Dining
They’re getting into the holiday spirit with food and drink specials like a cranberry mint mimosa as well as their candy cane mocha, and holiday gnocchi.
Date: Through December
Price: Varies
Various Locations
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
Dine on a private pier, the perfect vantage point for the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. At the hotel’s holiday edition of the Lunar Feast dinner series, you’ll get a dinner buffet by chefs Michael Poompan and Aaron Obregon, a welcome cocktail, and more.
Date: December 9
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Price: Adults $70, children $35
2000 2nd Street, Coronado
This holiday edition of Kettner Exchange’s ongoing dinner series, held at its upstairs sister eatery Devil’s Dozen, will include a five-course meal of raclette fondue, prime rib, and more with wine pairings, plus the restaurant’s signature eggnog.
Date: December 19
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Price: Starting from $95
2001 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy
Want to let someone else do the cooking? All this month you can order chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins’ holiday tamales, made with ethically sourced corn from family farms in Mexico and filled with beef, chicken, vegetarian, or a sweet offering. Orders (minimum half-dozen of one kind for $24) must be placed by Wednesday each week for pick-up that Friday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. To order, guests call the restaurant (619-795-2322) or email [email protected].
Date: Through December
2885 Perry Road, Liberty Station
Indulge in a carrot cake crème brulee, black velvet cake, lemon praline, trifle, and bûche de noel.
Date: December 21–24
Price: Varies
1430 Union Street, Little Italy; 2929 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest
The Grand Del Mar’s restaurants—Amaya, the Clubhouse Grill, and the award-winning Addison—are serving both three- and seven-course meals, as well as buffets, and à la carte options.
Date: December 24–25
Time: Varies
Price: Varies
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar
Stop by for their holiday-inspired eggnog French toast paired with drink specials such as their cranberry mimosa flight. Perk up with their Nutella Me Ain’t So Latte.
Date: Through December
Price: Varies
Various Locations
Enjoy the Instagrammable character steamed buns shaped like Hello Kitty and other animals made fresh daily as well as a seasonal snowman bun filled with butterscotch ginger pudding.
Date: Through December
Price: Two buns for $7.95
1901 Columbia Street, Little Italy; 2958 Madison Street, Carlsbad
During Hornblower’s Christmas Eve and Christmas day dining cruises, look for holiday carolers, Santa on Christmas day, and a traditional holiday buffet.
Date: December 24–25
Time: Varies
Price: Brunch starting at $69, dinner starting at $99
1800 North Harbor Drive, Marina
Feast on a classic buffet with all the trimmings in the ornate ballroom or iconic Crown Room. They’re also serving a four-course dinner on Christmas Eve.
Date: December 25
Price: $140 for adults; $50 for children 6–10; complimentary for children under 5
This inaugural holiday-themed bar crawl starts at George’s at the Cove before hitting three other bars. The event is free but the organizers ask that you bring an unwrapped toy to Hennessey’s (the last stop on the crawl) that will be donated to Rady’s Children’s Hospital.
Date: December 15
Time: 6 p.m.
La Jolla
Only in December, the oceanfront restaurant serves up lunch, and this month you can also dine during the final High Tide Breakfast of 2018 (December 8, 9, 22, and 23).
Date: Varies
Price: Varies
2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla
333 Pacific is partnering with the Oceanside Museum of Art for this 10-year anniversary celebration and fundraiser for the museum. The event will feature a wine-paired dinner, an ugly sweater contest, and a concert with local blues favorite Sarah Rogo.
Date: December 12
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Price: Varies
704 Pier View Way, Oceanside
The Little Italy restaurant will be open Christmas Eve until 8:30 p.m., and Café Zucchero, located inside the restaurant, will be open Christmas Day from 8–11 a.m. for dessert pick-up only (try the fig pignoli!). Get your holiday orders in before December 20 with same day pick-up available for whatever’s in stock.
Date: Through December
Price: 1.25lb box of assorted cookies for $15
1735 India Street, Little Italy
At this downtown bagel and coffee shop, sip on peppermint-bark mocha, egg nog latte, or gingerbread chai or try one of their apple cinnamon-flavored bagels and gingerbread butter cream cheese.
Date: Through December
Price: Varies
555 Market Street, Gaslamp Quarter
Just in time for the cooler weather, Tajima is serving a Holiday Ramen with egg noodles in a rich shoyu-tonkotsu broth, topped with duck meat and a citron-pepper sauce.
