The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Dec. 12-14

Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14.

Friday

Christmas in the Park: For two days this weekend, visit the Old Poway Park for holiday eats, a craft boutique, live music, a night-time train ride and (Friday only) Santa’s arrival and a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Visits with Santa take place on a ticketing system. Sign up outside Templars Hall. 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, Poway. $5. poway.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4837&month=12&year=2025&day=1&calType=0

Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular: Ginger Minj, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10, is bringing her holiday show to La Jolla. The event will include campy holiday classic songs, costumes, humor and decor. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $30-$80. artpower.ucsd.edu/event/ginger-minj-holidayspectacular/

“The Holiday” in concert: Watch the beloved movie, “The Holiday,” as the San Diego Symphony Orchestra plays along with the screening of the film. 6 p.m. Friday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Remaining ticket start at $54. theshell.org/performances/the-holiday/

Spring Valley Winter Fest: This family-friendly event will include arts and crafts, games and other activities. 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. Spring Valley Community Center, 8735 Jamacha Blvd., Spring Valley. Free. sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/calendar.html

Coastal Christmas: For 10 days, the Del Mar Fairgrounds is transformed into a holiday festival with light displays, a skating rink, a vendor market and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. The event also features a “wine walk,” which is a wine-tasting walkway for adults 21 years and older that includes a souvenir tasting cup. The family-friendly area has bounce houses, a synthetic ice skating rink, food and drink vendors and an area decorated like the North Pole with Santa Claus. Tickets start at $26.98 for adults and $20.61 for children. On select days, Friday through Dec. 26. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. 858-755-1161, coastalchristmasdelmar.com

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade: Back by popular demand, the city of Solana Beach and the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission host Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade. Santa will be riding along with fire, sheriff’s and Marine safety personnel. 2:30 to 5 p.m. Friday. The sleigh ride will start and end at the Solana Beach Fire Station, 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. A map is at cityofsolanabeach.org

Final performances of ‘Working Girl’: La Jolla Playhouse presents the final weekend of its world premiere 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. today. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $30-$139. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/working-girl

Violist Marco Fusi performs Ti McCormack: Fusi will perform the U.S. premiere of UCSD faculty member McCormack’s 45-minute piece “…stretched across its axes” as well as new works by UCSD graduate composers William Kuo and Adam Zuckerman. 7 p.m. Friday. Conrad Prebys Music Hall, 9410 Russell Lane, UCSD, La Jolla. $10-$20. music-cms.ucsd.edu/concerts/box_office.html

Sacra/Profana presents “Immeasurably Bright, A Holiday Concert”: The choir shines a musical light in the darkest month of the year by creating uplifting sounds. 7 p.m. Friday St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont. $15-$40. 619-432-2920, sacraprofana.org

“2 Pianos, 4 Hands”: North Coat Repertory Theatre presents Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt’s autobiographical comedy with music about two aspiring concert pianists who grow up as friends and then enemies before making their peace with music. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Dec. 31. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $70.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

“89 Carson Junction Road”: Compulsion Dance & Theater presents Michael Mizerany’s one-act play about an Army war veteran seeking answers and revenge from his fellow vet and former lover. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday. Diversionary Black Box Theater, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego. $30. Play contain extended sequences of violence and gore. compulsiondancetheatre.org

“IFs (Imaginary Friends)”: Trinity Theatre Company’s Grown Up Stage presents Thomas J. Misuraca’s play about Pippin an imaginary friend whose human child has outgrown her, so she and other abandoned IFs find new companions among a group of senior citizens. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Mission Valley shopping center, Suite 129, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego. $30. 619-500-4985, trinityttc.org

“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. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Legler Benbough Theatre, 783 Avenue of Nations, Allied International University, San Diego. $30-$52. 858-395-0573, theroustabouts.org

“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. 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

