UPCOMING EVENTS
‘Deep Sky’
Embark on an breathtaking journey by viewing “Deep Sky” in IMAX on at The Fleet Science Center’s newly renovated Heikoff Giant Dome Theater in Balboa Park. The highly anticipated documentary brings the awe-inspiring images captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to IMAX® – taking audiences on a journey to the beginning of time and space, to never-before-seen cosmic landscapes, and to recently discovered exoplanets, planets around other stars. Deep Sky” follows the high-stakes global mission to build JWST and to launch it into orbit 1 million miles from Earth, in an attempt to answer questions that have haunted us since the beginning of time: Where did we come from? How did the universe begin? Are we alone?
fleetscience.org
Rare Penguin Chick
After overwhelming public participation, the emperor penguin chick hatched at SeaWorld San Diego has officially been named: and her name is Pearl. Pearl is expected to be ready to join the park’s penguin colony in early 2024, at which point she will be visible to the general public. Until then, in response to the extraordinary public interest in her arrival, SeaWorld San Diego has created two new special ticket opportunities to enable a limited number of guests to see her now behind-the-scenes, with 10 percent of the proceeds going to support penguin conservation around the world:
Ultimate Penguin On-Ice Experience & Viewing of Pearl – For the first time, guests will be invited to step onto the snow amongst six different penguin species, including the emperor penguins, at Penguin Encounter.
Penguin Up Close Tour & Viewing of Pearl – Guests will go behind the scenes at Penguin Encounter for an up-close interaction with one of the penguins from Penguin Encounter.
SeaWorld.com
Welcome Home
SeaWorld dolphin trainers welcomed one of their dolphins, Belle, home to Dolphin Point in October after he had been away. They made a welcome home sign for him and then had a Halloween party for all the dolphins with special Halloween treats. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)
November 22
Ebenezer returns
The Old Globe presents “Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show” at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of The Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park (1363 Old Globe Way), now through Dec. 24. San Diego has another show in its Christmas stocking with this fast, funny and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. All the traditional elements of Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” are intact, including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future, but with a comic local twist. Audiences of all ages will cheer Ebenezer Scrooge’s rediscovery of the Christmas spirit in this riotous Dickens mash-up filled with music and laughter – all set in “wintery” San Diego. Phone (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623).
TheOldGlobe.org
November 24
‘Inspecting Carol’
A man who asks to audition at a small theater is mistaken for an informer for the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone caters to the bewildered wannabe actor, and he is given a role in the current production, “A Christmas Carol.” Everything goes wrong and hilarity is piled upon hilarity. PowPAC Theatre in Poway. Runs through Dec. 10. Tickets available online or call the box office: (858) 679-8085.
powpac.org
Wild Holidays
See the San Diego Safari Park in a whole new light! Embark on a joyous holiday expedition and travel through places that glow and twinkle with seasonal cheer. Holiday tunes set the festive mood, and tasty seasonal treats will be available to tempt you throughout your journey. Wild Holidays is scheduled on specific dates through Dec. 31. On Wild Holidays dates, the Safari Park is open until 8 p.m. Wild Holidays activities and entertainment are included with admission tickets or membership.
sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays
November 30
Flor de Toloache
The Latin Grammy Award-winning, all-female group Flor de Toloache mixes tradition and innovation, breaking boundaries with its edgy, versatile, and fresh take on traditional Latin American music. NPR says, “Flor de Toloache stuns at the crossroads of fusion and mariachi girl magic.” Join them for two shows in The JAI Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
theconrad.org
December 1
‘El Milagro del Recuerdo’
San Diego Opera presents “El Milagro del Recuerdo” (The Miracle of Remembering) is a heartwarming holiday mariachi opera full of family traditions, love and dreams of a better tomorrow. Sung in Spanish (with English and Spanish text projected above the stage) this new mariachi opera, a prequel to 2013’s Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, lovingly explores family traditions in the face of life-changing decisions and dreams of something more. To make things even more festive, there will be a variety of family-friendly activities, pre and post-performance, in the plaza, including a live muralist, music, holiday decorations and possibly even an appearance from Santa. Additionally, there will be delectable holiday-themed food items like tamales, Mexican sweet treats, Mexican hot chocolate, a specialty cocktail and more. Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 2 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre.
sdopera.org
Arc Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon
The Winter Wonderland Fashion Show and Luncheon is scheduled for Dec. 1 at The US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway. The event promises an unforgettable experience and features a captivating runway show curated by Style Personality Leonard Simpson. Doors open at 10 a.m. with check-in, shopping boutique and silent auction. At noon, guests will be treated to a sumptuous luncheon followed by the highly anticipated runway show.
