{"id":78930,"date":"2025-12-03T00:19:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T00:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/78930\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T00:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T00:19:12","slug":"16-things-to-do-in-san-diego-this-weekend-december-3-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/78930\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend December 3-7"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re now fully immersed in the most wonderful time of the year, and fittingly, the amount of fun things to do<\/a> this weekend can be summed up in a single word: wonderful. Balboa Park December Nights<\/a>, the Holiday Wonderland at Gallagher Square and tree lightings in Little Italy and Carlsbad will all be ripe with Christmas cheer. Those who dine out can enjoy brunch with a side of King Tides at The Marine Room and the return of Nutcracker Tea, featuring a vignette of The Nutcracker and a ballet 101 explainer for the audience courtesy of the San Diego Ballet. Also, embrace the season of giving<\/a> by supporting Vanguard Culture\u2019s tasting menu fundraiser at Matsu or Punk Rock Saves Christmas, a two-day festival and toy drive for Promises 2 Kids.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Food & Drink<\/a> | Concerts & Festivals<\/a> | Theater & Art Exhibits<\/a> | More Fun Things to Do<\/a><\/p>\n

\"FunCourtesy of The Marine Room<\/p>\n

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

Vanguardista Night at Matsu\u00a0<\/p>\n

December 3<\/p>\n

Support the artistic endeavors of San Diego nonprofit Vanguard Culture<\/a> by dining this Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. at Matsu. During Vanguardista Night<\/a>, patrons can enjoy a six-course Japanese tasting menu\u2014curated by chef and owner William Eick\u2014that embraces the creative avenues of Vanguard, as well as a silent auction with unique arts and culinary experiences up for grabs. Dinner is $300 per person<\/a>, $150 of which is a tax-deductible donation toward Vanguard Culture. Guests may also liven up their meal with a wine\/sake pairing add-on for $125.<\/p>\n

626 South Tremont Street, Oceanside<\/p>\n

King Tide Brunch at The Marine Room<\/p>\n

December 6 & 7 and January 3 & 4<\/p>\n

For two exceptional wave-crashing weekends, The Marine Room will host its King Tide Brunch<\/a>, a picturesque opportunity<\/a> to see the highest tides of the season from the restaurant\u2019s ocean-facing dining room. Diners can enjoy a brunch buffet with seafood, prime tenderloin, sweet and savory items and much more during an exclusive morning meal at The Marine Room. Reservations can be made from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the first weekends of December<\/a> (6 & 7) and January<\/a> (3 & 4). Brunch is $95 per person, with the option of a $20 add-on for free-flowing Champagne.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1950 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla<\/p>\n

Nutcracker Tea with the San Diego Ballet<\/p>\n

December 7<\/p>\n

Sip tea, coffee or hot chocolate and watch an up-close preview of the San Diego Ballet<\/a>\u2019s The Nutcracker during Liberty Station\u2019s 8th annual Nutcracker Tea<\/a>. Attendees can enjoy seasonal goodies, photo booths, pictures with Santa Claus, and following the show, a San Diego Ballet artist will instruct the audience in learning basic ballet moves. Nutcracker Tea times with the San Diego Ballet will be held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Sunday at the Liberty Station Convention Center. Tickets range from $72 to $82<\/a>; children 7 months old and younger do not need a ticket.\u00a0<\/p>\n

2600 Laning Road, Point Loma<\/p>\n

\"FunCourtesy of San Diego Civic Theatre<\/p>\n

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

Mariachi Sol De M\u00e9xico: A Merry-achi Christmas at Balboa Theatre<\/p>\n

December 4<\/p>\n

Jos\u00e9 Hern\u00e1ndez\u2019s Mariachi Sol De M\u00e9xico<\/a> ensemble will harness the Christmas spirit into passionate, mariachi-inspired versions of holiday classics this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Balboa Theatre. During A Merry-achi Christmas<\/a>, concertgoers will hear some of the genre\u2019s signature tunes paired with yuletide favorites like \u201cFeliz Navidad,\u201d all brought together by the vivid and harmonious sounds of trumpet, vihuela, guitarr\u00f3n and much more. Tickets range from $56 to $148<\/a> for this concert.\u00a0<\/p>\n

