The biggest Christmas show in San Diego

Well-traveled stuffers

Solana Beach

This shop is a bargain-hunter’s paradise amid the fun (but pricey) shops of the Cedros Avenue Design District in Solana Beach. Stocking stuffers galore, and all with a touch of thoughtfulness and timelessness. Whimsical salt and pepper shakers. Fabric letter pendants. There is something to fill everyone’s stockings this holiday season. On the higher end are vivid pattern fabrics and Kantha quilts — made from old saris — from India. The owner stocks her store with items she picks up from her world travels. Eve here walked out with an antique-ish monument map of Paris, a hand-made Turkish platter in deep reds and blues, a tin letter E.

Irish approved

Downtown

My Irish Nana would like you to bring a bit of the Emerald Isle into your holiday festivities this season. Eileen Ivers, a nine-time all-Ireland fiddle champion will be performing with the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale, and San Diego Children’s Choir at four concerts this December at Copley Symphony Hall. A concert on Friday, December 19 at 8:00 p.m, Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., and a Sunday, December 21 concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets run from $20 to $72. Nana approves.

Toddler train

Campo

Hop aboard at the Campo train depot — the drive out there is a fun excursion in itself — and enjoy some holiday caroling. Santa, of course, will be on the train with you. The train leaves at 1:00 p.m. on December 14th and returns in 1.5–2 hours, depending on how long it takes Santa to visit with all the kids. Reservations required. Cookies and juice will be served to all toddlers aboard. Adult tickets for those age 13 and up are $40. Children age 2 to 12 cost $30. Toddlers age 2 and under are $5.

Christmas in Poway Park

Poway

Come enjoy the holiday spirit on Saturday, December 13, at the Old Poway Park. The tree is lit at 5:15 p.m. There’ll be horse-drawn hayrides, live holiday entertainment, face-painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, and steam locomotive rides —something to chase away the Scrooge in everyone. Santa and his Mrs. arrive at 5:30 p.m. to greet visitors and take photos with revelers. Bundle up. It’s not Minnesota, but Poway nights are still cold this time of year.

Proven Christmas showcase

San Diego State University

For 21 years, the Christian Youth Theatre production of Traditions of Christmas delivered the Christmas spirit to San Diego audiences. The biggest Christmas show in San Diego with 250,000 patrons, the event showcases Christmas songs, world traditions, tap dancing in the style of the Rockettes, elves and toy soldiers, culminating with a Nativity play. The show runs December 19th through December 23rd. Friday, December 19th, has a 7:00 p.m. show. All other days have two shows: at 2:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 online, $45 at the door, $20 for children age 12 and under.