Dec. 1–2, Balboa Park December Nights – Friends, families, and the community are invited to come together for festive fun, food, and attractions throughout the park, including complimentary admission to Balboa Park museums from 5–9 pm. Enjoy international cuisine, unique gift shopping, music and dance performances, and a wide variety of museum exhibits. This is a free event with food and drink available for purchase. – Time: 3–11 pm Friday, Noon–11 pm Saturday – Location: Balboa Park, San Diego – www.balboapark.org/decembernights
Dec. 2–17, Old Town Holiday in the Park – Let Old Town San Diego make your holiday season merry and bright! Halls will be decked, fires built, and songs sung during Old Town Holiday in the Park & Las Posadas. The stores, restaurants, and museums in the park will be decorated to evoke the spirit of the season during the 1800s. Park merchants will have extended hours to help you find interesting gifts for everyone on your shopping list!! – Time: 6–9 pm (extended hours) – Location: Old Town, San Diego – www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com/events.html
Dec. 2–23 & 26–30, Garden of Lights – Experience a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 125,000 sparkling lights illuminating the flora of this fantastic 37-acre urban oasis. The Garden has something for the whole family, including local food, treats, and warm beverages, live jazz and blues bands, marshmallow toasting, visits with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, and much more! – Time: 5–9 pm – Location: San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas – www.sdbgarden.org/lights.htmDec. 3, SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off – Enjoy a day of family fun with chili samples, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a fun fest kid’s zone, and live music! While you’re there, visit with local handmade craft vendors and do some holiday shopping. Proceeds from food sales will benefit the McKinley Elementary School foundation. This is a free event. – Time: 11 am–5 pm – Location: 32nd St. and Thorn St., North Park, San Diego – www.sonofestchilicookoff.com
Dec. 9, Makers Arcade Holiday Fair – Find that one-of-a-kind gift at this fair, where makers come together to offer you a unique holiday shopping experience. While perusing handcrafted goods, enjoy live music, free make and take crafts, a photo booth, and delicious food and cocktails. – Time: 11 am–7 pm – Location: The Port Pavillion at the Broadway Pier
1000 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego – www.makersarcade.com/holiday-fair-details
Dec. 9 & 10, Holly, Jolly Holidays – Make merry with Christmas music, songs that celebrate Hanukkah, a salute to our active military and veterans, and more. Even Santa Claus will stop by with treats for the children! Proceeds from the show will fund scholarships for high school seniors who plan to pursue their education in music. – Time: 7 pm Dec. 9, 1 pm Dec. 10 – Location: Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway – www.powaycenter.com/525/RB-Chorale—Holly-Jolly-Holidays
Dec. 9 & 10, 15–17, 20–23, The Nutcracker – Gather your friends and family to enjoy a classically extravagant score and vibrant cast of over 150 dancers. California Ballet’s glittering production of The Nutcracker leaps onto the stage of the San Diego Civic Theatre in a favorite holiday tradition. – Time: Showtimes vary by date – Location: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd Ave., San Diego – www.sandiegotheatres.org/the-nutcracker
Dec. 10, Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade – Deck those paws with bells so jolly and jingle all the way through the Gaslamp Quarter! After a festive strut around the Quarter, explore the pet expo and enjoy live music and special pet presentations on the “Cat” walk stage. – Time: 1–5 pm – Location: Martin Luther King Promenade Park – 4th Ave. and K St., Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego – www.gaslamp.org/events/pet-parade
Dec. 10, Hanukkah Happening – Bring the whole family for a holiday extravaganza filled with games, crafts, raffles, and more at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center! You’ll find themed gift baskets for all ages at great prices. There will also be an inflatable jump house, arcade, and kosher treats. – Time: 11 am–2 pm – Location: Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center – Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla – www.lfjcc.org/preschool/hanukkahhappening.aspx
Dec. 15–16, Queen Bee Market Holiday Show – Looking for that perfect holiday gift? With over 100 vendors selling home décor, handcrafted art, clothing, accessories, furniture, and so much more, you are certain to find something unique at this original urban-style, artisan market. – Time: 4–9 pm Friday, 9 am–4 pm Saturday – Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar – www.facebook.com/events/125773624772415
Dec. 27–Jan. 1, San Diego Tango Festival – Join Tango enthusiasts from all over the country and dance the night away! There’s something for everyone at this event, and teachers are on hand to show beginners the basic steps as well as proper dance etiquette. – Time: Refer to website – Location:Wyndham San Diego Bayside, 1355 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego – www.sandiegotangofestival.com