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp<\/p>\n

Balboa Park December Nights<\/p>\n

December 5 & 6<\/p>\n

Spend this Friday (3 to 11 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) strolling through a feast of wintery activities at Balboa Park during this free annual festival. December Nights<\/a> will feature six live entertainment areas<\/a> with demonstrations, music and dance performances, a ferris wheel in Pan America Plaza, international cuisine and cocktails, family-friendly movie screenings and an assortment of clothing, jewelry and accessories for sale. Several museums<\/a> will also be offering activities, workshops and free entry, with special features including the Ceramics Sale at ICA Central<\/a> and the Holiday Stamp Studio at the Mingei International Museum.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Balboa Park<\/p>\n

Punk Rock Saves Christmas at Burning Beard Brewing Co.<\/p>\n

December 5 & 6<\/p>\n

Partake in a two-day punk rock festival and toy drive at Punk Rock Saves Christmas<\/a>, with all ticket sales and donations funding gifts for local foster youth through Promises 2 Kids<\/a>. Acceptable items to donate include dolls, board games, Legos, bikes, skateboards and baby, toddler or teen books. Throughout the weekend, enjoy performances from 15 local punk bands, plus a variety of vendors and raffles at Burning Beard Brewing Company this Friday from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. Two-day general admission is $29 online<\/a> and single-day tickets can be purchased at the door; kids ages 10 and younger will receive free entry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

785 Vernon Way, El Cajon\u00a0<\/p>\n

Vienna Teng at Lou Lou\u2019s Jungle Room<\/p>\n

December 7<\/p>\n

As an accomplished singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist and longtime renewable energy consultant, Vienna Teng<\/a> has proven that she can\u2019t be pigeonholed. Last November, following a decade-plus away from music in favor of parenthood and her environmental career, Teng released the uplifting mini-EP We\u2019ve Got You which features three soothing interpretations of the title\u2019s theme. Now that she\u2019s resumed the life of a touring musician, Teng is still finding time to embrace her dual passions, even hosting climate action hangouts with fans of her music on Patreon<\/a>. Tickets are $39 for her concert this Sunday at 8 p.m. at Lou Lou\u2019s Jungle Room<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2223 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park<\/p>\n

\"FunCourtesy of Athenaeum Music & Arts Library<\/p>\n

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

Let It Be Christmas at Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre\u00a0<\/p>\n

December 3-28<\/p>\n

Though it has evolved over the years across an array of creative local productions, Lamb\u2019s Festival of Christmas<\/a> remains a December staple at Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre. After a few years of R-E-S-P-E-C-T-F-U-L-L-Y Christmas, Lamb\u2019s is putting on Let It Be Christmas<\/a>, a new script by the theater\u2019s associate artistic director Kerry Meads about the power of community during the holiday season. Tickets range from $68 to $118<\/a> for Saturday and Sunday matinees (2 p.m.) and $48 to $98 for all other evening (7 p.m) and matinee performances.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1142 Orange Avenue, Coronado<\/p>\n

89 Carson Junction Road at Diversionary Black Box<\/p>\n

December 5-14\u00a0<\/p>\n

An ill-fated romance between two Army Rangers sets up the tense showdown at the heart of 89 Carson Junction Road, a world premiere production written and directed by Michael Mizerany. This one-act play, produced by Compulsion Dance & Theater<\/a>, centers on a Christmas Eve confrontation between the vengeful, anguished Archer (armed with a gun), his former paramour Hank, and three bystanders at the Arizona diner where it all unfolds. Tickets are $32<\/a>, with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. this week and next inside the Diversionary Theatre\u2019s intimate Black Box space.\u00a0<\/p>\n

4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights<\/p>\n

New Exhibitions at Athenaeum Art Center\u00a0<\/p>\n

December 5-31 and December 6 \u2013 January 3, 2026<\/p>\n

This weekend, visitors to Athenaeum Art Center can enjoy a Kitchmas time tradition and a showcase of faculty works. On Friday, Brian & Ryan\u2019s 10th annual celebration of Kitchmas<\/a> (Dec. 5-31) will commence with an opening reception (6 p.m.) and a zany pageant by Project [BLANK] (7:30 p.m.) packed with special guests, a talking tree and plenty of noodles; pageant tickets<\/a> range from $5-$50 with a suggested amount of $15. Then Saturday, catch the opening of the Athenaeum Faculty & Staff Exhibition<\/a> (Dec. 6 \u2013 Jan. 3), with a range of pieces from the educators at Athenaeum\u2019s School of the Arts to be displayed; this exhibition will have a free opening reception Sunday, Dec. 13 from 5-8 p.m. coinciding with the Barrio Logan Art Crawl<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1955 Julian Avenue, Logan Heights<\/p>\n

