Events
“Jungle Bells” at San Diego Zoo
Begins Dec. 19. Experience holiday magic at San Diego Zoo, presenting “Jungle Bells” on select dates through Jan. 4. See the zoo aglow with decorations, music, performers and experiences. Entertainment includes Holiday Light Treks; the Jingle Brass ensemble; Toy Shop Hop acrobatic elves (pictured); interactive Reindeer Games; Holiday Harmonies a cappella group (with “snow” falling at the end of each performance); photos ops at Santa’s Factory; and more. See website for hours and admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. sandiegozoo.org
“Noel Noel” at The Rady Shell
Dec. 19-21. San Diego Symphony presents “Noel Noel” at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park—where the San Diego Master Chorale and San Diego Children’s Choir will join the Symphony orchestra for a family-friendly spectacular of holiday classics and sing-alongs. Conductor Christopher Dragon returns to lead the musical magic across three evening productions, which will feature a special appearance by Ken Johnson; plus vocalist Devin De Santis; and Lena Palke as Noel the Elf. See website for times and tickets. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. Details
Jingle Belle Family Cruises on Mission Bay
Dec. 20, 22, 23 & 24. Jingle your way around Mission Bay with this festive, family-friendly cruise aboard a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style boat. The fun includes strolling carolers and holiday music, a visit and professional photo with Santa Claus, seasonal treats and beverages, interactive holiday crafts for the kiddos, a cash bar for the adults, and scenic bay views. Cruises depart from Bahia Resort Hotel. Cruises depart at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. $45 per person. (A portion of proceeds benefit nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen.) 998 W. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. Details
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 21. Around 80 private boats will be decked out with holiday lights for round two of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. The parade begins at Shelter Island, continues to Harbor Island, then heads along the embarcadero, Seaport Village and The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park; and then finishes at Ferry Landing on Coronado. And the theme this year? “An Out of this World Christmas.” (Read: aliens and UFOs!) See website for procession schedule, 2025 sponsors and local businesses offering prime bayfront viewing. 5:30 p.m. Free. Details
The Gondola Company’s Holiday Cruises
Through Dec. 23. The Gondola Company is offering its exclusive Holiday Gondola Cruises through the Coronado Cays—complete with gondoliers dressed in festive suits from Tipsy Elves. Enjoy holiday music, decorations and twinkling lights on your 50-minute cruise aboard a Venetian-style gondola; while sipping wine, sparkling cider or water in holiday-themed wine glasses and mugs. (Or bring your own beverages. Blankets provided; holiday blankets available for purchase.) See website for pricing. 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C, Coronado, 619.429.6317. Details
Food + Drink
“Clicquot Inn The Snow”
Dec. 19-21. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has transformed its Croquet Cottage into a private après-ski chalet retreat: “Clicquot Inn The Snow.” Open to locals and Inn guests, the holiday pop-up includes plenty of Veuve Clicquot, from welcome pours to Champagne flights. Cozy up while enjoying cheese fondue, caviar with potato chips, truffle fries, and artichoke-spinach hummus. Guests can also order specialty cocktails like the Winter Wonderland Martini and Snowy Orchard Margarita. 4-7 p.m. (walk-ins welcome). 5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe. theinnatrsf.com
Fleurette
Now Open. SoCal meets the sun-soaked French-Italian Riviera at Fleurette—the anticipated new culinary offering from chef Travis Swikard. Designed by Studio UNLTD, the 120-seat restaurant and lounge looks and feels like a seaside Mediterranean escape—boasting a wave-like lighting installation, a stone-and-copper bar, travertine-clad walls, and a glass-enclosed patio. Menu stars include the Provencal lamb duo; and egg-yolk fettuccine with local box crab, uni, Meyer lemon butter. 4727 Executive Drive, Suite 100, La Jolla, 858.332.2655. fleurettesd.com
PopUp Bagels
Now Open. The “not famous but known” bagel shop has opened its first California location. Welcome to PopUp Bagels—the Connecticut-founded bakeshop heading toward nationwide expansion—known for its whole bagels with crispy crusts, soft centers, plenty of seeds and delicious schmears. The no-frills shop is all about the bagels and keeps things simple; flavors are plain, everything, poppy, salt and sesame; with schmears like scallion, truffle, pickle and cranberry-butter. Order from the walk-up counter or preorder online. Open daily 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 637 Pearl St., La Jolla, 855.747.6347. popupbagels.com
Arts + Culture
City Ballet of San Diego: The Nutcracker
Dec. 20-23. The City Ballet of San Diego stages The Nutcracker at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The production features elaborate scenery and gorgeous costumes to bring Clara’s enchanting journey with her Nutcracker Prince to life. Tchaikovsky’s score is performed live by the City Ballet Orchestra, conducted by John Nettles. The ballet is choregraphed by Elizabeth Wistrich. (Pictured: Ariana Gonzalez as the Sugar Plum Fairy with her Cavalier, Iago Breschi.) See website for times and tickets. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. cityballet.org
San Diego Ballet: The Nutcracker
Dec. 20-21. “A magical journey through a young girl’s imagination…” San Diego Ballet dances into The Magnolia performing arts theater in downtown El Cajon for three exclusive performances of The Nutcracker across two days. Under the creative eye of the company’s artistic director Javier Velasco, the production—part of San Diego Ballet’s 2025-26 season—features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and an international cast of more than 100 exquisitely costumed dancers. See website for more details and ticket pricing. 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. sandiegoballet.org
The Rady Shell by Gary Payne. Fleurette by Eric Wolfinger. City Ballet of San Diego by Chelsea Penyak. San Diego Ballet by Canela Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
