Weekly Recommendations for Holiday Events
As the holiday season unfolds, there are countless events, pop-up experiences, performances, and festivals to explore. To help you make the most of this festive time, our editors are offering weekly recommendations for must-see events.
Wednesday, December 3
“Festival of Christmas: Let it Be Christmas”
Lamb’s Players Theatre is presenting a new holiday play titled “Let it Be Christmas.” This year’s production features a cast of 11 veteran performers who will bring together stories inspired by Shakespeare, Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. The show includes a mix of sacred and secular music, classic and pop songs, and performances that span across multiple styles.
When: Opens on Wednesday, December 3, and runs through December 28
Where: Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado
Time: 7 Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Tickets: $49-$98
Contact: 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org
“Irish Christmas in America”
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, is hosting an event featuring Oisin Mac Diarmada, a renowned sliggo fiddler, and an Irish band performing traditional holiday music, dance, and stories.
When: 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday
Where: 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido
Tickets: $42-$78
More Info: artcenter.org/event/irishchristmasinamerica2025
Thursday
Mariachi Sol de Mexico’s “A Very Merry-Achi Christmas”
This ensemble, known as ambassadors of mariachi, will perform a mix of traditional and holiday classics, including their take on the “Nutcracker Suite” and “Feliz Navidad.”
When: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday
Where: Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown
Tickets: $58-$163
More Info: sandiegotheatres.org/event/2025/12/mariachi-sol-de-mexico
“How to Write a Holiday”
North Coast Repertory Theatre will host a reading of a new comedy written and directed by Rachael VanWormer and Omri Schein about a holiday family weekend gone wrong.
When: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday
Where: 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
Tickets: $25
Contact: 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
“Mrs. Claus’ Holiday Hullaba-Two: Holly Jollywood”
Patio Playhouse Community Theatre presents this new Christmas show with a cast of 40 young actors. When a producer plans to film a Netflix-style holiday special at the North Pole, the elves pack their bags for Hollywood.
When: Opens on Thursday and runs through December 14
Where: 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1D, Escondido
Tickets: $12.62-$17.82
Contact: 760-746-6669, patioplayhouse.com
Oceanside Tree Lighting
An evening of holiday activities in Oceanside includes crafts, dance performances, Santa’s arrival, a tree lighting, and more.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday
Where: Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave., Oceanside
More Info: mainstreetoceanside.com/holiday-tree-lighting
Tree Lighting at La Valencia Hotel
La Valencia Hotel will be open to the public for a tree-lighting event with a performance from the UCSD Madrigal Singers, cookie decorating, and letter-writing to Santa.
When: 4:30 p.m. on Thursday
Where: La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., San Diego
Admission: Free
More Info: lavalencia.com/events/la-jolla/annual-tree-lighting-ceremony
Friday
“Movin’ Merrily Right Along: A Christmas Tribute to Jim Henson”
Tafolla Productions presents this holiday tribute to the holiday music and puppetry of The Muppets, Sesame Street, and more.
When: 8 p.m. on Friday
Where: Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside
Contact: 760-433-8900, oceansidetheatre.org
Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular
Ginger Minj, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10,” brings her holiday show to La Jolla, featuring campy holiday classic songs, costumes, humor, and decor.
When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Where: Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla
Tickets: $30-$80
More Info: artpower.ucsd.edu/event/ginger-minj-holidayspectacular/
Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O
Dapper drummer, composer, and band leader Matt Wilson shines in straight-ahead and edgy jazz settings alike, featuring saxophonist Jeff Lederer.
When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday
Where: Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla
Tickets: $50-$55
Contact: 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org/jazz
Holiday Lights
The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s annual Holiday Lights event transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with a light display.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, as well as Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20
Where: 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., San Diego
Admission: $10 online; $12 at gate; free for kids 3 and younger
More Info: agsem.org/holiday-lights-2025
December Nights
One of San Diego’s largest community events, December Nights offers live entertainment, food and drinks from around the world, and late-night access to museums.
