With so many events, pop-up experiences, performances, special food menus and festivals to choose from during the busy holiday season, our editors are stepping up to help with recommendations for things to do. Each week on Wednesdays through New Year’s Eve, arts and entertainment editor Pam Kragen and guides editor Abby Hamblin will recommend some can’t-miss events for readers to consider.
Wednesday
‘Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan”: Cygnet Theatre’s education and outreach director Carlos Mendoza has created this new holiday song-and-dance show for all ages at Cygnet Theatre’s new home, The Joan. Inspired by the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, the high-energy show will feature performances of songs including “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Opens Wednesday and runs through Dec. 28. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Dottie Studio Theatre, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District, Liberty Station, San Diego. $83. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.org
“A Drag Queen Christmas”: Murray & Peter presents this 11th anniversary tour hosted by Nina West. Some of the rotating cast members taking part in this holiday spectacular are Lexi Love, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Lydia B. Kollins. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $49.50 and up. sandiegotheatres.org
World Ballet Company presents “The Nutcracker”: This touring company will present the Russian holiday ballet with 40 international dancers 7 p.m. Wednesday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $60-$138. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
Thursday
Camarada presents “Winter’s Light”: Eschewing the high-volume energy that can dominate the season, four of Camarada’s excellent musicians will revel in the quiet wonders of winter. The concert includes the world premiere of “Ether” by talented composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer Oliviana Marie. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. $35-$75. 619-231-3702, camarada.org
Friday
Coastal Christmas: For 10 days, the Del Mar Fairgrounds is transformed into a holiday festival with light displays, a skating rink, a vendor market and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. The event also features a “wine walk,” which is a wine-tasting walkway for adults 21 years and older that includes a souvenir tasting cup. The family-friendly area has bounce houses, a synthetic ice skating rink, food and drink vendors and an area decorated like the North Pole with Santa Claus. Tickets start at $26.98 for adults and $20.61 for children. On select days, Friday through Dec. 26. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. 858-755-1161, coastalchristmasdelmar.com
San Diego Symphony presents “The Holiday” in Concert: Hear the symphony, conducted by Thiago Tiberio, play the musical score to “The Holiday” as the movie plays. The 2006 romantic film comedy stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. It featured an original score and songs by Hans Zimmer and a variety of classic holiday and pop songs. 6 p.m. Friday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $95-$120. 619-235-0804, theshell.org
Sacra/Profana presents “Immeasurably Bright”: This choir will perform traditional and contemporary holiday pieces including Brandon Waddles’ “Silent Night,” Morten Lauridsen’s “O Nata Lux” and the West Coast premiere of grayston Ives’ “Three Points of Light.” 7 p.m. Friday. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont. $15-$40. 619-432-2920, sacraprofana.org
North Coast Symphony: “Holiday Harmonies”: The ensemble will salute the season with works by Mendelssohn, Gershwin and Copland, alongside pieces by Mexican-born, U.S.-based José Elizondo and Los Angeles-based Ching-Shan Chang. The North Coast Singers youth choir will perform in both concerts. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Sunday. San Dieguito United Methodist, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $15-$18. northcoastsymphony.com
Golden State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Choreographed by artistic director Raul Salamanca, the production features professional dancers and students and a live orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $58.40-$199.75. Youth discounts available. goldenstateballet.org
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Celebrate the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s 80th Anniversary Season with a trip to the Enchanted Land of Sweets. Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the students of the Balboa Park-based company in the annual “Nutcracker” production. 7 pm. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park $27. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org
Saturday
Las Posadas: The Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce and Mormon Battalion Historic Site are presenting a recreation of Mary and Joseph’s story at the 67th Annual Las Posadas. The event highlights the travels of a pregnant Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, looking for shelter. There will be a community procession, a nativity, a live choir, hot cocoa, s’mores and a bonfire. Plus, the public can make a commemorative tin ornament and tour La Casa de Machado y Stewart for photo opportunities. 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. La Plaza de Armas, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Free. parks.ca.gov/eventdetails/17943
Campana Sobre Campana: “Bells Upon Bells”: Subtitled “Christmas in Mexico,” this expansive program features Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande, tracing Mary and Joseph’s journey and that of the three kings. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Epstein Family Amphitheater, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. $20-$95. 858-534-1430, artpower.ucsd.edu
San Diego Symphony: Meet the Brass: This Symphony Kids series concert is designed for children 5 and under. A brass ensemble will bring the famous poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to life for the little ones, along with many other holiday favorites in the 30-minute concert. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $15. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
