Mark your calendar with these December and January culture and philanthropy events.
Traci Elaine Lee, Deri Andra Tucker and Shayla Brielle G. are The Supremes in the national tour of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, playing at Civic Theatre Jan. 3 to 8. PHOTO BY EMILIO MADRID
Through 12/11
As You Like It
Enjoy La Jolla Playhouse’s modern take on this classic love story by William Shakespeare featuring a cast of trans, nonbinary and queer performers. Come along as Rosalind and Orlando explore their romance in the Forest of Arden and discover the limitless possibilities of love and humanity. Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at UC San Diego, La Jolla, lajollaplayhouse.org
Through 12/24
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show
Watch Scrooge rediscover the spirit of Christmas in a snowclad version of San Diego. The comedic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol merges Christmas nostalgia with fun skits and songs. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Balboa Park, theoldglobe.org
12/2
Mariachi Sol de México: A Merry-achi Christmas
Experience a festive mariachi Christmas concert that features both American and Mexican Christmas carols performed by Grammy Award nominees Sol de México, which boasts a 13-piece ensemble. 8pm, Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
12/9
Chelsea Handler
See comedian, television host and bestselling author Chelsea Handler’s new stand-up comedy tour in which she discusses her experience being single after the pandemic. 8pm, Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
12/9-11
Noel Noel
This holiday season, guests can enjoy San Diego Symphony’s Noel Noel: a brand-new Christmas story full of cozy holiday moments, beloved songs and a cheerful spirit. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, theshell.org
12/12
Write Out Loud: Holiday
Join the Write Out Loud professional actors as they perform rehearsed readings for a live audience. The holiday story concert, focused on the importance of giving across cultures, weaves together a variety of stories, poems and music, amounting to a unique Christmas experience. 7pm, Cygnet Theatre, Old Town, writeoutloudsd.com 12/17 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert Enjoy the iconic Christmas movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas accompanied live by the San Diego Symphony orchestra. Follow along as the Grinch wreaks havoc on Whoville until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands. 6pm, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, theshell.org
12/18
The Sound of Christmas Sing-Along
This joyous Christmas singalong featuring a choir and orchestra is the perfect winter family activity. Spend the day singing iconic Christmas songs like “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” together with your loved ones. 2:30pm, Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
12/19
Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats -
The Holiday Variant Join renowned chef and Netflix star Alton Brown at his live cooking show for a night filled with music, comedy and great food. 6pm, The Magnolia, El Cajon, magnoliasandiego.com
12/21
Love Actually in Concert
Get swept up by your favorite Christmas rom-com, Love Actually—written and directed by Richard Curtis—now accompanied live by the San Diego Symphony orchestra. 7pm, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, theshell.org
Pros tee off at the Torrey Pines Golf Course Jan. 25 to 28 for the annual Farmers Insurance Open PHOTO: COURTESY OF CENTURY CLUB OF SAN DIEGO
12/21-23
**City Ballet of San Diego’s The Nutcracker **
Nutcracker City Ballet of San Diego celebrates its 30th season with an expanded lineup of shows, including five performances of The Nutcracker. This heartwarming ballet production of the classic Victorian-era story will get families in the holiday spirit. California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s Concert Hall, cityballet.org
The story of Elsa and Anna comes to life Jan. 18 to 29 in Disney’s Frozen. PHOTO: BY DEENVAN MEER
12/22-23
A Big Band Christmas
Enjoy holiday season hits performed by a cast of vocalists, The D. Ben-jamin’ Big Band Orchestra and swing dancers. Duane Benjamin created new arrangements of Christmas favorites, and there will also be a special appearance by Santa. California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s Center Theater, artcenter.org
See Chelsea Handler at Civic Theatre Dec. 9 PHOTO: BY NICOLE SCHOEN VISCONTI
12/27-1/1
Annie
Hit the theater this holiday season and see one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Annie. Celebrate family, optimism and determination, in spite of all the hard knocks life throws your way. Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, broadwaysd.com
1/3-8
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
The electrifying, smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ astounding journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is coming to San Diego. See the iconic group’s signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies during this onstage production. Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, broadwaysd.com
1/6
Anne Akiko Meyers
The San Diego Symphony presents a magnificent concert conducted by Domingo Hindoyan. The program includes a performance of Fandango, the work of famous Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, by distinguished California violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. 7:30pm, California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s Concert Hall, artcenter.org
1/11-2/5
Blues in the Night
Whether you’re a novice or jazz fanatic, you’ll enjoy this rich musical experience by a powerful cast celebrating the heartbreak and humor of life. Expect to hear classics such as “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” and “Wasted Life Blues.” North Coast Repertory Theatre, Solana Beach, northcoastrep.org
Join the sugar plum fairies, Clara and the mice army for City Ballet of San Diego’s The Nutcracker at California Center for the Arts, Escondido Dec. 21 to 23. PHOTO: BY CHELSEA PENYAK
1/18
Blind Boys of Alabama with
Charlie Musselwhite Catch living legends of gospel music Blind Boys of Alabama as they perform interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material. 7:30pm, California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s Concert Hall, artcenter.org
1/18-29
Disney’s Frozen
“Let It Go” and bring the kids out for a magical performance of Disney’s Frozen. Hum along to the unforgettable theatrical experience filled with mesmerizing special effects, sparkling sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances. Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, broadwaysd.com
Annie steps into the spotlight at Civic Theatre Dec. 27 to Jan. 1 PHOTO: BY MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMANNFOR MURPHYMADE
1/25-28
Farmers Insurance Open San Diego’s premier PGA
Tour event returns to sunny Torrey Pines. Watch the pros play during Full Field Days on Wednesday and Thursday, or enjoy Championship Days on Friday and Saturday to watch the competition heat up. Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla, farmersinsuranceopen.com
Enjoy the sounds of the season at Noel Noel at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park Dec. 9 to 11 PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
1/28-29
Charley Hoffman Foundation Charity Party & Pro-Am
Join the Charley Hoffman Foundation—created by PGA TOUR professional Charley Hoffman and his wife, Stacy, in 2009 to benefit children in San Diego and Las Vegas—for two days of events. Attend the Charity Party at Belly Up in Solana Beach at 6PM Saturday, and the Pro-Am at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club at 9AM Sunday. charleyhoffmanfoundation.org
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