manhattanites and skate away. It’s only $14/$12 and proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital. In addition, the Hotel del Coronado offers ice skating by-the-sea with an outdoor ice rink overlooking the ocean from 11/24-1/2. And Viejas Outlet Center boasts San Diego’s largest outdoor ice skating rink.

The Holiday Bowl Parade (AKA) America’s Largest Baloon Parade

Speaking of parades…the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl Parade at 10 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2011 is known for one thing: balloons. Dubbed “America’s Largest Baloon Parade,” more than 30 giant ballons will float down the one-mile route along the Embarcadero, along with bands, drill teams and more. It’s the precursor to the evening’s main event: the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium, one of college footballs most exciting and successful bowl games. After the parade, hit the Family Festival at the Broadway Pier.