Events
Gaslamp Pet Parade & After-Party
Dec. 13. Dress up your pet (and yourself!) to the holiday nines for a stroll through the Gaslamp (plus a Battle of the Marching Bands!). Then head to the “Pups in the Pub” after-party at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter for libations, food, music, and free photos with Santa, Rudolph and Frosty; plus a costume contest awards ceremony for “Best in Show” and other prizes. Pre-party at Nason’s Beer Hall at 11 a.m.; parade at 1 p.m.; after-party from 2-4 p.m. Parade registration is $30 per pet. Fifth Avenue and K Street, Gaslamp Quarter. gaslamp.org
Mission Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 13. Literally boatloads of fun, this family-friendly parade along Mission Bay is presented by Mission Bay Yacht Club. Pick your spot among a handful of designated spectator-viewing areas—including Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, Mission Bay Beach Club, and The Dana on Mission Bay—and watch as dozens of illuminated decorated vessels cruise by. The fun includes celebrations at various Mission Bay destinations, holiday music, bonfire seating, food and beverages, Santa visits, and a SeaWorld fireworks show. 5:30 p.m. See website for full parade route and parties. Details
The Red Nose Run
Dec. 13. This 33rd annual run/walk on Del Mar Beach is a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) tradition, where participants choose their pace and distance (3K or 5K). Proceeds benefit Semper Fi & America’s Fund and San Dieguito River Park. Holiday costumes are encouraged, and stick around after crossing the finish line for some more fun in the sand—with food by Poseidon Restaurant, beer from Viewpoint Brewing, ice cream by Saffron & Rose, and live music from Dos Echos. See website for all details and to register. Del Mar Beach. therednoserun.com
Winter Wonderland San Diego 2025
Dec. 13. Get ready for a San Diego snow day at Winter Wonderland 2025 at Market Creek Plaza. Family-friendly festivities include snowfall, a live orchestra and bands throughout the event, toy giveaways, merchant booths, local food vendors, dancers and performers, a rock-climbing wall, a 20-foot illuminated Christmas tree, inflatables for the kiddos, visits with Santa and more. Admission is free but register online in advance (and consider a small donation per family). See website for all details. Noon-5 p.m. 336 Euclid Ave., San Diego. Details
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 14 & 21. See San Diego Bay twinkle with around 80 private boats decked out with holiday lights for a festive night on the water. Now in its 55th year, 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
“Snow Day” on Adams Avenue
Dec. 14. Make Sunday a snow day at this annual all-ages celebration at Kensington Park, presented by the Adams Avenue Business Association. The park’s main field will be converted into a festive winter wonderland of actual snow for the afternoon. In between snowman-building and snowball fights, guests can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa provided Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant; plus candy canes provided by Clem’s Bottle House & Deli. And be on the lookout for Old Saint Nick. Noon-3 p.m. (or until the snow melts). Free entry. 4121 Adams Ave., Kensington. Details
Food + Drink
Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge La Jolla
Reopened. An iconic La Jolla dining destination returns! Opened in 1998 and closed since 2015, restaurateur Sami Ladeki’s Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge has reopened at its original location at the corner of Prospect Street and Fay Avenue. Its familiar casual elegance is very much intact, along with some modern spruces—complete with ethereal, cloud-like lighting floating from the ceiling, and spacious patio dining. Feast on Roppongi’s modern Asian dishes such as the famous crab stack, seared scallops and Mongolian shrimp; plus signature cocktails. See website for hours. 875 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.551.5252. More Info
Arts + Culture
North Coast Rep: 2 Pianos 4 Hands
Dec. 11-31. Looking for a few laughs to carry you through the (often stressful) holiday season? Hilarious duo (and incredibly accomplished pianists) Richard Todd Adams (Ted) and Max Roll (Richard) take the stage at North Coast Rep in Solana Beach for their musical comedy show: 2 Pianos 4 Hands (back by popular demand!)—performing everything from Billy Joel to Bach as they lament on their would-be careers as concert pianists. Tom Frey directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Suite D, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Golden State Ballet: The Nutcracker
Dec. 12-21. Golden State Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic at the Civic Theatre, complete with live orchestra accompaniment by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Centered on Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, the family-friendly production includes exquisite costumes and staging, choreographed by artistic director Raul Salamanca—with John Stubbs as music director and principal conductor, and Dana Zimbric as conductor. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.241.2565. goldenstateballet.org
Sacra/Profana: Immeasurably Bright
Dec. 12. For more than a decade, local choral group Sacra/Profana has presented curated concerts showing off their members’ vocal chops and director Juan Carlos Acosta’s programming of both traditional and contemporary works. This year, they bring us Immeasurably Bright, a holiday concert designed to “warm and uplift the soul.” Listen for the soaring harmonies and pure vocal lines that are the hallmark of this group’s performances. 7 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont. sacraprofana.org
Gaslamp Pet Parade opening photo by Eric Scire. Golden State Ballet by Sam Zauscher Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