This event offers attendees the opportunity to support The Arc of San Diego by shopping at local boutiques and participating in a captivating auction. Proceeds from the event will help The Arc of San Diego continue its mission of providing essential life services to children and adults with disabilities throughout San Diego County. To make reservations call (619) 685-1175 or email info@arc-sd.com.
arc-sd.com/winterwonderland
December Nights
It’s almost time for the City of San Diego’s free holiday festival – December Nights! Visit Balboa Park for December Nights 2023 on Friday, Dec. 1, from 3 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., to celebrate the spirit of the holiday and enjoy the Family Zone with free photos with Santa, light displays, musical performances, attractions, delicious food, and more!
sandiego.gov/december-nights
December 2
OB Holiday Parade
For over 40 years, the quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted one of the best holiday parades in SoCal. On Saturday, Dec. 2, Newport Avenue will be lined with colorful OBceans and visitors all eagerly awaiting the commencement of the 44th annual OB Holiday Parade at sunset!
oceanbeachsandiego.com
Christmas on Crystal Pier
Enjoy a delightful day of holiday festivities and capture the magic of the season on Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach on Dec. 2, 2-5 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to meet Santa at the end of Crystal Pier! Tree Lighting at Sunset. Admire the beautiful wreaths on display, lovingly decorated by local community groups and businesses.
pacificbeach.org
December 7
‘Freaky Friday’
Get ready for a magical, uproarious experience as Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre presents “Freaky Friday,” Disney’s beloved body-swap musical comedy. Based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers, the beloved classic gets a contemporary twist with a hilarious new book bBridget Carpenter, complemented by pop/rock music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Guests can enter the Stagehouse Theatre through the Performing and Visual Arts Center at Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. Tickets (619) 644-7234.
Stagehousetheatre.com
December 8,9
Christmas in the Park
Poway Christmas in the Park will be held at Old Poway Park for an old-fashioned holiday tradition that will take you back in time! Enjoy live music, visit with Santa, 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. Locations include the Poway City Hall Parking Lot, 13325 Civic Center Drive; with the additional location at the Poway Adult School Parking lot located at 13626 Twin Peaks Road. Shuttles will run throughout the event, beginning at 3 p.m. and leaving Old Poway Park for the last trip at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 9, 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Poway.org
December 9
PB Holiday Parade
The Annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade is scheduled for Dec 9. The parade kicks off at noon starting at Garnet Avenue Haines Street, ending at Garnet Avenue and Cass Street. This year, there is an Ugly Sweater theme. Don your most outrageous, sparkly and downright ugly holiday sweaters, and make this parade a vibrant spectacle of holiday fashion! Watch dazzling floats decorated with holiday spirit, from traditional to the uniquely quirky. Enjoy the beats and melodies of local bands, dance troupes and performers. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus himself as he makes a grand entrance to the delight of kids of all ages. Bring the whole family for a day of community celebration. Invite your friends and family, and come out to celebrate the holiday season in style.
pacificbeach.org
Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights
The Mission Bay Parade of Lights is back and bigger than ever! This festive family fun boat parade on beautiful Mission Bay will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 5:30pm. Kick off this holiday tradition with SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks and enjoy the festive holiday boats parade on the bay from a designated spectator viewing area. It’s a night of magic, merriment, and cherished memories for the whole family.
mbyc.org
December 10, 17
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community. Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 53rd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during two evenings on Dec. 10 and 17. Participants in this year’s holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme. 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. There is no cost to view the parade. The procession will start at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade route. Viewing locations: Shelter Island, 5:30 p.m.; Harbor Island, 6:15 p.m.; The Embarcadero, 6:45 p.m.; Seaport Village, 7:15 p.m.; The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park , 7:30 p.m.; Ferry Landing on Coronado, 7:45 p.m.
sdparadeoflights.org