MOMIX: Alice at the Civic Theatre<\/p>\n

December 6<\/p>\n

Moses Pendleton\u2019s esteemed company of dancer-illusionists, MOMIX<\/a>, will explore what lies beyond the rabbit hole during Alice<\/a> this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Theatre. Inspired by the reality-bending fantasy of Lewis Carroll\u2019s Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland, this imaginative production guides the audience through Alice\u2019s journey via an unpredictable spell of movement. Prior to the show there will be a prelude interview hosted by Malashock Dance Executive Director Molly Puryear at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $36 to $99<\/a> for this performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp<\/p>\n

\"FunCourtesy of MLB<\/p>\n

More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad<\/p>\n

December 5<\/p>\n

The Forum Carlsbad will spark a month of holiday celebrations<\/a> with its 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration<\/a>, with live entertainment, wintery characters, a light show and festive snowfall this Friday from 6-8 p.m. Visitors can stroll around the outdoor mall for a variety of activities, including music from cover band Woodie and The Longboards, photos with Santa Claus, a vintage photobooth bus, seasonal desserts and a carnival booth game. Plus, the festive Christmas Tree Wonderlights<\/a> will play hourly from 5 to 9 p.m. through Christmas Day.<\/p>\n

1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad<\/p>\n

Holiday Wonderland at Gallagher Square<\/p>\n

Select Nights from December 5-23<\/p>\n

Beginning this Friday, Gallagher Square will resemble a North Pole-esque Holiday Wonderland<\/a>, filled with nightly snowfall, a 40-foot Christmas tree and illuminating themed walkthroughs. Starting at 4 p.m. each day, reserve a time slot to enjoy carnival games, live performances, kids craft activities, nightly snowfall, photo ops and a train chugging around the festivities. Plus, the holiday features will include local artisans selling everything from stationery to stocking stuffers, as well as seasonal menu items like themed cocktails<\/a> and spiked hot chocolate. Tickets for adults ($25-$28) and children ages 12 and younger ($18-$22) can be purchased here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

899 J Street, Downtown<\/p>\n

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village<\/p>\n

December 6<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t make the rules, but Christmastime in Little Italy can\u2019t truly begin until the neighborhood\u2019s unique trees are gleaming with holiday decor. Fortunately during this Saturday\u2019s Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village<\/a>, attendees can admire the traditional lighting of the Piazza della Famiglia\u2019s permanent tree, along with the glow of Joshua Hubert\u2019s Aurora LED sculpture<\/a> at Piazza Basilone. This Saturday, from 4 to 8 p.m., attendees can also check out 10-foot tall nutcrackers, live Christmas music and a holiday-themed market on India Street.\u00a0<\/p>\n

523 West Date Street, Little Italy<\/p>\n

Nitro Circus: Off The Rails at Pechanga Arena\u00a0<\/p>\n

December 6<\/p>\n

Travis Pastrana\u2019s band of extreme sports fanatics are riding higher, faster and more dangerously than ever during Nitro Circus\u2019 Off The Rails World Tour<\/a>, coming to Pechanga Arena this Saturday at 7 p.m. The lineup will include skate, scooter and motocross athletes performing death-defying stunts and tricks across a variety of competitions. Ticket options start at $87<\/a>, with upgrade opportunities like the 21+ Super Fan Experience ($299)<\/a>, which comes with a custom merch bundle, pre-show Q&A session with the athletes, VIP deck access and much more.<\/p>\n

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway<\/p>\n

PARTNER CONTENT<\/p>\n


\n \"Faces
\n Faces of Healthcare 2025
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\n \"James
\n James Beard Finalist Tara Monsod Debuts \u201cDate Night…
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San Diego Sockers vs. Milwaukee Wave at Frontwave Arena\u00a0<\/p>\n

December 7<\/p>\n

With the new season underway and their loss to the Chihuahua Savage in the 2025 Ron Newman Cup providing some extra fuel, the San Diego Sockers once again have championship hopes. Sadly, the team\u2019s 14-game undefeated run at Frontwave Arena finally came to an end last Friday after a 5-4 overtime loss to the Empire Strykers. This Sunday (3 p.m.), they\u2019ll look to start a new home win streak when they take on the Milwaukee Wave<\/a>, and fans can enjoy a themed sock giveaway<\/a> as the team celebrates Holiday Night. Tickets range from $32 to $81<\/a> for this match.<\/p>\n

3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside<\/p>\n

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