San Diego Events this Weekend: Taste ‘n Tinis, concerts, light shows, and even more Christmas festivities

As the Christmas holiday rolls around, there are tons of festive activities to enjoy. Hopefully you’ve made your list and checked it twice, and are done with your shopping so you can enjoy some of San Diego’s best holiday traditions and local events. Events are broken up by day for one-time events, but to see ongoing holiday events scroll down to the bottom.

Thursday, December 16

Even if you haven’t finished your holiday shopping, at least you can do it while tasting some of the best food Hillcrest has to offer. Hillcrest’s “Taste ‘n Tinis” will be held on Thursday from 5-9pm. You’ll be able to sample food and drinks from neighborhood establishments while you browse local stores to finish your holiday shopping. Tickets are only $20 presale, so buy them now.

If you want to escape the holiday overload and enjoy some great music, head down to 4th and B for the Leon Russell concert; doors open at 7pm. The event is 21 and over.

Friday, December 17

Great concerts continue on Friday at 4th and B with 91X’s 80’s Xmas tribute concert featuring The Cured, Blasphmous Rumours, Rio, and INXS-ive. Internationally recognized jazz performer Sacha Boutros will also be playing downtown at the Plaza Bar at the Westgate Hotel from 8-11pm. This concert is free, so head on down and check it out!

Saturday, December 18

The Mission Bay Parade of Lights will light up Mission Bay this Saturday. With multiple viewing locations, it’ll be a great time to take the family out, enjoy the fresh air, and maybe sip on a warm cup of cocoa. The parade will go on from 7-9pm. This free event features decorated boats parading around the bay. Boats will start at Quivira Basin and the best viewing is suggested at Riviera Shores, Crown Point, Santa Clara Point, the east side of Vacation Island and west side of Fiesta Island. Map of Mission Bay.

Keeping in line with Christmas celebrations, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad presents “A Peter White Christmas” from 8 to 10:30pm. For 16 years, Peter White has enthralled jazz fans worldwide with his spirited melodies, soulful grooves and inviting, instantly recognizable acoustic guitar tone.  Bringing his modern sensibilities to cherished pop classics, White’s seasonal renditions are sure to promise a truly unique evening. Tickets are $75 per person. Want to make a night of it? California Bistro will be offering a pre-show dinner buffet priced at $38 per person. Call 760.603.6800 or click here for tickets.

ONGOING CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOWS, PLAYS, AND PERFORMANCES

Holiday Pops at Copley Symphony Hall – Dec 17-19

San Diego’s favorite Broadway son Brian Stokes Mitchell comes home for Christmas to host our city’s favorite holiday music tradition, the San Diego Symphony’s Holiday Pops. As always, Holiday Pops is led by conductor Matthew Garbutt, and features the glorious sounds of the San Diego Master Chorale. More information and tickets.

Traditions of Christmas at Balboa Theatre – Dec. 17 – 23

You will be enchanted by customs from around the world as all your favorite Christmas stories come to life on stage. Meet Santa and enjoy the all-new Christmas Countdown of the greatest Christmas songs of all time.  There will be a Living Nativity, carols, choirs and majestic pageantry. Come see why families come back year after year to this colorful family spectacular! More information and tickets

It’s a Wonderful Life at Welk Theatre – Dec 16 – 30

“It’s a Wonderful Life” exudes a retro-warmth not evident in all Christmas fables. Add to that the inventive approach by radio veteran/playwright Tony Palermo who arranges for a faux broadcast using live actors, and theatre guests become the studio audience as they reconnect with this classic story of love and redemption. More information and tickets.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre – Dec 16 – 26

The traditional holiday about the Who’s in Whoville and the Grinch who tries to steal Christmas. More information and tickets.

San Diego Botanic Gardens Light Display in Encinitas – Dec 16 – 23 and 26-30

The San Diego Botanic Garden is transformed into a winter wonderland. Enjoy a relaxing evening strolling through the lighted garden decorated with many varieties of poinsettias, lights, and holiday cheer. Live music fills the air from 6 – 8 pm. More information and tickets.

California Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Civic Theatre Dec 18-21

The longest-running Nutcracker production in San Diego feature live accompaniment by the San Diego Symphony. More information and tickets.

Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” – Copley Symphony Hall Dec 20 (Entertainer is giving away tickets! Are you the lucky winner?)

The international touring company returns to San Diego for one performance of the Russian holiday ballet, featuring a 40-member dance corps. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $27.50. www.nutcracker.com for more information.