Feast of the Seven Fishes, Winter Wonderland, The Santaland Diaries and more… Check out the top San Diego weekend events for December 19 – 22.
Edited by Brooke Knetzger.
EVENTS
Skating by the Sea
Dec. 19-22. Don’t miss Skating by the Sea, a spectacular beachfront ice rink featuring stunning views of the Pacific with benefits going to Make-A-Wish San Diego. Choose from your favorite holiday-themed libations or snacks and enjoy unlimited hot cocoa and coffee as you enjoy watching the beachfront ice skating. Tickets can be purchased online or at the rink. Through January 5, 2020. $30+. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado. hoteldel.com
Winter Wonderland at The Grand
Dec. 19-22. The holidays are magical at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, where guests are invited to skate under the twinkling palms or take a whimsical ride on the ferris wheel and carousel. Snap selfies with Santa and friends by the festive 25-foot Christmas tree and enjoy fireside s’mores and traditional refreshments in the Moët & Chandon Champagne Garden. Through January 1. See website for additional information. 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, Del Mar. granddelmar.com
6th Annual California Country Christmas at Moonshine Beach
Dec. 19. Join Moonshine Beach for the 6th Annual California Country Christmas, an annual toy drive and concert that benefits underprivileged families. This year’s lineup features live music from Daniel Bonte, Eli V, Morgan Leigh Band, Amanda Kate, Scotty Mac, The Joy Reunion, and more. In addition to the concert, the evening will include a silent raffle featuring festival tickets, gift baskets, and merch, line dance and two-step competitions, and live artist interviews and podcast tapings backstage. Free admission with the donation of an unwrapped gift or $10 at the door. 6:30 p.m. 1165 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach. moonshinebeachsd.com
Saturday’s at One Paseo
Dec. 21. Don’t miss the last Saturday to see the One Paseo center turn into a winter wonderland. The village invites guests to enjoy complimentary S’mores at the firepit near Salt & Straw. To complement to the treats, guests can expect photo opportunities with festive characters while snow cascades from the rooftops. 5- 8 p.m. 3725 Paseo Pl, Del Mar. onepaseo.com
2nd Annual Winter SOULstice
Dec. 21. Feeding the Soul Foundation is inviting the San Diego community to its second annual Winter SOULstice at the Oceanside Moose Lodge on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature music by Payo Funk, The Shift, and other musical friends of Feeding the Soul Foundation. Billy Galewood will be the host. Attendees will enjoy food from the Taco Bar by Manuela and beer and cocktails from the legendary Moose Lodge Bar. Attendees are invited to dress in their 70s best for this 21 and up event. $30+. 2017 South Coast Highway, Oceanside. Tickets
XMAS EVE + DAY
The Westgate Hotel
December 24, 25. Calling all visitors and locals alike– there’s something for everyone at the iconic Westgate Hotel this holiday season. Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel will prepare a four-course prix fixe menu available in the elegant Westgate Room. Dinner will be served from 5 to 9 p.m. on December 24 and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day. The price is $79 per person plus tax and gratuity. westgatehotel.com
Serẽa
December 24, 25. Serẽa pairs beautiful coastal views with an upscale sea-to-table culinary experience that’s ideal for a festive holiday meal. On Christmas Eve from 4-10 p.m. and Christmas Day from 2-9 p.m., celebrate with a Baja Med feast of grilled spiny lobster, gigantes del ouija, garlic red rice and Manhattan clam chowder. Finish with a choice of spiced almond ginger snaps, vegan horchata oatmeal cookies, or triple chocolate biscuits served with housemade rice crispy milk. $110 on Christmas Eve; $120 on Christmas. Don’t forget to check out the restaurant’s holiday-inspired cocktail menu. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado. sereasandiego.com
HANUKKAH
Hanukkah Celebration at Westfield UTC
Dec. 22. Celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah with warm festivities around the lighting of the first menorah candle in partnership with the Chabad Center of University City. Gather family and friends and enjoy an evening of live music, delicious treats, dreidels and more. Following the celebration, an additional candle will be lit every day of Hanukkah. 6-9 p.m. 4545 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. westfield.com
FOOD + DRINK
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Catania
Dec. 19-22. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes at Catania, which begins December 17th and concludes the 23rd. Enjoy Catania’s take on the Italian celebration with a special four course prix fixe of fresh local seafood served family style for $69 per person. Reservations are encouraged. 7868 Girard Avenue, #301 F3, La Jolla, 858.551.5105. cataniasd.com
Mille Fleurs Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Dec. 19. Join Mille Fleurs on for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party hosted by Mille Fleurs long time piano man, Randy Beecher. Wear your ugliest sweater and sip on their special “Happy Holidaze” cocktail comprised of Calvados brandy, High West double rye, fresh lemon juice, and house made allspice Demerara simple syrup. 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. millefleurs.com
ARTS + CULTURE
A Charlie Brown Christmas at North Coast Repertory Theatre
Dec. 19-22. When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees among everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but this proves to be a frustrating endeavor. When an attempt to restore the proper holiday spirit with a forlorn little Christmas fir tree fails, he needs Linus’ help to discover the real meaning of Christmas. No intermission. See website for showtimes and additional information. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
The Santaland Diaries
Through Dec. 22. From the brilliantly twisted mind of David Sedaris comes a classic tonic for the holidaze. Out of work and options, The Santaland Diaries finds David as he begins his career as an elf in Macy’s Santaland during the holiday crunch. Battling throngs of rabid families clamoring towards a drunken Santa to satiate their Christmas fix, David makes do with some hilarious observations on human nature, and an unexpected connection to the holiday spirit. Through December 22. 4545 Park Boulevard #101, University Heights, 619.220.0097. diversionary.org
Photos: Skating by the Sea courtesy J Public Relations. Winter Wonderland courtesy Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Moonshine Beach courtesy Katalyst PR. One Paseo courtesy Enjet Media. 2nd Annual Winter SOULstice courtesy Sharisse Coulter. The Westgate Hotel courtesy Chemistry PR. Serea courtesy Clique Hospitality. Westfield UTC courtesy Westfield UTC. Mille Fleurs and Catania courtesy Bay Bird PR. North Coast Rep courtesy North Coast Rep. The Santaland Diaries courtesy Diversionary Theatre.