Date: Through December
Price: $15
Various Locations
Drinking
619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room
The new North Park spot features award-winning vodkas, plus a full food and cocktail menu and seasonal boozy milkshakes. The tasting room will be celebrating the “12 Days of Christmas” with free Christmas movies playing on select nights, gingerbread house building and ornament decorating.
Date: Through December 25
3015 Lincoln Avenue, North Park
Celebrate with a holiday mule, concocted from blue Red Bull, Crown Apple, and a splash of ginger beer, finished with fresh lime, bitters, and a blueberry candy cane.
Date: Through December
Price: $7
1030 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach
Meet Santa, while sipping on hot cocoa, espresso drinks, and holiday-themed beverages at the café’s North Park location
Date: December 15
Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Price: Varies
2335 University Avenue, North Park
Dr. Seuss Holiday Takeover at Craft & Commerce
The Little Italy restaurant-bar has transformed into a Whoville Winter Wonderland, a nod to the fictional town made famous in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Bartenders have created a special menu that inspired by the story, with drinks like Silent Night, Mole Night; Santa’s Snack with cinnamon and whole milk; and more. And if you tuck into their inside tiki bar False Idol, you’ll find it converted into the Grinch’s lair.
Price: Varies
675 West Beech Street, Little Italy
This PB beach lounge and eatery will be showing How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone 2, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Snack on complimentary popcorn and $5 Build-Your-Own-Mules during the flick.
Date: December 10 & 17
Time: 8 p.m.
Price: No cover
4650 Mission Boulevard, Pacific Beach
Farmer & the Seahorse and Green Acre Campus Pointe
Toast the season with a limited-time cocktail at these UTC restaurants, where Beverage Director Chris Simmons has created a sparkling wine-based cocktail with cinnamon and house-infused Malahat spiced rum shaken with Bailoni apricot liqueur and Spanish Cava sparkling wine.
Date: Through December 25
Price: $12
10996 Torreyana Road, Torrey Pines & 10300 Campus Point Drive, Torrey Pines
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Prefer gifts that have ABV content? At Harrah’s, Spiked has a White Christmas Martini topped off with a peppermint candy rim. You’ll taste a splash of apple brandy and Buffalo Trace Bourbon in the Apple Cinnamon Old-Fashioned, garnished with a cinnamon stick and dehydrated apple slice.
Date: Through December
Price: Varies
777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner
Join morning radio hosts Tati and Frankie plus multiple DJs for an ugly sweater party on water. The cruise includes a holiday cocktail, appetizers, and a cash bar with drink specials on beer, wine, and cocktails.
Date: December 22
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Price: $40
970 North Harbor Drive, Marina
Enjoy holiday-centric libations like the Alpine Hunt Club, crafted with Future gin, muddled spruce tips, Averna amaro, Madagascar vanilla liqueur, and lemon.
Date: Through December
Price: $13
4622 Park Boulevard, University Heights
The Little Italy restaurant-bar has brought back movie night every Tuesday until Christmas. Look for The Nightmare Before Christmas on December 11, Christmas Vacation on December 18, and Elf on December 23.
Time: 9–11 p.m.
2305 India Street, Little Italy
‘Tis the season to imbibe in festive holiday cocktails and cozy up with our favorite Christmas films. This Carlsbad restaurant-bar will be screening Elf, Polar Express, Muppet Christmas Carol, and Jim Carrey’s Christmas Carol. Those old enough can sip on their December cocktails, Wreck the Halls and Down the Chimney.
Date: December 12, 19, & 26
Time: 6 p.m.
Price: Free
3040 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad
For the second year, the Normal Heights bar is joining nearly 90 other venues around the world with their holiday pop-up, Miracle. Expect holiday-themed cocktails, lights, and décor—lots of it.
Date: Through December 24
Price: Varies
4696 30th Street, Normal Heights
Taste ‘n’ Tinis in Hillcrest
Take in Hillcrest’s holiday decorations while embarking on a self-guided tour filled with holiday martinis, decadent desserts, and boutique shopping.
Date: December 13
Price: Starting at $25
Various Locations
Tuck into a classic tea in the hotel’s Bordeaux tea room, with housemade petit fours and canapés, holiday décor, and more. Plus, there’s a kids’ menu that spans peanut butter and jelly on brioche and chocolate chip scones.