Saturday

Regency Tea Party: To celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, the Oceanside Civic Center Library will host and event featuring Linda Miller, board member for the Jane Austen Society, San Diego Region. Tea will be served and Regency era attire is recommended. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Civic Center Library, 330 North Coast Highway, Oceanside. Free. Registration required. oceansidepl.librarycalendar.com/event/regency-tea-party-jane-austen-250-40084

“Home Alone” in concert: Watch the Christmas classic, “Home Alone,” as the San Diego Symphony Orchestra plays along with the screening of the film. 6 p.m. Saturday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Remaining ticket start at $65. theshell.org/performances/the-holiday

Winter Extravaganza: Forty tons of snow will be produced for this event hosted by the City Heights Community Development Corporation. The Fern Street Circus will be there to perform live and visitors can also shop from food and gift vendors. Noon to 5 p.m. Teralta Park in City Heights, 4100 Central Ave., San Diego. Free. cityheightscdc.org

Holiday chocolates pop-up this weekend: French pastry chef Christophe Rull is bringing back artisan chocolatier Annaluna Karkar for another two-day holiday chocolates pop-up at his Christophe Rull Patisserie in San Marcos this weekend. Rull hosted Karkar in late October for a two-day pop-up where all of her handmade chocolates sold out quickly. For this weekend’s event, she will be selling holiday-themed chocolates and Rull will offer some of his signature pastries. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 251 N. City Drive, San Marcos.  instagram.com/christopherullpro

Poinsettia Paint and Sip: Follow along as an instructor gives step-by-step guidance on painting art inspired by the San Diego History Center’s poinsettia tree. The event will also feature a lesson on San Diego’s connection to poinsettias. This is event is for ages 21 or older. 10 a.m. to noon. San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, San Diego. $40 general admission, $30 for members. sandiegohistory.org/event/poinsettia-paint-sip

Winter Wonderland: A holiday festival is landing at Festival Park Market Creek Plaza as a coalition of neighbors, entertainers and organizations are hosting the free community event, Winter Wonderland. The event will bring live music and entertainment, children’s activities, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall and real snow. There will also be photo opportunities with Santa Claus and a decorated 20-foot Christmas tree. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Festival Park Market Creek Plaza, 331 Euclid Ave., San Diego. jacobscenter.org/events 

Parfait Party: Parfait Party, an ice cream pop-up, is taking over Tajima Ramen in the Convoy District for a one-day holiday-themed dining experience. The event will have live entertainment and a one-day dining menu. Some of the food options include truffle ribeye ramen, omurice omelette, curry rice with karaage and a crunchy dragon roll with shrimp tempura roll. Drink specials include melon cream soda, lychee unfiltered sake and The Moon Prism, which mixes vodka, butterfly peaflower tea, lemon and elderflower syrup. 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. 4411 Mercury St. #110, San Diego. 858-278-5367, instagram.com/parfait.party.sd

Las Posadas: The Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce and Mormon Battalion Historic Site are presenting a recreation of Mary and Joseph’s story at the 67th Annual Las Posadas. The event highlights the travels of a pregnant Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, looking for shelter. There will be a community procession, a nativity, a live choir, hot cocoa, s’mores and a bonfire. Plus, the public can make a commemorative tin ornament and tour La Casa de Machado y Stewart for photo opportunities. 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. La Plaza de Armas, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Free. parks.ca.gov/eventdetails/17943 

Boostive’s Soul Shakedown: Moonshine Beach in Pacific Beach is hosting the musical event, Boostive’s Soul Shakedown. The lineup consists of headliners Boostive, a female-fronted world music, dub-reggae and hip-hop band. Supporting Boostive on the bill are Space Hall Sound Machine, Soul Disciples, Mara Sulu, Blue Hour and an afrobeats DJ set by Divina. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. 1165 Garnet Ave., San Diego. 858-999-0158, moonshinebeachsd.com

Mission Bay Parade of Lights: The holiday boat parade takes off at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13  at SeaWorld with a fireworks kickoff, then heads west, north and east, ending at The Mission Bay Beach Club. The parade will be set up near Mission Bay hotels and resorts, including Bahia Resort Hotel, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, The Dana on Mission Bay, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa, Marina and Paradise Point Resort. Free for spectators. Viewing areas will offer special festive food and beverage menus and family-friendly holiday festivities, such as bonfires and s’mores, live music, holiday games and Santa. discovermissionbay.org/boat-parade

Where are the holiday parades, tree lighting festivals and other festivities around San Diego?

