Just like that, another year is in the books. Before the New Year arrives, get into the festive spirit at these events happening throughout San Diego this December. From holiday concerts and food festivals to art exhibits and outdoor celebrations, here are some great ways to close out 2024 in style.
Photo Credit: James Tran The Laundry Pub
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Month
Del Mar Village’s Winter Taste and Sip
December 8
Del Mar Village’s Winter Taste and Sip gives attendees the chance to sample seasonal treats from local eateries, jam to live music, and celebrate the season with an awe-inspiring tree lighting.
Count down to midnight at The Laundry Pub, the Del’s Rockin New Year’s Eve hot spot. End 2024 with rock n’ roll, an open bar, and the cherry on top: a dessert bar.
Photo Credit: Matt Christine Photography Mannheim Steamroller
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month
Mannheim Steamroller at California Center for the Arts, Escondido
December 2
Chip Davis leads the 15 musicians of iconic neoclassical ensemble Mannheim Steamroller—known best for their multiplatinum Christmas albums—in a yuletide show at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Take photos with Santa Claus, meet real-life reindeer, purchase last-minute presents, and more at Moonlight Amphitheatre’s seasonal shindig Jingle Terrace Live in Vista.
Admire the shimmering sight of more than 1,000 locally handcrafted baubles at the Timken Museum of Art. The Balboa Park institution’s annual Jewels of the Seasonshowcase also includes an accompanying ornament-making workshop on Dec. 2.
Project [BLANK]’s Salty Series gets in the festive spirit with Fates,Boots and Bob: A Hijacked Hootenanny Holiday Hullabaloo, involving crowd participation, extraterrestrials, and wild storytelling.
The Illusionists at the Civic Theatre
December 26-27
Though they won’t reveal their secrets, The Illusionists will share the “Magic of the Holidays” with a sleight-of-hand show at the Civic Theatre.
Courtesy of San Diego Running Co
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
December 7
Little Italy’s annual Tree Lighting & Christmas Village turns the seaside neighborhood into the North Pole with a pair of massive Christmas trees, a seasonal night market, and the sweet sound of carols.
San Diego Santa Run in Pacific Beach
December 14
Don your sneakers and a jolly red jumpsuit for the San Diego Santa Run—an annual tradition that sees thousands of Kris Kringles racing 3.1 miles through Pacific Beach.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
