16 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: December 12-15 December

If you’ve fallen behind on your Christmas shopping, there are plenty of opportunities this week to shop for creative, locally made gifts while enjoying the benefits of many winter-themed events. Understory Bar’s new pairing dinner series offers guests a snowy ski vacation, while Coastal Christmas Del Mar and La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village bring the North Pole vibe to San Diego. Holiday markets are everywhere from Petco Park to La Jolla, and parade watchers will have plenty to see in Chula Vista and Gaslamp, among a plethora of other fun things to do this weekend.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater and art exhibitions | More fun activities

Food and drink events in San Diego this weekend

Understory’s Winter Wonderland: Après-ski five-course menu and cocktail series

Thursdays to Saturdays from December 12th to January 4th

Understory Bar at The Sky Deck combines elegance with the warm comfort of an Aspen ski lodge for its new winter pop-up concept, running Thursdays through Saturdays starting this week through January 4th. At The Alpine Affair, guests are served a five-course meal, with each dish paired with cocktails featuring Stranahan’s Colorado whiskey to enhance the winter atmosphere. Ticket price for this dinner is $170 per person.

12841 El Camino Real, Del Mar

Holiday Flood Brunch Buffet in the Marine Room

December 14th and 15th

Gather your loved ones for a special holiday High Tide Brunch Buffet in the Marine Room this Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon. As a fan favorite returns to the La Jolla coast, guests can enjoy seafood, tenderloin and seasonal breakfast dishes while enjoying scenic views of the Pacific. Brunch is $80 per adult and $45 per child, with an add-on option of $20 for free-flowing champagne for 21+ guests. Reservations can be made via OpenTable, with seating available every 15 minutes.

1950 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla

Swan Bar Pop Up

Now until December 31st

The Swan Bar in University Heights is hosting a holiday pop-up through December 31, 2024. The festive menu features seasonal cocktails such as Abuelita’s Hot Cocoa, Naughty Nog and a Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini. Guests can also pick up holiday bottles of Cocorumpy with chocolate peppermint and schnapps or Midnight Rider with Really Good Coffee liqueur. The pop-up is open Monday to Friday from 4:00 p.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to midnight. No reservation required.

Concerts and festivals in San Diego this weekend

Jingle Terrace Live

Until December 21st

Immerse yourself in nightly video and light shows featuring crafts, games and costumed characters at Jingle Terrace Live. This free event, held nightly from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Moonlight Amphitheater in Brengle Terrace Park – this year themed “SoCal Holiday Splash!” – includes performances by the Christmas Highland Cows (Tuesday-Thursday) and a Jingle Brass Band performance (Saturday) this week. Participants are also invited to stop by a cash donation station and collect donations for Meals on Wheels, Mama’s Kitchen and Brother Benno’s.

1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista

Will Smith at Observatory North Park

December 11th and 12th

Many probably know Will Smith best for his acting career, but before he became a box office king, Smith was one of the biggest artists of hip-hop’s Golden Age – alongside producer DJ Jazzy Jeff. Although Smith has come a long way from West Philly, he will showcase his rap skills with two concerts this week at The Observatory North Park as he prepares for the release of the first new album in 19 years, “Dance in Your Darkest.” , goes on tour moments.” Tickets start at $71 for the Wednesday and Thursday shows.

2891 University Avenue, North Park

2 pianos for 4 hands at the North Coast Repertory Theater

12-29. December

The piano duo Richard Todd Adams and Matthew McGloin will hit the keys while telling a bit of comedic storytelling 2 pianos for 4 hands at North Coast Repertory Theater. The two will describe their musical upbringing playing classical and jukebox hits. There will be six performances 2 pianos for 4 hands this week (Sunday’s matinee show is already sold out) and tickets are available for $67.

987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach

Chula Vista Starlight Parade and Festival

December 14th

Regard Eleven Take photos with Santa at the Memorial Bowl and watch as more than 100 parade participants float down Third Avenue during the free Starlight Parade & Festival. This South Bay tradition is as much a holiday festival with a 25-foot tree lighting, musical and dance performances as it is a holiday market, as well as a community parade with a long line of cars, marching bands and dance groups parading as part of the event the downtown marching procession.

