The best things to do this week in San Diego: Nov. 17-21

Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Nov. 17 to Friday, Nov. 21

Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.

Monday

Warwick’s and Writer’s Symposium by the Sea present Dean Nelson on “Talking to Writers”: Nelson will discuss “Talking To Writers: The Craft of Fiction” and “Talking To Writers: The Craft of Nonfiction.” These books include excerpts of conversations with Amy Tan, Ray Bradbury, Anne Lamott, Joseph Wambaugh, Peter Matthiessen, Alice Walker and dozens of others. 7:30 p.m. Monday. Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $35 buys one reserved seat and a copy of either book. warwicks.com/event/nelson-2025

Two new books for aspiring writers draw on the wisdom of famed authors

Blitzen’s Bar: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad and Omni San Diego Hotel at The Ballpark are both offering a Blitzen’s Bar experience where it’s all about the cocktails this holiday season. Find on the menu a lineup, created by mixologist Julie Reiner, that includes Espresso-Ho Ho Martini, Oye to the World, Frost Bite and Merry Spritz-Mas Zero Proof. 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Nov. 13 to Jan. 2. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Audrey’s, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad; 4 to 11 p.m. daily. Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Omni San Diego Hotel, 675 L St., San Diego. omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa/dining/blitzens

Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop: The Dallas-based Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop experience is coming to Punch Bowl Social. Throughout the holiday season, guests will find themed drinks with names such as Santa Pants and The Ho Ho Ho. On Fridays, there will be Very Merry Karaoke from 9 p.m. to midnight. This event is exclusive to guests ages 21 and older on Fridays and Saturdays after 10 p.m. 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Nov. 14 to Dec. 28. Punch Bowl Social, 1485 E. St., San Diego. punchbowlsocial.com/location/san-diego

Where to find holiday pop-up experiences at bars and restaurants in San Diego this year

Tuesday

Tree lighting and holiday market: The Otay Ranch Town Center is hosting its 19th annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday farmers market on Tuesday. This year’s 50-foot Christmas tree has more than 17,000 lights and will be turned on at 7 p.m. There will also a snowglobe photo station, artificial snow falling from the sky, live musical and dance performances and free holiday cookies and hot chocolate, while supplies last. The holiday farmers market will have numerous vendors selling handmade goods, toys, home decor, original artwork and food and beverages. 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista. otayranchtowncenter.com

“Dungeons & Dragons Twenty-Sided Tavern”: Broadway San Diego presents the national touring production of this Dungeons & Dragons theatrical improv show where the cast collaborates with audience members on a game of the famously challenging fantasy role-playing game. 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and next Friday; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 23. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. Tickets start at $51.25. broadwaysd.com/upcoming-events/the-twenty-sided-tavern

Free days at art museum: The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park offers free general admission on the third Tuesday of the month for San Diego County residents and the second Thursday of the month for all visitors. Both free days are subject to restrictions, such as being limited to general admission and excluding special exhibitions. The next free day is Nov. 18. Free daily admission is offered to active and veteran military service members with military ID, plus one guest, and students with student ID. Visit sdmart.org.

“(No) Exit to Mars”: Loud Fridge Theatre Group will present readings of this play by Nick Scutti in two locations. Originally part of the company’s New Year, New Draft play festival, “(No) Exit” is a sci-fi dark comedy about two very different married couples whose seven-month spaceship voyage to Mars goes awry. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Legler Benbough Theatre, 783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch, and at 8 p.m. Wednesday at New Village Arts, 2787 State. St., Carlsbad., 783 Avenue of Nations, Allied International University, San Diego. Donations accepted. loudfridge.com/shows/(no)-exit-to-mars

“Working Girl”: La Jolla Playhouse present the world premiere of this musical featuring a score by Tony-winner Cyndi Lauper and book by Theresa Rebeck. It’s based on the 1988 Melanie Griffith film about a bright young secretary at a New York investment firm who takes advantage of her boss’s absence to enter the world of high finance. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Extended through Dec. 14. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $30-$139. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/working-girl

Wednesday

Lightscape: One of the most colorful light shows during the holidays is Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden. This mile-long illuminated trail showcases artists’ installations from around the world. Each section of the Botanic Garden’s trail comes alive with a multitude of colorful lights and music, where trees and bushes are decorated. Lightscape will also have seasonal foods and cocktails for purchase. Through Jan. 4. Ticket prices are $18 for children and $28 for adults. There are discounts for Botanic Garden members and the military. Parking ranges from $10 to $25, depending on the day. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 760-436-3036, sdbg.org/lightscape

 “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents this solo play by Richard Hellesen starring Tony-winner John Rubinstein. It’s the story of former U.S. president and retired Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower reflecting on his World War II and presidential experiences as his popularity declines. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 23. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $68.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

Thursday

Ice Rink opens for season: Ice skaters rejoice, the Rady Children’s Ice Rink is returing to Liberty Station’s Central Promenade. The family-friendly activity runs for about six weeks and raises money for Rady’s Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Last year, more than 30,000 people visited Rady’s Ice Rink, and event organizers say an estimated $2 million has been generated since the event started. Opening day hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday. After that, hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 4 (with reduced hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve). 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego. $15 to $25, including skate rental. libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/rady-childrens-ice-rink

