Friday, Dec. 7

‘The Nutcracker’
Through Dec. 23
SpreckelsTheatre presents its rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classically scored “TheNutcracker.” A timeless and enchanting ballet production returns to Spreckelsfor the holidays. Tickets range from $30-$80. 121 Broadway.
bit.ly/2qXh1yL

Saturday, Dec. 8

Golden Hill Cleanup
TheGolden Hill Beautification Committee will hold its last community cleanup ofthe year on Dec. 8 from 9-11:30 a.m. and is looking for volunteers to#teamuptocleanup with them. All necessary equipment will be provided, coffeeincluded. Group will meet at Golden Hill Park, Russ Boulevard and 25th Street.To RSVP, text “volunteer” to 619-786-2749

‘All Is Calm’
TheSan Diego Opera presents a show commemorating the Christmas truce of 1914,which famously brought together German and Allied troops during WWI. Thisfamily-friendly production will be told through Christmas carols, patrioticsongs, and letters from soldiers and will air live on KPBS TV at 7 p.m. thatnight. Shows will run through the weekend. Tickets start at $35. 233 A St.
bit.ly/2FYQJGV

Sunday, Dec. 9

Beach Fossils & Wavves
Brooklyn-basedindie rock 4-piece Beach Fossils and locals Wavves will play the House of Blueson Dec. 9. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
livemu.sc/2FxQr9y

Parade of Lights
The47th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns this year to dazzle crowdsalong the bayfront. Ships will float through the bay decorated to this year’stheme, “Tropical Island Christmas.” A parade will take place at 5 p.m. both onthe night of Dec. 9 as well as Dec. 16. Parades will start at Shelter Islandand end at Ferry Landing in Coronado. Free.

Monday, Dec. 10

Spring Open Registration
Openregistration for the spring semester begins at the San Diego Community CollegeDistrict (SDCCD) on Dec. 10. Those interested in enrolling are encouraged toregister for classes early, with the semester beginning Jan. 28.
bit.ly/2rh6Ipr

City Council inauguration
Theinauguration ceremony for the newly elected San Diego City Council members in districts2, 4, 6, and 8 will be held on Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at Golden Hall. There will bebrief remarks by the outgoing officials and swearing-in and brief remarks bythe newly elected officials. 202 C St.

Tuesday, Dec. 11

The Forum
Learnhow you can bring your film concept to life at a discussion panel aimed atdiscussing the nuances and challenges of producing a film, film festival orcultural event with some of San Diego’s most visionary film leaders. Hosted byartistic director of the San Diego Italian Film Festival, Antonio Iannotta.$10. 7-9 p.m. at the IDEA1 Building Complex. 899 Park Blvd.
bit.ly/2rhHveu

Wednesday, Dec. 12

‘Ask Me Another’
JoinNPR host Ophira Eisenberg at the Balboa Theatre, as she invites guests,celebrities, and listeners alike to take on challenges and to be serenaded byhouse musician Jonathan Coulton, with one contestant crowned quiz champion.Special guests this episode are skateboard legend Tony Hawk andsinger/songwriter Adam Lambert. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 868Fourth Ave.
bit.ly/2r0qu8E

Community Planning Council
TheDowntown Community Planning Council will meet to discuss the Union and Ashresidential development project. The meeting aims to review the design approvalbefore its final approval by CivicSD. Meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the CivicSan Diego office at 401 B St.

Thursday, Dec. 13

Wild Night Out
Jointhe San Diego Zoo for an evening of music, socializing, and animal friends attheir Wild Night Out event. Adults 21-and-up can enjoy a complimentary beverage,talk with keepers, and meet some animal ambassadors up close. Festive music, holidaylights, dancing, and special entertainment will fill the night as well. 5:30-9p.m. $40. 2920 Zoo Drive.
bit.ly/ZooWildNight

Taste ‘n’ Tinis
FabulousHillcrest presents an evening of holiday treats, drinks, and shopping throughthe neighborhood. Festivities will include bites and sips from participatingrestaurants coupled with special holiday deals at select businesses aroundHillcrest. Event runs 4-9 p.m. and tickets are $25 on pre-sale.
bit.ly/2G0Ajh1

Friday, Dec. 14

Among the Pines
Localmedia startup, Fourth Wall Cinema will host its first event presentation onDecember 14-15 titled, Among the Pines. Step into a transformed Gaslamp venueblanketed in snow as you make your way to your seat for one of five classicChristmas films. Matinee shows $16, evening performances $32.
bit.ly/2FXhnj8

Saturday, Dec. 15

Gallery Grand Opening
TheSan Diego History Center has announced the unveiling of a special new galleryexhibition dedicated to local artist Bob Matheny. A rare exhibit featuringworks from a living artist, many pieces will be displayed for the first time tothe public. The grand opening will take place from 4-6 p.m. Free. 1649 El Prado.
bit.ly/2FU3VMT

Sunday, Dec. 16

Cornucopia
McFadden’spub hosts a night of local fashion, art, hip-hop, and electronic performances.Event entry is free until 10 p.m., then will be $5 at the door. Runs from 9p.m.-1:30 a.m. 731 Fifth Ave.

