FRIDAY – DEC 6

East Village (Upper) walkabout: DSDP’s Clean & Safe program on their weekly walkabout. Meet at SW corner of Park Blvd. & Broadway at 10 a.m. 

Outside the Lens: Coinciding with NTC @ Liberty Station’s First Friday open studio event will be a special holiday celebration hosted by Outside the Lens. Their media lab will offer a photography exhibition from Monarch School, a holiday photo booth, unique gifts for sale & holiday cheer. Benefits OTL’s photography and media youth programs. 5 – 8 p.m. 2750 Historic Decatur Rd, Barracks 15, Studio 103. For more info visit outsidethelens.org. –FREE

December Nights: Balboa Park’s 35th annual holiday festival. Museums are free (from 5 – 9 p.m.), find live music, dance & ballet performances scheduled throughout evening on multiple stages, food from around globe, unique shopping at museum stores & Spanish Village artisans, Christmas Carol puppet show, and more. 12 noon – 11 p.m. For more info, complete list of entertainment, food & other vendors, parking details, etc. visit balboapark.org/decembernights.

SATURDAY – DEC 7

Little Italy Mercato: Every Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., over 100 booths, Date & India streets – FREE

Little Italy Tree Lighting: Live music, treats, pictures with Santa, holiday shopping and more in Little Italy’s Christmas Village. 4 – 8 p.m. Little Italy, along W. Date St. between India and State streets. For more info, visit littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting/

December Nights: Balboa Park’s 35th annual holiday festival. Museums are free (from 5 – 9 p.m.), find live music, dance & ballet performances scheduled throughout evening on multiple stages, food from around globe, unique shopping at museum stores & Spanish Village artisans, Christmas Carol puppet show, and more. 12 noon – 11 p.m. For more info, complete list of entertainment, food & other vendors, parking details, etc. visit balboapark.org/decembernights.

SUNDAY – DEC 8

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade: Join Gaslamp’s sixth annual holiday pet parade, with a free pet expo from 1 – 5 p.m. Parade begins at 3 p.m. Entries are $15 advance, $20 day of. Hilton Gaslamp Park, 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter. For more info visit gaslamp.org.

Parade of Lights: Watch 80 different entries in 42nd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Procession begins at 5:30 p.m. starting at Shelter Island, past Harbor Island, along the Embarcadero and Seaport Village, then past the Ferry Landing in Coronado. Find a seat along the bay or make dinner reservations along the route. For more info and sponsor specials, visit sdparadeoflights.org.

Parade of lights Dinner Cruise: Spend evening watching the parade with a three-course dinner & champagne. $79.50 adult, $47.70 children. Boarding time 5 p.m. 990 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero. Visit flagshipsd.com or call 619-522-6155.

TUESDAY – DEC 10

Coronado Certified Farmers’ Market: Every Tuesday, 2:30 – 6 p.m., First and B streets at Ferry Landing – FREE

Third Eye Blind: HOB 20th anniversary presents Third Eye Blind with an opening act. Doors 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave. 619-299-2583, Tickets $31 GA, $41 reserved. houseofblues.com/sandiego.

Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece, tonight – Van Gogh’s “Irises.” All supplies included, registration is required. 21+up, $45. 6 – 9 p.m. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite #110. Visit paintingandvino.com.

WEDNESDAY – DEC 11

Downtown Planning Council: The Downtown Community Planning Council (formerly CCAC) meets Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 5:15 p.m. Civic San Diego boardroom, 401 B St., Suite 400. For more info [email protected].

Black Crowes: The band will be “reaching deep inside their songbook” for a concert at historic Balboa Theatre. The Black Crowes recently released a 26-song album set. Tickets $55 reserved, $200 VIP upgrade includes meet & greet. 7:30 p.m. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. 619-570-1100 sandiegotheatres.org.

THURSDAY – DEC 12

Parking Management Group will meet on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 11:30 a.m. at the Civic San Diego boardroom, 401 B St., Suite 400. For more info, call 619-235-2200.

