Weekend Roundup
Find the best San Diego things to do this weekend
THEATRE
Jesus Christ Superstar 
Through Dec. 31. The zeal with which Christ’s followers are hailing him as the Son of God becomes a source of dismay to his disciple Judas Iscariot. Fearing that this tide of religious fervor will provoke brutal repression by the occupying Romans, Judas must make a fateful choice between faith and betrayal. Des McAnuff’s hailed revival of the classic rock musical about the last week of Christ’s life comes to San Diego after a successful run at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Mandell Weiss Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. www.lajollaplayhouse.org
Festival of Christmas
Through 30. Come celebrate the tradition that’s different every year. Lamb’s Players annual Festival of Christmas is an unforgettable and a heart-warming story with holiday music that embraces the truly important themes of the season. Now in it’s 34th year, each performance of the Festival of Christmas is a bit different. Discover the tradition thousands of Southern California families know and love. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave, Coronado. 619.437.6000. www.lambsplayers.org
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Through Dec. 31. Cygnet cast members visit Studio A of WCYG Radio for the annual telling of this heartwarming classic about a man who wished he had never been born and the apprentice angel who helps him see why his life is so important. Don’t miss the final year of this beloved San Diego tradition. Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street, Old Town. 619.337.1525. www.cygnettheatre.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
Garden of Lights
Dec. 8-23. The San Diego Botanic Garden is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 100,000 sparkling lights to create a magical holiday experience. Leave the hustle and bustle of the malls behind and enjoy a relaxing evening strolling through the lighted grounds and see the Poinsettia Garden, a special December treat. Live music fills the air nightly from 6-8 p.m. Open nightly from 5-9 p.m. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 760.436.3036. www.sdbgarden.org/lights.htm
PARADES
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Dec. 10. Gather some blankets and chairs, round up the family and friends and head to the Oceanside Harbor for a night of festive holiday spirit. The annual decorated boat parade returns to Oceanside with hundreds of thousands of bright lights, holiday décor and awards. Oceanside Harbor. 760.722.5751. www.ci.oceanside.ca.us
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 11. Check out San Diego’s 40th annual Parade of Lights all around San Diego Bay. Awards will be given based on originality and the creative use of decorations depicting the parade theme. Categories include use of lighting, music, special effects, originality and the coveted best in parade. Fireworks begin at 5:30 p.m. The parade immediately follows, beginning at Shelter Island. Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero and Coronado. 619.224.2240. sdparadeoflights.org
MUSIC
Straight No Chaser
Dec. 10. Straight No Chaser is reinventing the idea of a capella in the modern pop music scene. Formed over a dozen years ago while students together at Indiana University, the group has reassembled and reemerged as a phenomenon with a massive fan base, more than 20 million views on YouTube, numerous national TV appearances, and proven success with two holiday releases, as well as With A Twist, their newest recording. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego. 619.570.1100. www.sandiegotheatres.org
FOOD + DRINK
Brunch with Santa
Dec. 11. Davanti Enoteca is bringing a little Christmas cheer to Little Italy. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy Sunday brunch with a special visit from the big guy in the red coat. The restaurant is also collecting unwrapped toys for Little Italy Holiday Toy Drive through December 15. Space is limited, call for reservations. Davanti Enoteca, 1655 India St., San Diego. 619.237.9606. www.davantisandiego.com
DANCE
The Nutcracker
Dec. 9-21. The classic tale of a young German girl with dreams of a nutcracker prince and a fierce battle against a mouse king comes to life through dance this holiday season. Based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego. 858.272.8663. www.spreckels.net
MOVIES
Santa vs. the Snowman
Ongoing. Santa Claus is indeed comin’ to town, in the holiday IMAX film, Santa vs. the Snowman. Tradition is turned on its head when an innocent and lovable snowman discovers Santa’s village and reaches in the workshop window to pick up a shiny, new flute. What ensues is an all-out, riotous battle for Christmas, with the snowman and his minions squaring off against Santa and his elf army for the rights to the worldwide gift delivery franchise of the jolly man in red. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado • San Diego. 619.238.1233. www.rhfleet.org
