Holiday event picks

by Drew Sitton

December Nights

From Friday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., to Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Balboa Park will host December Nights, San Diego’s largest free holiday festival. This family-friendly celebration invites guests to enjoy the lights, sounds, attractions, and delicious food that capture the festive spirit of the season.

Songwriter Sanctuary

On Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., Songwriter Sanctuary will present its last concert of the 2024 season. This special holiday edition will feature an in-the-round performance from Kimmi Bitter, Mark Montijo, and Bobo Czarnowski. Hosted by SD Music Hall of Famer Jeff Berkley in partnership with Normal Heights United at their beautiful historic sanctuary.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Light will entertain bayfront crowds on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 with boats decorated to this year’s theme: Peace on Earth.

Merry-Achi Christmas Concert

2024 Latin GrammyÒ nominees Maestro José Hernández and his world-renowned Mariachi Sol de MéxicoÒ return to the Balboa Theatre with their annual A Merry-Achi Christmas holiday tour on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

A Victorian Christmas at Villa Montezuma

Write Out Loud is hosting”A Victorian Christmas” at the Villa Montezuma Museum in Sherman Heights on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $30. Patrons can reserve tickets atwriteoutloud.ticketspice.com/a-victorian-Christmas by calling 619-297-8953.

Spreckels Organ Christmas concerts

Spreckels Organ Pavilion will host acclaimed soprano Alisa Jordheim with the San Diego Opera Chorus and Raul Prieto Ramírez, San Diego’s Civic Organist on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Then on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m., the society will host its annual Holiday Sing-Along!

Gaslamp Pet Parade

The beloved Gaslamp Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party is back for its 16th year on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. This annual tradition invites pets of all shapes, sizes, and species, along with their owners, to don their festive best and join the joyful celebrations in the heart of Downtown San Diego.

Winter Extravaganza

On Saturday, Dec. 14 from 12-5 p.m., approximately 40 tons of snow will blanket City Heights’ Teralta Park for the annual Winter Extravaganza. The public is invited to enjoy an afternoon of holiday fun, free family-friendly activities and tons of snow.

Jungle Bells

Jungle Bells is returning to the SanDiego Zoo starting Dec. 14, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., filling the zoo with holiday cheer. Guests can explore the zoo decked out in festive decor, enjoy seasonal music and tasty treats, and experience special entertainment, including the show Aurora.

“Elf” in Concert

A symphony orchestra performance of John Debney’s enchanting score to “Elf” is coming to the San Diego Symphony at the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center on Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.