Events

Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station

Nov. 20-Jan. 4. Skate into 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 (see website for pricing). Open daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Also see website for upcoming special events, such as the Liberty Station Tree Lighting on Nov. 28.) 2875 Dewey Road, Liberty Station, 619.221.1970. rchicerink.org 

“Glow Ball” at The Loma Club

Nov. 21. When the sun sets, the golf course at The Loma Club will begin to glow in an eye-popping way. Kick off the weekend with the property’s “Glow Ball” golf tournament. The fun includes a welcome beer; as well as unlimited beer tastings on the course—all while you play nine holes along the specially illuminated, glow-in-the-dark, Par 3 course (glow ball included). Participants must be age 21 or older. 7 p.m. shotgun start. (Check-in begins at 6 p.m.) $50 per person. 2960 Truxtun Road, Liberty Station. Details

Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado

Nov. 21-Jan. 4. This celebrated tradition at Hotel del Coronado is back! Skating by the Sea is a one-of-kind San Diego holiday experience for the whole family—a beachfront ice-skating rink on the resort’s lawn, offering views of Coronado Beach and the Pacific. Guests can also reserve a spot at Frostbite Lounge (see separate item below)—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. Details 

Food + Drink

Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar

Opens Nov. 19. The Westgate Hotel debuts an all-day dining experience helmed by executive chef Fabrice Hardel: Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar. The elegant outpost with European touches is lovely: glowing chandeliers, plush velvet seating, and earth tones punctuated by deep blue and gold. Feast on refined French fare inspired by coastal California—from classics like Burgundy Escargot and French onion soup, to braised short rib and seafood specialties like the Icelandic Cod Meunière. See website for reservations. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com

Cherryfish

Opens Nov. 20. Pacific Beach welcomes a contemporary American izakaya, Cherryfish, by chef Marcus Twilegar. The black-walled space is brightened by pops of fuchsia, emerald and gold; anchored by a large koi mural, pink cristalio bar top, live fish tank, and patio with olive trees and a firepit. Feast on inventive sushi rolls and charcoal-grilled plates such the Uni Okinawa potato dumplings with yuzu-Parmesan cream; and shoyu-braised beef cheek atop kimchi flatbread; plus playful cocktails like the Nigoreo with Oreo-washed nigori sake. See website for hours. 966 Felspar St., Pacific Beach. More Info

Dora Ristorante

Opens Nov. 20. The team behind Cori Trattoria Pastificio brings a new restaurant to UCSD’s Theatre District. Savor flavors of coastal Sicily at Dora, named after chef Accursio Lota’s grandmother, with “nonna chic” decor designed by Bells + Whistles—including a patio, central bar, an open kitchen and private dining. Indulge in pastas, pizzas, grilled octopus and crispy-skin branzino; plus cocktails like the Sicily Sour and Negroni Nera. Afterward, catch a show at La Jolla Playhouse just steps away. 9165 Theatre District Drive, La Jolla, 619.387.0230. doralajolla.com

Frostbite Lounge at Hotel del Coronado

Nov. 21-Jan. 4. In between enjoying Hotel del Coronado’s Skating  by the Sea experience, or to just watch ice skaters glide by, take a load off at Frostbite Lounge—A Place to Chill. The resort’s ocean-view alfresco hangout is open just for the holiday season, offering plush seating options for 4-12 people. Cozy up around a roaring firepit; while snacking on gourmet bites from an a la carte food menu; and sipping holiday-themed drinks. Each lounge area can be reserved for 90 minutes. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com

Holiday Pop-Up at LandShark Bar & Grill

Opens Nov. 22. LandShark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego transforms into a holiday pop-up: “Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern,” through Dec. 31. The immersive experience melds holiday cheer with pirate lore. Think: nautical holiday decor from treasure chests to ornaments; plus live pirate appearances every Saturday in December (7-9 p.m.); and themed cocktails and food specials. Sip on libations like The Garnet Garland while fueling up on Davey Jones’ Linguini and The Kraken Sandwich. See website for hours. 435 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.819.9500. Details

Arts + Culture

“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” Concert

Nov. 21-22. For a riveting dose of live music to get you into the holiday spirit, head to the Civic Theatre, where Broadway San Diego presents Mannheim Steamroller. The outfit performs their Christmas spectacular with 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments, all set against a glittering backdrop of breathtaking multimedia effects. The show created by Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has been a holiday tradition for 40 years, known for its fusion of classical, rock and new-age music. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. Details

Weekend Concerts at Jacobs Music Center

Nov. 21-23. At Jacobs Music Center, don’t miss San Diego Symphony’s “Invocations to the Spirits: Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4,” Nov. 21-22, featuring guest pianist Steven Osborne; African American composer Olly Wilson’s Shango Memory; and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1. We’re also excited about the Vienna Boys Choir on Nov. 21, performing their “Christmas in Vienna” show; and a screening of the animated film Flow (pictured), with the original score performed live by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, on Nov. 23. See website for times and tickets. 750 B St., downtown. Details

Cherryfish by James Tran. Dora Ristorante by Kimberly Motos. Mannheim Steamroller by ©MattChristinePhotography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.