This weekend in San Diego: Amy Schumer, Christmas scavenger hunts and more

By Juliette Verhage | November 30, 2016

Christmas is on the horizon, and that means you can expect to see a fair share of Santa Claus, elves, presents, lights…and snow?

Ok, maybe that’s a little too impractical. After all, San Diego’s experience with snow can almost be equated to Big Foot sightings—rare to the point of mythology.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go out and celebrate the end of 2016 with some fun activities. Here are some events to kick off December…

 

Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village

Where: Little Italy, between W. Date and W. Fir on India Street

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Price: Free

What: Headlining our weekend event list is Little Italy’s Tree Lighting and Christmas Village event. Little Italy will be gearing up for its first-ever double Christmas tree lighting ceremony—and it’s going to be a blast. Among the many events fit for the whole family are photos with Santa, snacks and beverages, live music and more. The event will start with a Santa appearance at 4:00 pm, which will be followed by arts and crafts for kids next to Santa’s Living Room. Additionally, shoppers can Mercado venders nearby, which will be selling a plentiful assortment of holiday gifts.

December Nights in Balboa Park

Where: Balboa Park

When: Friday, Dec. 2 from 3 to 11 pm  & Saturday, Dec. 3 from noon to 11 pm.

Price: Free (food and shopping prices vary).

What: This season will mark the 39th consecutive year that December Nights will take place. In observance and celebration of Christmas, Balboa Park is projected to attract 350,000 visitors over a two day span. So make sure to keep track of your friends and family at all times. In addition to the food, shopping and entertainment, visitors can partake in exhibitions and entertainment from any of the following: Timken Museum, Fleet Science Center and the Natural History Museum.

Carols and Barrels 2016

Where: Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr.

When: All day on Saturday, Dec. 3

Price: $65

What: In breaking with the tradition of long-time celebrations, Carols and Barrels will be debuting its first event featuring everyone’ favorite Buddy the Elf. In addition, attendees will be treated to beer, wine and other treats from San Diego’s most widely acclaimed restaurants.

Encinitas Holiday Parade

Where: Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Price: Free

What: This year’s Encinitas holiday parade comes with a new theme—”Encinitas86!” Setting the backdrop for celebrating its founding year as an official city in 1986, the parade will be preceded by a tree lighting ceremony at 5:oo pm. You can expect to see a Santa appearance, floats and bands, too. If you would like to enter into the parade to show-off your creative flare, then make sure to apply, here.

La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival

Where: Girard Avenue & Prospect Street

When: Sunday, Dec. 4 from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Price: Free

What: La Jolla will be putting on an impressive Christmas celebration of their own featuring equestrian units, floats, arts & crafts, photos with Santa, educational exhibits and much more. This year’s theme is “Christmas in the Future,” so remember to dawn your tech savvy gear for this event.

SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off

Where: North Park, Thorn & 32nd Streets

When: Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Price: Free for general admission. $25 for a chili bowl and $15 for five restaurant chili tastings.

What: If you’re attempting to get acquainted with the North Park neighborhood, then this is the event for you. The SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off will feature 40 local restaurants competing to serve up the best chili in town along with holiday gift venders, Kids Fun Fest, food trucks, live band performances, and more. All proceeds will go to benefit the McKinley Elementary School Foundation, too.

Amy Schumer

Where: Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 pm (doors open)

Price: Starting at $35

What: Perhaps Amy Schumer’s path to stardom truly began when Comedy Central premiered her Inside Amy Schumer show in 2013. Since then, the comedian, writer and executive producer has cultivated her profile with stand-up shows empower women through comedy. If you’re looking to score an event with a prominent comedian at an affordable price, then look no further than Trainwreck’s illustrious star.

Who Dunnit? Seaport Village Scavenger Hunt

Where: Seaport Village, 837 W. Harbor Dr

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Price: $25

What: Let’s face it, tours can get a little mundane. That’s why this event lets you take part in a murder mystery and scavenger hunt experience during a tour of the Gaslamp Quarter. This event will occur weekly on every Saturday until January 28, 2017. So you can be rest assured that you will have plenty of time to partake in uncovering clues, riddles and puzzles to solving the mystery of Who Dunnit?

Taste of the Turf Club in Del Mar

Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Price: $100

What: Taste of the Turf Club will be offering all guests a menu specifically designed by renowned Chef Brian Malarkey, which will be just in time to enjoy the races at the Del Mar Racetrack. The best part: bottomless mimosas. In addition, all gusts must comply with the dress code , so make sure to bring the appropriate attire.

Sunday Brunch with Santa

Where: Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue

When: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 9:00 pm

Price: Adults – $93, Children (6-12) – $29, Children under 5 – free

What: This is an event where you can’t afford to forget your camera. From the beautiful scenery that Coronado has to offer along with snapping photos of family and friends with Santa, this will surely be an unforgettable event for all newcomers and old alike. Sunday Brunch with Santa will be a recurring event on December 4, 11 and 18. It should also be noted that all attendees can only be admitted through reservations only.