This Weekend in San Diego 11/23-11/25

This weekend, San Diego is bringing you family events that will allow you to kick off the holidays in style while exploring your community.

Friday, November 23

Black Friday Shopping Event

The best holiday is just around the corner: Black Friday. At the Las Americas Premium Outlets this Friday, the biggest sale of the year will be taking place. Enjoy longer hours and shop at your favorite brand name ships, and the best part? The shops are open for 31 hours starting on Thanksgiving at 3 pm all the way through Black Friday at 10 pm.

San Diego Jazz Festival

If you need a special date night out after “enjoying” your family for Thanksgiving, the San Diego Jazz Festival is the perfect way to reset your mind. Come down all weekend long and boogie the night away with your spouse and enjoy the music, dancing, and the beautiful Town and Country Resort, starting at 9 am.

New West Ballet: The Nutcracker

The classic The Nutcracker will be performed at Poway Center for the Performing Arts. The Russian musical is the perfect way to get in the spirit for the holidays while you watch this magical story unfold during a night out with your family. The show starts at 7pm on Friday, and varies for other dates, with tickets starting at $20.

Saturday, November 24

Surfin’ Santa

Santa Claus — in board shorts. The 13th annual Surfin’ Santa celebration brings the jolly fella to Seaport Village only, instead of a sleigh, Santa will arrive on a boat along the San Diego Bay. Once on land, visitors can pose with Santa before enjoying a parade and live performances along the bayside boardwalk. It is free to see Santa but Seaport Village encourages visitors to stick around and shop small at the many stores there as part of Small Business Saturday. Head to Seaport Village from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fall Grooves at the Westin

The annual Fall Grooves music series is back with three jazzy concerts this season at the Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa (71333 Dinah Shore Drive). For Thanksgiving weekend, head to Masters Plaza to enjoy the sounds of Special EFX, a smooth jazz group that’s been in the business for nearly 20 years. Tickets range from $45 to $85 and can be purchased here. Event starts at 7:00 pm

Holiday Lights on Main Street

Prescott Promenade in El Cajon will look like a winter village as the annual Holiday Lights on Main Street festival takes over the outdoor courtyard. Dozens of local retailers will gather in the promenade to sell fashion and jewelry, art, books, delicious treats and more. Nearby, Santa will take pictures with visitors and guests can take to the ice for a skating session or some carnival rides. The event is in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, which invites people to “shop local” on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Stay until 6 p.m. to see the Christmas tree light up with holiday magic.  Head to Prescott Promenade from 1 – 7pm.

Sunday, November 25

Holiday by the Bay

Looking for a little more excitement this holiday season? New this year, the Hilton Bayfront is opening a holiday adventure park along San Diego Bay. Holiday by the Bay features reimagined traditions — like a two-story ice tubing slide, “iceberg” bumper cars and a dynamic light show centered around a Christmas tree, to name a few. For adults, festive cocktails will be doled out at the Yule Lodge cocktail bar. The adventure park is open through Jan. 5, 2019, to those with a ticket, starting at $20 or $15 for those under 12. Some activities cost extra. This event is from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

Skating by the Sea

There are few places in the world where you can glide on an ice rink just feet from the ocean. The Hotel Del Coronado offers just that at their annual Skating by the Sea event. Through Jan 1, 2019, guests can take a spin on this beachside rink and enjoy sweeping views of the San Diego Bay with the purchase of a $35 ticket. Times vary by day so be sure to check the schedule here before you go.