Editors’ picks: 31 can’t-miss holiday season events this week in San Diego

With so many events, pop-up experiences, performances, special food menus and festivals to choose from during the busy holiday season, our editors are stepping up to help with recommendations for things to do. Each week on Wednesdays through New Year’s Eve, arts and entertainment editor Pam Kragen and guides editor Abby Hamblin will recommend some can’t-miss events for readers to consider.

Wednesday

Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden: Back for its fourth year at the Encinitas garden, this year’s mile-long, walk-through installation features 20 new illuminated displays and immersive light sculptures, some with accompanying sounds and music. Food and drinks sold onsite. Tickets are sold for timed arrival every 30 minutes to reduce overcrowding beginning at 5 to 8:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 4 (closed Christmas Day). 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. $28, adults with discounts for children and military. Onsite parking is $10. sdbg.org/lightscape

“A Christmas Carol”: Cygnet Theatre’s 10th anniversary production of Charles Dickens’ redemptive holiday tale about miserly Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge has debuted at Cygnet’s new home theater, The Joan. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 24. Joseph Clayes III Theater, The Joan. $73. 619-337-1525. cygnettheatre.com

“Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday Celebration!”:  Cygnet Theatre presents Carlos Mendoza’s holiday song-and-dance show for all ages. Inspired by the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, the high-energy show will feature performances of songs including “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Through Dec. 28. The Dottie Studio Theatre, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District, Liberty Station, San Diego. $83. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.org

Holiday Light Stroll: The La Mesa community will gather Wednesday for a 2.5-mile walk to see holiday lights. Cookies and cider will be served at 5 p.m. and the walk will start at 5:30 p.m. Meet at La Mesita Park, 8855 Dallas St., La Mesa. Free. cityoflamesa.gov/409/Special-Events

Thursday

Hanukkah at Del Mar Highlands Town Center: This event, hosted by Congregation Beth Am, will feature the lighting of the fifth night candles, singing and donuts along with other treats. There will be a musical revue by the Jewish theatrical company, Shayna Punims, titled “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah.” 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Outside the Cinepolis movie theater at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 12925 El Camino Real. betham.com/event/cbaevent121825

“The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show”: Writers, actors, comedians and drag queens Jinkx and DeLa return with their holiday comedy show, featuring spectacle, comedy, storytelling, dance numbers and costumes. 7 p.m. Thursday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $65.30 and up. sandiegotheatres.org

“Mistletoe Melodies’ with Erica Marie!”: San Diego musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz presents her jazz-and-classics holiday cabaret show. 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. White Family Stage, New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $28-$33. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org

“La Pastorela: A Shepherd’s Tale”: Teatro Máscara Mágica will present Timothy Paul Evans’ 37th anniversary pastorela play about the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem on the first Christmas. The bilingual faith-based play will be performed mostly in English with Christmas carols sung in Spanish in two locations. 7 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Southwestern College Performing Arts Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. $10-$25. 619-987-5616, tickettailor.com/events/teatromscaramgica.

“Mistletoe Melodies’ with Erica Marie!”: San Diego musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz presents her jazz-and-classics holiday cabaret show. 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. White Family Stage, New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $28-$33. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org

“A Christmas Story”: San Diego Musical Theatre brings back this holiday musical adaptation of the beloved 1983 film about Ralphie, a precocious boy in 1940 Indiana who dreams of getting a a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. This will be the second time the company will produce the popular show. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30-$75. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org

Holiday Movie at the Museum: “Scrooge” (1935) will be shown in the courtyard at the The Davis-Horton House and guests can take a self-guided tour of the historic home. Popcorn and other refreshments will be for sale. 6:45 p.m. Thursday. 410 Island Ave., San Diego. $10. tours.gaslampmuseum.org/products/holiday-movie-night

Friday

“La Pastorela: A Shepherd’s Tale”: Teatro Máscara Mágica will present Timothy Paul Evans’ 37th anniversary pastorela play about the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem on the first Christmas. The bilingual faith-based play will be performed mostly in English with Christmas carols sung in Spanish in two locations.7 p.m. today through Tuesday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. at Southwestern College Performing Arts Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. $10-$25. 619-987-5616, tickettailor.com/events/teatromscaramgica.

Family Hanukkah Party: Congregation B’nai Tikvah will hold its annual community Hanukkah party and latke contest. There will be latkes and donuts for dinner. Bring your menorah and candles to light. There will be Hanukkah songs led by Cantor Larry Kornit and retelling of the Hanukkah story. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and coats to donate. 6 p.m. Friday. Masonic Center, 1331 S. Escondido Blvd. Free. 760-650-2262, bnaitikvahsd.org.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”: Genesis Opera Theatre presents Gian-Carlo Menotti’s 1951 one-act, English-language Christmas opera inspired by the story of a poor disabled boy who meets three wise kings on their way to meet the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The production is directed by Cynthia Leigh with musical direction by Abraham Fabella. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Trinity Episcopal Church, 845 Chestnut St., Escondido. $30.95-$41.95. genesisoperatheatre.com

Golden State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Choreographed by artistic director Raul Salamanca, the downtown production includes spectacular sets, elaborate costumes, and professional dancers and students from the award-winning academy. John Stubbs conducts a live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $58.40-$199.75. Youth discounts available. goldenstateballet.org

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Celebrate the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s 80th Anniversary Season with a trip to the Enchanted Land of Sweets. Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the students of the Balboa Park-based company in the annual “Nutcracker” production. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park $27. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org

