San Diego

Weekend roundup

November 24-27

Events

Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K

Nov. 24. Start the holiday by burning some calories at Balboa Park for a good cause. Father Joe’s Villages’ 21st-annual, family-friendly Thanksgiving Day 5K is San Diego’s longest-standing Thanksgiving Day turkey trot. Proceeds from race admission help to provide meals to those in need and who are experiencing homelessness, as part of the organization’s Food Services Program. Festivities include an optional sunrise mass and a closing awards ceremony. Dogs and strollers are welcome. Race starts at 7:30 a.m. (Registration opens at 6:30 a.m.) Starting at $14 to enter. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. More Info

Mr. Jingle’s Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 25. In the hunt for that perfect Christmas tree this year? Mr. Jingles is a one-stop tree shop. With three San Diego outposts—near Balboa Park, Clairemont/Pacific Beach and La Jolla—the company offers several types of fresh trees—ranging in height from 2 feet to Douglas Firs towering at 10 feet—plus wreaths, garland, mistletoe, holiday lights, ornaments and more. Mr. Jingles also offers online tree ordering, delivery, fireproofing and removal; along with disposal bags, at-home decorating kits, wreaths and garland. See website for addresses, hours and pricing. mrjingleschristmastrees.com

Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll

Nov. 26. Sip, shop, stroll, repeat. Celebrate Small Business Saturday at this seventh annual event, with holiday cocktails and sweets served at more than 20 independent retailers along Adams Avenue. Enjoy libations dreamt up by Ska Bar, Cantina Mayahuel, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, The Rabbit Hole, Tachido Sushi, The Ould Sod, Sycamore Den and more; plus stops at shops such as Artistic Florals, Rose Reggae and The Divine Bubble. 2-5 p.m. See website for full lineup of participating businesses and ticket info (21+). Adams Avenue, University Heights to Kensington. More Info

“Miracle on 30th Street” at Polite Provisions

Through Dec. 31. The corner of 30th Street and Adams Avenue is aglow again with this fun holiday pop-up. Enter a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and snowflakes hanging from the bar’s atrium-style ceiling and rafters; along with wreaths, trees, holly, tinsel, garland and other bling. Polite Provisions will offer special holiday-themed cocktails—with fun names like the Christmapolitan and Santa’s Little Helper—in addition to its usual menu. Ugly sweaters and festive attire are encouraged. M-Th 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; F-Su noon-2 a.m. (closed Thanksgiving Day). 4696 30th St., North Park, 619.269.4701. politeprovisions.com

Food + Drink

Animae Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov. 24. Enjoy a decadent, not-so-traditional meal on Thanksgiving at this posh hot spot—with a special menu created by executive chef Tara Monsod. Offerings include Animae’s signature caviar-shrimp toast and tuna crispy rice to start; filet mignon and Branzino Cha Ca with rice noodles as mains; family-style sides like roasted baby cauliflower and Brussels sprouts with bacon; and a chocolate-taiyaki-mousse bar and pear-hojicha-roll cake for dessert. To drink, try the All That Glitters cocktail with Japanese whisky. Reservations required. 3-7 p.m. $130 per adult. 969 Pacific Hwy., downtown, 619.432.1225. animaesd.com

Bleu Bohème Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov. 24. Celebrate by indulging in the French bistro’s special three-course menu—with your choice of appetizer, entree and dessert. Choices include pumpkin-hominy soup and duck pâté with pork terrine to start; beef bourguignon, Faroe Island salmon with ratatouille, and turkey prepared two ways as entrees; and crème brûlée and brioche-bread pudding for dessert. Add-ons such as the limited-edition Pumpkin Pie Martini (with a crushed graham cracker rim!) are also available. Reservations required. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $74.95 adults; $28.95 kids under age 12. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. bleuboheme.com

Holiday Dining at Hotel del Coronado 

Nov. 24. The iconic resort will host an equally grand Thanksgiving dinner buffet in its new Southpointe Ballroom—complete with all your favorite dishes, traditional trimmings, live music, and stunning holiday lights and decor. The menu includes a chilled seafood, sushi, lobster bisque, whole-roasted turkey, prime rib, buttermilk-mashed potatoes, cooked-to-order pasta and around two dozen desserts—including caramel-apple and gelato stations. And check out the new 22-foot, ocean-themed tree at Southpointe Lawn. See website for reservations. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com

Holiday Dining at Rancho Valencia Resort 

Nov. 24. The luxe resort is offering an array of family-friendly fun—including its signature buffet, pony rides, live music and kids’ activities. On the buffet menu: cold seafood and sushi; cheese and charcuterie; a carving table serving slow-roasted turkey, sage gravy, stuffing and rolls; other entrees such as Brandt Farms short rib and Faroe Islands salmon; sides like sweet-potato casserole; a separate kids buffet; and a dessert station. Call for reservations. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $195 adults; $55 kids age 11 and under; free kids under age 3. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com

Weekend Dining at STK Steakhouse

Nov. 24-27. The Gaslamp steakhouse is offering Thanksgiving specials all weekend long for dine-in or takeout. Offerings include roasted free-range turkey with cornbread-sage stuffing and shallot-and-thyme confit thighs; with sides including sauteed green beans with crispy shallots, maple-baked sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with a Parmesan crust, gravy and cranberry-orange chutney; plus add-ons such as spiced pumpkin pie. Reservations recommended. $64 adults; $29 kids; $124 per takeout meal (serves two). 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.354.5988. stksteakhouse.com

Arts + Culture

S.D. Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza

Nov. 23-27. Dance off those extra Thanksgiving calories at the 43rd annual San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza, running Nov. 23-27 at Town and Country Convention Center. Nearly 20 bands will perform traditional jazz, blues, swing, ragtime, gospel music and more. The lineup includes Champagne Dixie, High Society Jazz Band (pictured), Sierra Seven, Michael Gamble & The Rhythm Serenaders, and Night Blooming Jazzmen. See website for full lineup and schedule; plus info on parking and accommodations. $20-$40 single-day badge; $125 all-event badge. 500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley. sdjazzfest.org

Photo credits: Animae by Dustin Bailey. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

Let's Stay In Touch

with weekly roundups

Sign up for FREE to receive our exclusive Weekend Roundup!

Get the best things to do in our favorite SoCal spots delivered to your inbox every week

Los Angeles

Orange County

San Diego