San Diego Things To Do In December 2013

Find the best things to do this December in our events roundup. We’ve gathered the best San Diego things to do in December 2013.

SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
Dec. 1. The hip neighborhoods of South Park and North Park are teaming up for the fourth annual SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off, where local restaurants and residents will vie for the title of chili champ. More than 25 restaurants are scheduled to enter the contest, including Alchemy, Hamiltons,  Lefty’s, Station Tavern, Phil’s BBQ and more. Admission includes a souvenir bowl to use during the event and after. Don’t miss the live music on two stages, the beer and wine garden or the kids’ zone in between tastes. Thorn and 32nd streets, North Park. sonofestchilicookoff.com

San Diego Chargers
Dec. 1, 8, 22, 29. The Bolts are at home four times this month taking on the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and closing the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. Head to the Q early for pre-game festivities; the parking lot opens five hours prior to kick off. Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd., San Diego. 877.242.7437. chargers.com

Million Dollar Quartet
Dec. 3-8. This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical is inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” brought together icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night. Prepare for uncanny impersonations and some lively rock ‘n’ roll music.  San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. 619.570.1100. sandiegotheatres.org

Margaret Cho “Mother” Tour
Dec. 5. According to the comedian, Mother is an untraditional look at motherhood and how society views maternal figures and strong women. Cho’s show is edgy, filled with riotous observations on race, drugs, sexuality, celebrity, culture and politics—nothing is sacred. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. 619.570.1100. sandiegotheatres.org

December Nights
Dec. 6-7. Gather together with friends and family to spread holiday joy and kick-off the most wonderful time of the year. Participating Balboa Park museums will open their doors free of charge from 5-9 p.m. each night. Watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food, and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer with special events like the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages, the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California and unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village. Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego. balboapark.org

The Nutcracker
Dec. 14-22. The classic holiday ballet about a young girl who dreams of a nutcracker prince comes to life this season with a cast of more than 100 beautifully costumed dancers reveling in Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Whether you’re seeing the leaping cossacks, flurries of snowflakes and dancing sugarplum fairies for the first time or the hundredth time, this classic ballet will bring magic to your holiday season. California Ballet at the Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd Ave., San Diego. 858.560.5656. californiaballet.org

Holiday in the Park
Dec. 14-15. See Old Town State Historic Park decked out for the holidays with extended shopping hours, strolling carolers and special holiday treats. On Sunday, celebrate the 63rd year of Las Posadas—a centuries-old tradition in which actors reenact the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph through the town of Bethlehem. Old Town State Historic Park, San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street. 619.220.5422. oldtownsandiegoguide.com

Poinsettia Bowl
Dec. 26. The ninth annual Poinsettia Bowl will match a top team from the Mountain West conference against a bowl-eligible Army. Last year’s Poinsettia Bowl resulted in a 23-6 BYU victory over San Diego State. The MW teams boasts a 7-1 win record during the games’ eight years in existence. The Poinsettia Bowl continues to include Navy, Army, BYU and teams from the Mid-American Conference. 6:30 p.m. Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, San Diego. 619.285.5061. poinsettiabowl.com

Donavon Frankenreiter
Dec. 28 & 30. On his latest solo record Start Livin’, singer, songwriter and guitarist Donavon Frankenreiter presents a folk-infused selection of tracks that embrace the smooth guitar melodies layered beneath his rich vocals. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. 858.481.8140. bellyup.com

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Through Dec. 29. Everyone’s favorite winter fable is back at the Old Globe for its 15th incredible year. See the famed Dr. Seuss book come to life with family friendly songs such as “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Big Bay Balloon Parade
Dec. 30. Gaze at the colorful floats, unique drill teams, heart-pounding marching bands and procession of massive inflatables at the country’s largest balloon parade. Running along beautiful San Diego Bay, the parade festivities also include the 17th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, the 18th Annual Bumble Bee Foods 5K Run/Walk and a family festival complete with a climbing wall, carnival games and airbrush tattoos. 10-11:30 a.m. San Diego Bay, downtown. 619.686.6200. holidaybowl.com

Legoland Holiday Snow Days
Through Dec. 31. Snow in SoCal is possible with Holiday Snow Days at Legoland. Build snowmen adorned with Lego accessories, throw snowballs at targets and revel in Carlsbad’s very own winter wonderland. Spend time with Lego Santa and his little helpers, catch holiday performances by the Big Test Holidays, Let it Snow, Brickettes, Jingle Jammers and more, and see the nightly lighting of the world’s largest Lego Christmas tree. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad. 760.918.5346. california.legoland.com/holidaysnowdays

Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado
Through Jan. 5. Ice-skating on the sand? Almost! Hotel Del Coronado welcomes back Skating by the Sea for a ninth season of outdoor seaside ice-skating. The oceanfront Windsor Lawn has transformed into a spectacular ice rink with skating sessions offered daily. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line at the skate shack. $20-25/pp, $15-20 for kids ages 10 and under. Price includes skate rentals. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. 800.468.3533. hoteldel.com

The Complete Frida Kahlo: Her Paintings. Her Life. Her Story.
Through Jan. 19. Peruse among 123 replicas hand-painted by master artists in the original size, materials and style as Kahlo painted them; more than 500 of the artist’s personal possessions, including handmade dresses and jewelry; and a collection of photographs chronicling her life and work, including the famed 1939 portrait “Frida in Blue Dress.” Barracks 3 at the NTC Arts & Culture District in Liberty Station, 2765 Truxton Road, Point Loma. thecompletefrida.com