Events

“Over the Top” at Top of the Hyatt

Nov. 27-Jan. 5. Top of the Hyatt—Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego’s cocktail lounge located 40 stories up, overlooking San Diego Bay—has been overhauled into the “Over the Top Holiday Lounge.” The pop-up experience transforms guests to a snowy winter wonderland, reminiscent of a nostalgic family vacation, complete with bunk beds and a cozy hearth to sit near with a hot toddy. The fun includes a themed holiday cocktail menu, small plates, live entertainment (select evenings) and those epic bird’s-eye views. See website for hours and details. 1 Market Place, downtown, 619.232.1234. topofthehyatt.com

“Run for Hope” Thanksgiving Day 5K

Nov. 28. Start the holiday by burning some calories at Balboa Park for a good cause. Father Joe’s Villages’ 23rd annual, family-friendly Thanksgiving 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 7:15 a.m. (Registration opens at 6:15 a.m.) See website to register. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. thanksgivingrun.org

Mr. Jingles Christmas Trees

Opens Nov. 29. In the hunt for that perfect Christmas tree this year? Mr. Jingles is a one-stop tree shop for every taste. With three San Diego outposts—near Balboa Park, Clairemont/Pacific Beach and La Jolla—the company offers six different types of fresh trees—ranging in height from 2 feet to towering Douglas Fir trees—plus wreaths, garland, mistletoe, holiday lights, ornaments and more. Mr. Jingles also offers online tree ordering, delivery, fireproofing and removal; plus disposal bags and at-home decorating kits. See website for addresses, hours and pricing. More Info

“Wild Holidays” at S.D. Zoo Safari Park

Nov. 29-Jan. 5. See San Diego Zoo Safari Park aglow with family-friendly holiday fun (on select dates)—including festive lights, music, treats and experiences. The entertainment includes “Light Up the Holidays,” an area of trees that illuminate in a choreographed show set to a holiday soundtrack; visits and photos with Santa at Safari Base Camp; the Turtle Doves violin duo (pictured); a holiday troubadour; the Bridge of Lights lighted tunnel; seasonal treats like gourmet hot chocolate; and much more. See website for hours and admission info. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 619.231.1515. sdzsafaripark.org

East Village Tree Lighting & Market

Nov. 30. The holiday season is in full swing downtown. Head to alfresco venue Quartyard in East Village for the ‘hood’s annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Market, presented by the East Village Association. Shop for gifts at a special curated holiday market by San Diego Markets, featuring handcrafted artisanal wares; along with tacos and other fare, festive drinks, live music, kids activities, holidays lights and decorations, photos with Santa, and the official lighting of the East Village Christmas tree (6:45 p.m.). 4-8 p.m. Free general admission. 1301 Market St., East Village. Details

Food + Drink

Deck the Halls at Nason’s Beer Hall

Nov. 28-Jan. 2. We love it when a beer hall decks its halls for the holidays. Pendry San Diego’s casual hangout for some holiday cheer offers over-the-top festive decor, beers, bites and libations. Specialty cocktails include the Sleigh My Name made with Tito’s Vodka, Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, banana liqueur, espresso and banana foam; Jolly Good Rye with Whistle Pig rye, maple-cinnamon syrup, egg whites and a cinnamon stick; and Cousin Eddie’s Hot Cocoa with Woodford bourbon, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and whipped cream. See website for hours. 570 J St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7060. More Info

Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive

Nov. 30-Dec. 31. Need a dose of holiday cheer? The Duck Dive returns with its annual Great Dickens’ Holiday Pop-Up. The popular Pacific Beach hangout transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, seasonal cocktails and a special food menu. Sip on libations with fun names like the Berry Christmas, Everyone!, Scrooged, and The Great Dickens shareable punch bowl; along with eats such as baked brie, grilled-cheese bites, tomato soup, the signature Duckin’ Onion and more. 4 p.m.-close. Call to make reservations. 4650 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.273.3825. theduckdive.com

Holiday Tea at The Westgate Hotel

Select Dates. It’s high time for teatime at the Westgate Hotel, which is offering two fun holiday tea experiences. The kiddos will love “Santa’s Story Time Tea” at Le Fontainebleu & Petit Salon—featuring storytelling by Santa himself, hot chocolate, sandwiches, desserts, holiday music and a keepsake teddy bear for each child. Geared toward adults, “Winter Wonderland Tea” in the beautifully decorated Grand Lobby includes premium teas, a glass of Champagne, tea sandwiches, pastries and live music by a harpist. See website for dates offered and reservations. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com

Communion

Now Open. Mission Hills welcomes an elegant rooftop restaurant, Communion, on the eighth floor of the Sasan building. Boasting a glass enclosed-dining room and heated patio, restaurateur Jacquee Renna’s newest offering focuses on global cuisine with local ingredients, crafted by executive chef Mike Moritz. Think: linguini and clams, coconut-milk-poached local sea bass, roasted pork rack and dry-aged duck breast; plus desserts like quince vacherin and vanilla-bean-basque cheesecake; and craft cocktails to wash it all down. Open daily 4-9 p.m. 901 W. Washington St., Mission Hills, 619.606.5568. More Info

Arts + Culture

Cygnet Theatre: A Christmas Carol

Nov. 29-Dec. 24. Step inside a Victorian Christmas card and follow cantankerous banker Ebenezer Scrooge through a ghost-filled, epiphanous night with Cygnet Theatre’s staging of A Christmas Carol—back for another season at Old Town Theatre. Adapted and directed by Sean Murray (pictured)—who also portrays lead role of Scrooge for the third year—the family-friendly show features original music by Billy Thompson, live sound effects and puppetry. See website for showtimes and tickets. (And arrive early for an audience holiday singalong led by cast members.) 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com

Photo credits: Cygnet Theatre by Karli Cadel Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.