Events

Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden

Nov. 15-Jan. 5. The holiday spectacle Lightscape returns to San Diego Botanic Garden for its third annual installment, running through Jan. 5. Wear your comfy shoes for a festive evening stroll along a 1-mile, inclined trail filled with illuminated, colorful installations by international artists—from the popular Tunnel of Lights to the glowing California Poppies. The immersive experience features two brand-new installations this year, including a Flame Skimmer Dragonfly; plus seasonal libations and treats available for purchase along the route. See website for hours and tickets. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. More Info

Peppermint Beach Club at Westfield UTC

Opens Nov. 15. Head to Westfield UTC for some holiday cheer at Peppermint Beach Club. The fun includes live entertainment, snowfall and lights; retailer pop-ups; photos with Saint Nick, including the new Signature Santa Experience for an extended visit; a gift-wrapping station; a curated seasonal menu at Queenstown Bistro, including cocktails and the popular Holiday Sandwich with oven-roasted turkey, brie cheese, stuffing, gravy, cranberry and jalapeno relish; special offers and giveaways; and ice skating at the UTC Ice Sports Center. See website for schedule of events & extended holiday hours. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, UTC, 858.546.8858. More Info 

Food + Drink

Flamenco Dinner Show at Cafe Sevilla

Nov. 16. Spice up your Saturday night with dinner and flamenco dancing at this beloved Spanish eatery (a Gaslamp Quarter staple since 1987). Cafe Sevilla presents a two-part flamenco performance, featuring seasoned dancers who were trained in Spain; along with a three-course dinner featuring its award-winning Paella Valenciana. Add-ons include a tapas menu, wine and a full bar. Advance tickets are required and include entry to the restaurant’s nightclub. 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m., with communal-style seating assigned upon arrival.) $95 per person. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. More Info

Little Italy Mercato

Nov. 16. Did you know San Diego County is home to around 50 certified farmers markets? If we had to pick our favorite, this quintessential San Diego weekend experience would be high on the list. Stroll among 150 vendors offering fresh produce, flowers, meat, eggs, cheeses, sauces, pantry items, home and bath products, and more—with peeks of San Diego Bay a few blocks away. Afterward, grab lunch at one of the ‘hood’s dozens of restaurants offering ample patio dining. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (also open W 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). Along West Date Street, Little Italy. Details

Wine Tasting Soiree at the Bay

Nov. 16. Shopping and wine tasting with a side of water views? Count us in! The Mission Bay Beach Club hosts a special fall artisan market and wine tasting experience on Saturday afternoon. Get a jump on your holiday gift shopping at the alfresco market featuring artisanal wares by local vendors; while sampling from wines from 15 local and regional wineries on the bayside patio; plus live music and food vendors. Market runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; wine tasting takes place 2-5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2688 E. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. More Info

Em Coffee House

Upcoming | Opens Nov. 18. Mira Mesa welcomes an all-day, locally owned coffee shop serving Vietnamese-American coffee drinks, phin drip and espresso-based beverages—using a blend of Vietnamese-grown arabica and robusta beans—inside a rustic-mod space. “Em,” a term of affection in Vietnamese similar to “darling” or “sweetheart,” is founder Nick Truong’s ode to Vietnamese coffee culture. The menu offers ceremonial matcha, cold-brew teas, milk teas, signature cream coffees such as the tiramisu-inspired Em White Truffle-Misu, and more. M-Th 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; F-Su 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 8945 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa. More Info

New Offerings at George’s at the Cove

Now Available. A La Jolla favorite for refined California cuisine and ocean views, George’s at the Cove debuts a new “Snacks Menu” by executive chef Masa Kojima—available in the bar area of the restaurant’s Ocean Terrace. Snack on house-made potato chips; La Brújula tinned sardines and mussels with whipped herb crème fraiche and house-made crackers; grilled cheese with caramelized onions on focaccia; and boquarones (pictured), aka fresh anchovies with herb crème fraiche, cucumber, radish and crackers. Menu is available daily starting at 11 a.m. 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.4244. georgesatthecove.com

Arts + Culture

Jacobs Music Center: “A New World Odyssey”

Nov. 16-17. November is brimming with exciting concerts at the renovated Jacobs Music Center downtown. Among them, the San Diego Symphony presents “A New World Odyssey,” as part of its Jacobs Masterworks programming. The repertoire includes works such as The Chairman Dances by John Adams; Violin Concerto, Concentric Paths by Thomas Adès; and Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, From the New World  by Dvorák; with Elena Schwarz conducting and special guest, violinist Leila Josefowicz (pictured). Sa 7:30 p.m.; Su 2 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 750 B St., downtown. sandiegosymphony.org

Holiday World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse

Upcoming | Opens Nov. 19. La Jolla Playhouse brings us a funny, heartwarming world-premiere play by Anna Ouyang Moench: Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again, through Dec. 15. Meet Eddie, a young actor fresh out of Juilliard hoping to make his mark on the American Theatre. But first he must pay his dues in a regional production of A Christmas Carol, year after year. The play stays the same, but Eddie finds himself in different costumes as he ages through the male roles. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

Maritime Museum: Celebrating the Sea

Now Open. The Maritime Museum of San Diego—home to one of the largest collections of historical sea vessels in the U.S.—presents a new exhibit, Celebrating the Sea: Exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Hidden Collections, on view in the Compass Gallery on its ferryboat Berkeley. Be immersed in a treasure trove of rarely seen, maritime-themed artifacts and artwork by notable artists—curated by museum librarian Kevin Sheehan—from coastal landscapes to ships. Exhibit entry is included with general admission; see website for hours and ticket pricing. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, embarcadero, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org

Photo credits: Peppermint Beach Club at Westfield UTC by Lexus Gallegos. Em Coffee House by James Tran. Jacobs Music Center / Leila Josefowicz by Tom Zimberoff. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.