Ilustration by Oleh Kuzminskyi, Getty Images

Tis the Season

Ilustration by Oleh Kuzminskyi, Getty Images

The Nutcracker

1100 Third Avenue

Downtown

There are many, many Nutcrackers out there. If you haven’t seen this one, then maybe it’s time. The day may come when the San Diego Civic Theatre is no more; architects are already busily drawing up plans for the Civic Center’s future. Don’t miss your chance to say “Remember when?” in a couple of decades. The Golden State Ballet performs this classic story of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker Prince, accompanied by musicians from the San Diego Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s immortal score. Tickets $25-$69. December 15-24.

Noel Noel

22 Marina Park Way

Embarcadero

Experience the return of Noel as she and her friends search for Santa and the magic that he brings to the season (in addition to the magic that The Shell brings to San Diego’s waterfront). New to this year’s performance will be featured guest vocalist Devin DeSantis. It’s a program full of Christmas classics, sing-alongs, holiday cheer and jolly spirits. The concert will be led by guest conductor Christopher Dragon and Director Jonathan Gilmer, and it features the return of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Master Chorale, and the San Diego Children’s Choir. Bonus: special Holiday-themed treats and drinks will be available for purchase in the Prebys Plaza! Tickets $22-$95 December 15-17.

An Irish Christmas

868 Fourth Avenue

Downtown

The Irish are more than besotted bog people! Join the Kerry Dance Troupe at The Balboa Theatre for this festive Irish celebration that combines music-making, storytelling, dance and laughter to make up an unforgettable Irish Christmas. With Riverdance stars, the glorious music of the uilleann pipes, Irish flutes, bodhrans, Celtic fiddles and plenty of soul, you can be certain of a warm Irish welcome! In true ceilidh style, the passionate performers enjoy every second of the on-stage revelry, helping to melt those winter blues. Tickets from $55. December 16.

Enchanted Village

12526 Campo Road

Spring Valley

Take a walk and experience a festival of trees and lights at Noah Homes’ Annual Enchanted Village. You will be surrounded by a million dazzling lights, brilliantly lit trees, magical cottages, light tunnels, live entertainers, and more. You can even take a photo with Santa! Proceeds benefit Noah Homes, a nonprofit for people with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism. Tickets $19.99 adults, $12 children. December 15-22.

La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival on December 3

Photograph by Peter Gotfredson

Lightscape

300 Quail Gardens Drive

Encinitas

The story goes that Martin Luther invented the Christmas tree when he was walking through the woods, looked up, and saw stars through the branches — the light of heaven amid the things of earth. And look: another dazzling year of Lightscape is just around the corner! Featuring exciting new installations along with returning fan favorites, this one-mile loop has been reimagined to surprise and delight visitors. Merging nature and art, the San Diego Botanic Garden will come to life at night with festive sights and sounds for all to enjoy. Tickets start at $20 for children and $32 for adults. Now through January 1.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Various locations

The waterfront

This year’s theme is Christmas Traditions Around the World, so maybe we’ll get a Krampus-themed barge lit up like a bat out of hell! But probably not. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community. The event brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year to see approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats. Hooray boats! Free. December 10 and 17.

Christmas Day Cuddle Party

Location to be revealed

Old Town

Nurturing, welcome consensual touch is good for you! Infants who are deprived of touch fail to thrive; we never outgrow the need! Cuddle Party is a movement to reclaim touch that is not about sex as an option. You can come to a Cuddle Party to meet new people, to enjoy amazing conversations, to touch, to be touched, to have fun, to practice asking for what you want, to practice saying “no” to what you don’t want — all in a setting structured to be a safe place for exploration and enjoyment. Shucks, you can even come to a Cuddle Party just to cuddle! Free. December 25.

Gingerbread House Decorating Party

8885 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 100

Mission Valley

Come enjoy a fun and interactive way to socialize and a great way to bond with friends, family or colleagues at Hera Hub San Diego. This class includes: two hours with guided instruction and tips, a personal pre-baked gingerbread house for each guest to decorate, an array of colorful icings and edible decorations, all tools and materials for use, a to-go box to take your finished masterpiece home, and an open wine bar with non-alcoholic options and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets $85. December 16.

Santa’s Story Time Tea at Westgate Hotel

Santa’s Story Time Tea

1055 Second Avenue

Downtown

Sometimes, Santa wants to leave the workshop behind and get a taste of the good life. Create magical holiday memories in the festive ambiance of the Le Fontainebleau Room at the Westgate Hotel. Festivities include story time and photo opportunities with Santa Claus himself. Also, each child will leave with their very own keepsake teddy bear from the North Pole. We’ll serve delicious hot chocolate, premium teas, fresh house-made pastries, and desserts with a holiday twist accompanied by live holiday music from a pianist. Price includes a glass of Champagne for the adults! Tickets $98. Weekends in December.

Menorah Lighting

3725 Paseo Place

Del Mar

The firepit at One Paseo is the centerpiece of all sorts of gatherings, but some flames are more significant than others. Grab your family and join us for a special Menorah Lighting celebration ceremony with the Chabad Jewish Center of Rancho Santa Fe. Enjoy live music, kosher bites, and the lighting ceremony led by Rabbi Levi Raskin. December 12.