San Diego Festival Chorus: “Joy Peace Hope”: The first half of the concert will focus on classical music while the second will feature carols and songs. There will also be a bake sale and auction. 3 p.m. Saturday. Lincoln High School Performing Arts Center, 4777 Imperial Ave., Southeast San Diego. $7.18-$23.18. sandiegofestivalchorus.org
“Hauntings of the Holidays”: Write Out Loud will present readings of eerie Christmas ghost stories as a re-creation of the English Victorian Christmas tradition. Actors dressed in Victorian attire will present the stories at the Villa Montezuma Museum, a historic Queen Anne Victorian mansion in Sherman Heights. 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1925 K St., San Diego. writeoutloudsd.com
San Diego Symphony: “Home Alone” in Concert: The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Thiago Tiberio, will accompany a screening of this entertaining 1990 film, which boasts a beloved John Williams’ score that will sound even better when performed by the symphony and the San Diego Master Chorale. 6 p.m. Saturday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $58-$125. 619-235-0804, theshell.org
Encinitas Ballet Academy presents “The Nutcracker”: Choreographers Sayat and Olga Asatrya present their annual ballet featuring former student and Youth America Grand Prix-winner Annalise Bedrosian starring as the Sugar Plum Fairy with former Mariinsky Ballet Theatre professional Alexander Saveliev. 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday. at San Dieguito High School Performing Arts Center, 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas. $40-$60. 760-632-4947, encinitasballet.com
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Jingle 40”: Now in its 40th year, the men’s choir will perform holiday classics, festive pop songs and more. 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $45.10-$99. sandiegotheatres.org/event/2025/12/jingle-40
West Coast Ballet Theatre and San Elijo Dance & Music Academy present “The Nutcracker”: The Civic Youth Orchestra accompanies this full-scale production, complete with falling snow. Professional guest artists and talented ballet students perform the story of Clara. 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $57.60-$105. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
Winter Extravaganza: Forty tons of snow will be produced for this event hosted by the City Heights Community Development Corporation. The Fern Street Circus will be there to perform live and visitors can also shop from food and gift vendors. Noon to 5 p.m. Teralta Park in City Heights, 4100 Central Ave., San Diego. Free. cityheightscdc.org
The City Heights Community Development Corporation’s winter event brings snow to the community. (City Heights CDC)
Pacific Beach Santa Run and Parade: One of the beachiest holiday celebrations each year takes place in Pacific Beach. The day starts with the San Diego Santa Run, where hundreds of people wear Santa costumes and run a 5K through the area. Races take place at 8 and 10 a.m. A holiday parade follows at 1 p.m., with local bands, floats and other groups making their way down Garnet Avenue.
Sunday
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: For two Sundays in December, the San Diego Bay waters light up for the holidays. The 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings together close to 80 boats that are decorated with lights and holiday decorations. The parade starts at Shelter Island and flows around the San Diego Bay through Harbor Island, Seaport Village, The Embarcadero, Crosby Park and Observation Pier near Barrio Logan, and ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing. 5:30 pm. Sunday and Dec. 21. Free. sdparadeoflights.org
“Mistletoe Melodies’ with Erica Marie!”: San Diego musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz presents her jazz-and-classics holiday cabaret show at two local theaters in December. 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Scripps Ranch Theatre, Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant International University, 9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. $25. scrippsranchtheatre.org
Pacific Sound Brass: Camino Concert Series presents a free Christmas concert by this six-piece brass ensemble. 1 p.m. Sunday. St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave., Solana Beach. Free. stjamesandleo.org/concert-series/
“Love Is the Reason Why”: La Jolla United Methodist Chancel and Dorian Bell Choirs with soloists and chamber orchestra will perform arrangements of familiar carols and compositions by John Rutter, Dan Forrest and Howard Helvey. 4 p.m. Sunday. 6063 La Jolla Blvd. La Jolla. Free-will offerings. lajollaunitedmethodist.org
MCASD Winter MKT: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla hosts its annual winter market, an annual arts fair featuring vendors from throughout Southern California, including Part Time Lover, In Sheep’s Clothing and We Share Records. It will also feature a celebration of Japanese music and food culture. There will be live vinyl music DJ sets all day, family activities, live screen printing, a book launch/signing event by local artist Perry Vásquez and free museum admission. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. Free. mcasd.org/events/winter-mkt-2025
“The Light of Hope Returning”: The Village Church’s 80-member Community Chorale presents folk, gospel and bluegrass holiday vocal music. 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday. 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. $10-$20. villagechurch.org
Monday
“Giving Season”: Write Out Loud presents an afternoon of live readings of seasonal stories and poetry inspired by the light and joy of the holidays. 7 p.m. Monday. The Dottie Studio Theater, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego. $10-$25. 619-297-8953, writeoutloud.net
Tuesday
Tower of Power Holiday and Hits Tour: “Down to the Nightclub” and “The Christmas Song?” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “What is Hip?” For anyone who wants to get their groove on while getting in the spirit of the season, the brassy Oakland funk-soul band Tower of Power — now in its 57th year — is a surefire bet to please. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Magnolia, 210 East Main Street., El Cajon. $40-$170. 619-651-2004. magnoliasandiego.com