Coronado Playhouse Holiday Cabaret: Coronado Playhouse presents its annual holiday concert featuring sing-along favorites, directed by Desha Crownover Suited for all ages. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. 1835 Strand Way, Coronado. $14-$24. 619-435-4856, coronadoplayhouse.org

Camarada presents “Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz”: Camarada’s annual all-star concert is a consistent crowd-pleaser, thanks to a musical lineup that features some of San Diego’s leading jazz and classical musicians. This year’s lineup features flutist and Camarada co-founder Beth Ross Buckley, guitarist Peter Sprague, multi-lingual singer Allison Adams Tucker, pianist Danny Green, flutist and saxophonist Tripp Sprague, bassist Mackenzie Leighton and percussion mainstay Duncan Moore. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Faye Ave., La Jolla. $28-$98. camarada.org

San Diego Symphony: “Noel, Noel”: Conductor Christopher Dragon leads the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale, Children’s Choir and Musical Theatre Academy in this annual musical tale of Noel the Elf’s music-filled journey to find Santa. Jonathan Gilmer directs. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 6 p.m. Saturday; 5 p.m. Sunday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $37-$125. 619-235-0804, theshell.org

Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo: The zoo’s annual holiday season celebration kicks off Friday and runs through Jan. 4. In addition to later zoo hours, there will be a brass ensemble playing holiday tunes, reindeer games, acrobatic elves and a cappella quartet and other entertainment. Visit Santa’s Factory or listen to Dr. Zoolittle’s One Wild Night Before Christmas. Visitors will also find a range of holiday light displays. Jungle Bells is part of regular admission prices. San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive. sandiegozoo.org/junglebells

Saturday

City Ballet of San Diego presents “The Nutcracker”: Carolers sing holiday songs in the lobby before the Victorian-era, full-length ballet, choreographed by Elizabeth Wistrich. The City Ballet orchestra, directed by John Nettles, performs the Tchaikovsky score for this Tommy Award-winning production known for its superb dance artists. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Monday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $63.60-$142.80. 800-988-4253, cityballet.org

San Diego Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”:The San Diego Ballet has a residency with the San Diego Museum of Art, and its season productions are inspired by works of art. The theme of this year’s “Nutcracker” is illusionism because it brings a magical world to life with ballerinas, fairies and flying snowflakes. 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday. The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. The times stated on the Ticketmaster and The Magnolia site are one hour before showtime. $59-$135. Group discount. 619-294-7378, sandiegoballet.org

Southern California Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Now in its 35th year, SCB’s “Nutcracker” will feature more than 100 dancers of all ages, inclduing professional guest artists from around the world. 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $40-$70, discounts for students, seniors and military. 858-748-0505, powaycenter.com

Sunday

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: The San Diego Bay waters light up again this weekend for the 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Nearly 80 boats will be decorated with lights and holiday decorations. The parade starts at Shelter Island and flows around the San Diego Bay through Harbor Island, Seaport Village, The Embarcadero, Crosby Park and Observation Pier near Barrio Logan, and ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing. 5:30 pm. Sunday . Free. sdparadeoflights.org

Christmas with Leonard Patton & Friends: San Diego vocal great Leonard Patton counts Pat Metheny and Paul Simon among his high-profile Fans. A two-decade veteran of Lamb’s Players Theatre productions, Patton has been the featured vocalist in national commercials for Pizza Hut, Coca-Cola and NASCAR. He opened his intimate jazz supper club, The Jazz Lounge in 2021 and has been steadily building momentum ever since. Patton’s holiday shows are especially uplifting showcases for consistently svelte and soulful vocals. 5:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday; and 6:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday. The Jazz Lounge,  6818 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. $60 (concert and dinner), $40 (concert only). 619-368-9374. thejazzlounge.live

“An Irish Christmas”: Kerry Irish Productions presents this holiday concert that combines Irish holiday music and carols with Irish dancing featuring dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Wings. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $46.35-$101.15. sandiegotheatres.org

GRAND POSADA at Chula Vista Center: This family-friendly event will include folklorico, Santa photos, cultural exhibitions and other entertainment. There will also be a toy giveaway, art workshops and an artisan market. 3 p.m. Sunday. Chula Vista Center, 555 Broadway, Suite 1019, Chula Vista. Free. chulavistacenter.com/grand-posada

Monday

Rooftop Cinema Club: San Diego’s downtown rooftop movie-watching experience is going all in on holiday movies, including screenings of “Home Alone,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Night Before” on Monday. Later in the week, options include “Elf,” “The Holiday” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” 1 Market Place, San Diego. rooftopcinemaclub.com/san-diego

Jolly Gingerbread House Workshop: All the supplies will be provided for Executive Pastry Chef Melissa to lead an opportunity to build a gingerbread house. Up to four people per household can participate for each entry fee. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday. San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego. $55.20. missionbayresort.com/holidays-by-the-bay

Tuesday

Abbey Road’s “Christmas with the Beatles”: The tribute band Abbey Road will perform a mix of holiday hits and Beatles songs. The group tours across the country with authentic instruments and costumes. 8 p.m. Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $27.30. 858-481-8140, bellyup.com.

“Die Hard” — Is It a Christmas Movie?: The La Jolla/Riford Library’s Cinema Club is asking the age old question: Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? The library will screen the film and follow it with a friendly community discussion. 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/cinema-club-461988