Events
Jingle Belle Cruises on Mission Bay
Dec. 20-24. Jingle your way around Mission Bay with this festive, family-friendly cruise aboard the Bahia Belle—a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style boat. The one-hour sightseeing adventure includes live entertainment such as strolling carolers; plus holiday music, a visit and professional photo with Santa Claus, face painting, balloons, seasonal treats and beverages, crafts for kids, a cash bar for the adults, and scenic bay views. Cruises depart from Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel. See website for departure times. $45 per person. 998 W. Mission Bay Drive; 3999 Mission Blvd., Mission Bay. Details
Pacific Beach Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Dec. 21. The uglier the holiday sweater, the better, at this festive annual bar crawl through Pacific Beach—the perfect way to socialize, celebrate the season and experience the community’s bar scene. Tickets grant you access to multiple venues across P.B., themed cocktails and drink specials, food discounts, live music, a photographer and videographer on hand to capture all the fun, a free after-party and much more. See website for event guidelines (21+) and ticket pricing. Check in at 710 Beach Club between 4-6 p.m. 710 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. More Info
Ferry Landing Christmas Carnival
Dec. 22. Head to the scenic Coronado Ferry Landing for a holly jolly good time on Sunday. The Ferry Landing Christmas Carnival comprises family-friendly fun such as photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas-themed carnival games, stocking decorations, a petting zoo and more. Plunked along the bayfront and offering stunning views of Coronado Bridge and the downtown San Diego skyline, Ferry Landing is home to myriad shops, waterfront dining and outdoor activities. Carnival runs from noon-3 p.m. Free entry. See website for all details and other upcoming events. 1201 First St., Coronado. More Info
Food + Drink
“Coastal Chill” at Garibaldi
Dec. 21. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with this themed event at Garibaldi, located on the third-floor bayfront terrace of the InterContinental San Diego. The alfresco restaurant and bar transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring frosted lights, a snow machine, and heaters, cozy blankets and luxe winter parkas available for patrons to stay warm. Guests can enjoy a full buffet, music by DJ Ayla Simone, bottomless Amaro Hot Chocolate, Mediterranean s’mores and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit nonprofit WILDCOAST. 4 p.m. $85 per person. 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 1, downtown, 619.436.1081. Details
“Lala-Land” Pop-Up at Lala
Now Open. The latest addition to the Busalacchi family of restaurants, Lala (located one door north of its popular sibling, Barbusa, in Little Italy) has launched a festive pop-up experience: “Lala-Land.” The cozy-chic restaurant is outfitted in holiday decorations and serving a special menu of themed cocktails. In addition to Lala’s Sicilian-inspired small plates and entrees, patrons can order seasonal libations such as the Peppermint Patty martini infused with peppermint liqueur, the Busa-Nog, the bourbon-based Mrs. Clause, Slay-Bells and Hoo-Hoo-Ho. “Lala-Land” is open nightly until mid-January. 1919 India St., Little Italy, 619.310.6249. More Info
Tajima Crown Point
Now Open. Popular local ramen chain Tajima—founded by Chef Isamu Morikizono in 2001—has opened a new location in Crown Point. Step inside the bright, mod, 2,000-square-foot casual eatery—where you’ll find devotees slurping Tajima’s famous ramen bowls, including spicy sesame ramen, vegan ramen and tonkotsu. Fans also love dishes like the karaage bowl, pork-chashu fried rice, chicken katsu buns, Brussels-sprout tempura and pork gyoza; plus Japanese and local craft beers, wine and sake. Tajima has also opened a commissary kitchen next door. Open daily 5-10 p.m. 3782 Ingraham St., Crown Point. tajimaramen.com
Arts + Culture
Weekend Concerts at Jacobs Music Center
Dec. 19-22. On Thursday, (Dec. 19), Jacobs Music Center welcomes 11-member vocal ensemble Voctave (pictured) for a holiday spectacular, “It Feels Like Christmas.” The Billboard-topping a cappella group is known for performing intricate arrangements from Broadway, Disney, jazz standards and Christmas music. And bring the kiddos for “Elf in Concert,” Dec. 21-22. The holiday film starring Will Ferrell will be shown on a high-def big screen; while the San Diego Symphony orchestra performs the movie’s score live. See website for times and tickets. 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org
City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dec. 20-23. It’s not the holiday season without Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet: The Nutcracker—filled with gorgeous music and stunning classic choreography of Clara’s magical trip through the kingdom of sweets. City Ballet of San Diego, recipient of the Tommy Award for “Best Nutcracker” in town, brings Elizabeth Wistrich’s choreography—accompanied by the City Ballet Orchestra, conducted by John Nettles—to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido for six performances. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. cityballet.org
San Diego Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dec. 21. “A magical journey through a young girl’s imagination…” San Diego Ballet dances into The Magnolia performing arts theater in downtown El Cajon for its two exclusive annual performances of The Nutcracker on Saturday. Under the creative eye of the company’s artistic director Javier Velasco, the production—part of San Diego Ballet’s 2024-25 “Destination Dance” season—features Tchaikovsky’s epic score and an international cast of more than 100 exquisitely costumed dancers. See website for more details and ticket pricing. 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. sandiegoballet.org
Tim Flannery Concert at Maritime Museum
Dec. 21. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event at a very special “venue.” Maritime Museum of San Diego hosts a holiday concert by Tim Flannery and his band The Lunatic Fringe, plus special guests, aboard its Star of India (the world’s oldest active sailing ship). Now a musician and philanthropist (the Love Harder Project), Flannery is a former San Diego Padres player and MLB broadcaster. The Lunatic Fringe is known for its blend of bluegrass, rock and country music. 7 p.m. general admission ($65); 6 p.m. VIP entry ($99). 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. sdmaritime.org
Photo credits: Garibaldi by Diana Rose. Tajima by James Tran. San Diego Ballet by Canela Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
