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.
Thursday
Ice skating: Liberty Station is the place to find the Rady Children’s Ice Rink, which opens for the season on Thursday. Skate rental and helmets are provided and proceeds from ticket sales go toward the Thriving After Cancer program. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 4. ARTS DISTRICT, Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego. $25 for adults, $15 for military and children ages 12 and under. rchicerink.org
— Abby Hamblin
“A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples, 1962-1972: The Frank Mitzel Collection”: With this exhibition, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego celebrates the recent gift of Mitzel’s collection of more than 60 pop art prints assembled over 30-plus years from the U.S., England and Europe. Opens Thursday and runs through May 25. MCASD, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org
— Pam Kragen
Friday
Santee holiday tree lighting: Santee is leading the way with a tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. on Friday. Also at this community event, there will be photos with Santa, seasonal snacks, sledding and live music. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Road. Free. cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/santee-holiday-lighting/45982
House for the Holidays: For such a boozy season, here’s an option that’s free of alcohol. Mocktail & Mingle will host a mixer with music from DJ Mr. Chuck. There will be two new mocktails on the menu and tickets come with one free drink. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Spill the Beans, 980 Garnet Ave., San Diego. $23.18. eventbrite.com/e/house-for-the-holidays-tickets-1957081315899
Vienna Boys Choir presents “Christmas in Vienna”: San Diego Symphony presents this Austrian youth choral group on its annual holiday tour. 8 p.m. today, Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39-$94. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
“¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!”: The Old Globe will present a concert presentation of this world premiere Spanish-language translation of its annual production of “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” musical featuring Spanish-speaking actors and a full orchestra. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $28-$34. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org
Saturday
Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern: One of the most unique holiday pop-up bars this year takes visitors to the high seas. LandShark Bar & Grill is hosting a pirate-themed experience with food specials, nautical holiday decor and special cocktails. In addition, expect live appearances from pirates on Saturdays in December from 7 to 9 p.m. and live music Wednesday to Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Open daily from 11 a.m. to close. Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. LandShark Bar & Grill, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, 435 6th Ave., San Diego. Free. margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-hotel-san-diego/live-entertainment/holiday-happenings
Ilan-Lael Foundation Art & Peace Picnic: James Hubbell’s peace through art foundation will host a potluck picnic event with free interactive art-making stations at Pearl of the Pacific park on Shelter Island. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish inspired by the diverse countries around the Pacific Rim. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. West end of Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. Register at ilanlaelfoundation.org/stories/picnic
“The Waverly Gallery”: Backyard Renaissance Theatre presents Kenneth Lonergan’s play about an aging art gallery owner who is losing her memories in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Opens Saturday and runs through Dec. 6. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Backyard Renaissance Theatre at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown. $15-$50. 760-975-7189, backyardrenaissance.com
Artist Nick Cave presentation: San Diego Museum of Art presents this American contemporary artist discussing his body of work, including sculpture, performance art and video, in a conversational interview. His sculpture “Rescue” is now on display at the museum. 4 p.m. Saturday. Copley Auditorium, SDMA, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. $25-$35. sdmart.org
2025/26 Allied Artist Biennial: Oceanside Museum of Art presents its annual juried exhibition of works by 53 Southern California artists. Opens Saturday and runs through March 8. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. 760-435-3720, oma-online.org
Sunday
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair: Locals can get ahead on holiday shopping at this street fair for all ages. Expect more than 450 vendors selling unique gifts, handmade crafts and other merchandise, as well as live music and performances across three stages. From noon to 5 p.m., shoppers can take a break at a beer garden. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 101 North Coast Highway, Encinitas. Free. encinitas101.com/events/encinitas-holiday-street-fair-2025
Jewels of the Season: The annual exhibit of a unique collection of handcrafted ornaments by San Diego artists Florence Hord and Elizabeth Schlappi returns in Balboa Park. More than 1,000 ornaments are on display on a Christmas tree encircled by an antique train from the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, San Diego. 619-239-5548, timkenmuseum.org/news/timken-museum-of-art-presents-jewels-of-the-season-a-dazzling-celebration-of-art-imagination-and-seasonal-splendor
Hausmann Quartet presents “Folk Songs”: The quartet concludes its 2025 season with a performance of Bela Bartok’s Fifth Quartet aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. $10-$60. 619-432-2314, sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/concert-series
Macauley Culkin talks to the audience at “A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin” in Buffalo, N.Y. His tour, where he answers questions about his beloved Christmas film “Home Alone,” which is also screened, will play Tuesday at the San Diego Civic Theatre. (Sheas PAC, Buffalo, NY)
Tuesday
“A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin“: The now-grown-up star of the beloved 1990 Christmas movie “Home Alone,” Macaulay Culkin, will be the featured guest at a 35th anniversary screening of the John Hughes film, followed by an onstage Q&A where he will take a deep dive into his experiences of making of the heartwarming comedy. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $60.20-$295. sandiegotheatres.org