If you’ve fallen behind on your holiday shopping, this week you’ll have plenty of chances to shop creative, locally made gifts, while also enjoying the perks of many winter-themed events. Understory Bar’s new pairing dinner series gives guests a snowy ski trip getaway, while Coastal Christmas Del Mar and La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village bring the North Pole ambience to San Diego. Holiday markets can be found everywhere from Petco Park to La Jolla, plus parade spectators will have much to lay their eyes on in Chula Vista and Gaslamp, alongside a plethora of other fun things to do this weekend.
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend
Understory’s Winter Wonderland: Après-Ski Five-Course Dinner & Cocktail Series
Thursdays-Saturdays from December 12 – January 4
Understory Bar at The Sky Deck is channeling elegance with the warm comfort of an Aspen ski lodge for its new winter pop-up concept, happening Thursdays-Saturdays through January 4, beginning this week. At “The Alpine Affair,” guests will be served a five-course dinner, each dish being paired with cocktails that feature Stranahan’s Colorado whiskey, to accentuate the wintery feel. Tickets are $170 per person for this dinner.
12841 El Camino Real, Del Mar
Holiday High Tide Brunch Buffet at The Marine Room
December 14 & 15
Gather your loved ones for a special Holiday High Tide Brunch Buffet at The Marine Room from 7 a.m. to noon this Saturday and Sunday. As a fan favorite returns to La Jolla’s shores, guests can indulge in seafood, tenderloin and seasonal breakfast dishes with a picturesque view of the Pacific. Brunch is $80 per adult and $45 per child, with a $20 add-on option for free-flowing Champagne for 21+ guests. Reservations can be made on OpenTable, with seatings available every 15 minutes.
1950 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla
Swan Bar Pop-Up
Now through December 31
Swan Bar in University Heights is hosting a holiday pop-up, now through December 31, 2024. The festive menu will feature seasonal cocktails like Abuelita’s Hot Cocoa, Naughty Nog, and a Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini. Guests can also pickup holiday bottles of either Cocorumpy made with chocolate peppermint and Schnapps or Midnight Rider made with Really Good Coffee liqueur. The pop-up is open Monday-Friday 4 p.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to midnight. No reservations required.
Concerts & Festival in San Diego This Weekend
Jingle Terrace Live
Through December 21
Immerse yourself in a nightly video and light shows, with crafts, games and costumed characters at Jingle Terrace Live. This free event, taking place nightly at Moonlight Amphitheater at Brengle Terrace Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.—this year with the theme of SoCal Holiday Splash!—will include appearances from Christmas Highland Cows (Tuesday-Thursday) and a performance by the Jingle Brass Band (Saturday) this week. Attendees are also invited to check out a cash donation station, collecting contributions for Meals on Wheels, Mama’s Kitchen and Brother Benno’s.
1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista
Will Smith at The Observatory North Park
December 11 & 12
Many likely know Will Smith best for his acting career, but before he became a box office king, Smith—alongside producer DJ Jazzy Jeff—was one of the biggest artists of hip-hop’s Golden Age. Though Smith has come a long way from West Philly, he’ll be tapping into his rapping ability with two concerts this week at The Observatory North Park, as he tours for the release of first new album in 19 years, “Dance in Your Darkest Moments.” Tickets starting at $71 for both Wednesday and Thursday’s shows.
2891 University Avenue, North Park
2 Pianos 4 Hands at North Coast Repertory Theatre
December 12-29
The piano-playing duo of Richard Todd Adams and Matthew McGloin will hit the keys and do a bit of comedic storytelling during 2 Pianos 4 Hands at the North Coast Repertory Theatre. The two will describe their musical upbringing while playing classical and jukebox hits. There will be six performances of 2 Pianos 4 Hands this week (Sunday’s matinee show is already sold out) and tickets are on sale for $67.
987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival
December 14
Watch Elf at the Memorial Bowl, take pictures with Santa Claus and see more than 100 parade entries float down Third Avenue during the free Starlight Parade & Festival. This South Bay tradition is both a holiday festival with a 25-foot tree lighting, music and dance performances, and a holiday market, plus a community parade with a long line of cars, marching bands and dance teams marching through downtown as part of the procession.
