Old traditions (December Nights at Balboa Park) and new experiences (City Lights at Quartyard) are on tap for downtown end-of-year holiday happenings. Hey, why not make a gingerbread house, get your dog’s portrait done or watch the movie Elf at a world-class music venue accompanied by the San Diego Symphony? Here’s the San Diego Sun’s December Recommended list:
Annual East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
November 30 (Saturday) Kick off December with a sparkling evening at the East Village Tree Lighting. Along with festive decor, this event will feature a holiday market, live music and plenty of activities for kids. More info
Malibu Farm Gingerbread House Workshop
November 30 (Saturday) Get cozy while making an edible decoration for your home. Childrens workshops will take place earlier in the day, and an adult workshop (featuring festive cocktails) will be held in the evening. More info
City Lights
December 6 through January 19 Daylight savings isn’t so bad when you get to experience this twinkling, immersive installation on a December evening at Quartyard. Inspired by city life, this experience uses light and sound to transport you though six “zones” featuring lasers, reactive video, LED sculpture, projection mapping and more cool tech stuff. More info
December Nights
December 6-7 (Friday and Saturday) One of San Diego’s favorite festive traditions, December Nights at Balboa Park is back with lights displays, musical performances, attractions, food and more. A fun zone for kids will include STEAM activities and free photos with Santa. More info
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
December 7 (Saturday) Celebrate local craftsmanship at this fair featuring over 130 makers at the Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier. Look for winter cocktails, beer by Sierra Nevada, Sipwell wine, gourmet food trucks, live music, photo trailers and a kids craft area. More info
Paw La-La-La-La Pop Up Pet Portraits with Santa
December 14 (Saturday) Throw your pet a bone this holiday season and get their portrait professionally taken with Santa. Hosted at Alma San Diego hotel, tickets to this event also come with one free poinsettia mimosa. More info
Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade
December 14 (Saturday) Put your paws together and celebrate your pet even more. The parade features holiday costume voting, festive pet accessories and holiday vendors. After the parade, continue the fun at the Pups in the Pub party at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. More info
San Diego Santa Con
December 14 (Saturday) Bust out your Santa hat or your ugliest sweater for this downtown holiday bar crawl. Promising festive drinks, lively music and exclusive access, you’re likely to have a jolly good time. More info
Cruising into the Holidays: Fiesta Navidad
December 15 (Sunday) Rev your engines at this free holiday festival, where lowrider cars, bikes and culture will be on display in the parking lot near The Rady Shell. Mariachi Los Camperos will perform a Christmas setlist. You’ll also have great seats for the 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. More info
Rooftop Cinema Club Fireside Films Series
Varying dates throughout December Snuggle up to watch one of your favorite holiday films at the Rooftop Cinema Club atop the Manchester Hyatt. Their fireside films series includes a personal wood-burning heater and warm drink when you buy a loveseat ticket. More info
Golden State Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Various dates Nothing says Christmas like a wintery reprise of this classic story. Stop by Civic Theatre early to grab some hot chocolate before the show and bask in the holiday spirit. More info
Elf in Concert at The Rady Shell
December 21 (Saturday) The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear…which you can do as the San Diego Symphony performs the live soundtrack to this iconic Will Ferrell movie. More info
Xmas Bar Pop Up at Good Night John Boy
Through December Xmas Bar returns with a vintage twist at the new 1970s-themed bar Good Night John Boy. Decor is every Christmas-loving maximalist’s dream, with funky ornaments, tinsel everywhere and a mini living room set up with faux fireplaces. Cocktails include the Naughty or Nice, Drunken Gingerbread or Santa’s Lil Night Cap. More info
Hanukkah Festival at Seaport Village
December 28 (Saturday) Celebrate Hanukkah with this family-friendly event that includes live music, performers and the traditional lighting of the menorah. More info SDSun
