Skip the same old gatherings

Handmade holiday at the downtown library

From grandparents, moms, and dads to teens and toddlers, there’s something for every member of the family at this holiday fiesta. Enjoy live music presented by Rarefied Recording, and shop from a curated selection of original, handmade goods (including jewelry, pottery, soaps, plants, and much more) from over 30 local artists and designers. Kids can make their own gifts at a craft table. And, for something a little different, the Grinch is stepping in to help lighten Santa’s load. Saturday, December 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Step into a gourmet vortex

Pacific Beach

Entertain like a pro after taking this three-hour cooking course with Diane Phillips (aka Diva of Do-Ahead) and Phillis Carey (aka Queen of the Fast and Fabulous) at Great News on December 6 or 7. These entertaining chefs will not only show you how to create festive drinks and dishes (such as pear Bellini, bacon-wrapped quiche lorraine, pork tenderloins with caramelized pears and pear brandy sauce, and butternut squash and caramelized onion gratin), they will also share helpful hints for preparing any holiday meal. $100 per person. Check the line-up for cooking classes for all denominations, such as the Hanukkah celebration with Chef Jenn.

Make copper and brass ornaments

Liberty Station

Instructor Sharon K. Novak will show you basic metalsmithing techniques to create “stars, trees, angels, birds, bells, abstract forms” and more in this workshop on Wednesday, December 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You’ll be provided all the tools and materials you need to “twist, coil, spiral, and sew” thin-gauge wires and brass sheets, to which you can add decorative details and colorful beads. Bravo School of Art members pay $68, nonmembers $78, plus $14 for materials.

The Santa Claus Chronicles

Encinitas

The singing and dancing kids of the children’s theater troupe PRODIGY Players have been practicing since September to present this series of sweet and fun 30-minute plays at the Encinitas Library on December 13 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Via vignettes of “Santa’s Christmas Spectacular,” audience members will go behind the scenes to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as some hardworking elves. Be sure to return to the library on December 17 (3:00 to 5:00 p.m.) for the Ho-Ho Holiday Party, with cookies, crafts, Christmas carols, and free family photos with Santa.

Elegance, including kids

Downtown

Holiday magic comes to life with twinkling lights and live harp music. Enjoy seasonal beverages, petit fours, and house-made canapés at this “intimate and elegant” affair. The season brings an extra treat for children, who get to play dress-up for fancy fun as they taste pastries, tartlets, brownies and more, before being escorted to the gorgeous Grand Lobby for a private performance by Santa, his magician, an elf, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, after which Santa himself will narrate a Christmas classic. Teas are offered throughout the month of December; $45 for adults, $30 for children.

Holiday lunch cruise

San Diego Grape Street Pier at 1800 N Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

Impress your coworkers by skipping the same old gathering at that restaurant you all go to a few times a week, and throw your annual company holiday lunch on the bay! This two-hour cruise with Hornblower includes a boarding glass of champagne or sparkling cider (for anyone who wants to go back to work), a seated lunch and holiday dessert buffet, background holiday music, and, of course, ever-changing views of the stunning downtown coastline. Available on Fridays in December, $45 per person.