Events
Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K
Nov. 27. Start the holiday by burning some calories for a good cause. Father Joe’s Villages’ 24th annual, family-friendly 5K is San Diego’s longest-standing Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Proceeds from race admission provide meals to those in need and who are experiencing homelessness, as part of the organization’s Food Services Program. Festivities include an optional sunrise mass and a closing awards ceremony. Dogs and strollers are welcome. Race starts at 7:15 a.m. (Registration opens at 6:15 a.m.) See website to register. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. thanksgivingrun.org
Mr. Jingles Christmas Trees
Opens Nov. 28. In the hunt for that perfect Christmas tree this year? Mr. Jingles is a one-stop tree shop for every taste. With three San Diego outposts—near Balboa Park, Clairemont/Pacific Beach and La Jolla—the company offers six different types of fresh trees—ranging in height from 2 feet to towering Douglas Fir trees—plus wreaths, garland, mistletoe, holiday lights, ornaments and more. Mr. Jingles also offers online tree ordering, delivery, fireproofing and removal; plus disposal bags and at-home decorating kits. See website for addresses, hours and pricing. Details
“Wild Holidays” at S.D. Zoo Safari Park
Nov. 28-Jan. 4. See San Diego Zoo Safari Park aglow with holiday fun (on select dates), including festive lights, music, treats and experiences. Entertainment includes “Light Up the Holidays,” an area of trees that illuminate in a show set to a holiday soundtrack; visits with Santa at Safari Base Camp; the Turtle Doves violin duo (pictured); 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. More Info
East Village Tree Lighting & Market
Nov. 30. The holiday season is in full swing downtown. Head to Faultline Park in East Village for the ‘hood’s annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market, presented by the East Village Association. Shop for gifts at a special curated holiday market by Las Jefas Market, featuring handcrafted artisanal wares; along with food, festive drinks, live music, kids activities, holidays lights and decorations, photos with Santa, and the official lighting of the East Village Christmas tree (6:45 p.m.). 4-8 p.m. Free general admission. 1433 Island Ave., East Village. Details
The Golden Girls Christmas Experience
Through Jan. 11. Bayside Kitchen and Bar has been transformed into The Golden Girls. Fans of the ‘80s sitcom set in Miami will love this 90-minute, nostalgic holiday pop-up experience, immersing guests in all things Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia. Sit at their kitchen table, chill on the lanai, play shuffleboard, pose in Blanche’s boudoir, and revel in the Girls’ pastel paradise complete with palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights; while enjoying seasonal cocktails and themed treats. See website for reservations and pricing. 2137 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy. Details
Food + Drink
Deck the Halls at Nason’s Beer Hall
Nov. 27-Jan. 5. We love it when a beer hall decks its halls. Pendry San Diego’s casual hangout for holiday cheer offers 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. More Info
Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive
Nov. 28-Dec. 30. The Duck Dive returns with its annual Great Dickens’ Holiday Pop-Up. The popular Pacific Beach outpost transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, seasonal cocktails and a special food menu. Enjoy fun libations like the Santa Mug (a shareable sipper for up to four people); along with eats such as baked brie, grilled-cheese bites with tomato soup, the signature Duckin’ Onion and more. 4 p.m.-close. Call to make reservations. 4650 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.273.3825. theduckdive.com
Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll
Nov. 29. Sip, shop, stroll and repeat. Celebrate Small Business Saturday at this ninth annual event, with holiday cocktails and sweets served at 19 retailers, restaurants, breweries and bars along Adams Avenue. Stop in for libations at AC Lounge, The Ould Sod, Polite Provisions, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, The Rabbit Hole and more; along with spirits and treats at Artistic Florals, Kiko + Sven, Mud Lily, Pet Me, Please, and more. 2-5 p.m. $35 per person (21+). Along Adams Avenue, University Heights to Kensington, 619.282.7329. Details
Holiday Teas at The Westgate Hotel
Select Dates. The Westgate Hotel is offering several fun holiday tea experiences. The kiddos will love “Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea,” featuring storytelling by Santa, hot chocolate, sandwiches, desserts, holiday music and a keepsake teddy bear; and the “Grinch’s Tea” (Dec. 24 only). Geared toward adults, “Winter Wonderland Tea” in the Grand Lobby includes premium teas, a glass of Champagne, tea sandwiches, pastries and live music by a harpist. See website for dates offered and reservations. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
Arts + Culture
Cygnet Theatre: A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 28. Cygnet Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at its new home, The Joan. The classic Dickens tale unfolds in a musical version, adapted and with lyrics by artistic director Sean Murray; with an original score by Billy Thompson. Directed by Murray and with music direction by Patrick Marion, A Christmas Carol stars Patrick McBride as Scrooge this year—teaching lessons about mortality, pride, greed, and the true meaning of the holidays. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.org
Cygnet Theatre / “A Christmas Carol” by Karli Cadel. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
