Events
Gaslamp Pet Parade & After-Party
Dec. 14. It’s “pawty” time! Dress up your pet (and yourself!) to the holiday nines for a stroll up Fifth Avenue under the Gaslamp Quarter archway. Afterward, head over to the “Pups in the Pub” after-party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter for craft beers, food and music; plus a holiday costume contest with eight costume categories, including “Best in Show,” “Best Matching Costume (Owner and Pet)” and “Most Outrageous Costume.” 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (1 p.m. parade; 2-4 p.m. party). Parade registration is $25 per pet. Fifth Avenue and K Street, Gaslamp Quarter. gaslamp.org
Mission Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 14. 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, The Dana on Mission Bay, and Paradise Point Resort & Spa—and watch as dozens of illuminated, decorated vessels cruise by. The fun includes individual celebrations at various Mission Bay destinations, holiday music, bonfire seating, food and beverages, a visit from Santa Claus, and a SeaWorld fireworks show. 5:30 p.m. See website for full parade route, addresses and parties. Details
The Red Nose Run
Dec. 14. “Run, run, Rudolph!” This 32nd annual run/walk on Del Mar Beach is a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) tradition, where participants can choose their pace and distance (3K or 5K). Proceeds benefit two local nonprofits: 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 appetizers and a cash bar provided by Poseidon Restaurant. See website for all details and to register. Race starts at 1 p.m. 17th Street Lifeguard Tower, Del Mar Beach. therednoserun.com
Winter Wonderland San Diego 2024
Dec. 14. Get ready for a San Diego snow day at Winter Wonderland’s new location this year: Jacobs Center at Market Creek Plaza. Family-friendly festivities include 50 tons of REAL snow, live music and dancing, toy giveaways, merchant booths, local food vendors, hot chocolate, superhero meet-and-greets, a rock-climbing wall, community resources, a Hungry Hippo inflatable for the kiddos, visits with Santa and more. Admission is free but register online in advance (and consider a $5 donation per family). See website for all details. 4-8 p.m. 310 Euclid Ave., San Diego. More Info
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 15. If you missed last’s weekend’s parade, catch round two this Sunday—when San Diego Bay will twinkle again with around 80 private boats decked out with holiday lights. Now in its 54th 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 finishes at Ferry Landing on Coronado. And the theme this year? “Peace On Earth.” See website for procession schedule, list of 2024 sponsors and local businesses offering prime bayfront viewing. 5:30 p.m. Free. sdparadeoflights.org
Food + Drink
New Flavors at Stella Jean’s Ice Cream
Now Available. Beloved small-batch ice cream shop Stella Jean’s has launched several new winter flavors, available at its five San Diego locations—University Heights, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Kensington and Carlsbad. Get into the holiday spirit while satisfying your sweet tooth with new ice cream creations—dreamt up by owner Steven Torres and executive chef Gan Suebsarakham—such as Eggnog + Mexican Wedding Cookies (pictured), Peppermint Chocolate Bark, Salted Maple Banana Pudding, and Olive Oil + Coconut Macaroon. All flavors are available in scoops and pints. See website for addresses and hours. stellajeans.com
Arts + Culture
The Old Globe: A Christmas Carol
Dec. 12-22. At The Old Globe, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is reimagined as a one-person show: A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays. Written by Jefferson Mays, Susan Lyons and Michael Arden, the production also stars Mays—who returns to the Globe after his hailed 2013 performance in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Mays (pictured) will portray more than 50 characters from the classic tale, from Scrooge to Marley to Tiny Tim to the three Ghosts. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Golden State Ballet: The Nutcracker
Dec. 13-22. No holiday season is complete without the dancing Sugar Plum Fairy, the mysterious Drosselmeyer and the Nutcracker Prince himself. Golden State Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s classic at the Civic Theatre, accompanied by the San Diego Symphony orchestra. Centered on Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, the 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
“Noel Noel” at Jacobs Music Center
Dec. 13-15. Among myriad festive concerts at Jacobs Music Center, the San Diego Symphony presents “Noel Noel,” in which the San Diego Master Chorale and San Diego Children’s Choir join the Symphony orchestra for a family-friendly showcase of holiday classics and sing-alongs. Guest conductor Christopher Dragon returns to lead the musical magic across three days of matinee and evening productions, which will feature appearances by Cat Conner, Loren Smith, Scott Rad Brown and Ken Johnson. See website for times and tickets. 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org
San Diego Zoo: “Jungle Bells”
Begins Dec. 14. Holiday magic awaits at the San Diego Zoo, which presents “Jungle Bells” on select dates through Jan. 5. See the zoo aglow with decorations, music, performers and experiences like the new Holiday Light Treks spectacular. Entertainment also includes the Jingle Brass musical ensemble; the Toy Shop Hop acrobatic elves (pictured); the interactive “Reindeer Games” to get the kiddos dancing; The Tinseltones a cappella group (with “snow” falling at each performance); photos with Santa; and more. See website for hours and admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. sandiegozoo.org
Photo credits: Stella Jean’s Ice Cream by Israel Palacio. The Old Globe / Jefferson Mays by Laurence Agron. Golden State Ballet by Sam Zauscher. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
