Festive feasts, cheerful cocktails, and holiday magic across S.D.

Serea Strawberry Bouche De Noel. (Photo courtesy of Clique Hospitality)

The holidays are in full swing across San Diego, offering locals and visitors plenty of ways to celebrate with festive dining, seasonal cocktails, and cultural experiences.

(Flyer courtesy of Original 40)

On Thursday, Dec. 1, North Park’s The Original 40 Brewing Co. launched its annual Red Envelope Season promotion, running every day through Dec. 31. Guests receive a red envelope with each paid visit, which must be returned in January to be opened for a prize. Prizes include free burgers, flatbreads, discounts, gift cards, and a grand prize of a $250 gift card.

Head Brewer Kyle Fjlastad’s ‘Most Necessary’ West Coast IPA, released on Dec. 4, features a 7.1% ABV and tasting notes of grapefruit, citrus, and blueberry, available on draft and in four-packs of 16-ounce cans.

For a brunch with a view unlike any other, the Marine Room is bringing back its celebrated King Tide Brunch during the season’s highest tides. Guests can enjoy a seaside buffet featuring fresh seafood, prime tenderloin, and an array of sweet and savory dishes while waves crash dramatically against the restaurant’s windows. The brunch is offered Dec. 6–7 and Jan. 3–4, priced at $95 per person, with an optional free-flowing champagne upgrade available. This immersive coastal experience blends luxurious dining with the natural spectacle of San Diego’s high tides, making it a holiday treat not to be missed.

Inside the Marine Room. (Photo courtesy of The Marine Room)

On Monday, Dec. 8, Mission Beach’s Sandbar hosts a Winter Market from 5 to 8 p.m., where guests can sip while shopping from local creatives, makers, artisans, small business owners, and service providers. Free raffles sponsored by Cutwater Spirits and Los Cuernos Wine add an extra festive touch at 718 Ventura Place.

The Sandbar (Photo courtesy of The Sandbar)

On Saturday, Dec. 13, Gelson’s Del Mar presents a chef-led sushi and tuna cutting experience from 2 to 5 p.m., giving guests a behind-the-scenes look as the culinary team prepares a 132-pound whole bluefin tuna. Following the cutting, attendees enjoy a five-course tasting with salted edamame, chirashi salad, a crunchy poke bowl, sashimi nigiri, and a seared tuna steak. Swag bags, raffle prizes, and a live auction of tuna cuts round out the experience. Tickets are $100 per person plus tax, and advance purchase is required for the first 40 RSVPs.

Gelson’s signature poke. (Photo courtesy of Gelson’s)

Also on Saturday, Dec. 13, the Oceanside Public Library celebrates Jane Austen with the “Regency Tea Party: Jane Austen 250” beginning at 11 a.m. Attendees can enjoy high tea, light refreshments, and insights from Linda Miller, board member of the Jane Austen Society, San Diego Region. Regency attire is encouraged for this free, family-friendly event.

Parfait Party returns to Tajima Ramen’s Mercury Street location for a one-day, holiday-themed café takeover on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 6 p.m. Guests experience festive décor, live maid performances, and a limited-edition menu featuring omurice with chicken fried rice, curry rice with karaage, a crunchy dragon roll, Truffle Ribeye Ramen, and house-made matcha panna cotta served in collectible Parfait Party x Tajima jars. Seating is first-come, first-served, with no reservations required.

Parfait Party returns to Tajima Ramen’s Mercury Street location. (Photo courtesy of Parfait Party)

On Monday, Dec. 15, The Smoking Gun highlights its Peppermint Espresso Martini as December’s cocktail of the month, made with Absolut Vodka, peppermint, Irish cream, and the café’s signature cold brew, priced at $12.

Peppermint Espresso Martini. (Photo courtesy of The Smoking Gun)

On Thursday, Dec. 18, Victorino’s Pizzeria joins forces with social media personality Eduardo Guerra, “The Taco Fiend,” to give away 1,000 free pizza slices to the San Diego 619 community from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 3047 Bonita Road, Suite 107, Chula Vista. Santa and his elves are also invited for a “slice” of holiday fun.

