america’s finest
city
No snow? No problem! San Diego celebrates the holidays with its own special flair.
‘T
is the season, as they say, and San Diego’s season? ‘Tis the best of them all! As a cultural hotspot with a year-round fair climate, this place has a sleigh-load of holiday events for all tastes. Though we don’t have space here to share the uncountable array of hyperlocal events like tree and menorah lightings, community parades, gift faires, and so on, it’s worth getting involved in your neighborhood to find out about them. Meanwhile, here are some of our favorite iconic local holiday events to get you in the spirit.
Where Else But Here
While our winter weather may have you trading the traditional ugly sweater for an aloha shirt, we still know how to get festive. Try on this array of winter holiday traditions that scream San Diego. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. There’s no place like Dr. Seuss’s hometown to immerse yourself in the magical land of Whoville in the musical stage adaptation of this timeless children’s classic, a San Diego holiday
tradition at the Old Globe since 1998. Through December 31. Tickets and more info: theoldglobe.org Las Posadas. The Mexican Christmas tradition comes to life at the Balboa Theatre with a concert by the renowned Mariachi Champaña Nevin, featuring traditional Mexican carols and widely beloved classic tunes. Thursday December 23, 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $29.50. More details: sandiegotheatres.org The Nutcracker. SD’s acclaimed Golden State Ballet with live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony present this cherished holiday experience with music by Tchaikovsky at the San Diego Civic Theatre. December 16–23. Tickets $25– 109. Times and more info: goldenstateballet.org Jingle. Over 200 singers, dancers, and other musicians of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus perform traditional and newer holiday pieces in San Diego’s jolliest familyfriendly variety show. Saturday December 11, 8:00 pm, and Sunday December 12, 3:00 pm. More details: sdgmc.org
Noel Noel. The San Diego Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale and San Diego Children’s Choir will team up to bring this local favorite to the beautiful bayside Rady Shell. December 10–12. Tickets start at $38. sandiegosymphony.org San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Decorated boats delight and entertain spectators along San Diego and Coronado’s waterfront. Sundays December 12 & 19, 5:30 PM. No cost to view, but reservations at waterfront restaurants may book up far in advance. Parade schedule and route: sdparadeoflights.org San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade. America’s largest giant balloon parade returns to the waterfront streets of downtown San Diego. Tuesday December 28, 10:00 am. Streetside parade viewing is free, with grandstand seating available for $25. Parade route and more info: holidaybowl.com
Merry Christmas, Ya Festive Animals San Diego is the rightfully proud home to some of the most famous animal-experience destinations in the world. Each is a worthy year-round destination, but the holidays bring an additional layer of entertainment and good cheer to the big three listed below. Many locals consider these holiday offerings a cherished tradition. If you haven’t been yet, consider surprising your family with the early gift of a shared trip to celebrate with the critters.
San Diego Zoo: Jungle Bells. After a day visiting the world-famous zoological park, spend the evening with festive decorations, live music, acrobats, and interactive experiences for all ages. Catch the larger-than-life experience of Aurora, an immersive story told with live performers, lights, sound, and 3D projection mapping. December 10–January 2 (dark 12/24). Included with cost of admission. sandiegozoo.org
Sea World: Christmas Celebration. Two new holiday shows and a snowfall experience join SeaWorld’s lineup of classic holiday offerings that include meetings with Santa, Rudolph, Sesame Street characters; holiday-themed animal presentations; festive food & beverages; and of course their famous fireworks display on select nights. Experiences are included with cost of admission, with some paid holiday upgrades available. Through January 2. seaworld.com/san-diego
Who Needs Elves?
There’s been lots of media coverage about supply chain issues making gifts scarce, but don’t listen to them. We live in one of the most diverse regions in the world, with small businesses and craftspersons offering an amazing array of unique services and gifts that will tell your loved ones you really care. Wander your neighborhood’s shops. Look up local art and craft events. Take friends and family to a favorite restaurant, or treat them to experiences like a spa day, cooking lessons, or trip to one of San Diego’s amazing destinations. We’ve got our own supply chain of awesomeness right here! Shop local, and make this the most memorable gifting season ever.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Wild Holidays. Live music, stilt walkers, light displays, visits with Santa, and more. Select dates through January 2. Included with cost of admission. sdzsafaripark.org ©2021 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. DRE #01481919