San Diego Events Calendar: December 2017

December 1:

Join the crowd at Balboa Park’s 40th annual December Nights holiday festival, which attracts more than 350,000 people over two days.

Secure your spot at Coronado’s Annual Holiday Parade and Open House along Orange Avenue.

December 2:

Wish your neighbors a buon natale during the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village, including a tower of more than 1,100 poinsettias and a 20-foot fir.

Bring your aloha spirit to Island Food and Beer Festival San Diego at Waterfront Park.

Sip, shop, and stroll the neighborhood during South Park’s Holiday Walkabout.

Line the streets of University Avenue for the North Park Toyland Parade & Festival.

Wend your way through the Garden of Lights illuminating San Diego Botanic Garden while enjoying holiday activities for the whole family (through 12/30).

December 3:

It’s a battle for the best spoonful when over 40 restaurants compete in the SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off at North Park’s intersection of 32nd and Thorn Streets.

Shop for handmade and vintage gifts from 150 vendors at the Local Holiday Bazaar at Corky McMillin Event Center in Liberty Station.

Mariachi Sol de Mexico brings its 13-piece ensemble to Balboa Theatre for A Merry-Achi Christmas.

It’s a celebration in the cove at the La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival.

Watch the timeless movie It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert, accompanied by San Diego Symphony at Copley Symphony Hall.

December 4:

Singer, songwriter, and former San Diegan Jewel performs holiday classics with special guests and family members at Civic Theatre.

December 5:

Actor Denis Leary, of Rescue Me and The Amazing Spider-Man fame, chats about his new book, Why We Don’t Suck, at San Diego Central library.

December 8:

City Ballet of San Diego presents holiday favorite The Nutcracker at Spreckels Theatre (through 12/24).

December 9:

Browse for one-of-a-kind gifts during Makers Arcade Holiday Fair in the Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier while enjoying live music, crafts, and refreshments.

California Ballet Company performs holiday classic The Nutcracker at San Diego Civic Theatre (through 12/23).

Raise your glass for the Toast of Gaslamp, which offers cocktails and bites from 20 neighborhood restaurants, as well as shopping deals at local retailers.

Come out for the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus as they present their annual holiday show Jingle at Balboa Theatre (through 12/10).

See the biblical reenactment procession of Las Posadas in Old Town.

Support the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA at its Poinsettia Ball in Encinitas.

December 10:

Head to the waterfront for San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, when about 80 boats decked out in pirate-themed decor sail from Shelter Island to Coronado Ferry Landing (also 12/17).

Dress your four-legged companions in costume for the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade downtown.

December 11:

Share an evening of laughter and reflection with actress Carol Burnett at Copley Symphony Hall.

December 14:

Step back in time for Lamb’s Players Theatre’s rendition of An American Christmas at The US Grant Hotel downtown (through 12/24).

December 15:

Meander through the two-day Queen Bee Market at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for handmade goods, live demos, and make-and-take crafts.

December 19:

Rap legend Jay-Z drops beats from his new album, 4:44, at Viejas Arena.

Thumbprint Gallery unites Star Wars fans for One with the Force, a free art exhibit at Basic Bar downtown.

December 26:

Music mogul Berry Gordy’s rise to success is dramatized in Motown the Musical at San Diego Civic Theatre (through 12/31).

December 28:

The 40th annual postseason collegiate football Holiday Bowl game kicks off at SDCCU Stadium.

Grab a partner and dance your way to the five-day San Diego Tango Festival at Wyndham Bayside.

December 31:

Count down to 2018 during Big Night San Diego, an all-inclusive New Year’s Eve gala at Hilton Bayfront.

Usher out the old year in style at Hotel del Coronado’s black-tie New Year’s Eve affair, A Passage to India.