353 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista

Theater and art exhibitions in San Diego this weekend

A lively seasonal spectacle at OnStage Playhouse

13th-15th December

This new show from Good Vibe Cinema at OnStage Playhouse takes the nostalgia of classic holiday specialties and combines them with live music and sketch comedy A lively seasonal spectacle. In this production, host Mack Macclaine is trying to get through his final role as host of a popular Christmas show when things fall apart in comical ways and threaten to overshadow the performance. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, students and educators and $15 for anyone under 30.

291 Third Avenue, Chula Vista

A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play at Scripps Ranch Theater

13th-15th December

For just four performances, Scripps Ranch Theater offers a classic theatrical experience of the traditional Christmas story. While A Christmas Carol: A Radio PlayNine actors will portray the characters of Charles Dickens, while audiences can experience the breadth of the audiovisual medium live on the fictional radio station WSRT. Tickets for this production are $30.

9783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch

Tarnished Emporium Opening reception at the Distinction Gallery

December 14th

Sculptor Valency Genis’ latest series of wonder-eyed creatures, crafted from clay, resin, glass and metal and prominently displayed with uniquely shaped antlers, open this Saturday at Distinction Gallery and remain on display until January 4th. At the opening reception for Tarnished Emporium This Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., attendees can enjoy live music, purchase drinks from LastSpot by TorTari, and mingle with the artists in attendance.

317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido

More great things to do in San Diego this weekend

Christmas market at Petco Park

Select dates through December 27th

From Thursday to Sunday this week, Petco Park’s Petco Park Christmas Market is taking place in Gallagher Square, complete with nightly snowfall, sweet treats and live reindeer. On Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the market features local craft and craft vendors, live entertainment, carousel rides and all-around festive celebrations. Tickets for adults range from $31 to $37 and for children under 14 they cost $24 to $28.

840 K Street, downtown

Holiday Open House 2024 at The Conrad

December 12th

The La Jolla Music Society invites the public to an evening of shopping, live music and festive cocktails during its annual Holiday Open House. This free event at Wu Tsai QRT.yrd features a holiday market from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., stories from Librarian on the Go at 5:00 p.m., and closing with salsa sounds from the Manny Cepeda Orchestra from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Register here.

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

Coastal Christmas Del Mar

Choose dates from December 13th to 26th

The Del Mar Fairgrounds’ vision of a North Pole by the sea, Coastal Christmas Del Mar, opens this Friday, with features such as a Christmas light trail, music by The Mar Dels, fire pits and igloos for rent and “Glice” skating. This Friday and Saturday, the event includes the Holiday Wine Walk ($50), where ticket holders receive eight two-ounce wine or beer tastings from 5 to 8 p.m. General admission tickets for Coastal Christmas are $24 for adults and $15 for children.

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

Holiday in the village

December 14th

La Mesa Village will immerse itself in a true winter wonderland this Saturday during its free annual Village Holiday from noon to 9 p.m. Attendees can enjoy carol caroling and gingerbread house photo ops, as well as new features like an ice skating rink, mini golf and the elf adventure trail. There will also be family-friendly activities such as the Mrs. Claus Reading Nook, holiday-themed inflatables and the children’s Christmas shopping program.

La Mesa Boulevard between Spring Street and 4th Street, La Mesa

San Diego Santa Run

December 14th

Run with a group of Kris Kringles in the 10th annual San Diego Santa Run, where each participant receives their very own Sunny Santa suit and matching sunglasses for a merry time. After the race, runners 21 and older can redeem their free drink ticket at one of four on-site bar partners, enjoy discounts at several PB stores and participate in the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade from 1 to 3 p.m. on Garnet Avenue. Registration is $60 for the 5K option and $40 for the children’s mile and the puppy-friendly dog ​​mile.

912 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach

Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade, Expo & Pups in the Pub Party

December 14th

Local dogs are invited to strut down Market Street during the annual Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event begins with the Gaslamp Holiday Expo featuring photo ops, dog treats, an appearance by Santa Claus and pet vendors. Then cheer on the decorated and dressed pets during the parade and have the chance to compete for prizes in eight holiday costume categories. Finally, there will be a party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp with beer, treats, games and more. Register your pets for the parade for $25.

702 Market Street, Gaslamp