Holiday Gospel Brunch
TheHouse of Blues hosts its final gospel brunch at 11 a.m. of Dec. 16, featuringlive, soulful music and an all-you-can-eat buffet of comfort food. Soak in someof the liveliest gospel music around while enjoying a slew of southernspecialties and favorites. Tickets are $44 for adults and $22 for kids. 1055 FifthAve.
livemu.sc/2FYNqzk

Wednesday, Dec. 19

Little Italy Holiday Market
Getsome last-minute holiday shopping done as the Little Italy outdoor market isturned into a winter bazaar, with venders offering handmade and personal itemsand gifts for sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 600 W. Date St.

Sunday, Dec. 23

Painting in the Park
PinkEasel, a creative group offering workshops in art, invites you to join theirpicnic-style painting session where guests will create three 4-by-4-inch minicanvas panels with acrylic paint. All supplies provided at the event. Locatedoutside the botanical building in balboa park from 10-11:30 a.m. $25. 1549 ElPrado. For more information, and to purchase tickets,
bit.ly/2FA2rHI

Monday, Dec. 24

Winter science camps
TheFleet Science Center will hold classes exploring STEM and Computer Sciencefields over the holiday starting Dec. 24 and running through Jan. 4 (excludingNew Years Day). The curriculum for the science camps for grades one throughthree incorporates important skills using science, technology, engineering andmath. For grades fourthrough six, the Fleet will offer computer science and programming camps. Eachday, kids will learn how to create different elements of a 2-D video game,using features of the popular game Fortnite. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.weekdays. Grades one through tree, prices are $65 per day. For the computer scienceand technology camp, grades four through six, prices are $75 per day.
bit.ly/2rhLgR1

Monday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve

Solar Turbines 5K
The24th annual Solar Turbines Run/Walk will take place at the Port of San DiegoHoliday Bowl Parade on Dec. 31. The race will start at 9:45 a.m. on the cornerof North Harbor Drive and West Ash Street with more than 100,000 spectators expected.Registration for the race is $35 till Dec. 6 when it will go up to $40.
bit.ly/2FWjvHX

Tuesday, Jan. 1

New Year’s Day
Holiday

Ongoing Events

Tai Chi in the Garden
TheChinese Historical Museum hosts free tai chi sessions in the museum’s gardensevery Saturday morning from 8-9 a.m. Tea is provided. 404 Third Ave.

Jewels of the Season
Through Dec. 30
TheTimken Museum of Art has partnered with SDSU’s School of Art and Design tobring an expansive display of decorative holiday ornaments. For the third year,the museum will be filled with glittering, handcrafted ornaments, with over1,400 distinct pieces. In addition, guests can create their own holiday ornamentsin the exhibition’s workshop.

‘A Christmas Carol’
Through Dec. 30
Cygnet’sholiday smash hit is back for its fifth season. Guests are invited to enjoy theholiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope andredemption. This reimagined, fully staged production features original newmusic, creative stagecraft and puppetry, and live sound effects. Runs throughDec. 30. Tickets start at $45. 4040 Twiggs St.
bit.ly/2qI82Bt

Holiday by the Bay
HiltonSan Diego Bayfront has unveiled its reimagined winter adventure park along thewaterfront. Located in Bayfront Park, this family-friendly event seriesfeatures a two-story, 100-foot ice slide, ice bumper cars, an interactive holidaylight show, Santa’s workshop, Claus kitchen, and more. Tickets are $20 foradults and $15 for children (4-11). Part of all ticket purchases will bedonated to the USO to help troops around the world. 1 Park Blvd.
bit.ly/2FYMgDY

Dali: The Argillet Collection
Through Dec. 29
Bypopular demand, the exhibition of works by renowned artist Salvador Dali hasbeen extended through the month of December. Located at the Meyer Fine ArtGallery, this exhibit is partnered with daughter of Dali’s publisher andfriend, Pierre Argillet. Free. 2400 Kettner Blvd.

— Calendar compiled by Jules Shane. ForDowntown calendar events email [email protected].