353 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
A Swingin’ Seasonal Spectacular at OnStage Playhouse
December 13-15
This new show from Good Vibe Cinema at the OnStage Playhouse takes nostalgia for classic Christmas specials, and combines it with live music and sketch comedy to create A Swingin Seasonal Spectacular. In this production, host Mack Macclaine tries to get through his final time leading a beloved holiday special when things hilariously fall apart and threaten to overshadow the performance. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, students and educators, and $15 for everyone under the age of 30.
291 Third Avenue, Chula Vista
A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play at Scripps Ranch Theatre
December 13-15
For four shows only, Scripps Ranch Theatre is offering a classic theater experience of the traditional Christmas tale. During A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play, nine actors will portray Charles Dickens’ cast of characters as audiences get to experience the breadth of the audio-visual medium live within the fictional radio station of WSRT. Tickets for this production are $30.
9783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch
Tarnished Emporium Opening Reception at Distinction Gallery
December 14
Sculptor Valency Genis’ newest set of wonder-eyes creatures made using clay, resin, glass and metallics, and prominently displayed with uniquely shaped antlers, will open at Distinction Gallery this Saturday and remain on display through January 4. At the opening reception for Tarnished Emporium this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., attendees can enjoy live music, purchase drinks from LastSpot by TorTari and mingle with the artist in attendance.
317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido
More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend
Holiday Market at Petco Park
Select Dates Through December 27
Thursday through Sunday this week in Gallagher Square, Holiday Market at Petco Park rolls on with nightly snowfall, sweet treats and live reindeer. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, the market will host local craft and artisan vendors, live entertainment, carousel rides and all-around holiday festivities. Tickets for adults range from $31 to 37, and for kids ages 14 and under, tickets are $24 to $28.
840 K Street, Downtown
2024 Holiday Open House at The Conrad
December 12
The La Jolla Music Society is inviting the public for an evening filled with shopping, live music, and holiday cocktails during its annual Holiday Open House. This free event at the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd will feature a holiday market from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., storytime from Librarian on the Go at 5 p.m. and close with salsa-fueled sounds from the Manny Cepeda Orchestra from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. RSVP here.
7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Coastal Christmas Del Mar
Select Dates from December 13-26
The Del Mar Fairgrounds’ vision of a seaside North Pole, Coastal Christmas Del Mar, opens this Friday, with features like a holiday light trail, music from The Mar Dels, fire pits and igloos for rent and “glice” skating. This Friday and Saturday, the event will include the Holiday Wine Walk ($50) with ticketholders receiving eight two ounce wine or beer samples from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $24 for adults and $15 for kids for Coastal Christmas.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Holiday in the Village
December 14
La Mesa Village will go full winter wonderland this Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. during its free annual Holiday in the Village. Attendees can enjoy holiday songs from strolling carolers and gingerbread house photo ops, plus new features like a synthetic ice skating rink, mini golf and the elf adventure trail. There will also be family-friendly activities like the Mrs. Claus Reading Nook, holiday-themed inflatables and the kids holiday shopping program.
La Mesa Boulevard between Spring Street and 4th Street, La Mesa
San Diego Santa Run
December 14
Run with a pack of Kris Kringles at the 10th annual San Diego Santa Run, where each participant gets their very own Sunny Santa suit and matching sunglasses for a holly jolly time. After the run, 21+ racers can use their complimentary drink ticket at one of four local bar partners, take advantage of discounts at several PB businesses, and hang around Garnet Avenue for the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $60 for the 5K option and $40 for the kids one mile as well as the pup-friendly dog mile.
912 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach
Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade, Expo & Pups in the Pub Party
December 14
Local doggos 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 with photo ops, dog treats, an appearance from Santa Claus and pet vendors. Then, cheer on the decorated and dressed pets during the parade, with the chance to compete for prizes in eight holiday costume categories, and finish with a party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp featuring beers, treats, games and more. Register your pets for the parade for $25.
702 Market Street, Gaslamp
