With the holiday season quickly approaching, San Diego offers an assortment of activities promising to put anyone in the spirit. Below is a compilation of some of the many local events and festivities.

Dec. 2, 9, 17 & 22
“¢ Various churches and the California Theater for the Performing Arts will present an African-American rendition of “Handel’s Messiah.” For locations and times, visit www.gospelmessiah.faithweb.com.

Dec. 7- 10, 14-17
“¢ Skyline Church in La Mesa features its huge annual “Night of Light” event. Two shows nightly with three on Sundays. For more information please call (619) 660-5000.

Dec. 7-23
“¢ Teatro Mascara Magica’s award-winning production of “La Pastorela de la Estrella” will be presented by the Old Globe at the Cassius Carter Centre Stage. For tickets and information please call (619) 23-GLOBE.

Dec. 8
“¢ Barona’s Carols by Candlelight will be held to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation at 8 p.m. Located at the California Center for Arts in Escondido, this event will feature celebrity performers and much more. For more information, please visit www.starsconcert.com

Dec. 8-12
“¢ The CCT will present “Traditions of Christmas ” A Musical Spectacular,” held at the East County Arts Center. Tickets are available at the CCT box office or can be purchased by phone by calling (619) 588-0206.

Dec. 8-9
“¢ The San Carlos United Methodist Church will present “A Christmas Celebration.” With five different various adult ensembles, this event will feature a variety of music to celebrate the holiday season. For more information call (619) 464-4331.

Dec. 8-10, 15-17
“¢ City Ballet of San Diego’s award-winning production of the classic holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker,” returns for a two-weekend performance. For tickets and times please visit www.cityballet.org

Dec. 9
“¢ From 5-8 p.m., the City of Carlsbad Recreation Department presents “Holiday at the Rancho,” a Dickens-inspired winter wonderland at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. For additional event information visit www.carlsbadconnect.org.
“¢ Come share a magical night in Old Town during the holiday open house, complete with period attire, historic decorations, caroling groups and festive luminarias. Enjoy extended shopping hours and complimentary refreshments.
“¢ Wendy Hill and Company will perform an original musical-drama, “The Call to Adventure.” Held at 4407 Manchester Ave in Encinitas, this inspiring story tells the personal journey from life-altering transitions to peace of mind and joy. For more information please call (760) 635-3722.

Dec. 9 & 14
“¢ Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo launches the holidays with free performances, live entertainment and holiday traditions from around the world at the first “Open House” of the season. For more information visit www.bazaardelmundo.com.

Dec. 10
“¢ La Jolla Symphony and Chorus presents its 28th annual Christmas Messiah-Sing. San Diego’s oldest sing-along will be held at the St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad at 4 p.m. For more information please visit www.LaJollaSymphony.com.
“¢ Join the Chancel Choir for the Festival of Lessons and Carols, 4 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Pacific Beach. For more information, call (858) 483-2300.

Dec. 13
“¢ The San Diego Public Library will be holding a holiday concert at the Central Branch, 7 p.m. The program will be held on the third floor and is free to the public. For further information, please call (619) 236-5810.
“¢ Las Posadas: Save Our Heritage invites the public to the historic re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem. Musical procession followed by breaking of the piãata and entertainment. This event is free and will be held at 7 p.m. in Old Town’s Heritage Park.

Dec. 14
“¢ Muttropolis, a utopia for pets, will be hosting two events to educate the public about the latest in dog care. They will host a Jingle Mutt Mingle and Open House Book Signing at their two San Diego locations, 5-7 p.m. For more information, please visit www.muttropolis.com

Dec. 15-16
“¢ The Older Adult Theater will hold a ˜Tis the Season” variety show. The performance will feature songs, dances and entertainment. Held at 7:30 p.m. at the Monte Vista Village in Lemon Grove. For more information please call (619) 696-5319.
“¢ Old Town Historic Park offers a night to experience cultures past. From 6-9 p.m. the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park will celebrate its second decade with music, dancing and guided tours.

Dec. 15 & 17
“¢ San Diego Ballet Company will return with the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” For individual times and performances, please call (619) 294-7378.

Dec. 16
“¢ To celebrate the holiday season, North County Transit District will run a very special train called, “Santa’s COASTER Express,” featuring an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. This special train will run for about an hour and a half and will feature decorated cars, Santa and the whole gang. Recommended for ages 3-10. The holiday express takes off at 2 p.m. from the Oceanside Transit Center.
“¢ Come enjoy “Breakfast with Santa” at the Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 8-11 a.m. For prices and times, call (858) 581-9927.

Dec. 30
“¢ Copley Symphony Hall presents “Salute to Vienna,” presented by The Strauss Symphony of America. For ticket prices and information please call (619) 235-0804.