Holiday Joy Ride: San Diego Bicycle Coalition presents their third annual holiday bicycle ride, and the colorful parade of bikes begins and ends at SILO, 753 15th St., Makers Quarter. Festive costumes and bicycles strung with Christmas lights encouraged. Hosted reception & awards ceremony follows, with beer from New Belgium Brewing. Tickets $10 members, $15 non-members, $25 become a member. For more info, visit sdcbc.org.

Winter of Hope: Join other red carpet arrivals to celebrate breakthrough technology in the fight against cancer. Live music, cocktails and butler-passed appetizers and desserts. Cocktail attire required. 6:30 p.m. Celestial Ballroom, U.S. Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway, Downtown. RSVP

FRIDAY – DEC 13

Kettner Nights: Second Fridays in Little Italy North (Kettner between India and Laurel streets) in the art and design district. 6-8 p.m. – FREE

SATURDAY – DEC 14

Autism friendly – How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Old Globe’s 16th year of this Christmas classic, but slight adjustments will be made to the production and various support resources will be available to families. 10:30 a.m. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Tickets start at $42. Visit theoldglobe.org or 619-231-1941.

A Marston House Christmas: Take SOHO’s guided tour of the historic house, all decked out in turn of the century (1905 a.d.) Christmas cheer. Live music, free refreshments, complimentary wrapping and discounts on unique gifts in the museum shop. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park.

SUNDAY – DEC 15

Parade of Lights: Watch 80 different entries in 42nd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Procession begins at 5:30 p.m. starting at Shelter Island, past Harbor Island, along the Embarcadero and Seaport Village, then past the Ferry Landing in Coronado. Find a seat along the bay or make dinner reservations along the route. For more info and sponsor specials, visit sdparadeoflights.org.

Parade of lights Dinner Cruise: Spend evening watching the parade with a three-course dinner & champagne. $79.50 adult, $47.70 children. Boarding time is 5 p.m. 990 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero. Visit flagshipsd.com or call 619-522-6155.

MONDAY – DEC 16

Live Music: See local SDMA nominee Tristan Prettyman with her full band. Paul Cannon Band opens. 8 p.m. Tickets $26 – $46, Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros ave., Solana Beach. Bellyup.com or 858-481-8140.

TUESDAY – DEC 17

Skating by the sea: Lace up your ice skates and head to the Hotel del Coronado for a day on their outdoor skating rink on the oceanfront Windsor Lawn. Daily sessions: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., 4 – 6 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. $23 adult, $18 children 10 & under. Skate rental included. Complimentary with valid military ID. Visit hoteldel.com

WEDNESDAY – DEC 18

Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece – tonight, Dr. Who’s “Christmas Tardis.” All supplies included, registration is required. 21+up, $45. 6 – 9 p.m. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite #110. Visit paintingandvino.com.

THURSDAY – DEC 19

A twist on holiday theater: Dream Productions will present the dark comedy “The Break Room” a nostalgic look back at another Christmas post-WWII. 7 p.m. tonight through Dec. 21, Tenth Avenue Theatre in the 4th floor cabaret. Tickets $15 – $20, contact [email protected] or call 619-487-9756. 930 Tenth Ave., East Village.

Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece – tonight, “Red Bird on Lamp Post.” All supplies included, registration is required. 21+up, $35. 6 – 9 p.m. Jakes on Sixth, 3755 Sixth Ave., Hillcrest. Visit paintingandvino.com.

FRIDAY – DEC 20

Cortez walkabout: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. For meet-up location, visit downtownsandiego.org/clean-safe/walkabouts/ or sign up for their newsletter.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Old Globe’s theater is once again transformed into Whoville for the 16th year of this Christmas classic. 7 p.m. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Through Dec. 28, daily showtimes vary. Tickets start at $24. Visit theoldglobe.org or 619-231-1941.

SATURDAY – DEC 21

A Peter White Christmas: Peter White, Mindi Abair (sax) and Rick Braun (trumpet) play Christmas favorites along with their hits. 8 p.m. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. Tickets $45 – $ 75.Visit sandiegotheatres.org or call 619-570-1100.

