15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend December 16-21

Technically, the seasons don’t switch over until Sunday’s solstice, but since the fog has returned, I think it’s fair to say winter is already back in San Diego. So get your seasonal fix early with a host of themed festivities, including the Chicano Park and Museum Center’s Winter Family Posada, the Wild Holidays festival at San Diego Zoo Safari Park and several Hanukkah gatherings being held across the county. Those in search of creative theater productions can check out Burnout Paradise, 2 Pianos 4 Hands, or, for holiday-minded viewers, The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show. Also, two local dance companies will tackle Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker this weekend, with magical productions from both Golden State Ballet and the San Diego Ballet. 

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Christmas-Themed Sushi-Making Class at Lumi

December 18

Learn how to roll sushi like a pro during Lumi’s upcoming sushi-making class this Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Under the direction of a sushi chef, attendees will learn how to make a California roll, Lumi’s specialty roll and a selection of nigiri and hand rolls. Participants are encouraged to don Christmas apparel and can enjoy a sake intro lesson from World Sake, a themed welcome cocktail, two sake pairings and a bamboo mat to practice their sushi-making skills at home. Tickets are $87, with the $25 add-on option for sake flight; this class is limited to 15 spots. 

366 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp

Feast of the Seven Fishes at Cellar Hand

December 20

Dine out for a holiday seafood dinner in the fashion of an Italian American Christmas spread with Cellar Hand’s Feast of the Seven Fishes prix-fixe menu. Though this feast is typically served for Christmas Eve, Cellar Hand is offering its version of this traditional meal a few days early. Patrons can expect appetizers, four courses, plus dessert, with items such as grilled oysters, swordfish and seafood fideuà stew on the menu. Reservations are $85 per person, with seatings from 4-9 p.m this Saturday. 

1440 University Avenue, Hillcrest

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz at The Conrad

December 19 & 20

We’ve already reached the final concert of 2025 at The Conrad? In the words of Charlie Brown: good grief. Fortunately, fans of Vince Guaraldi’s holiday jazz standards can enjoy a Peanuts-friendly presentation of Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz, led by guitarist Peter Sprague, this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Presented as part of Camarada’s residency at The Conrad, this marks the first of four shows in the ensemble’s 2025-26 season Encuentro – The Art of Coming Together to be performed at the venue. Tickets range from $38-$98 for each concert. 

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

Noel Noel at The Rady Shell

December 19-21

An eager young elf named Noel attempts to save Christmas for the children of San Diego during the San Diego Symphony Orchestra’s Noel Noel concert, returning to The Rady Shell for three festive evenings. The orchestra will be joined by the San Diego Master Chorale, the San Diego Children’s Choir and the San Diego Musical Theatre Academy, along with guest conductor Christopher Dragon, vocalist Devin DeSantis and special guest Ken Johnson. Tickets range from $55-$125, with performances Friday (7:30 p.m.), Saturday (6 p.m.), and Sunday (5 p.m.)

222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero

Winter Family Posada at Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center 

December 20

Check out a pop-up market with 10 local vendors, plus an assortment of arts activities at Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center’s Winter Family Posada this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. This free festival at Chicano Park will include live music by Carnalismo, an archive photo booth, and mosaic art and gift-wrapping paper workshops, plus pozole from Reina De La Concina and atole by Ama Cacao. In addition, Brown Beret de Aztlán will be hosting its 13th Annual Save Our Barrio Toy Drive Giveaway beginning at 2 p.m. on the Kiosko at the park. 

1960 National Avenue, Barrio Logan

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Golden State Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Civic Theatre

Through December 21

Delight in dazzling costumes, sets and choreography, as well as a live rendition of Tchaikovsky’s illustrious melodies by the San Diego Symphony, during Golden State Ballet’s adaptation of The Nutcracker. As an added bonus, San Diego native Tony Hawk will join the ballet for its 7:30 p.m. show this Saturday. Will he be doing vert tricks, or maybe attempting a classic plié? Theatergoers will have to buy a ticket to find out. Tickets start at $48, with five performances this week at the Civic Theatre. 

