Make the most of the holiday season in San Diego with these festive happenings.
As the end of the year draws near, we could all use a little extra cheer. From exploring iconic San Diego destinations offering unique holiday experiences, to local holiday theater shows, to over-the-top decor and themed cocktails at your favorite watering holes, we hope the following roundup of festivities helps you and yours to make the rest of the season a merry one. Happy Holidays!
Jingle Belle Cruises on Mission Bay
Dec. 20-24. Jingle your way around Mission Bay with this festive, family-friendly cruise aboard the Bahia Belle—a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style boat. The one-hour sightseeing adventure includes live entertainment such as strolling carolers; plus holiday music, a visit and professional photo with Santa Claus, face painting, balloons, seasonal treats and beverages, crafts for kids, a cash bar for the adults, and scenic bay views. Cruises depart from Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel. See website for departure times. $45 per person. 998 W. Mission Bay Drive; 3999 Mission Blvd., Mission Bay
Golden State Ballet: The Nutcracker
Through Dec. 22. No holiday season is complete without a dancing Sugar Plum Fairy, the mysterious Drosselmeyer and the Nutcracker Prince himself. Golden State Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic at the Civic Theatre, complete with live orchestra accompaniment by the San Diego Symphony orchestra. Centered on Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, the family-friendly production includes exquisite costumes and staging, choreographed by artistic director Raul Salamanca—with John Stubbs as music director and principal conductor, and Dana Zimbric as conductor. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.241.2565
Peppermint Beach Club at Westfield UTC
Through Dec. 23. Head to Westfield UTC for some holiday cheer at Peppermint Beach Club. The fun includes Santa’s Photo Experience presented by SeaWorld; live entertainment; a gift-wrapping station (adjacent to Polestar in Palm Plaza), benefitting Rady Children’s Hospital; snowfall; and a special holiday-themed food menu and specialty cocktails at Queenstown Bistro. Westfield UTC is open for the holidays 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day). 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, UTC, 858.546.8858
Cygnet Theatre: A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 24. Step inside a Victorian Christmas card and follow cantankerous banker Ebenezer Scrooge through a ghost-filled, epiphanous night with Cygnet Theatre’s staging of A Christmas Carol—back for another season at Old Town Theatre. Adapted and directed by Sean Murray—who also portrays lead role of Scrooge for the third year—the family-friendly show features original music by Billy Thompson, live sound effects and puppetry. See website for showtimes and tickets. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525
New Village Arts: Miracle on 34th Street
Through Dec. 24. Celebrate the season with New Village Arts, which presents Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play. Told in the style of a 1940s radio play, it’s a heartwarming musical adaptation of the classic story—created by San Diego artists Jon Lorenz and Lance Arthur Smith. In it, we follow Doris, a Macy’s executive who hires Kris Kringle as the store’s Santa Claus for the season; yet, she and her young daughter just don’t believe he’s the real Saint Nick… See website for showtimes and tickets. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245
Broadway San Diego: The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays
Dec. 26-27. Prepare to be dazzled by some of the most mind-blowing illusionists in the world at the thrilling family-friendly show, The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays, an “Extra Season Event” presented by Broadway San Diego at the Civic Theatre. The action-packed show is filled with some of the more astonishing and outrageous magic acts ever seen on one stage—all tinged with some festive holiday spirit. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown
Lamb’s Players Theatre: RESPECTFULLY Christmas
Through Dec. 29. Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado brings back its 2023 sold-out smash holiday show, RESPECTFULLY Christmas. The stage lights up with 14 singers, actors and musicians performing holiday songs and Christmas carols across a rousing 90-minute production. Catch some of your favorite performers, including: Sydney Joyner, Bryan Barbarin, Steve Gouviea, Katherine Chatman, Natasha Reese, Ben van Diepen, Angela Chatelain Avila, Tori Waner, Ben Read, Nathan Nonhof and more. See website for showtimes, parking tips and ticket pricing. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000
Old Town Trolley Holiday Tours
Through Dec. 30. All aboard! Old Town Trolley’s “Holiday Sights & Festive Nights” tours let you explore the seasonal lights and landmarks of the city—including historical Old Town (aka the birthplace of California), Little Italy, Bankers Hill, Garrison Street and more. The 90-minute tours include a seat aboard an old-fashioned Old Town trolley, complete with carol singalongs and elf conductors who double as tour guides full of local trivia, history and holiday fun facts. See website for ticket pricing. (No tours Dec. 24-25.) 4010 Twiggs St., Old Town, 866.754.0966
“A Great Dickens” Pop-Up at The Duck Dive
Through Dec. 31. Need a dose of holiday cheer? The Duck Dive returns with its annual “A Great Dickens” holiday pop-up. The popular Pacific Beach hangout transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, seasonal cocktails and a special food menu. Sip on libations with fun names like the Berry Christmas, Everyone!, Scrooged, and The Great Dickens shareable punch bowl; along with eats such as baked brie, grilled-cheese bites, tomato soup, the signature Duckin’ Onion and more. 4 p.m.-close. Call to make reservations. 4650 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.273.3825
The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Through Dec. 31. Who better to get us into the holiday spirit than the hairy, grumpy green guy? The Old Globe presents its long-beloved, family-friendly musical, Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, based on the classic Dr. Seuss book—with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. Now in its 27th year, the production features fan favorite Andrew Polec returning as The Grinch, an endearing Who-ville cast, and popular songs such as “Welcome Christmas.” See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623
“Snowed In” Pop-Up at Fort Oak
