San Diego County is decking every available hall this weekend with glowing menorahs, festive boat parades and enough Santa sightings to make the North Pole jealous. Hanukkah kicks off Sunday night, which means it’s officially Chrismukkah season – that glorious early aughts invention from “The O.C.” that Seth Cohen made cool.
Country stars are trading honky-tonk for holly jolly Friday and Saturday at Poway Center for Performing Arts’ 36th annual “Carols by Candlelight.” Grand Ole Opry member Mark Wills brings the hits that defined ‘90s country, then switches gears for classic Christmas carols. Andy Griggs joins him, along with Anna Vaus, Back to the Garden and Steve Vaus, for a night where “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely” meets “Silent Night.” Tickets from $44 benefit Rady Children’s Hospital and the shows start at 7:30 p.m.
San Diego Parks and Rec is spreading holiday cheer with free holiday events across the county, including but not limited to:
- Friday 4-7 p.m., Spring Valley Community Center hosts Winter Fest with games, plus arts and crafts for the whole family (8735 Jamacha Blvd.)
- Friday 5-7 p.m., Standley Recreation Center hosts Dinner with Santa, including live music, arts and crafts, hot chocolate, cookies and both Christmas tree and menorah lightings (3585 Governor Drive)
- Saturday 9-11 a.m., Skyline Hills Recreation Center throws an Ugly Sweater Party with screenings of “The Grinch,” food, music, crafts and prizes (8285 Skyline Drive)
- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stockton Recreation Center serves up Breakfast with Santa, complete with hot chocolate, holiday crafts and photo ops with the big guy himself (330 32nd St.)
Do you hear sleigh bells jingling or maybe playful roars? Lions Tigers & Bears’ Christmas with the Animals fundraiser returns Saturday with 60 rescued exotic and domestic animals at the Alpine sanctuary ready to unwrap their holiday presents while you watch. The celebration runs 2:30-7:30 p.m. with a Festival of Lights, Santa visits, raffles, food trucks, hot chocolate and holiday tunes. For an extra thrill, guests 18-plus can feed the animals with a keeper between 3-4 p.m. (members $130, non-members $150). General admission: members $30 adults, $15 children; non-members $50 adults, $20 children.
‘Superman that’ with Soulja Boy Saturday when Santacon, presented by San Diego-founded Almost Nakey, transforms Belmont Park in Mission Beach into a wild winter wonderland. Think Santa hats, scanty elf costumes and Flosstradamus blasting hits while you ride the Giant Dipper because all rides are included with admission. Four stages – Santa’s Haus Main Stage, Santa’s Twerkshop, Candy Cane Lane and Club Penguin – promise nonstop beats from 4-10:30 p.m.
Want to understand how America’s deportation system became what it is today? We’re co-hosting a free screening and conversation exploring its surprising origins. Filmmaker Alex Rivera traces the story back to 1893, when New York laundry worker Fong Yue Ting challenged his deportation under the Chinese Exclusion Act all the way to the Supreme Court. Rivera will preview clips from his documentary “Banishment” and discuss the film’s revelations with historian Kelly Lytle Hernández Saturday 6-8 p.m. at Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., in Barrio Logan. Reserve a spot here.
Santa Paws is coming to town! The 17th annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade is Saturday with check-in at 11 a.m. under the Gaslamp Archway, a parade at 1 p.m. and the Pups in the Pub pawty from 2-4 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. A judging panel will be awarding prizes for “Best Christmas Spirit” and “Best in Show.” Start the day with the pre-party at Nason’s Beer Hall at the Pendry (11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.) for photos and complimentary Puppuccinos. Registration is $30 in advance, $40 day-of and includes parade entry, a goodie bag, party admission and a chance to win a year’s supply of pet food from Kahoots.
If you’re looking for a furry friend to put under the tree – The Forum Carlsbad is partnering with Amazing Strays Rescue for a special adoption event Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet adorable adoptables on the lawn near YETI and learn how to foster, volunteer or donate supplies. Adoption fees are $495 and cover vaccines, a microchip and spaying/neutering.
Pure Project’s second annual cookie bake-off and swap hits all five taproom locations (North Park, Balboa Park, Miramar, Carlsbad and Vista) Sunday from 1-3 p.m. and you’re invited to bring your best batch. Bring a dozen cookies to swap with fellow bakers, or go big and enter the bake-off contest by bringing an extra dozen cut into bite-sized pieces (homemade only, ingredient lists required for allergies). Taproom guests will judge entries on taste, presentation and creativity at 3 p.m. with one winner per location scoring a $30 gift card, a free glass and a half-off flight card.
San Diego’s Seals are already making waves this season – undefeated after crushing the Ottawa Black Bears 16-13 on the road. Now the professional indoor lacrosse squad brings that winning energy to Pechanga Arena Sunday for its home opener against the Rochester Knighthawks. The action begins with a tailgate at 11:30 p.m. and the first 4,000 fans score a “Wear the Crown” t-shirt. Game starts at 2 p.m. with available tickets ranging from $23-$67.
Liberty Station lights up for Hanukkah Sunday with a free family-friendly menorah lighting celebration from 5-8 p.m. at Central Promenade next to the Rady Children’s Ice Rink. The Chabads of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach are bringing music, live entertainment, packaged treats and the traditional lighting ceremony, then the menorah stays on display throughout the eight nights of Hanukkah.
San Diego’s waterways are about to sparkle this weekend as holiday boat parades illuminate both sides of the county. Oceanside Harbor’s Parade of Lights sets sail Saturday at 7 p.m. with boats decked out in festive finery, captains in seasonal costumes and prizes for best-decorated vessels. Down south, the 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights floats into action Sunday (and Dec. 21) at 5:30 p.m. with an “Out of This World Christmas” theme, featuring about 80 decorated boats winding from Shelter Island through the Embarcadero to Coronado’s Ferry Landing – drawing more than 100,000 spectators to the shores. Arrive early for prime viewing spots; the procession takes about 90 minutes. Both parades are free to watch.
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