Create a new tradition watching the ponies during Thanksgiving brunch at Del Mar Racetrack’s Turf Club.
From Thanksgiving feasts and Turkey Trots to Small Business Saturday shopping, check out the top San Diego weekend events for November 22-25.
By Jordan Fraser
EVENTS
Holiday on the Bay
Now Open. Ignite your holiday spirit with a ride down a two-story 100-foot ice slide, drive Iceberg Bumper Boats, visit Santa’s workshop, experience an interactive light show featuring a 30-foot Christmas tree and much more at this holiday extravaganza that transforms Bayfront Park into San Diego’s ultimate holiday destination. 5-11 p.m. See website for ticket prices. 1 Park Blvd., downtown, 619.564.3333. hiltonholidaybythebay.com
Del Mar Racetrack
Nov. 22. Start a new tradition this year by spending Thanksgiving at the racetrack. Begin the holiday with the one-mile Family Fun Run around the Seaside Oval, which starts at 8 a.m. Then Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will host a special racing card, with gates opening at 9:30 a.m. and first post at 11 a.m. During the races, indulge in a delicious Thanksgiving meal at the trackside restaurants, including the esteemed Turf Club, where turkey and other tasty sides will be served. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1141. dmtc.com
Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Walk
Nov. 22. Before filling up on Thanksgiving dinner, join more than 7,500 participants for San Diego’s original turkey trot. Walk or jog the iconic route through Balboa Park to reach a family-friendly festival at the finish line. Race 7:35 a.m., festival 8:30 a.m. $35-$45. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. Tickets
Small Business Saturday in Little Italy
Nov. 24. Get a jump on your holiday shopping while supporting small businesses and San Diego’s local economy on Small Business Saturday in Little Italy. Grab a “Shop Small, Shop Little Italy Passport” and scope out all of the amazing deals at participating Little Italy businesses, including Stroll, Atacama Surf Shop, Vitreum and Wildside Unlimited. Many businesses will extend their hours and offer special discounts. littleitalysd.com
San Diego Jazz Festival
Through Nov. 25. This 39th annual event features live performances by international artists representing a wide variety of traditional jazz, Dixieland, ragtime, swing and rockabilly music styles. Performance venues range from large concert rooms with double dance floors to small, intimate settings. See website for show times and ticket prices. Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle N., Mission Valley. sdjazzfest.org
THANKSGIVING
A.R. Valentien
Nov. 22. Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature restaurant and enjoy a prix-fixe four-course meal featuring the tastes of the season. Indulge in fare from renowned Executive Chef Jeff Jackson in the timbered indoor-outdoor dining room overlooking the 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. Reservations recommended. 4-10 p.m. $115 adults, $60 children under 12. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, 858.777.6635. lodgetorreypines.com
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Nov. 22. Diners are treated to vistas of Mission Bay and live piano music at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa’s annual Thanksgiving buffet complete with roasted turkey and mustard-crusted pork, as well as a fully stocked seafood station and decadent desserts. Reservations recommended. Noon-4 p.m. $60 adults, $25 children 5-11, free children under 5. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.539.8666. catamaranresort.com
KITCHEN 1540
Nov. 22. Executive Chef Nathan Lingle will entertain guests with a three-course prix-fixe dinner featuring traditional and not-so-traditional gourmet dishes. Starters choices include red crudo with fennel almond agrodolce; butternut bisque; or potato gnocchi. Entree choices include turkey with accompaniments; beef tenderloin with roasted root vegetables and whipped potatoes; ravioli with heirloom vegetables, and more. Save room for dessert. 2-8 p.m. $89 adults, $25 children 12 and under. L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.259.1515. destinationhotels.com
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Nov. 22. Spend Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones at one of Rancho Bernardo Inn’s three charming dining offerings. AVANT features a three-course holiday menu including roasted pancetta-wrapped quail, slow-roasted prime roast beef, roasted turkey and more. Aragon Ballroom will offer a holiday buffet complete with hot carvings, fresh seafood, a variety of hot and cold Thanksgiving sides and salads, assorted housemade pies and desserts, while Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant will offer a three-course Thanksgiving menu for both lunch and dinner. See website for times and prices. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo. ranchobernardoinn.com
The Westgate Hotel
Nov. 22. Choose between a four-course prix-fixe dinner in the Westgate Room or a holiday buffet in Le Fontainebleau Room this Thanksgiving at The Westgate Hotel. Both experiences include live music for all to enjoy. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Prix-fixe: $69 adults, $40 children ages 4-12, free children under 3; Buffet: $89 adults, $40 children ages 4-12, free children under 3. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
FOOD + DRINK
The Cravory Point Loma
Now Open. The new 1,000-square-foot location features the Cravory’s signature cookie creations alongside a new ice cream menu featuring famous super premium ice cream, ice cream sandwiches and sundaes, plus fresh local coffee. In addition, satisfy your sweet tooth with the all-new edible cookie dough and Cookie Pucks that allow you to “take and bake” The Cravory’s most popular flavors at home. 3960 W. Point Loma Blvd., Suite M, Midway, 619.795.9077. thecravory.com
Bleu Bohème
Now Available. Bleu Bohème’s new “heure sociale” offers the restaurant’s big flavors for smaller prices. Several “petits plats” for $12.95 include duck frites topped with roasted duck and port wine gravy; tartine du saumon fumé; and Brussels sprouts with house-smoked pork belly and butternut squash and apple balsamic vinegar. Signature cocktails, wine and beer are available starting at $5.95. 5-6 p.m. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. bleuboheme.com
ARTS + CULTURE
“Wicked”
Through Nov. 25. The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical tells the untold story of the two witches of Oz, long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland. See website for show times and ticket prices. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. broadwaysd.com
“This Beautiful City”
Through Dec. 9. Created from actual interviews with citizens of Colorado Springs—the capital of the Evangelical movement—this timely musical explores faith and the organized resistance against gay rights. See website for show times and ticket prices. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. #101, University Heights, 619.220.0097. diversionary.org
“A Doll’s House, Part 2”
Through Dec. 16. This sharp-witted sequel to Ibsen’s masterpiece garnered eight Tony Award nominations is a blistering and funny meditation on marriage and the high cost of personal fulfillment. See website for show times and ticket prices. San Diego Rep, Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown, sdrep.org
Holiday on the Bay photo courtesy The Ace Agency. Del Mar Racetrack photo courtesy Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Small Business Saturday photo courtesy Little Italy Association. San Diego Jazz Festival photo courtesy San Diego Jazz Festival. A.R. Valentien and Catamaran Resort photos courtesy Evans Hotels. KITCHEN 1540 photo courtesy Marguarite Clark Public Relations. Rancho Bernardo Inn photo courtesy J Public Relations. The Westgate Hotel photo courtesy Chemistry PR. The Cravory photo courtesy The Cravory. Bleu Bohème photo courtesy Wicked Creative. “Wicked” photo courtesy Broadway San Diego. “This Beautiful City” photo by Simpatika. “A Doll’s House, Part 2” photo courtesy San Diego Repertory Theatre.
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