Through Dec. 31. The bar at Fort Oak has been overhauled into “Snowed In,” a holiday pop-up experience comprising over-the-top decorations and a themed cocktail menu by beverage director Jess Stewart. Choose from a dozen libations served in festive mugs and glasses, such as Big Nic Energy made with Maker’s Mark, apple cider and spices; Santa Slaps with cold brew, amaretto, cream, chao and vanilla; and Butter Me Up with aged rum, salted caramel, butter and cayenne. W-M 5 p.m.-midnight (closed Tuesdays and on Christmas Day). Walk-ins only. 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills
“Deck the Halls” at Nason’s Beer Hall
Through Jan. 2. We love it when a beer hall decks its halls for the holidays. Pendry San Diego’s casual hangout for some holiday cheer offers plentiful festive decor, beers, bites and libations. Specialty cocktails include the Sleigh My Name made with Tito’s Vodka, Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, banana liqueur, espresso and banana foam; Jolly Good Rye with Whistle Pig rye, maple-cinnamon syrup, egg whites and a cinnamon stick; and Cousin Eddie’s Hot Cocoa with Woodford bourbon, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and whipped cream. See website for hours. 570 J St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7060
“Jungle Bells” at San Diego Zoo
Through Jan. 5. Experience holiday magic at San Diego Zoo, which presents “Jungle Bells” on select dates through Jan. 5. See the zoo aglow with decorations, music, performers and experiences like the brand-new Holiday Light Treks spectacular. Entertainment also includes the Jingle Brass musical ensemble; the Toy Shop Hop acrobatic elves; the interactive “Reindeer Games” to get the kiddos dancing; The Tinseltones a cappella group (with “snow” falling at the end of each performance); and more. See website for hours and admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park
“Lightscape” at San Diego Botanic Garden
Through Jan. 5. The holiday spectacle “Lightscape” returns to San Diego Botanic Garden for its third annual installment, running select dates through Jan. 5. Wear your comfy shoes for a festive evening stroll along a 1-mile, inclined trail filled with illuminated, colorful installations by international artists—from the popular Tunnel of Lights to the glowing California Poppies. The immersive experience features two brand-new installations this year, including a Flame Skimmer Dragonfly; plus seasonal libations and treats available for purchase along the route. See website for hours and tickets. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036
“Over the Top” at Top of the Hyatt
Through Jan. 5. Top of the Hyatt—Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego’s cocktail lounge located 40 stories up, overlooking San Diego Bay—has been overhauled into the “Over the Top Holiday Lounge.” The pop-up experience transforms guests to a snowy winter wonderland, reminiscent of a nostalgic family vacation, complete with bunk beds and a cozy hearth to sit near with a hot toddy. The fun includes a themed holiday cocktail menu, small plates, live entertainment (select evenings) and those epic bird’s-eye views. See website for hours and details. 1 Market Place, downtown, 619.232.1234
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Through Jan. 5. Skate your way through the season with the return of the Rady Children’s Ice Rink, located on the central promenade at the Arts District Liberty Station. Net proceeds from ice-rink admission will benefit the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s. Tickets include helmet and skate rentals. Open daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $20 adults; $15 kids (age 12 and under). 2875 Dewey Road, Liberty Station, 619.221.1970
“Skating by the Sea” at Hotel del Coronado
Through Jan. 5. This celebrated tradition at the historical Hotel del Coronado—which is decked out with holiday decorations and celebrations—is back. “Skating by the Sea” is a one-of-kind San Diego experience—a beachfront ice rink on the resort’s lawn, offering views of world-famous Coronado Beach and the Pacific. Guests can also reserve a spot at Frostbite Lounge—a rink-side hangout offering holiday-themed cocktails, bites, a firepit and cozy seating. Ice-rink proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego. See website for hours and to reserve tickets. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611
“Wild Holidays” at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Through Jan. 5. See San Diego Zoo Safari Park aglow with family-friendly holiday fun (on select dates)—including festive lights, music, treats and experiences. The entertainment includes “Light Up the Holidays,” an area of trees that illuminate in a choreographed show set to a holiday soundtrack; visits and photos with Santa at Safari Base Camp; the Turtle Doves violin duo; a holiday troubadour; the Bridge of Lights lighted tunnel; seasonal treats like gourmet hot chocolate; and much more. See website for hours and admission info. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 619.231.1515
“Lala-Land” Pop-Up at Lala
Through Mid-January. The latest addition to the Busalacchi family of restaurants, Lala (located one door north of its popular sibling, Barbusa, in Little Italy) has launched a festive pop-up experience: “Lala-Land.” The cozy-chic restaurant is outfitted in holiday decorations and serving a special menu of themed cocktails. In addition to Lala’s Sicilian-inspired small plates and entrees, patrons can order seasonal libations such as the Peppermint Patty martini infused with peppermint liqueur, the Busa-Nog, the bourbon-based Mrs. Clause, Slay-Bells and Hoo-Hoo-Ho. “Lala-Land” is open nightly until mid-January. 1919 India St., Little Italy, 619.310.6249
“City Lights” at Quartyard
Through Jan. 19. Enjoy a visual spectacle like no other at Quartyard, which presents “City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light and Sound” through Jan. 19. The 50-minute, walkable experience takes your through six zones inspired by elements of city life—incorporating lasers, reactive video, LED sculpture and projection mapping. Zones feature specially choreographed light and sound elements; plus interactive features that let you transform visuals with the wave of your hand. The fun ends with a cocktail lounge offering seasonal tapas by El Comal. See website for tickets. 1301 Market St., East Village
Photo credits: The Grinch / The Old Globe (2) by Rich Soublet II. The Nutcracker / Golden State Ballet by Samantha Zauscher. A Christmas Carol / Cygnet Theatre by Karli Cadel Photography. “Jungle Bells” and “Wild Holidays” are courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “City Lights” / Quartyard by Erica Joan Thornberry. “Snowed In” at Fort Oak is courtesy of Trust Restaurant Group. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
