Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 30.
Friday
A view of last year’s Winter Wonderland experience at Draft in Belmont Park. (Belmont Park)
Winter Wonderland at Draft: Find special collectible mugs at this pop-up at the beach at Draft. Guests can order a cocktail inspired by holiday fruit cake and a mulled wine-inspired martini. There will also be red and green ornament shots. Winter Wonderland is on the edge of Belmont Park, so visitors to the experience can also check out some of the amusement park’s holiday festivities, such as ornament decorating on select nights and face painting and special holiday food offerings. Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Belmont Park. 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego. belmontpark.com/draft-belmont-park/winter-wonderland
Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse Resort: 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. Seasonal drinks will be for sale for all ages. 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. Early bird prices are available online through Nov. 26. Prices vary per activity. Nov. 28 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
“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. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Through Dec. 6. Backyard Renaissance Theatre at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown. $15-$50. 760-975-7189, backyardrenaissance.com
Wild Holidays at Safari Park: Festivities are Nov. 28–30; Dec. 19–23 and Dec. 26–Jan. 4; the Park at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, will stay open until 8 p.m. with holiday cheer. Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show, Bridge of Lights, Enchanted Lagoon and visits with Santa along with Holiday Troubadour, Forest of Color and Nairobi Lantern Walk, among other festivities. “Wild Holidays” activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.
Sofia Barredo as Cindy-Lou Who and Andrew Polec in this year’s production “The Grinch in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at The Old Globe. (Jim Cox)
‘Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’: The Old Globe’s 28th annual production of this holiday classic will once again star Andrew Polec, who returns for his fifth year in the title role, with a nearly all-new cast of principal actors as the grown-up citizens of Whoville. Based on a 1957 children’s book by the late La Jolla author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, the musical by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin premiered in 1994 at a children’s theater in Minneapolis. In 1998, it moved to the Old Globe, where artistic director Jack O’Brien worked with Geisel’s widow, Audrey Geisel, to add music from the famous 1966 animated TV version and a storybook-come-to-life scenic and costume design. It’s been an annual tradition ever since. Now playing through Dec. 31. Showtimes vary, but mostly 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $51 and up. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org
‘A Christmas Carol’: Cygnet Theatre presents 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. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 24. Joseph Clayes III Theater, The Joan. $73. 619-337-1525. cygnettheatre.com
Salute to the season: Liberty Station holds a number of family-friendly events, including the annual Holiday Tree Lighting – Friday, Nov. 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 28, Nutcracker Tea with the San Diego Ballet at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14. The Rady Children’s Ice Rink will be open Nov. 20 through Jan. 4. https://libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting
Venardos Circus: The “Decade of Dreams” show will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Venardos Circus. The animal-free experience features circus arts under a traditional big top tent. 2 and 5 p.m. Friday. 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway, Escondido. $17.95 for kids, $28.95 general admission. venardoscircus.com/escondido-ca
‘Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show’: The Old Globe brings back its fast-paced comedic take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which was first presented at the Globe in 2019. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, it’s an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Victorian novella about miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas morning redemption, re-set in San Diego with music, comedy and all of the time-traveling ghosts and other characters for which the story is known. Show times vary but generally 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Dec. 28. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $70 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
“Young Audiences”: OnStage Playhouse presents the world premiere of Mabelle Reynoso’s play about a playwright struggling to get her Latina feminist play produced. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5 p.m. Sunday. Through Dec. 7. 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista. $15-$25. 619-422-7787, onstageplayhouse.org
Jingle Jets: The USS Midway Museum will be decked with more than a million lights as part of its “Jingle Jets” holiday light show and festivities from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on select nights from Nov. 28 to Dec. 30. Highlights include Holiday Dancing Light Show, Midway’s Magical Penguin Search, Christmas Carol Karaoke, Bring Your Dog Night, Santa’s Christmas Rush Virtual Reality Ride and expanded Reindeer Games, among other festivities. Holiday eats & treats will be sold. Tickets are $20-$30 and sold only online; discounts for museum members; free for children 3 and younger. Visit https://www.midway.org/event/jingle-jets-2025
“To My Girls”: Diversionary Theatre presents JC Lee’s play about a group of gay men from many generations, baby boomer to millennial, gathered for a weekend in Palm Springs. Runs through Dec. 7. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sundays. 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $11.50-$66.50. 619-220-0097, diversionary.org