When: 3 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday
Where: Balboa Park
Admission: Free
More Info: sandiego.gov/december-nights
Saturday
World Ballet Company Presents “The Nutcracker”
This touring company will present the Russian holiday ballet with 40 international dancers in two locations.
When: 6 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown
Where: Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown
Tickets: $57.65-$121.40
Contact: 619-615-4180, sandiegotheatres.org
San Diego Children’s Choir’s 36th Winter Concerts
More than 300 young singers ages 6 to 18 will perform holiday classics, global choral works, and sing-alongs in a pair of concerts on Dec. 6.
When: 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Where: First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio South, San Diego
Tickets: $16.20-$26.65
More Info: sdcchoir.org/calendar
Bach Collegium San Diego: Handel’s Messiah
Performing Messiah in the manner of Handel’s dramatic operas, Bach Collegium’s version of the famous oratorio is one of its crown jewels.
When: 7 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday
Where: The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Faye Ave., La Jolla
Tickets: $38-$73 and $15-$70
Contact: 619-341-1726, bachcollegiumsd.org/messiah
KSON Country Christmas
Featuring Tucker Wetmore, Ty Myers, Hudson Westbrook, Vincent Mason, and Mackenzie Carpenter.
When: 7 p.m. on Saturday
Where: FrontWave Arena, 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside
Tickets: $206.50-$446.50
More Info: frontwavearena.com
Chula Vista Parade, Tree Lighting and Festival
The Starlight Parade and Festival returns with a parade, holiday market, children’s holiday train ride, tree lighting, live entertainment, and photos with Santa.
When: 3 to 9 p.m. on Saturday
Where: Memorial Park and Park Way
Admission: Free
More Info: starlightparade.com
Sunday
Jake Shimabukuro’s “Holidays in Hawaii”
Honolulu-born ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro returns to San Diego for his fourth consecutive December holiday show in as many years.
When: 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach
Tickets: $66.55-$111.80
Contact: 858-481-8140, bellyup.com
West Coast Dance Complex Presents “The Nutcracker”
Clara journeys through a shimmering Land of Snow and into the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets in this “Nutcracker” production, performed by pre-professionals from the Carmel Valley-based school.
When: 6 p.m. on Sunday
Where: California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido
Tickets: $66-$84
Contact: 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
Holiday Market
At the Holly Jolly Holiday Market at North City, the public can shop for gifts from over 175 vendors with items such as skin care products, home decor accessories, and handmade artwork.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 250 North City Drive, San Marcos
Admission: Free
More Info: northcity.com/events/holiday-market
Monday
“Gentri: Christmas”
California Center for the Arts, Escondido, presents this Utah-born American tenor trio on its 10th anniversary holiday concert.
When: 7:30 p.m. on Monday
Where: 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido
Tickets: $45-$165
More Info: artcenter.org/event/gentri-christmas
The California Note Catchers Holiday Concert
This women’s choir will perform traditional and classical holiday songs.
When: 7 p.m. on Monday
Where: Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church, 455 Church Way, El Cajon
Donations: Accepted at the door
More Info: californianotecatchers.com
Tuesday
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show, with Ben Powell
This legendary gospel-music vocal group will perform a Christmas concert that mixes holiday standards with selections from their Grammy-winning Christmas album.
When: 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday
Where: Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach
Tickets: $60.80
Contact: 858-481-8140, bellyup.com
“Stubby Pringle’s Christmas”
Trinity Theatre Company’s Playwrights Saloon presents a reading of Jack Schaefer’s cowboy Christmas musical play about a young wrangler with a big heart who makes an unforgettable Christmas Eve ride.
When: 7 p.m. on Tuesday
Where: Trinity Theatre, Mission Valley shopping center, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 129, San Diego
Tickets: Pay what you can, starting at $10
More Info: trinityttc.org
