This Weekend in San Diego 12/22-12/24

By Rachel Deitch | December 20, 2018

The holiday shopping is finally getting a little crazy down here in San Diego and it’s time to indulge in activities that make hanging out with your family, that much more fun! Enjoy a weekend filled with Santa, Winter Wonderlands, and special holiday magic.

Friday, December 21

Downtown Cortez Hill Holiday Fair

Head to the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse for the Downtown Cortez Hill Holiday Fair starting at 5 pm. Enjoy food, music, vendors, and other activities including a chocolate bar.

Ugly Sweater Party

Dig out your ugliest sweater and celebrate your holiday cheer at Duck Foot Brewing Company this Friday at 5 pm.

Winter SOULstice

Feeding the Soul Foundation hosts Winter SOULstice, benefiting North County Food Bank. Dress in your 70s best and join us at this 21 and up event featuring music by Payo Funk and other music friends of Feeding the Soul Foundation, Tacos by Manuela and cocktails from the legendary Moose Lodge Bar. Bring your non-perishable food donation for North County Food Bank and receive a raffle ticket for a super groovy door prize. Feeding the Soul is a non-profit organization that highlights the talent of local musicians to cultivate community and promote creative generosity.

A Peter White Christmas

This Friday check out A Peter White Christmas at the Balboa theatre with tickets starting at $38. The live performance begins at 8 pm.

Black Friday at the Casbah

Black Friday doesn’t happen in just November. This Friday at The Casbah starting at 8 pm, you can be a part of the Blak Friday event starting at $8 and enjoy the gothic, dark 80s, and post-punk dance party.

Saturday, December 22

Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventures

Spend the day out on the bay in style on a luxurious yacht while scoping dolphins, sea lions, and possibly whales. Tickets start at $43 and the adventure begins at 9:30 am.

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and a morning full of holiday fun at Bernardo Winery. Children can visit with Santa in a relaxed setting, get up close and personal with animal friends from Wild Wonders and will decorate their very own holiday cookie or ornament. Children will also enjoy face painting and balloon fun…A jolly time indeed.

Holiday Magic at the Spanish Village Arts Center

December Nights continues to take over the Spanish Village Arts Center in San Diego with over 50 artists displaying their work. Take a stroll through their historic working studios featuring over 200 local artists of all different mediums. Free admission, priceless experience. The exhibit is open every day from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

December Book Sale

Get the perfect gift for the bookworm of the house at the book sale at Athenaeum Music and Arts Library. All of the proceeds will go to the library’s overall mission to support art and music in San Diego.

Beachfront Holiday Fun

Mission Beach’s Belmont Park is hosting their beach style winter wonderland, starting at 11 am. Take photos with Santa and get that perfect family picture in front of the Christmas tree. Nothing says Christmas and the holidays like a beach inspired Christmas tree!

Winter Wonderland at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

Del Mar Fairgrounds is transformed into a Winter playground complete with sledding down a snow hilly, a carousel, storytelling with Santa, and chowing down on delicious s’mores. Just pay $20 for parking; the event starts at 3 pm.

Sunday, December 23

San Diego Holiday Lights Tour

Taking the family to look at Christmas lights is a tradition that your loved ones won’t forget. Enjoy the holiday lights tour that will take you to three different neighborhoods of famous Christmas houses and streets, such as Christmas Card lane. Tickets start at $18; the event starts at 5:30 pm.

The Nutcracker in Balboa Park

The Christmas classic that tells the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince will be performed at the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet production this Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $12 with shows starting at 2 pm Saturday and Sunday, and 7 pm Saturday.

The Year to Come

Come see The Year to Come at the La Jolla Playhouse this weekend with tickets starting at $35. The story follows a diverse family in America and shows growth in relationships and family, all on new years eve. This family event is perfect for a night out and will surely make you laugh until you cry.