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.
Today
Turkey calling show: UC San Diego’s annual turkey calling show returns today. Scott Paulson’s annual show is meant to be a fun and educational look at turkeys. Attendees will learn about the turkey calling techniques, folklore, music and fun facts. Noon to 1 p.m. today. Seuss Room, Geisel Library, 9701 Hopkins Drive, La Jolla. Free. calendar.ucsd.edu/event/turkey-calling-show-2025
“A Christmas Carol”: Cygnet Theatre will present its 10th anniversary production of Dickens’ redemptive holiday tale, this time with Patrick McBride taking over the role of the miserly Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge, at the company new home theater, The Joan. Charles Dickens’ holiday novella was adapted for the stage and directed by Cygnet artistic director Sean Murray, with lyrics by Murray and original music by Billy Thompson. It features sing-along Christmas carols, puppetry, humor, dancing and special effects. Opens today and runs through Dec. 24. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Joseph Clayes III Theater, The Joan. $73. 619-337-1525. cygnettheatre.com
A scene from Cygnet Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,” which made its debut at The Joan on Nov. 26. (Karli Cadel)
Thursday
Coronado 5K Turkey Trot: Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary is hosting its 12th annual 5K Turkey Trot. There’s also a virtual 5K and Tiny Trotters Fun Run for kids 5 and younger. The course runs mostly along the San Diego Bay. Proceeds benefit the Orthopedics and Scoliosis Center at Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego. 8 a.m. Thursday at Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Drive. $38.10-$80.50. Kids ages 5 and under can run for free. runsignup.com/Race/CA/Coronado/CoronadoTurkeyTrotPresentedByRadyChildrensHospital
The cast of San Diego Musical Theatre’s “A Christmas Story” musical, from left, Shayan Naderi as Randy, Andrew Gorman as Ralphie, Adam Cooley as the Old Man and Meghan O’Brien Lowery as Mother.” (Julie Licari)
Friday
“A Christmas Story”: San Diego Musical Theatre brings back this holiday musical adaptation of the beloved 1983 film about Ralphie, a precocious boy in 1940 Indiana who dreams of getting a a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. This will be the second time the company will produce the popular show. Opens Friday and runs through Dec. 28. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30-$75. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org
Holiday Sing-Along at Spreckels Organ Pavilion: San Diego Children’s Choir will host its annual free holiday sing-along concert. 1 p.m. Friday . Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American East Road, Balboa Park. Free. sdcchoir.org/calendar
Winter Wonderland: One of the most family-friendly pop-up experiences, Lakehouse Resort throws an annual holiday festival with candy cane cruises on Lake San Marcos as a highlight. Activities include a frozen fun zone, a train, a s’mores station, bounce houses and more. Groups of families and friends can rent out igloos with fire pits, s’mores, charcuterie, wine and family dinners. Prices vary per activity. Friday through to Dec. 26. 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. $10 admission for ages 10 or older, free for kids under age 10. events.thelakehouseresort.com/e/winter-wonderland-at-lakehouse-resort-2025
Jingle Jets: The USS Midway Museum will display more than one million lights as part of its “Jingle Jets” holiday light show beginning Friday. The themed scenes and activities include a holiday dancing light show, Midway’s Magical Penguin Search, Christmas carol karaoke and photos with Santa. Sunday is Bring Your Dog Night. 5:30 to 9 p.m. select nights from Friday to Dec. 30. 910 N Harbor Drive, San Diego. Tickets are $20-$30 and sold only online; discounts for museum members; free for children 3 and younger. midway.org/event/jingle-jets-2025
Salute the Season: Liberty Station’s annual tree lighting event will take place along with a screening of “The Grinch,” photos with Santa and other activities and live entertainment. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. North Promenade, 2848 Dewey Road, San Diego. Free. libertystation.com/do/holiday-tree-lighting-1
Saturday
“Joy! A Messiah Celebration”: La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents this community sing-along of George Frideric Handel’s holiday oratorio Messiah will be led by LJS&C’s music and chorus director Arian Khaefi. Concertgoers are invited join in with these accomplished singers in the performance. 2 p.m. Nov. 29. San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $17-$22. 619-797-7175, ljsc.org
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s “Wild and Swinging Holiday Party”: This contemporary swing revival band from Ventura returns to San Diego for its annual holiday concert tour. 7 p.m. Saturday. The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. $37-$150. https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/shows
“The Nutcracker Ballet”: New West Ballet presents Mark Erickson’s “Nutcracker” brings beautiful costumes, sets and dancing to the stage, to tell an enchanting tale of young Clara’s first crush. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $40-$50. 858-748-0505, newwestballet.com/nutcracker25
El Cajon lights up for the holidays: Downtown El Cajon will be the home to the city’s yearly event, Holiday Lights. This free, family-friendly event is highlighted by the city’s tree-lighting ceremony by Mayor Bill Wells. The city’s downtown area will also be turned into a winter wonderland with local vendors selling gifts and food, live music, children’s activities, Santa Claus and a holiday train ride. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday. 270 East Douglas St., El Cajon, downtownelcajon.com
Sunday
East Village tree lighting and holiday market: The East Village Association is organizing a holiday market and tree lighting ceremony at Fault Line Park. The market is hosted by Las Jefas and features several hand-crafted gifts. There will also be live music, food and drinks for sale, children’s activities, and of course, picture opportunities with Santa Claus. 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. 1433 Island Ave.,San Diego. eastvillagesandiego.com
“The Nutcracker”: Classical Arts Entertainment presents a large-scale production of the Russian ballet featuring dancers from a dozen countries. 2 p.m. Sunday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $54-$114. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
Monday
David Benoit Christmas: The jazz pianist and composer Benoit is presenting a holiday concert tribute to Charlie Brown featuring Courtney Fortune and Albert Hurtado. 7:30 p.m. Monday. Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $49.80. bellyup.com
“Dickens Unscripted”: IMPRO Theatre presents this holiday comedy inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” A troupe of actors will perform an improvised version of the classic story from audience suggestions. 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
Tuesday
San Diego Opera’s “Making Merry”: As part of San Diego Central Library’s Opera Insights Series, the San Diego Opera presents a one-hour concert featuring soprano Lily Berthold, tenor Felipe Prado and pianist Bruce Stasyna for a lively mix of holiday songs. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Neil Morgan Auditorium, Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., downtown. Free. 619-236-5800, sandiego.gov/public-library/concertseries