1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp

2 Pianos 4 Hands at North Coast Repertory Theatre

Through December 31

Originally conceived by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt nearly 30 years ago, 2 Pianos 4 Hands is a musical and comedic confessional featuring two pianists who chart their journeys from prodigy to hopeful stardom. Now a popular holiday tradition at the North Coast Repertory Theatre, this year’s production is directed by Tom Frey and features Richard Todd Adams and Max Roll as the piano duo. Tickets are $71 for 2 Pianos 4 Hands, with nightly performances this Wednesday-Sunday (7:30 p.m.) and matinee shows Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach

Burnout Paradise at La Jolla Playhouse 

December 17-21

The La Jolla Playhouse welcomes back Australian theatre troupe Pony Cam for another round of Burnout Paradise, beginning this Wednesday. First featured at the Playhouse during April’s WOW Festival, the premise of this chaotic production remains the same: four actors will attempt to check off several tasks, and run 12 miles on a treadmill, before the clock hits zero. Tickets range from $39-$59 for Burnout Paradise, with nightly performances Wednesday-Saturday and matinee shows Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. For prime audience participation opportunities, secure a seat close to the stage or on the aisle. 

2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla Playhouse

The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show at Balboa Theatre

December 18

For eight years running, BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon have made a theatrical Christmas masterpiece, each filled with original songs, imaginative storylines and sincerely sweet messages. In this year’s edition of The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show, the drag queen partners have embraced sci-fi and horror influences and partnered with entertainers Vanessa Bayer and Jeff Hiller. Expect body-swaps, Labubus, and an appearance by fan-favorite Hunky the Elf. Tickets start at $65 for The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show at the Balboa Theatre. 

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp

Holiday Cabaret: Annual Holiday Sing Along at Coronado Playhouse

December 19-21

To cap off its 2025 season, the Coronado Playhouse is reuniting with a handful of alumni for the theater’s annual Holiday Cabaret. Audience members are invited to rid themselves of any seasonal stress and embrace the holiday spirit during this festive sing-along, directed by Desha Crownover. Holiday Cabaret will have a trio of performances, with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

1835 Strand Way, Coronado

San Diego Ballet: The Nutcracker – Illusionism at The Magnolia

December 20 & 21

Fall under the magical spell of the San Diego Ballet during The Nutcracker – Illusionism this Saturday and Sunday at The Magnolia. Over 100 dancers, including the Ballet’s Artistic Director Javier Velasco, will take part in the entrancing movement on stage as Clara and her newfound friend, the Nutcracker Prince, venture to The Land of Sweets. Single tickets start at $59 for The Nutcracker – Illusionism, with performances Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. 

210 East Main Street, El Cajon

More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend

Hanukkah Celebrations

December 16, 19 & 21

As the eight-day Festival of Lights continues through sundown on Dec. 22, there are plenty of local observances, parties and menorah lightings to take part in, with several happening in North County. This Tuesday, One Paseo will host a free Hanukkah event with a traditional lighting ceremony, latkes, donuts and music. Join Congregation B’nai Tikvah at the Escondido Masonic Center this Friday (6 p.m.) for its free Hanukkah Party and Latke Contest; attendees are asked to donate gently used coats and non-perishable food. Then on Sunday, visitors to Coastal Roots Farm can enjoy traditional games, an illuminated garden and live music from Kol Tefillah during Fields of Light: A Chanukah Celebration; admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children.

3725 Paseo Place, Carmel Valley | 1331 South Escondido Boulevard, Escondido | 441 Saxony Road, Encinitas

Nat at Night 

December 19 

Following months of repairs to the roof of the San Diego Natural History Museum, Nat at Night is officially back – and just in time for the holidays. This Friday from 5-10 p.m., the museum will host a yuletide-themed affair with music, cocktails and chances for last-minute Christmas shopping at Gold Leaf. Attendees can also enjoy food from Wolf in the Woods and Craft Taco, craft-making activities led by Sketchparty, and scenic views from the rooftop terrace. Admission is $12 for adults and free for The Nat members and Explore pass holders. 

1788 El Prado, Balboa Park

Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

December 19–23

Check out winter storytimes, colorful walking trails, decorative gardens and much more throughout Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Friday kicks off the second of three installments of this year’s festival, with the final dates taking place Dec. 26 – Jan. 4. On Wild Holidays evenings, visitors can enjoy extended hours at the park (4-8 p.m.), acoustic live music, photos with Santa and treats like peppermint park, Irish ice cream nitro brew and cookie butter cinnamon rolls. Single-day passes are $72-$76 for adults and $62-$66 for kids ages 3-11; Wild Holidays entry is included with park admission. 

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido

San Diego Bazaar at The Soap Factory 

December 20 & 21

Earlier this year, Portland Bazaar set its sights on America’s Finest City for its sister market expansion, with this weekend marking its long-awaited premiere. This Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Soap Factory, the inaugural San Diego Bazaar will highlight an array of local makers, artisans and small businesses. Visitors can shop sustainable fashion, vintage apparel, wellness essentials and more across over 75 participating sellers, plus check out a photo booth, live DJ sets, and food and drink vendors during this free, all-ages event. 

2995 Commercial Street, Logan Heights

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