SUNDAY – DEC 22

Holiday Brunch with Santa: Kids of all ages can visit St. Nick in the Crown Room during the Hotel Del Coronado’s festive Sunday brunch. Bring your cameras. 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. Reservations 619-522-8490 or visit hoteldel.com.

TUESDAY – DEC 24

Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise: Holiday entertainment on the bay with a two and a half-hour cruise and buffet dinner & champagne. $69.50 adult, $41.70 child. Boards 6 p.m. 990 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero. visit flagshipsd.com.

WEDNESDAY – DEC 25

Christmas! Enjoy your holiday.

THURSDAY – DEC 26

Sue Palmer: Live music with the Queen of Boogie Woogie. Her last performance at the venue. 7:30 p.m. Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 802 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit croces.com or call 619-233-4355.

Rolling Stones at the MAX: A 90-minute IMAX film follows the Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, recorded and shot on location in Europe. 7 p.m. RH Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. More info visit rhfleet.org or call 619-232-1233.

FRIDAY – DEC 27

A Cash’d Out Christmas: Holiday show featuring local SDMA Tribute Band winner Cash’d Out (Johnny Cash). 9 p.m. Tickets $18 – $32. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Bellyup.com or 858-481-8140.

SATURDAY – DEC 28

Live Music – Johnathan Valverde: Rock ballads, popular music. 7 – 9 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Dr., Seaport Village. Call 619-232-4855 or visit upstartcrowtrading.com – FREE

Eve Selis: Live folk and Americana music with the seven-time SDMA winner during the final weekend of Croce’s operation. 7:30 p.m. Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 802 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit croces.com or call 619-233-4355.

SUNDAY – DEC 29

Jazz Brunch: The final Jazz Brunch for Croce’s Downtown with Irving Flores. 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 802 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit croces.com or call 619-233-4355.

MONDAY ­ – DEC 30

Big Bay Balloon Parade: Called “America’s largest balloon parade,” this Port of San Diego sponsored event is a production of the Holiday Bowl. Parade starts at 10 a.m. starting near W. Ash St., the parade will travel south on N. Harbor Dr., ending at the corner of W. Harbor Dr. & Pacific Hwy. Grandstand tickets for reserved seating near Maritime Museum are $20. Visit holidaybowl.com.

Bumble Bee 5K: 19th annual 5K held just prior to the Big Bay Balloon Parade. Starts 9:45 a.m. near Holiday Inn on N. Harbor Dr. at Ash St., ends at Ruocco Park. Awards at 11 a.m. at Grandstand.

TUESDAY – DEC 31

—Please send items for inclusion to Editor Morgan M. Hurley at [email protected].

New Years Eve Events

Live Music – Candye Kane: Celebrate New Year’s Eve happy hour with our local master of blues, swing and boogie woogie, Candye Kane. 5:30 – 8 p.m. $10. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros ave., Solana Beach. Bellyup.com or 858-481-8140.

Flagship NYE dinner cruise: Sail into the New Year by taking in the sights of San Diego while ringing in 2014. $105 (adult) $65 (child) hosted bar available for $40 more. 990 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero. Visit flagshipsd.com or call 619-522-6155.

Paula Poundstone: Come just for her comedic performance before your night on the town or add a pre-show dinner package at Bandar Persian Steakhouse or OperaCaffe, also both on Fourth Ave. Dinner seating is at 5:30 p.m., comedy performance is at 8 p.m. Tickets: comedy – $27.50 – $45. Dinner – additional $45., incl tax/tip. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit sandiegotheatres.org or call 619-570-1100.

NYE at Croce’s: Celebrate the final night of the year on the final night of business for the iconic Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar. Celebrate with SDMA’s artist of the year, Gilbert Castellanos and The New Latin Jazz Quintet. Dinner packages available and reservations are a MUST. Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 802 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit croces.com or call 619-233-4355.

Mad House Comedy: NYE comedy with Craig Shoemaker of Showtime’s “Daditude.” Four hours of validated parking. Special event price $50. 10 p.m.

Mad House Comedy Club, 502 Horton Plaza, Downtown. Madhousecomedyclub.com 619-703-6666.