Weekend Roundup
Find the best San Diego things to do this weekend
MOVIES
Rent
Dec 14. Based on Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical set in New York City’s gritty East Village, the film version of Rent tells the story of a group of bohemians struggling to live and pay their rent. Measuring their lives in love, these starving artists in the 90s strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness and the burgeoning AIDS epidemic. Starring Rosario Dawson, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Wilson, Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs, the screening begins at 7 p.m. Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. 619.239.8836. www.birchnorthparktheatre.net
DANCE
The Nutcracker
Dec. 16-17. West Coast Ballet Theatre brings to life this family-oriented, grand-scale production of the classic children’s tale of a young German girl with dreams of a nutcracker prince and a fierce battle against a mouse king. This rendition includes international guest performers, spectacular pyrotechnics, flying fairies and snow. Shows on Saturday at 1p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sunday at 1p.m. California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd. 800.988.4253. www.artcenter.org
SPORTS
San Diego Chargers
Dec. 18. The Chargers dominated their second consecutive game last weekend and are poised to keep the momentum going in Sunday’s face off against the Baltimore Ravens. Tickets are still available to catch the game at the Q. Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road. 877.242.7437. www.chargers.com
San Diego Sockers
Dec. 17. Come support local indoor soccer and celebrate military appreciation night as the San Diego Sockers take on the Tacoma Stars. Currently holding an undefeated season record, the Sockers are ready to continue their winning streak. Del Mar Arena, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 866.799.4625. www.sdsockers.com
EVENTS
Taste ‘n’ Tinis
Dec. 15. Take in the crisp winter air and holiday decorations, as you stroll on a self-guided walking tour of delightful drinks, scrumptious eats and unique retail shopping. Tasters and toasters alike will be treated to festive faire from local chefs and restaurants offering an assortment of specialties from mouthwatering appetizers and entrees to decadent sweets. Each retail boutique along the tour will be fixing up a holiday inspired martini for your enjoyment while shopping. From 5-9p.m. Check in at 535 Robinson Ave, Hillcrest. 619.299.3330. fabuloushillcrest.com
THEATRE
An American Christmas
Through Dec. 24. One of the most unique theatre experience in the nation, An American Christmas transports you back 100 years for a Christmas celebration unlike any you’ve ever experienced. The evening is led by the Marshall family, played by a full cast of versatile performers who never miss a beat. They welcome each guest and fill the evening with music, dance, song, and laughter. Enjoy the performance with a delicious five-course Christmas meal in a sumptuous setting you’ll never forget. Lambs Players Theatre at Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado. 619.437.6000. www.lambsplayers.org
An Irish Christmas
Dec. 16. The great celebration of a Christmas evening in Ireland is transported to San Diego with glorious music, traditional dance, lively storytelling, laughter and plenty of Irish soul. Starring Darrin Maguire of Riverdance fame, An Irish Christmas celebrates the wonder and beauty of winter in the Emerald Isle. Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave. 619.570.1100. www.sandiegotheatres.org
Jingle Bell Rock
Through Dec. 31. An annual tradition and holiday favorite across America, The Alley Cats new Christmas show offers a night of comedy and music featuring a capella versions of winter-time classics. Sing along to “Let it Snow,” “Blue Christmas,” “O, Come All Ye Faithful,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and many more. Welk Resorts Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr., Escondido. 888-802-7469. www.welktheatersandiego.com
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
Through Dec. 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
