Weekend Roundup
Find the best San Diego things to do this weekend
NEW YEAR’S EVE
New Year’s Eve on the Midway
Dec. 31. Ring in 2012 in style at this black tie optional soiree aboard the U.S.S. Midway with a premium open bar and elegant dining options. Dance the night away to a live bandand clink champagne glasses when the ball drops. Tickets $169 per person. 910 N Harbor Drive. 619.575.5500. www.midway.org/newyears
New Year’s Eve Harbor Cruise
Dec. 31. Choose from 3 different Hornblower cruises to find the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration. Whether you enjoy an open bar and five course meal or bottomless champagne and live band, it’s bound to be a night to remember. Brunch cruises also available on New Year’s Day. Hornblower, Cruises, 1800 North Harbor Drive San Diego. 888.467.6256. www.hornblower.com
Kids’ New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31. Midnight strikes at 6 p.m. for the kids at Legoland. Inspired by the famous Times Square party in New York City, Legoland’s Kids’ New Year’s Eve features a concert and countdown to the new year followed by a huge lego brick dropping 22 feet. Entertainment on the Miniland stage beings at 2:30 p.m. Legoland, One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad. (760) 918-5346. www.legoland.com
Big Night San Diego
Dec. 31. Tickets to San Diego’s biggest New Year’s Eve party include all your drinks and food for the evening. Rock out in 12 different party areas with 10 bands and DJ’s and six dance floors, with themes ranging from Mardi Gras to Vegas. The Hilton Bayfront is transformed into “Countdown City” – the perfect location to celebrate the New Year. Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd. www.bignightsandiego.com
MUSIC
Salute to Vienna
Jan. 1. Fall in love with Vienna’s “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss Jr., in an unforgettable and uplifting performance of music, song and dance. The famed New York concert is recreated in San Diego with a brilliant new cast of over 75 musicians and dancers. Copley Symphony Hall 750 B St. 619.235.0804. www.salutetovienna.com
SPORTS
Holiday Bowl
Dec. 28. The Cal Golden Bears and the Texas Longhorns battle it out for the 34th annual Holiday Bowl title. The 2010 game featured a 19-7 upset victory by the Washington Huskies over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in front of 57,921 fans. Game begins at 5 p.m. Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars road 619.283.5808. ww.holidaybowl.com
EVENTS
Big Bay Balloon Festival
Dec. 28. The scenic, bayside streets of downtown will come alive with the excitement of the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade. This annual event brings together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams and the largest procession of enormous balloons. 10 a.m. North harbor drive. 619.283.5808. www.thebigbay.com
THEATRE
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, Welk Theatre San Diego
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
