Spend the upcoming weekend in San Diego enjoying everything California’s Beach City has to offer including these top things to do.
Carols and Barrels
Buddy the Elf’s beer, wine and food festival of choice, is taking over the Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier for a holiday-themed afternoon of unlimited craft beer and wine samples, as well as small bite offerings from area restaurants. Additionally, there will be an ugly sweater contest, a special appearance by Buddy the Elf, photo opportunities with Santa, caroling, elves, reindeer games and more.
Where: Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier – 1000 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 3, 2016
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 PM
Cost: $45-$125
> Find out more about Carols & Barrels
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Brilliantly innovative, heartbreaking, and wickedly funny, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is the landmark American musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask that is “groundbreaking and undoubtedly ahead of its time” (Entertainment Weekly). This genre-bending, fourth-wall-smashing musical sensation, with a pulsing score and electrifying performances, tells the story of one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage.
Where: 1101 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103-4106
When: November 29 – December 4, 2016
Cost: $25-$150
> Find out more about Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park December Nights brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year” with lights and more! As in years past, the event will offer seasonal entertainment for the whole family as well as festive holiday lighting throughout the Park – from the Plaza de Panama canopy – to the Botanical Building – to the landmark Moreton Bay Fig Tree. Delicious cuisine and holiday cheer are also all part of the long-standing San Diego celebration.
Where: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 2-3, 2016
Cost: Free
> Find out more about Balboa Park December Nights
Festival of Christmas
This year’s Festival of Christmas is set in San Diego’s “Little Italy” district. The year is 1949 and the sleepy little town is going through big changes. It’s a memorable theatre experience filled with song, dance, laughter and love. A perfect holiday show for the entire family!
Where: 1142 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
When: December 2-24, 2016
Cost: $24-$78
> Find out more about the Festival of Christmas
Garden of Lights
The Garden is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a magical holiday experience. Leave the hustle and bustle of the malls behind and enjoy a relaxing evening strolling the lighted Garden.
Where: San Diego Botanic Garden – 230 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
When: December 3-30, 2016
Cost: $5-$20
> Find out more about the Garden of Lights
Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland Festival
Every year, the Center brings the North Pole to the heart of Escondido. Children will have the chance to frolic in real snow, decorate their very own Christmas cookies, and even rendezvous with live reindeer! The highlight for kids is, of course, Santa Claus himself, but there will also be a number of holiday-themed entertainers – from carolers, to stilt walkers, to hula dancers – for all ages to enjoy. Food and drink will be available to warm your hands and hearts, and a number of local businesses will be displaying their wares for your holiday shopping needs.
Where: California Center for the Arts, Escondido – 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
When: December 3, 2016
Time: 3:00 to 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland Festival
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Celebrate the season during Little Italy’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and see our unique Christmas Tree – a 25-foot tower of 1,000+ gorgeous Poinsettias. Santa Claus will be in attendance for meet and greets and photos with all the neighborhood kids and kids at heart. Next to “Santa’s Living Room,” will be fun arts and crafts for the kids to take part in.
Where: India St & W Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 3, 2016
Time: 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Holiday Parades
Get into the holiday spirit at these parades throughout San Diego County:
- Alpine Village Christmas Parade and Snow Festival
When: December 2, 2016 - Coronado Christmas Parade & Open House
When: December 2, 2016 - Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Holiday in the Village
When: December 3, 2016 - North Park Toyland Parade & Festival
When: December 3, 2016 - Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
When: December 3, 2016 - Fallbrook Christmas Parade
When: December 3, 2016 - Encinitas Holiday Parade
When: December 3, 2016 - La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
When: December 4, 2016
2016 SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
The festive and fiery SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off, promises everything a person could want in a fun day including craft beer, wine, shopping music and chili! This festive and fiery event, held at the confluence of two neighborhoods battling for hipster bragging rights, promises everything a person could want in a fun day out in the neighborhood.
Where: Thorn & 32nd Streets in North Park, San Diego, CA 92104
When: December 4, 2016
Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free. Chili Bowl & Five Tastings – $25
> Find out more about the 2016 SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
San Diego Chargers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In Week 13, the San Diego Chargers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qualcomm Stadium. Don’t forget to get to the stadium early to check out all the pre-game festivities. The parking lot will open 5 hours before kick-off and Qualcomm Stadium will open its gates approximately 90 minutes before kick-off. We hope to see you there!
Where: Qualcomm Stadium – 9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
When: December 4, 2016
Kick Off: 1:25 PM
Cost: Check website for seat pricing
> Find out more about Chargers vs. Buccaneers
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink – Thru January 29, 2017
- Fantasy on Ice Liberty Station – Thru January 3, 2017
- Skating by the Sea – Thru January 2, 2017
- SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration – Thru January 1, 2017
- Holidays at LEGOLAND – Thru January 1, 2016
- DELights in the Garden Patio – Thru January 1, 2017
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! – Thru December 26, 2016
- A Christmas Carol – Thru December 24, 2016
- The Dybbuk for Hannah and Sam’s Wedding – Thru December 18, 2016
- Del Mar Bing Crosby Season – Thru December 4, 2016
- Miss You Like Hell – Thru December 4, 2016
- Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – Thru December 4, 2016
- A Drag Queen Christmas – November 29, 2016
- Seu Jorge – The Aquatic Life: A Tribute to David Bowie – November 30, 2016
- Autumn Pie Pizza Making Class with Venissimo Cheese – November 30, 2016
- Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play – December 1-23, 2016
- Bobby Lee – December 1-3, 2016
- Jewels of the Season: Holidays at the Timken – December 2-31, 2016
- Mariachi Sol de Mexico’s Merry-Achi Christmas – December 2, 2016
- Red Nose Run – December 2, 2016
- Comedy Night at Green Flash Cellar 3 – December 2, 2016
- Pink Martini – December 3, 2016
- Jimmy Callaway: Adios, Amigos – December 4, 2016
- A John Waters Christmas – December 4, 2016
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