Date: December 7–9, 14–16, & 21–23
Price: $50 for adults; $35 for children 4–12; and complimentary for kids 3 & under
(tax + gratuity additional)
The East Village distillery has debuted a holiday cocktail menu with the Cindy Lou Who, Slay Ride for Two (to share), Miracle on 15th Street, and Ginter Wonderland—all made with seasonal ingredients like persimmon, black vanilla tea, cranberry, peppermint, chai, and cinnamon sugar.
Date: Through December
Price: $12-$25 per drink
Giving Back
They’re helping spread holiday cheer by hosting a Toy Drive for the Salvation Army. Donate one unwrapped new toy ($5 minimum) and in return you’ll receive a free ride.
Date: Through December 16
3146 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach
GBOD is hosting holiday toy drives at several of its restaurants. New and lightly used toys will be collected for the San Diego Center for Children and can be donated at Meze Greek Fusion, Monkey King, or El Chingon.
Date: Through December 20
Various Locations
During the holiday season many families throughout San Diego have a difficult time feeding their family, let alone their furry companions. For the seventh year, they’re asking San Diegans to help by donating pet food to their annual Holiday Pet Food Drive. All dog and cat food items will be donated to the San Diego Food Bank to be distributed within the community.
Date: Through January 4
10435 Sorrento Valley Road, Sorrento Valley & 2055 Montiel Road, San Marcos
Festivals, Shows & More
Snap a photo with Santa at this beachfront amusement park before hitting up the coaster or arcade.
Date: Saturdays through December 22
Time: 1–4 p.m.
Price: Free
3146 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach
California Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker
See the holiday classic at the Civic Theatre with accompanying music from the San Diego Symphony.
Date: December 14–23
Price: Starting from $25
1100 Third Avenue, Downtown
Head to Spreckels Theater for City Ballet’s rendition of the ballet favorite, accompanied by The City Ballet Orchestra.
Date: December 8–24
121 Broadway, Downtown
The 41st annual spectacle is back at Balboa Park with string lights galore, food vendors, carolers, an Instagrammable Christmas tree, and more. Parking can be an issue, so make sure to check their website for tips.
Date: December 7–8
Balboa Park
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This Old Globe staple is back for its 20th year with the classic tale of the iconic character and the Who community. Look for a show on December 9 geared towards children on the autism spectrum.
Date: Through December 24
Price: Varies
1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park
East Village Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony
At this free event, shop for holiday gifts, sip hot beverages, meet Santa Claus, and cement the memory at a photo booth.
Date: December 9
Time: 3–8 p.m.
1301 Market Street, East Village
The hotel’s Winter Wonderland at The Grand has sledding, Ferris wheel rides, a carousel, storytelling with Santa, fireside s’mores, and holiday refreshments in the Moet & Chandon champagne garden. Select nights include “Drive-In” Holiday Movie Nights and a pajama party movie night.
Date: December 17–30
Time: 3–8 p.m.
Price: Varies
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar
This annual shopping event brings together indie brands, craft workshops, snacks, and cocktails, and live music.
Date: December 8
Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
1000 North Harbor Drive, Marina
This PB party spot will be kicking off the holiday season with their inaugural Mavericks Winter Formal. The festive event will feature tray-passed appetizers, drink specials, live music, a build-your-own spiked cocoa station, and more. Formal attire is a must.
Date: December 10
Time: 7 p.m.–2 a.m.
Price: $10
860 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach
You spend Christmas morning in your pajamas, so why not stay in them through the night? Here, you’re encouraged to come decked out in onesies to receive half-off drinks at the Fifth Annual Onesie Party.
Date: December 25
Time: 5 p.m.
Price: No cover
4343 Ocean Boulevard, Pacific Beach
Pigment Holiday Wreath Workshop
Learn how to make festive holiday décor at the popular North Park boutique. On December 19, they’ll host a holiday cocktails workshop at their new Liberty Station location.
Date: December 15 (holiday wreaths); December 19 (holiday cocktails)
Price: $65 (holiday wreaths); $35 (holiday cocktails)
3801 30th Street, North Park; 2885 Perry Road, Liberty Station
Still hunting for gifts? Head to this annual marketplace, this year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, where local vendors will be selling clothing, vintage items, stationery, décor, and more.
Date: December 14 & 15
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Ice skate the SoCal way—with palm trees, the beach, and the Hotel del Coronado surrounding you—at the property’s annual event, with proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish San Diego.
Date: Through January 6
Price: $30–$35
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
San Diego Holiday Guide 2018
Miracle holiday pop-up at Polite Provisions | Photo: Arlene Ibarra