Enjoying a slice at Victorino’s Pizzeria. (Photo courtesy of Paul Fitzgerald / Salt and Pepper Media)

On Friday, Dec. 19, OX Coffee in Mission Valley hosts its second annual Holiday Coffee Cocktail Class at 6 p.m., where participants learn to craft three festive drinks: Holiday Brunch Irish Coffee, Mrs. Claus Spro Martini, and Sparkling Mist. Admission includes one gingerbread house to decorate with all supplies provided. Tickets are $45 plus fees and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

OX Coffee Holiday Cocktail Class. (Photo courtesy of OX Coffee)

Throughout December, STK Steakhouse offers a Holiday Cheers menu featuring peppermint-kissed Holiday Martini, Toasted Marshmallow Old-Fashioned, and spiked Hot Chocolate Bomb ($23 each), along with A5 Japanese Wagyu potstickers, king crab fondue, lobster tail, duck confit, and pumpkin crème brûlée.

Toasted Marshmallow Old-Fashioned, at STK Steakhouse. (Photo courtesy of STK Steakhouse)

On Dec. 25, STK Steakhouse continues holiday dining with roasted turkey, prime rib, and other festive offerings.

Prime rib dinner at STK Steakhouse. (Photo courtesy of STK Steakhouse)

On Christmas Eve, Giardino in Lemon Grove opens for à la carte holiday dining, and on Christmas Day, guests enjoy brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (adults $55, kids under 12 $25) or a three-course dinner from 3 to 8 p.m. (adults $55, kids $25). New Year’s Eve features live music from 6 to 10 p.m. and a two-course preset dinner from 4 to 9:30 p.m.

Giardino in Lemon Grove. (Photo courtesy of Giardino in Lemon Grove )

Communion in Mission Hills offers three-course preset menus on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve starting at $85, with dishes such as Chateaubriand, Brown Butter Scallops, Roasted Lamb Rack, Smoked Salmon Mousse, Roasted Bone Marrow Tartare, and Blackberry Duck Breast, alongside their à la carte options.

Communion in Mission Hills. (Photo courtesy of Communion in Mission Hills )

El Torito celebrates with the Cha Cha Chata cocktail through Jan. 11 for $14, blending cinnamon, vanilla, and reposado tequila. On Dec. 25, El Torito hosts an all-you-can-eat Christmas buffet from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring a tri-tip and ham carving station, with $44 adults, $15 kids, and $6 house margaritas, draft beers, bloody marys, and micheladas.

Cha Cha Chata. (Photo courtesy of El Torito)

On Dec. 31, Tavern + Bowl offers NYE bowling packages with 2-3 hours of play, shoe rentals, soft drinks, bites, and a toast with champagne or apple cider.

Fun times at Tavern + Bowl. (Photo courtesy of Tavern + Bowl)

Tavern + Bowl. (Photo courtesy of Tavern + Bowl)

Quartyard hosts R&B Block Party: East Coast NYE from 5 to 10 p.m., followed by DAY.ONE Sunset Party on Jan. 1 from 4 to 9 p.m.

Quartzyard. (Photo courtesy of Quartzyard)

Punch Bowl Social offers Music Bingo, lane-side food, two hours of bowling, a DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight for $60 per person.

Family fun at Punch Bowl Social. (Photo courtesy of Punch Bowl Social)

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego transforms LandShark Bar & Grill into the pirate-themed “Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern” pop-up through Jan. 2.

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego. (Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Hotel San Diego)

Downtown at Petco Park, PROPER NYE/NYD 2026 returns with top electronic acts for two days. East Village restaurants Decore, Craft Bar Kamon, and Casa Octavio offer festive NYE dinners.

An aerial view of Petco Park and the city of San Diego. (File photo courtesy of sandiego.gov)

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine offers a Holiday Large Cast Iron on Christmas Eve featuring half-roasted duck with duck confit stuffing, harvest mashed potatoes, and butter biscuits.

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine. (Photo courtesy of Clique Hospitality)

Serẽa Coastal Cuisine serves elevated à la carte dishes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including mussels with Spanish chorizo, roasted lamb leg with ras el hanout, and a strawberry bûche de Noël.

Serẽa Coastal Cuisine. (Photo courtesy of Clique Hospitality)

Karl Strauss Brewing Co. pairs winter seasonal dishes with recommended brews at its four county brewpubs.

Karl Strauus Bewing Co. (Photo courtesy of Karl Strauus Brewing Co.)

San Diego Food + Wine Festival. (Photo courtesy of San Diego Food + Wine Festival)

Got any food news? Chef appointments, a new location? Menu? Drop me a line at DebbieS@timesofsandiego.com to possibly be featured in an upcoming Eat Beat column.

READ NEXT