1,3
Sung in Spanish, El Milagro del Recuerdo (The Miracle of Remembering) is set in Michoacán, Mexico. Bracero Laurentino works in the US to support his family, but his wife Renata longs for him to stay at home. See the tender mariachi opera this month at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
2
Little Italy transforms into a twinkling wonderland at this year’s annual tree-lighting and Christmas Village. Stop by from 4 to 8 p.m. to explore 10-foot-tall nutcrackers, kinetic tree holiday displays, artist Joshua Hubert’s Aurora tree at Piazza Basilone, and a 25-foot tree at Piazza della Famiglia.
2–31
His fur is green and his attitude is sour. You’ll want to catch him at Balboa Park—at the right hour. Any guesses who we’re talking about? America’s favorite grump appears at The Old Globe, where Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! plays all month long.
3
Tutus and pliés are in store at Balboa Theater’s performance of The Nutcracker, a classic SD holiday tradition. A cast of 50 professional ballet dancers, dazzling handmade costumes, and gorgeous sets will grace the stage. One day, three showings. Don’t miss out.
7
The La Jolla Music Society kicks off the holiday season with a free, family-friendly soiree at the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd. Beginning at 4 p.m., sip on cider or hot chocolate while the kids make crafts, then check off everyone on your list with gifts from the onsite holiday market. Attendees will also see live performances by the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus and Davina and the Vagabonds frontwoman Davina Lozier.
9
Spread some holiday cheer at the East Village tree-lighting and holiday market, a free event running from 3 to 7 p.m. At Quartyard and 13th Street, boogie to live music, munch on delicious bites, and take photos with Santa while the kids enjoy fun activities.
15–16
The Peanuts kids made their first onscreen appearance in 1965’s A Charlie Brown Christmas—and the beloved animated special has stolen hearts every year since. San Diego guitarist Peter Sprague puts his spin on the iconic soundtrack in Charlie Brown Jingles and Jazz, a special holiday show at the Conrad.
29–30
Jam out to San Diego trio Thee Sacred Souls’ groovy ’60s-meets-’70s R&B tunes at The Sound in Del Mar. Catch singer Josh Lane, bassist Sal Samano, and drummer Alex Garcia as they close out their 2023 tour in our city.
31
Light on NYE plans? Settle into a bouncy 150 beats-per-minute at this year’s second annual FNGRS CRSSD Proper event at Petco Park (last year’s was sold out). The touring electronic music festival will feature DJ acts like Claptone, Diplo, North London duo Gorgon City, Aussie solo act Sonny Fodera, Late Checkout icon Chris Lorenzo, the hit-making English export Duke Dumont, and UK pair Eli & Fur.
