Sunday, Dec. 8

Neave Trio
The Neave Trio is presented by the Central Library Concert Series for a performance in Neil Morgan Auditorium (330 Park Blvd.), located across the courtyard from the Central Library entrance. Since 1955, the Central Library Fall Concert Series has hosted chamber music concerts – featuring touring ensembles and acclaimed San Diego musicians – and it continues to be one of the longest-running concert series in the city. All performances are free, open to the public, and last approximately one hour. 2:30 p.m.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 48th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during the evenings of Dec. 8 and 15. Participants in the highly anticipated holiday boat parade will decorate their craft to fit this year’s theme, “Comic-Con on the Bay.” Presented by the Port of San Diego, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region. This year, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has partnered with Comic-Con to kick off the holiday season. The parade begins at 5 p.m. at Shelter Island and proceeds to Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and ends at the Ferry Landing in Coronado.

 Parade of Lights Watch Party
To close out this year’s 30th anniversary celebration, the San Diego Convention Center will host a free community party on its bayside terraces called Season’s Showcase: A Parade of Lights Watch Party. The convention center’s big screen will broadcast the parade of more than 80 boats decorated with holiday lights showing off their favorite Comic-Con superheroes. Along with watching the parade, families can sip on festive beverages while enjoying live performances from community entertainers from across San Diego County. 4-8 p.m.

Christmas Classics
Join us on the rooftop as we celebrate an evening of beloved holiday animated classics that are perfect for the whole family. We kick off with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” based on the popular book by Dr. Seuss; next, we present the memorable Rankin/Bass television special from 1974, “The Year Without a Santa Claus”; and we close out with Charles Schultz’s 1965 staple, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” This is a family-friendly screening open to anyone ages 3 and above. Guests 17 and under can go for a special price of $12 and must be accompanied by an adult. Rooftop Cinemas Club is located at Manchester Grand Hyatt. 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

Stand-up comedy
Comedy returns to the Acid Vault at Amplified East Village! Headlining is Joe Praino from the “Dirty Sports” podcast, and Just for Laughs. Featuring is Dustin Nickerson, and Joe Grillo. Show starts at 8 p.m. and it’s only a $10 cover. 1429 Island Ave.

Poster unveiling party
We are thrilled to announce the new official poster for the 27th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival. $5 tickets include a voucher for one food item and a drink. 5:30-8 p.m. at Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd.

Thursday, Dec. 12

Wild Night Out
This exclusive adults-only affair will allow grown-up guests to preview the zoo’s holiday-themed Jungle Bells presented by California Coast Credit Union. Celebrate and enjoy an evening at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, without the kids and the crowds. Added perks include unique talks with keepers, up-close animal ambassador presentations, a complimentary beverage (choice of beer, wine, soda, or water) and more! 5:30-9 p.m. Wild Night Out — 21-and-up tickets are $40 per person and include zoo admission after 5:30 p.m., plus one beverage voucher. Additional drink and food vouchers are available for purchase. Tickets are available at sandiegozoo.org and at zoo ticket booths. Parking is free.

Friday, Dec. 13

‘The Eight: Reindeer Monologues’
Santa’s reindeer tell all! With each deer’s confession, the truth behind the shocking allegations becomes clearer and clearer and seems to implicate everyone from the littlest elf to the tainted saint himself. Don’t miss this expose of North Pole naughtiness. Starring David Janisch as Dasher, Eric Trigg as Comet, Christine McCoy as Dancer, Andrew Walters as Hollywood (Prancer), Mclain Parker as Cupid, Melanie Mino as Blitzen, Michael Adler as Donner and Kellen Gold as Vixen. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $65. Point Loma Playhouse.

 Baja Wine + Food brings an unique opportunity to taste Valle de Guadalupe wines with their makers, while enjoying the stunning San Diego skyline from IDEA1 Rooftop Lounge. Don’t miss the chance to meet and mingle with legendary groundbreaking oenologist Victor Manuel Torres Alegre de Vinícola Torres Alegre y Familia! The rooftop wine experience is accompanied with Baja cheeses and charcuterie beautifully styled by Al ‘Fresk? Experience. Also, photographer Josue Castro will be taking artistic B&W portraits and live music will be played by Flamenco fusion extraordinaire David De Alva. 6-8 p.m. at 899 Park Blvd. Tickets $50. A taco party at 8:30 p.m. at LOLA 55 will be held.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Breakfast with Santa
Gather round in Le Fontainebleau at the Westgate Hotel for a bountiful breakfast buffet featuring seasonal favorites where little ones will be treated with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Breakfast with Santa will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9 a.m.-noon. Prices are $70 for adults, $35 for children ages 4-12, and complimentary for children 3 and under, tax and gratuity not included. To reserve a Breakfast with Santa experience, please call 619-238-1818.

