HEARTS OF CARLSBAD VILLAGE
An all-new format with more ways to participate—and more ways to share the love.
Hearts of Carlsbad Village began as a love letter from the Carlsbad Village Association to our downtown businesses during the challenges of COVID. Created to encourage people to return downtown, rediscover local boutiques and restaurants, and reconnect with the community, the event invited visitors to explore the Village while searching for custom blown glass hearts handcrafted by Barrio Glassworks.
Over the years, the event grew in popularity—but also evolved in ways that shifted focus away from its original spirit. While many participants enjoyed spending the day in the Village, the experience increasingly became centered solely on finding a heart. Even as we expanded the event from 50 hearts in 2021 to 400 hearts in 2025, frustration sometimes overshadowed the joy.
Now in its fifth year, Hearts of Carlsbad Village is being thoughtfully reimagined.
A Reimagined Hearts of Carlsbad Village
In 2026, the event will feature 600 handcrafted glass hearts and multiple ways to participate over the course of one full week—each designed to celebrate community, kindness, and our local businesses.
Ways to Participate
Give Blood, Give Love
Saturday, February 14
Donate blood at the Hearts of Carlsbad Village Blood Drive hosted at Barrio Glassworks. Every blood donor will receive a blown glass heart as a thank-you for making a life-saving impact.
The registration like to secure your appointment will go live at the beginning of 2026 so please check back!
Explore the Village
Saturday, February 7 – Friday, February 13
Shop, dine, and explore Carlsbad Village throughout the week. A total of 250 hearts (approximately 35 per day) will be hidden in plain sight during standard business hours. You might just stumble upon one while discovering a new favorite spot.
Stay tuned for daily themes, hints, and tips to make the most of your search.
Join the Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, February 14
Register for one of 250 scavenger hunt cards and take part in a 90-minute Village-wide adventure. Complete the hunt and you’re guaranteed to receive a blown glass heart. Stay tuned for scavenger hunt registration details coming soon!
Bonus Ways to Win
Date Night in Carlsbad Village
Friday, February 13
Stay tuned for an all-new "Date Night" component of Hearts of Carlsbad Village with additional chances to walk away with a gorgeous glass heart.
Stay & Celebrate
Book a Hearts of Carlsbad Village package at one of our participating downtown hotels (while supplies last) and receive a custom welcome basket valued at $100, filled with local goodies—including a blown glass heart. Booking links with more detailed package information is below:
Beach Terrace - 2775 Ocean Street
https://beachterraceinn.book.pegsbe.com/promo?offerCode=HEART&hotel=CABTI
Ocean Palms Beach Resort - 2950 Ocean Street
https://bookings.oceanpalms.com/promo?offerCode=HEARTS&hotel=SANOPB
We invite everyone to celebrate Hearts of Carlsbad Village in the spirit it was created: supporting local businesses, giving back to the community, and finding joy in the experience—not just the heart. Stay tuned for more details on this week-long celebration as they unfold in the New Year!