Events
“December Nights” at Balboa Park
Dec. 6-7. Ring in the season with the city’s largest free holiday festival, with an average of 350,000 attendees annually. Balboa Park hosts two days of family-friendly festivities, including live entertainment and concerts—from ballet to bands to choirs and chorales to puppetry. The park will be decked out in holiday decor and lights; along with a Family Zone offering photo ops with Santa; and holiday-themed bites and beverages. See website for full details and helpful transportation and parking tips. F 3-11 p.m.; Sa 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. More Info
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Dec. 7. The Little Italy Association kicks off the holiday season with its 25th annual family-friendly celebration. The ‘hood will be transformed into a winter wonderland, outfitted with 10-foot-tall gold nutcrackers; kinetic spiral trees; the lighting of the permanent 25-foot-tall live tree in Piazza della Famiglia (6:30 p.m.); and the return of the Aurora Tree—a Venetian-inspired tree designed by artist Joshua Hubert, located in the Piazza Basilone. The fun also includes holiday treats, seasonal vendors, live music and an appearance by Santa. 4-8 p.m. Free. 523 W. Date St., Little Italy, 619.233.3898. littleitalysd.com
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 8 & 15. 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 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 then finishes at Ferry Landing on Coronado. And the theme this year? “Peace On Earth.” See website for procession schedule; as well as a list of 2024 sponsors and local businesses offering prime bayfront viewing. 5:30 p.m. Free. sdparadeoflights.org
“Snow Day” on Adams Avenue
Dec. 8. Who says it never snows in central San Diego? Make Sunday a snow day with the return of 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. And be on the lookout for Old Saint Nick. Noon-3 p.m. (or until the snow melts). Free entry. 4121 Adams Ave., Kensington. More Info
Old Town Trolley Holiday Tours
Through Dec. 30. All aboard! Old Town Trolley’s “Holiday Sights & Festive Nights” tours let you explore the festive lights and landmarks of the city—including historical Old Town (aka the birthplace of California), Little Italy, Bankers Hill, Garrison Street and more. The 90-minute tours include a seat aboard an old-fashioned Old Town trolley, complete with carol singalongs and elf conductors who double as tour guides full of local trivia, history and holiday fun facts. See website for ticket pricing. (No tours Dec. 24-25.) 4010 Twiggs St., Old Town, 866.754.0966. trolleytours.com
Food + Drink
“Snowed In” at Fort Oak
Through Dec. 31. The bar at Fort Oak has been overhauled into “Snowed In,” a holiday pop-up experience comprising over-the-top decorations and a themed cocktail menu by beverage director Jess Stewart. Choose from a dozen libations served in festive mugs and glasses, such as Big Nic Energy made with Maker’s Mark, apple cider and spices; Santa Slaps with cold brew, amaretto, cream, chai and vanilla; and Butter Me Up with aged rum, salted caramel, butter and cayenne. W-M 5 p.m.-midnight (closed Tuesdays and on Christmas Day). Walk-ins only. 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills. fortoaksd.com
“The Frosty Saddle” Pop-Up at Estancia
Now Open. Get into the holiday spirit at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, which has transformed its Greenfinch Bar into “The Frosty Saddle.” The pop-up experience emanates a cozy, festive vibe, with holiday decorations, lights and a themed cocktail menu curated by mixologist Luis Tovar Zarate. Try The Gardener Gin with coconut cream, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of coconut “snow.” Libations also include the Jingle Bell Bomb, Santa’s Milk Punch, Thin Ice (garnished with a white chocolate snowflake), and more. Open daily 4-10 p.m. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. estancialajolla.com
New Weekend Brunch Menu at Marisi
Now Available. Weekend brunch is served at Marisi, La Jolla’s charming outpost known for its coastal Italian cuisine. Choose from several new savory and sweet dishes, ranging from shareable starters to handmade pasta dishes to brunch favorites. Menu standouts include the French toast with vanilla-whipped cream and Vermont maple syrup; “Eggs in Purgatory” with pomodoro, parmigiano reggiano, basil and sourdough toast; bucatini carbonara with Winfield Farms bacon; and the EPLT Sandwich: fried egg, crispy prosciutto and tomato marmalade. Sa-Su 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1044 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.4010.6787. marisilajolla.com
Arts + Culture
“City Lights” at Quartyard
Opens Dec. 6. Enjoy a visual spectacle like no other at Quartyard, which presents “City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light and Sound” through Jan. 19. The 50-minute, walkable experience takes you through six zones inspired by elements of city life—incorporating lasers, reactive video, LED sculpture and projection mapping. Zones feature specially choreographed light and sound elements; plus interactive features that let you transform visuals with the wave of your hand. The fun ends with a cocktail lounge offering seasonal tapas by El Comal. See website for tickets. 1301 Market St., East Village. quartyardsd.com
Lamb’s Players: RESPECTFULLY Christmas
Through Dec. 29. Lamb’s Players Theatre brings back its 2023 sold-out smash holiday show, RESPECTFULLY Christmas. The stage lights up with 14 singers, actors and musicians performing holiday songs and Christmas carols across a rousing 90-minute production (no intermission). Catch some of your favorite performers, including Sydney Joyner, Bryan Barbarin, Steve Gouviea, Katherine Chatman, Natasha Reese, Ben van Diepen, Angela Chatelain Avila, Tori Waner, Ben Read, Nathan Nonhof and more. See website for showtimes, parking tips and ticket pricing. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org
Photo credits: “December Nights” by Michael Warburton. “Snowed In” is courtesy of Trust Restaurant Group. “City Lights” by Erica Joan Thornberry. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