Miyoko Schinner author event: Vegan chef and activist Miyoko Schinner will discuss and sign the new book, “The Vegan Creamery: Plant-Based Cheese, Milk, Ice Cream, and More.” The conversation is led by vegan cookbook author and blogger Nisha Vora. 7 p.m. Thursday. The Book Catapult, 3010-B Juniper St., San Diego. $26.99 for the book. thebookcatapult.com/event/2025-11-20/miyoko-schinner

Swinging in the Holidays: Listen to holiday classics as Jazz at the Ballroom presents “Swinging in the Holidays.” 7 p.m. Thursday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $30-$42. artcenter.org/event/swingingintheholidays

“Rent”: New Village Arts presents an intimate staging of Jonathan Larson’s musical about one year in the life of a group of friends in 1990 struggling to create art and survive in AIDS-plagued New York. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 24. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $35-$80. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org

Poetry Day: Fans of poetry can celebrate the 26th Annual Poetry Day with a reading by 2025 Guggenheim Fellow Jessica Jacobs. Attendees are asked to print off their tickets in advance. 7 p.m. Thursday. Fermanian Conference Center, Point Loma Nazarene University, Peppertree Lane, San Diego. https://laplayabooks.com/event/2025-11-20/jessica-jacobs-poetry-day-plnu

Pianist Yulianna Avdeeva: La Jolla Music Society’s Piano Series continues with this Russian classical pianist performing works by Liszt and Chopin. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla.  $95-$120. 858-459-3728,  theconrad.org

Friday

Drone show: For fans of drones and light shows, the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is hosting a two-night drone art show. The choreographed aerial show is produced by Fever and features 65 minutes of more than 500 illuminated drones creating 3D images in the sky. The drones are programmed to move with music from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” violin concerto and Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” ballet score. Doors open two hours before the drone show starts. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista. $41.80. 619-656-1500, thedroneartshow.com/san-diego 

Skating by the Sea: The annual ice rink at the Hotel del Coronado opens this Friday and runs through Jan. 4. Time slots vary. 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado. $35-40.  hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea

Vienna Boys Choir presents “Christmas in Vienna”: San Diego Symphony presents this Austrian youth choral group on its annual holiday tour. 8 p.m. Friday, Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39-$94. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Glow Ball at The Loma Club: This glow-in-the-dark golf tournament comes with a free beer and beer tastings during a night of 9-holes of play. Glow balls will be provided. Must be 21 or older to enter. 6 p.m. Friday. The Loma Club, 2960 Truxtun Road, San Diego. $49.87. eventbrite.com/e/glow-ball-at-the-loma-club-tickets-1936547298099?aff=oddtdtcreator

4 S Dance Academy presents “The Nutcracker”: The North County-based company’s ninth annual “Nutcracker” brings together Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, guest artists, and professionally choreographed dancers. Together, they bring Clara’s journey to the Land of Sweets to life, with epic battles and dances with snowflakes. 7 p.m. Friday; 1 p.m. Saturday. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $30-$50. 858-748-0505, 4sdanceacademy.com

‘¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!’ The Old Globe will present a concert presentation of this world premiere Spanish-language translation of its annual production of “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” musical. It’s based on a 1957 children’s book by the late La Jolla author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, the musical by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin.. This production features a translation and stage adaptation by Katya María Ojeda Iturbide and Luis Gerardo Villegas and will feature Spanish-speaking actors and a full orchestra.  7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $28-$34. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org

Santee holiday tree lighting: The annual Holiday Lighting will take place, and expected highlights include sledding, live music, photos with Santa, games, face painting and crafting along with seasonal treats. The tree lighting will be at 6:15 p.m. on the amphitheater stage, with holiday tunes. “Selfies with Santa” are from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Santee Trolley Square. Visit santeespecialevents.com. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Road. Free. cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/santee-holiday-lighting/45982

Fleet opens sea otter IMAX film: The world premiere of the “Sea Otters: A Wild Family Adventure” is taking place today at the Fleet Science Center. The film gives viewers a look into the world of sea otters living on Vancouver Island and features Finn, a sea otter pup, as he grows up in this “coming-of-age” story, according to the directors Annabel Robinson, Paul Phelan and Sarah Beard. Tickets to the film include admission to the Fleet Science Center. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday. 1875 El Prado, San Diego. $19.95-$24.95. 619-238-1233, fleetscience.org/films/sea-otters-wild-family-adventure

“Master Class”: The Roustabouts Theatre Company and Scripps Ranch Theatre co-present Terrence McNally’s play about fading but fiery opera diva Maria Callas coaching young singers in 1970s New York. Runs through Dec. 14. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Legler Benbough Theatre, 783 Avenue of Nations, Allied International University, San Diego. $30-$52. 858-395-0573, theroustabouts.org

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: Since debuting in 1974, the group Mannheim Steamroller has become a touring juggernaut and its holiday concert treks are top-sellers, year after year. The group’s blend of New Age music, progressive-rock and light neo-classical fare is proudly over-the-top. But for those who enjoy lots of pomp with their circumstance — along with lights and special effects galore — Mannheim Steamroller offers a multisensory holiday extravaganza. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue., downtown. $52.25-$83. 619-615-4000. sandiegotheatres.org

San Diego Symphony’s “Invocations to the Spirits”: Conductor Anja Bihlmaier will lead the orchestra and pianist Steven Osborne in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, along with works by Sibelius and Olly Wilson. 11 a.m. next Friday. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., Downtown. $42-$125. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org