Fido will show off his holiday spirit at the 11th Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade on Dec. 16.
From the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade to the La Jolla Santa Pub Crawl and an exclusive whiskey dinner, check out the top San Diego weekend events for December 13-16.
By Jordan Fraser.
EVENTS
Taste ‘n’ Tinis
Dec. 13. Make your holiday season fabulous with this self-guided walking tour of attractive drinks, captivating eats and local shopping. Participants can also grab a picture with Naughty Santa. Participating vendors include Village Hat Shop, Baja Betty’s, Manfest, Fiesta Cantina, Hillcrest Brewing Company and many more. 4-9 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 day-of. Check in at 535 Robinson Ave., Hillcrest. fabuloushillcrest.com
Among The Pines
Dec. 14-15. Trek through a snow-blanketed forest, uncover secret passageways and discover a movie experience like no other at this interactive movie screening. Embark on an enchanted journey to reach your seat inside the cinema, where you can enjoy hot cocoa, popcorn and sweet treats. Eight movie showings include classics like Elf, The Polar Express, A Christmas Story and Home Alone. See website for showtimes and tickets prices. 325 15th St., East Village. fourthwallcinema.com
Queen Bee Market
Dec. 14-15. Etsy comes alive offline at this holiday bazaar featuring more than 100 vendors offering everything from handmade frames to clothing and accessories. Vendors local to San Diego include Garden Study Ceramics, handmade botanical-inspired ceramics; The Art of MVP, an artist specializing in handmade and hand-painted home goods, wall art and jewelry; and Acute Designs, hair accessories and jewelry. Plus, workshops and make-and-take stations help you get in on the action. F 4-9 p.m. Sa 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $3. Del Mar Fairgrounds Wyland Hall, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. thequeenbeemarket.com
Children’s Nature Retreat Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 15. Visit the animals at Children’s Nature Retreat as they are decked out in their finest coats, and stay to enjoy the annual tree lighting. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies while taking in the festivities. Reservations recommended. 4 p.m. 5178 Japatul Spur, Alpine, 619.320.4942. childrensnatureretreat.org
Winter Nights at Westfield UTC
Dec. 15. Westfield UTC’s annual holiday celebration includes live musical performances in Palm Plaza, festive entertainment, family-friendly activities and tasty bites for all to enjoy. 5-8 p.m. 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., University City. westfield.com
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
Dec. 16. Jingle all the way through the Gaslamp Quarter with pooches dressed up as Santa, elves, reindeer and other festive and creative characters. Furry, feathered and scaled companions are all welcome to attend. After the parade, enjoy a free pet expo with goodie bags, treats and various pet products. Noon-5 p.m. Parade starts and ends at MLK Promenade Park, 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter. holidaypetparade.com
Parade of Lights
Dec. 16. Head to the waterfront to catch this time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community. The 47th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain with this year’s Tropical Island Christmas theme. More than 80 lavishly decorated boats are expected to participate. 5 p.m. Free. Parade begins at Shelter Island and concludes at the Coronado Ferry Landing. sdparadeoflights.org
San Diego Botanic Garden’s Garden of Lights
Through Dec. 30. After the sun goes down, the San Diego Botanic Garden transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 125,000 sparkling lights illuminating the 37-acre urban oasis. Bring the family and experience the magic as you wander down the beautifully lit paths of several spectacular garden areas. Nightly entertainment, including local blues and jazz bands, as well as hot coffee and treats will be available. Closed Dec. 24-25. 5-8:30 p.m. $5-$25. 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbgarden.org
Holiday on the Bay
Through Jan. 5. 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
FOOD + DRINK
1500 OCEAN December Menu
Now Available. Hotel del Coronado’s newly promoted Executive Sous Chef Patrick Ponsaty debuts a five-course menu special for December. Decadent dishes include foie gras and smoked eel Napoleon, Maine scallop pithivier, Marseille-style seafood stew and a seared venison chop served with winter root vegetables. The menu is available a la carte or in a prix-fixe five-course format with optional wine pairings. Not available Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.8490. hoteldel.com
Realm of 52 Remedies
Now Open. Get a taste of the herbal remedies and cherished flavors of the Far East at this new speakeasy inside Common Theory Public House that offers cocktails and shared plates. The menu is inspired by the classics from all around the globe, as well as an exclusive selection of “52 Remedies Secret Prescriptions” showcasing the alchemy of Asian ingredients. 4805 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa, 619.535.0118. 52remedies.com
Michter’s Whiskey Dinner at Stake
Dec. 13. Stake Chophouse and Bar’s Executive Chef Andrew Kedziora showcases the historical legacy of America’s first whiskey company with a curated dinner expertly complemented by Michter’s whiskey. Expect dishes such as dry-aged beef roast with mushroom panisse and barrel-aged soy sauce alongside pours of Michter’s American Unblended Small Batch whiskey, Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon and Small Batch Sour Mash. 6:30 p.m. $150. 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.0077. stakechophouse.com
La Jolla Santa Pub Crawl
Dec. 15. Eat, drink and be merry throughout San Diego’s crown jewel at this inaugural event. Crawlers are invited to be creative and wear festive, holiday-themed costumes while visiting George’s at the Cove, The Spot, Jose’s Courtroom and Hennessey’s. 21+. 6 p.m. Free, but participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to Hennessey’s anytime during the evening to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. Crawl begins at George’s at the Cove 1250 Prospect St., Level 2, La Jolla. Info
ARTS + CULTURE
“Noel Noel”
Dec. 15, 21-22. The San Diego Symphony delivers a holiday tradition featuring your favorite songs of the season including “Believe” from The Polar Express and “White Christmas” with vocals by Broadway darling Bryonha Marie Parham. Choirs will conclude the evening with “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night,” “Sleigh Ride” and an audience-sing-along and a visit from Santa. See website for show times and ticket prices. 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org
Nutcracker Tea Party with Santa
Dec. 16. Partake in the magic of the holiday season at Liberty Station’s inaugural Nutcracker Tea Party with Santa, a new addition to the Salute the Season festivities. This seasonal, family-friendly event will encompass an afternoon of hot cocoa and sweets; a narrated, interactive performance of The Nutcracker by San Diego Ballet; a visit from Santa and much more. 3:30-5:30 p.m. $55. 2875 Dewey Road, Liberty Station. libertystation.com
“Always… Patsy Cline”
Through Dec. 30. Based on the touching story of Patsy’s friendship with Louise Seger, a fan who continued a correspondence with her to the end of her life, this song-filled dramatic musical experience is certain to thrill fans of the iconic singer. Always… includes a host of enduring Cline hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces” and “Walking After Midnight.” $45. North Coast Repertory, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Plaza, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade photo by WASIO Photography. Taste ‘n’ Tinis photo courtesy Hillcrest Association. Among the Pines photo courtesy Fourth Wall Cinema. Queen Bee Market photo courtesy Wicked Creative. Children’s Nature Retreat Christmas Tree Lighting photo courtesy Children’s Nature Retreat. Winter Nights and 1500 OCEAN December Menu photos courtesy J Public Relations. Parade of Lights photo courtesy Parade of Lights. Botanic Garden of Lights photo by John Bryantt. Holiday by the Bay photo courtesy The Ace Agency. Michter’s Whiskey Dinner photo courtesy H2 PR. La Jolla Santa Pub Crawl photo courtesy Red Head Marketing and PR. Nutcracker Tea Party with Santa photo courtesy Olive Creative Strategies. Realm of 52 Remedies photo courtesy Realm of 52 Remedies. “Noel, Noel” photo courtesy San Diego Symphony. “Always… Patsy Cline” photo courtesy New Theatre.
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