Sippin’ Santa

910 Grand Avenue

Pacific Beach

Sometimes, Santa just wants to get his drink on. In 2015 at Boilermaker in New York City, Sippin’ Santa was born as the tropical companion to Miracle, the playful and retro-kitsch Christmas pop-up that kicked off with great success just the year before. Envision Santa on a surfboard instead of a sleigh, replace the classic pine tree with palms decked with ornaments, and hang hibiscus garlands alongside tinsel—in essence, that is the Sippin’ Santa spirit. The pop-up bar hits The Grass Skirt this year, and will feature tiki-themed holiday cocktails with quirky names like Papa Noel and Christmas Eve of Destruction. Each drink will be poured into intricate custom glassware that patrons will have the opportunity to buy. Now through December 31.

Gingerbread House Decorating Party on December 16

Photograph by EvgeniiAnd, Getty Images

Living Nativity

6365 El Apajo

Rancho Santa Fe

This year, Horizon wants to make sure you don’t lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas by inviting you to the Living Nativity. With breathtaking scenes and dramatic recreations, the Living Nativity walks you through the birth, life, death and resurrection of the Savior, Christ the Lord. Before you and your family experience the program, enjoy the Marketplace, from camel rides to games and crafts for kids, hot chocolate, apple cider and food trucks. December 21-23.

Las Posadas

2454 Heritage Park Row

Old Town

Embark on a narrative pilgrimage alongside Joseph and Mary, as they seek shelter at different inns, represented by six strategically placed stations within the Heritage County Park. Mary, astride a donkey, will be accompanied by an ensemble of shepherds and angels. At each station, attendees will be graced with engaging narrations and poignant call-and-response verses. In line with the spirit of giving, the event integrates a community service project. Attendees are warmly invited to contribute non-perishable items for the local food bank at Old Town Community Church. Following the finale, guests are cordially invited back to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site for an evening of refreshments and camaraderie. December 8.

Skating by the Sea

1500 Orange Avenue

Coronado

This is the glory of California: doing winter stuff and summer stuff in the same place, and maybe even on the same day. Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado’s famous beachfront ice rink featuring stunning views of the Pacific and benefitting Make-A-Wish® San Diego. Enhance your experience by reserving a rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounge with plush seating, roaring fire pits, holiday-themed libations, and delectable bites. Tickets $25-$40. Now through January 7.

Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour

December Nights

Balboa Park

Join your fellow citizens on December 1 and 2 for the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food. Family zones, adult zones, the Santa zone, and plenty of entertainment for all.

Santa Brunch

8878 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard

Clairemont Mesa

Sometimes, Santa just wants to get his brunch on. And maybe laugh a little. Mic Drop Comedy is hosting a Santa Brunch where he can do both. This special variety show will remind you why Christmas is most everyone’s favorite holiday. Don’t forget your ugly sweaters! And yes, Santa will be there for photo ops. Tickets $18. December 10.

Floral Centerpiece Workshop

2770 Historic Decatur Road, Barracks 14, Suite 10

Liberty Station

Looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday decor this Christmas season? Look no further! Ana Galena Floral Studio invites you to a magical Christmas Floral Centerpiece Workshop, where you can create a stunning centerpiece to adorn your home. Discover the art of floral design and connect with the festive spirit and joy of the season. Fee includes materials and guidance for creating a centerpiece that is sure to impress your guests this holiday season. Tickets $135. December 19.

Santa Brunch at Mic Drop Comedy

SoNoFest Chili Cookoff

Thorn Street & 32nd Street

North Park

Sometimes, Santa just wants to get his chili on. So maybe you’ll spot him at this fundraiser for McKinley Elementary with local chili, live music, arts & crafts, indie goods, and lots of good vibes. December 3.

Holiday in the Village

La Mesa Boulevard

La Mesa

The 8th annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will once again be ringing in holiday cheer for everyone far and near! La Mesa Village friends and family will have the chance to take part in free festive fun with live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, holiday photo opportunities including selfies with Santa, and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop! Explore dozens of local craft vendor stands, then cozy up with artisan and craft food and snack specialties. Friends and family can relax by the fire pits while enjoying holiday caroling, cheerful holiday music, and fun live entertainment.

Holiday Parade

Newport Avenue

Ocean Beach

For over 40 years, the quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted one of the best Holiday Parades in SoCal. Newport Avenue will be lined with colorful OBceans and visitors all eagerly awaiting the commencement of the 44rd Annual OB Holiday Parade at Sunset! The 2023 Parade theme is “Santa’s Disco Luau” and the entries will be judged based on the following categories: Best Overall, Best Live Music, Best Performance, Best Youth Group, Most Unusual, Best OB Spirit, and Best use of Lights. December 2.

Pet Parade and Pups in the Pubs

Gaslamp

Get those ears perked and those tails wagging and prepare to unleash the holiday cheer in Gaslamp Quarter with your furry friends! Register your pets in advance at The Gaslamp Pet Parade for $25. The event is free to watch, so grab a spot at one of the patios along the parade route and be prepared for the best parade ever! Deck the paws with your pups in the Gaslamp and get into the holiday spirit with your best holiday costume. After the parade, stick around for the Pups in the Pub Party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy craft beers, holiday tunes, treats, holiday costume contest results, and pups and peeps games.

North Pole Limited

750 Depot Street

Campo

The fun begins at the festive Campo Depot where guests pick up tickets from the Ticket Agent in our restored passenger waiting room. Once onboard the North Pole Limited, our crew of elves will regale you with holiday songs and stories, serve hot chocolate and fresh cookies, and more! The North Pole Limited winds its way through the beautiful backcountry on its way to the North Pole, where it stops at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus. The train ride lasts for approximately 90 minutes, as Santa and Mrs. Claus visits with all passengers on the train on our way back to the Campo Depot. Tickets start at $15 for children and $30 for adults. Fridays and Saturdays through December 16.