Featured LEISURE

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Youngsters swarm in delight as Santa Claus provides the gift of snow during the annual Scripps Ranch Tree Lighting celebration held at Hoyt Park on Dec. 7. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)

HOLIDAY EVENTS

DECEMBER 13, 14, 15

‘The Nutcracker’

Scripps Performing Arts Academy presents an all-youth, full production of “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 13 and 14 at 6 p.m.; and Dec. 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. Held at David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive.
scrippsballet.com/academy

‘A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play’

The classic Charles Dickens story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits that visit him unfolds in a retro style radio play! The audience will be inside the studios of radio station WSRT as nine actors portray dozens of characters to broadcast this timeless story, while an integrated soundscape and visuals enhance the experience. Great Holiday fun for the entire family!
scrippsranchtheatre.org  


DECEMBER 14

Holiday Market returns to Petco Park

The San Diego Padres announced that the Holiday Market at Petco Park is open through Dec. 27. The fourth-annual event is returning bigger and better than ever in the all-new Gallagher Square featuring magical Christmas lighting displays, local artisan shops, seasonal food and beverage, Santa and other holiday characters and more. The Holiday Market at Petco Park will run for select nights from 4 to 10 p.m. Guests will purchase pre-designated entry time slot tickets for the experience. The event will be highlighted by walkthrough lighting displays, Candyland, Santaland featuring photo opportunities with Santa and live reindeer. Additional activities include a grand carousel, nightly snowfall, a train ride for kids, a 40-foot Christmas tree, food and drink. 
padres.com/holidaymarket

‘Nutcracker, Reimagined’

“Nutcracker, Reimagined” is Lynch Dance Institute’s (LDI) annual holiday production full of joy, hope and possibility. Students also have an opportunity to participate in the annual end of season showcase celebrating the tremendous amount of work that takes place at LDI throughout the year. Performances Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.; and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. At the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave.
lynchdance.com

Christmas in the Park

Poway’s Christmas in the Park will be held at Old Poway Park. This is an old-fashioned holiday tradition that will take you back in time with caroling, live music, free children’s crafts, model train displays, and so much more! Purchase tasty holiday treats, finish your Christmas shopping at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time ride around the park. Free shuttles to and from the event will be available from two different locations: Poway City Hall Parking Lot, 13325 Civic Center Drive; and the Poway Adult School Parking lot, 13626 Twin Peaks Road. 3:30-8:30 p.m. 
Poway.org

Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade

Get those ears perked and those tails wagging and prepare to unleash the holiday cheer in the Gaslamp Quarter with your furry friends! The Gaslamp Pet Parade, & Pups in the Pub Party returns to the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter on Dec. 14. The event is free to watch, so grab a spot at one of the patios along the parade route and be prepared for the best parade ever! Parade begins at 1 p.m. The Pups in the Pub Party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter runs from 2 to 4 p.m.
Gaslamp.org


DECEMBER 19

Winter Celebration at SR Farmer’s Market

The Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market & Family Festival will hold a special Winter Celebration featuring a visit from Santa Claus on Thursday, Dec. 19. Santa will visit from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Entrance is free. 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.


DECEMBER 27

Holiday Bowl Parade

The scenic, bayside streets of downtown San Diego will come alive with the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente! A long tradition of the Holiday Bowl, this exciting family event brings together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams and a procession of enormous balloons – more than any other parade! Starts at 10 a.m. along Harbor Drive.
holidaybowl.com/holiday-bowl-parade