Toast of Gaslamp
It’s time to toast the creative craft cocktail culture, thriving dining scene, and unique retailers emerging in the heart of Downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter. With the holidays just around the corner, the Toast of Gaslamp will bring festive feelings and a holly jolly good time to the Gaslamp with a seasonal self-guided tasting tour. Toast, taste and shop your way through the Gaslamp Quarter from 1-5 p.m. with 20 holiday-inspired bites, 20 seasonal sips and 10 exclusive shopping deals! Tickets are $30 day of. Visit toastofgaslamp.com to find participating restaurants.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Gaslamp Holiday Pet ParadePet owners and their adorable companions are invited to deck the halls in the festive costumes of their choice and step out on the town during this jolly promenade and free pet holiday market. The 12th annual event begins under the iconic Gaslamp Quarter archway and ends at MLK Promenade Park. Day-of registration and check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m. before the parade kicks off at 2 p.m. There will be nine fun costume contests so bring your furry family members in their best holiday attire! All pets are welcome to participate in this holly-jolly good time!
Along with live music, presentations, and festive fun, registrants will also receive a holiday goodie bag full of fun pet samples, toys, coupons, and other gifts. Participation entry in the parade is only $15 per pet and owner duo if you pay in advance and $20 on the day of.

Wooftop Cinemas Club
Wooftop Cinema Club will make its return to the Manchester Grand Hyatt as families will have the chance to bring their own special “Max” to a screening of the 2000 Jim Carrey hit, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Nearly 50 pooches of all shapes and sizes attended our first Wooftop screening September so if you missed out then, this is your chance to join fellow dog-lovers and get your four-legged friends into the spirit of the holidays by dressing them in their favorite winter sweaters for Wooftop Cinema Club! Special dog treats and other surprise goodies will be available for purchase. 6 p.m. This is also a family-friendly event, with tickets available for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $17.

Thursday, Dec. 19

‘La Befana Vien di Notte'San Diego Italian Film Festival presents a holiday film! “The Legend of the Christmas Witch” will show in Italian with English subtitles. During the day, Paola is an ordinary primary school teacher, but at night, she turns into the Christmas Witch (the Befana), a magical creature who brings gifts to good children. One night, Paola disappears, kidnapped by Mr. Johnny, a cruel toymaker whose childhood was ruined by the witch and is now seeking revenge. A group of six brave students who have found out their teacher’s secret will go through an extraordinary adventure to rescue her. $12 general admission. 7:30 p.m. at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park.

Friday, Dec. 20

Feria de gemas de San Diego
Find the perfect holiday gifts for every budget — fine jewelry, crystals, gems, beads, gold and silver, minerals and much more at manufacturer’s prices. More than 100 exhibitors from all over the world will be on site. Jewelry repair and ring sizing while you shop. Free hourly door prizes. Dec. 20-22, Scottish Rite Event Center, 1895 Camino del Rio S., San Diego. Friday, noon-6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $7 weekend pass. Free parking! For more info, visit gemfaire.com or call 503-252-8300 or email [email protected].

Through Sunday, Dec. 22
'El cascanueces'
City Ballet of San Diego’s award-winning production of the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” will perform 12 performances, Dec. 6-22, for its 27th anniversary season, plus a sensory-friendly “Nutcracker” on Dec. 11. Voted “San Diego’s Best Nutcracker” (San Diego Dance Alliance Tommy Award), and described by the San Diego Union-Tribune as “a plum of a ‘Nutcracker,’” City Ballet’s 25th annual “Nutcracker” returns to the historic Spreckels Theatre in Downtown San Diego, accompanied by The City Ballet Orchestra conducted by John Nettles. Patrons that come early with be entertained with holiday songs in the lobby by the City Ballet Chorus. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $92, $82, $72, $52, and $32, with discounts available for students, seniors and military. For ballet tickets, On-Stage Reception tickets, or for more information, please call City Ballet’s Box Office at 858-272-8663 or visit ciudadballet.org.

Friday, Dec. 31

NYE Beachfront BashFeast, drink and dance from beach to rooftop at NYE Beachfront Bash, San Diego’s hottest NYE beachfront party on the Mission Beach boardwalk. NYE Beachfront Bash offers the ultimate party experience at multiple venues with DJs, live music and a Champagne toast for all. Get hyped at Beach House with an outdoor beach party, then groove on over to Draft, featuring top 40 hits with Chino from 93.3 and iHeartRadio. Elevate your celebration at the new exclusive VIP rooftop lounge at Cannonball. The party begins at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49.

Latin NYE Party
The Westgate Hotel invites guests to their Latin NYE celebration complete with classic cocktails, a celebratory Latin-influenced buffet dinner, a DJ and a memorable live-music performance from Westgate Hotel favorite, Julio De La Huerta. The party will take place in the Versailles Ballroom, where the night will kick off with an extravagant buffet dinner and DJ from 8-9:30 p.m. Julio De La Huerta and his band will take the stage at 9:30 p.m. and will bring guests into the new year with their impressive fiesta vibes. A midnight Champagne toast will accompany a balloon drop to welcome 2020. Cocktail attire is required and a cash bar will be available. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $165 per person