Annual Turkey Bash: The public can feed wild animals or just watch from afar at Lions Tigers and Bears’ annual Turkey Bash. The family-friendly event gives guests a front-row seat to watch rescued animals feast on their Thanksgiving meal. For an additional fee, visitors 18 years and older can also feed these animals with the help of keepers. Guests can bring their camera and take photos and videos as well. Lions Tigers and Bears encourages people to RSVP because space is limited. 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday.24402 Martin Way, Alpine. $30-$160. 619-659-8078, lionstigersandbears.org
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)
‘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. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Dec. 28. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30-$75. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org
“Rent”: New Village Arts presents an intimate staging of Jonathan Larson’s musical about one year in the life of a group of friends in 1990 struggling to create art and survive in AIDS-plagued New York. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Through Dec. 24. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $35-$80. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
Oceanside’s Green Friday Fair: The public can shop more sustainably at the inaugural Oceanside Green Friday Fair. This holiday market features sustainable businesses and local vendors selling eco-friendly products and services, according to event organizers. Over 70 exhibitors are scheduled to be present with artwork, home goods, jewelry, slow fashion clothes, plants, toys and wellness products. There will also be vendors selling food and drinks, live music and games. Noon to 4 p.m. Friday. Pier View Way between Coast Highway and Ditmar Street in Oceanside. Free entrance. eventbrite.com/e/oceanside-green-friday
“The Strangers”: Chalk Circle Collective presents the West Coast premiere of Christopher Oscar Peña’s play about a group of strangers in a contemporary community that draws inspiration from Thornton Wilder’s 1938 play “Our Town.” 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 30. Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego. $40 and up. chalkcirclecollective.com
“Master Class”: The Roustabouts Theatre Company and Scripps Ranch Theatre co-present Terrence McNally’s play about fading but fiery opera diva Maria Callas coaching young singers in 1970s New York. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 14. Legler Benbough Theatre, 783 Avenue of Nations, Allied International University, San Diego. $30-$52. 858-395-0573, theroustabouts.org
Saturday
Holiday Lights: Downtown El Cajon will be the home to the city’s yearly event, Holiday Lights, once again. 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
Oceanside Small Business Saturday: The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association is returning with its shop small campaign and special offers to entice shoppers to buy gifts. Shoppers who spend over $50 can visit by the association’s booth at Veterans Plaza Park, 1900 Ocean Front Way, to spin the wheel for a chance to win gift cards, products from Ocean Beach businesses and more. The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association is also launching its OBeachy Bingo cards, where the public can participate for a chance to win more prizes. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Ocean Beach. oceanbeachsandiego.com
Holiday Bazaar in Encinitas: The San Dieguito Art Guild hosts its 13th annual holiday gifts sale. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Encinitas Community Center, located at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. 760-942-3636, pr@sandieguitoartguild.com.
Jingle Bell Jump: St. Nick will make a parachute landing to kick off the free Jingle Bell Jump event with nightly caroling Dec. 5-11. El Camino High School Band will play holiday music as Santa parachutes down. The event continues until 3 p.m. Highlights include holiday crafts for kids, carnival rides and games, inflatable jumpers, cookie decorating, petting zoo, balloon artists, visits with Santa and face painting. Free churros, popcorn and cotton candy. Caroling groups will perform for shoppers from 6 to 7 p.m. Noon Saturday. at Mission Marketplace, 471 College Blvd., Oceanside. missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.
Holiday Cheer on Wheels: Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25) with a mix of sightseeing, holiday sing-alongs and a 90-minute trip from the Old Town Market, 4010 Twiggs Street, through festively decorated neighborhoods, including Old Town, Banker’s Hill, Little Italy and Garrison Street. Reservations required. www.trolleytours.com/san-diego/holiday-tour-tickets
Surfin’ Santa: Seaport Village’s family-friendly day of festivities is from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 29. Santa clad in board shorts and Hawaiian shirt will arrive by boat from the San Diego Bayand and lead a parade to the fountain courtyard. Highlights include photos with Surfin’ Santa on his giant surfboard, riding a six-foot wave and local shops with treats and holiday gifts. 849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego. seaportvillage.com/events/surfin-santa-2025
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
“Strings of Triumph”:The Jewish Community Symphony presents Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Brahms’ Serenade No. 1, and Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with violin soloist Christian Gonzalez. 3 p.m. Sunday. Garfield Theater, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. $36. my.lfjcc.org/15971/15977
Museum Store Sunday: As part of an international event organized by the Museum Store Association, gift shops at some of the region’s cultural institutions and museums will offer discounts and special deals as they encourage locals to “shop with purpose.” Examples of deals available on Sunday include a coupon for free admission with every purchase at the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) store and 20% off all apparel in the museum store for the San Diego Automotive Museum. museumstoresunday.org