Events

Monster Jam at Snapdragon Stadium

Jan. 4-5. It’s a battle of speed and skill (while tearing up the dirt!) at this two-day competition that pits 12,000-pound monster trucks against each other. Featured competitors include “Grave Digger” (Tyler Menninga), “Megalodon” (Kevin Crocker) and “Zombie” (Bari Musawwir). The fun includes the Monster Jam Trackside experience, including a peek behind the scenes with the Pit Crew, giveaways and the Judges Zone Overview; the Pit Party, where guests can see the monster trucks up close; and a post-event driver meet-and-greet. See website for full schedule and tickets. 2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley. monsterjam.com

“Jungle Bells” at San Diego Zoo

Through Jan. 5. Experience these final days of 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. sandiegozoo.org

Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station

Through Jan. 5. Skate your way through the end of the holiday season at 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. The rink welcomed 30,000 skaters in 2023 and raised more than $2 million. 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. rchicerink.org

“Skating by the Sea” at Hotel Del Coronado

Through Jan. 5. A celebrated tradition at the historical Hotel del Coronado, “Skating by the Sea” closes out its holiday-season run on Sunday. Don’t miss out on this one-of-kind San Diego experience—a beachfront ice rink on the resort’s expansive 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 cocktails, bites, a fire pit 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. hoteldel.com

“Wild Holidays” at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Through Jan. 5. See San Diego Zoo Safari Park aglow with family-friendly fun during the final days of “Wild Holidays,” 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; 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. sdzsafaripark.org

Food + Drink

Lane Field Park Market

Jan. 4-5. This popular weekend market by the waterfront across from Broadway Pier features live music, gourmet street food, artwork and pop-up installations, handmade jewelry, crafts, San Diego Bay views and more. Sample cuisine from close to 45 food vendors alone, including waffles, crepes, empanadas, burgers, gourmet hot dogs, Vietnamese bao, barbecue, Thai food, wood-fired pizza, hot mini doughnuts, baked goods and smoothies. Bring your own blanket (and sunscreen) for a picnic on the grass. Lawn umbrellas are provided for shade. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free entry. 1009 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info

Flora Kitchen + Bar

Now Open. North Park welcomes an all-day bistro serving brunch and dinner, Flora, by husband-and-wife team Nino Cusimano and Ocean Mohamadi. Feast on brunch dishes like the zucchini-blossom frittata, shakshuka eggs, matcha waffles, and green chilaquiles. For dinner, try the sous vide duck, pork-skewer tacos and crispy wagyu meatballs. Dine on the umbrella-shaded sidewalk patio or inside the inviting urban space warmed by comfy banquette seating, whimsical artwork, greenery and a striking bar with black-and-white patterned bar stools. See website for hours. 3021 University Ave., 619.228.9570. floranorthpark.com

Arts + Culture

“City Lights” 2000s EDM Night

Jan. 3. Enjoy a stunning visual spectacle at Quartyard, which presents “City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light and Sound.” The 50-minute, walkable experience takes you through six zones inspired by elements of city life—incorporating lasers, reactive video, LED sculpture, projection mapping, specially choreographed light and sound elements, and interactive features. “City Lights” runs through Jan. 19, but come this Friday, Jan. 3, for 2000s EDM Night, featuring music from the early 2000s by J&J Music Factory and Eric Medina b2b JNAV. 5:30-9 p.m. See website for tickets. 1301 Market St., East Village. More Info

“Lightscape” at S.D. Botanic Garden

Through Jan. 5. Don’t miss your last chance to see “Lightscape,” whose third annual run at San Diego Botanic Garden runs through Sunday. 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. sdbg.org

Balboa Park Botanical Building

Reopened. Balboa Park’s landmark Botanical Building—first built in 1914 and one of the world’s largest lath structures—has reopened after nearly three years of renovation work. The $28.5 million revitalization includes a new redwood lath roof, LED lighting, water irrigation systems, the addition of programming and educational space, and restoration of the building’s historical elements. A collaboration between Forever Balboa Park and the City of San Diego, the project transforms the building into a botanical wonderland, housing around 2,100 permanent plants. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1550 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0512. balboapark.org

Photo credits: “Wild Holidays” by Ken Bohn / San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Flora Kitchen + Bar by Arlene Ibarra. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.