From shimmering galas to festive holiday events, concerts and more, here's what to do in San Diego this December and January.
The City Ballet of San Diego’s The Nutcracker is back from Dec. 20 to 23. PHOTO BY CHELSEA PENYAK/CITY BALLET OF SAN DIEGO
Through 12/15
Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again
This world-premiere play by Anna Ouyang Moench reimagines the Charles Dickens classic through a tongue-in-cheek lens, marrying adult humor with heart. Leave the little ones at home! La Jolla Playhouse, lajollaplayhouse.org
Through 12/31
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Nothing beats celebrating the holiday season with this Dr. Seuss classic. Immerse yourself in the music and spirit of the fictitious town of Who-ville as the adorable Cindy Lou Who melts the Grinch’s cold heart. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage at The Old Globe, Balboa Park, theoldglobe.org
Take a whimsical trip to Who-ville during Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe. PHOTO BY JIM COX
Through 1/5
Lightscape
Put on your walking shoes! For the third year, this event lights the path to unique art installations that blend nature and artistry in a beautiful garden setting. 5 p.m., San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, sdbg.org
The “Floraison” installation by French creative studio Pitaya pays homage to the California poppy at Lightscape. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIGHTSCAPE
12/4
Andrea Bocelli
Prepare for an entertaining performance by one of the most legendary voices in the industry. Experience a diverse selection of Andrea Bocelli’s music, featuring pieces that will spark holiday joy. 7:30 p.m., Pechanga Arena, Midway District, pechangaarenasd.com
12/6
Winter Wonderland Fashion Show and Luncheon
This annual Nutcracker-themed fashion show and luncheon combines style and philanthropy in a festive holiday atmosphere to benefit The Arc of San Diego. Noon, The US Grant, Downtown San Diego, arc-sd.com
Join The Arc of San Diego for its annual Winter Wonderland Fashion Show and Luncheon on Dec. 6 at The US Grant. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARC OF SAN DIEGO
12/7
35th Annual Carols by Candlelight
Mark your calendar for this one-night-only event benefiting Rady Children’s Hospital. Country star Rodney Atkins will be joined by John Ford Coley, Anne Vous, Back to the Garden and Steve Vous to perform their iconic hits and beloved Christmas melodies. 8 p.m., California Center for the Arts, Escondido, artcenter.org; carolsbycandlelight.com
12/7
Making Merry
Embrace the holiday season with a festive concert featuring the San Diego Opera Chorus, soprano Alisa Jordheim and organ player Raúl Prieto Ramírez, showcasing a delightful mix of classic carols, modern favorites and sing-along merriment. 7:30 p.m., Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sdopera.org
12/7-8
Night of Christmas
Presented by Awaken Church, this evening of storytelling, Christmas carols, stunning fireworks and awe-inspiring aerialists promises fun for the whole family. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, theshell.org
12/8
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony
Look forward to a unique holiday experience featuring renowned soprano Sarah Brightman. Accompanied by an orchestra, choir and special guests, this captivating show features beloved holiday classics and more. 7:30 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
12/8-15
54th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dive into the holiday spirit as boats decorated in this year’s Peace on Earth theme light up the San Diego Bay. 5:30 p.m., San Diego Bay, sdparadeoflights.org
Boats will sail by in extraordinary light and color during the 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights from Dec. 8 to 15. PHOTO BY MARV SLOBEN
12/11
Gingerbread City Gala 2024
Celebrate the season at this event featuring a competition of vibrant 1970s-inspired gingerbread designs as the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County marks 70 years of community service. 6 p.m., San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, epilepsysandiego.org
12/12-22
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays
Don’t miss the chance to see Jefferson Mays return to The Old Globe in a one-person show, portraying over 50 characters from the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe, Balboa Park, theoldglobe.org
12/13
Hope for the Holidays Gala
This joyous event benefiting Designing Dreams unites the community in honor of youth battling cancer through live music, dancing and an exciting auction. Funds raised will provide custom room design experiences to bring joy and hope to ill children. 6 p.m., Building 177, Liberty Station, classy.org
12/13-22
Golden State Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Witness The Nutcracker come to life through stunning choreography and the beautiful sounds of the San Diego Symphony. San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego Civic Center, sandiegotheatres.org
12/20-23
City Ballet of San Diego’s The Nutcracker
Enter the captivating world of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy, enlivened by Elizabeth Wistrich’s mesmerizing choreography and set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. 7:30 p.m., California Center for the Arts, Escondido, artcenter.org
12/26-27
The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays
Get ready for a holiday celebration the whole family will love. This unforgettable show dazzles viewers of all ages with its thrilling blend of mind-bending acts and sophisticated magic. 7:30 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
12/27
DIRECTV Holiday Bowl
Don’t miss the season’s biggest holiday party! Experience San Diego’s vibrant balloon parade, family-friendly festivities and a scenic harbor run in the Gaslamp Quarter, all leading up to the big game between the Pac-12 and ACC. Snapdragon Stadium, SDSU Mission Valley Campus, holidaybowl.com
Dust off your cowboy hats for the Wild Horses Festival with Post Malone on Dec. 30. PHOTO BY ERIC SCIRE
12/30
Wild Horses Festival with Post Malone
Ring in the New Year with an exciting country lineup headlined by Post Malone, Paul Cauthen, Zach Top and rock legend Vince Neil Emerson. 4 p.m., Petco Park, Downtown San Diego, petcoparkevents.com
1/10-12
San Diego Rodeo
For three days, witness the thrill of the San Diego Rodeo, a historic event celebrating California’s Western heritage, complete with bucking broncos, family-friendly activities and lively afterparties. Petco Park, Downtown San Diego, rodeosd.com
The Wild West touches down at Petco Park for the San Diego Rodeo from Jan. 10 to 12. PHOTO BY ERIC SCIRE
1/14-19
Back to the Future: The Musical
Prepare for a fresh take on the cinematic classic as it comes to life as a Broadway-style musical. Follow Marty McFly and Doc Brown as they travel back to 1955 against a soundtrack featuring hit songs “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode.” San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
1/22-25
Farmers Insurance Open
Stroll the waterfront fairway at Torrey Pines Golf Course as top PGA Tour golfers tee off during four days of exciting competition. Elevate your experience by booking a VIP package. Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla, farmersinsuranceopen.com
1/23
An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
Catch an engaging evening with this witty social commentator known for her sharp opinions on everything from tourists to aftershave. With clever insights and a unique style, this event offers a captivating look at modern life. 7:30 p.m., Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
1/28-2/2
Some Like It Hot
Anticipate a night of laughter and excitement with a one-of-a-kind musical set during Prohibition. This award-winning show offers a wild ride with unforgettable characters and surprises at every turn. San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
Photography by: Jim Cox
