9th–13th December – San Diego Union-Tribune

Here are some of the best things to do in San Diego this week, from Monday, December 9th to Friday, December 13th.

Check back on Wednesday for our guide to what to do this weekend.

Monday

Christmas show and toy car from the 1920s: San Diego Theaters is hosting a “Roaring 20s” holiday show and toy drive to benefit local nonprofit Home Start. The event is part of Balboa Theater’s Silent Movie Monday series and will feature two silent films: “Cops” (1922), starring Buster Keaton; and “Big Business” (1929), starring Laurel and Hardy. Both performances will be accompanied by music by organist Ken Double on the historic Wonder Morton organ. The San Diego Children’s Choir will perform between the two films and Santa Claus will lead a holiday singalong. Following the screenings, there will be a post-film discussion with San Diego International Film Festival CEO Tonya Mantooth and organist Ken Double, and later there will be snow as it falls from the lighted marquee. Monday, 7 p.m. at the Balboa Theater in the Gaslamp District, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. Tickets start at $24. Visit sandiegotheatres.org.

Tuesday

“Cool Yule”: A Christmas Tribute to Louis Armstrong: Founded in 2021 by award-winning San Diego singer and former Lamb’s Players Theater star Leonard Patton, Jazz Lounge will host no fewer than 15 nights of holiday-themed concerts throughout December. Most of them will also be homages to American giants such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nat “King” Cole and Frank Sinatra. In the first part, Patton, whose celebrity fans include Pat Metheny and Paul Simon, will pay homage to the immortal Louis Armstrong. 6:15 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The Jazz Lounge, 6818 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. $40; $65 (with dinner). thejazzlounge.live

Wednesday

South Bay vacation: The Port of San Diego invites the community to its South Bay Holiday, a free, family-friendly event. Enjoy holiday treats and refreshments, gifts and activities, and have your photo taken with Santa. Shop for gifts made by local craft vendors. Guests can also explore the Aquatic Center, a waterfront venue, and learn more about the Port of San Diego. No RSVP required. Parking is free; A free shuttle is available. Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pepper Park Aquatics Center, 3299 Tidelands Ave., National City. Free. portofsandiego.org.

Lea Salonga – “Sounding Joy: The Holiday Tour”: Manila native Lea Salonga was just 18 years old in 1990 when her role in “Miss Saigon” made her the first Asian woman to ever win a Tony Award for best actress in a musical. She’s been a Broadway star ever since, releasing her first holiday album in 20 years, the dozen-song “Sounding Joy,” on Nov. 1. Her concert tour in December to promote the album is the prelude to her return to Broadway in March, where she and Bernadette Peters will reprise their roles in “Old Friends” after a warm-up run in Los Angeles. 7:30 p.m., December 11th. Balboa Theater, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $86.55 to $139.30. Ticketmaster.com

Jingle Bar San Diego: The Christmas pop-up jingle bar arrives in San Diego at Bang on the 5th. The Asian fusion restaurant and bar transforms into a Christmas wonderland with festive cocktails, games, music and Christmas decorations. There will also be a competition for the best clothing and gifts for the winners. Until December 29th. 762 Fifth Ave., San Diego. $15.62. 619-677-5650, events.thejinglebars.com/events/jinglebar/1438371

Thursday

“A Christmas Story: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays” The Old Globe presents Tony Award-winning actor and UC San Diego graduate Jefferson Mays in a new adaptation of his acclaimed solo show, playing more than 50 characters in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The film is directed by Old Globe artistic director Barry Edelstein. December 12th to 22nd, Thursday to Saturday, 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 2 p.m. Sheryl and Harvey White Theater, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $64-$96. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org

“A Tree Lot Christmas: Join the Family Tree of Jesus” Our Lady of Mt Carmel School presents this family-friendly musical about a group of children who sell Christmas trees outside a toy store to raise money for children in need. It focuses on the faith roots of the Christmas season. 6:00 p.m., December 12th. Balboa Theater, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. sandiegotheatres.org/event/2024/12/tree-lot-christmas

Friday

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the Balboa Park-based company’s annual production with students. The ballet follows the traditional story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, the battle of the toy solders and mice, and the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. 7 p.m. Dec. 13; December 14th and 15th 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; December 20, 7 p.m.; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. December 21st; 2:00 p.m., December 22nd. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park $27. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org

Christmas Lights at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum: The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum hosts its annual Christmas lights event, transforming the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland of light displays. Highlights include wagon rides through Christmas lights, Santa photos, food and drinks, arts and crafts, model trains, steam engine and tractor demonstrations, s’mores, Christmas movies, local vendors and a Christmas tree raffle. Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and from December 20th to 21st. Admission is $10, online in advance; $12 at the gate; Free for children up to 6 years. The museum is located at 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Visit agsem.org/holiday-light-2024.

San Diego Symphony – “Noel, Noel”: The symphony’s annual Christmas concerts, conducted by conductor Christopher Dragon, feature performances by, among others, the San Diego Master Chorale, the San Diego Children’s Choir and singer Ross Lekites. 7:30 p.m. December 13th, 14th and 15th; December 14th and 15th, 2 p.m. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39 to $93. Purchase.sandiegosymphony.org/9540

Golden State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: The lavish downtown production, choreographed by Raul Salamanca, features professional dancers and 90 talented students from the award-winning academy. The Tchaikovsky score will be performed by a live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Duration: 20 hours, 10 minutes, with break. December 13th, 7:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. December 14; 1:00 p.m. December 15; 7:30 p.m. December 20; 2 and 7:30 p.m. December 21st; 1 and 5:30 p.m., December 22nd. San Diego Civic Theater, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $35-$129. goldenstateballet.org

Christmas light display on the coast: Eight days of holiday fun await guests at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This December attraction features a light trail with “millions of lights,” according to organizers. Other destinations include photo opportunities with Santa, an igloo fire pit, festive food and drink areas and a children’s play area. Coastal Christmas is open December 13-15, 20-23 and 26 from 4 to 9 p.m. Admission is $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 4 to 12. Children up to 3 years old can take part free of charge. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Coastalchristmasdelmar.com