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights: The annual parade of boats decorated for the holidays with lights and ornaments, is from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Oceanside Harbor. Many of the captains and boat crews dress up in their holiday best, with Santa joining the parade. The best decorated powerboat, sailboat and small-craft boats will be awarded prizes. https://visitoceanside.org/events/parade-of-lights

Santa Run & parade: Pacific Beach holds its annual San Diego Santa Run on Saturday. The starting line is 912 Garnet Ave. The 5K Santa Run takes off at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The Kid’s 1-mile run is 11:30 a.m. and 1-mile dog run is noon. The holiday parade follows at 1 p.m. Fees for the run are $35-$55. Register at sandiegorunningco.com/sdrc_events/san-diego-santa-run

Holiday Pet Parade: The parade of dogs, cats and other pets will take off under the iconic Gaslamp Quarter Archway at the intersection of 5th Avenue and L Street at 1 p.m. and walk through the streets of Gaslamp alongside four local marching bands. Pets will be judged in categories such as Best Holiday Spirit, Best Matching Costumes, and the coveted Best in Show. A pre-party is at 11 a.m. at the Pendry Hotel. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. The Pups in the Pub Party is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter with live music, craft beer, games for pets and people, boutique shopping, and photos. Registration is $30 per pet. gaslamp.org

Golden State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Choreographed by artistic director Raul Salamanca, the production will feature professional dancers and students and live accompaniment by musicians from the San Diego Symphony. 7:30 p.m. today; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $58.40-$199.75. goldenstateballet.org

Sunday

The Great Cookie Bake-Off & Swap: All of Pure Projects taprooms will host a cookie bake-off and swap. Bakers can just participate in the swap by bringing one dozen to trade. Bake-off contestants bring two dozen cookies cut into bit sized pieces for sampling. The best baker will win multiple prizes. Pure Project has locations in Vista, Carlsbad, North Park, Miramar, and Bankers Hill. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. purebrewing.org/event/great-cookie-bake-off-swap

San Diego Seals home opener: San Diego’s professional indoor lacrosse team, the Seals, are hosting their 2025-2026 season home opener. The squad will face the Rochester Knighthawks. The Seals are already undefeated, after winning their first game of this season on the road versus the Ottawa Black Bears with a score of 16-13. 2 p.m. Sunday Pechana Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. $21-$111. sealslax.com

Holiday Celebration & Annual Holiday Sing-Along: Starting at 1:30 p.m., San Diego’s Civic Organist Raul Prieto Ramírez will lead an educational workshop, playing holiday music while kids put together their own mechanic pipe organs together. Once they’re built, the kids will join in to play with the Spreckels Organ. At 2:15 p.m., the concert and sing-along will begin. 1:30 p.m. Sunday. 1549 El Prado, Suite 10, San Diego. spreckelsorgan.org

MCASD hosts winter market on Sunday: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla hosts its annual Winter MKT, an annual arts fair featuring vendors from throughout Southern California, including Part Time Lover, In Sheep’s Clothing and We Share Records. It will also feature a celebration of Japanese music and food culture. There will be live vinyl music DJ sets all day, family activities, live screen printing, a book launch/signing event by local artist Perry Vásquez and free museum admission. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. Free. mcasd.org/events/winter-mkt-2025

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: For two Sundays in December, the San Diego Bay waters light up for the holidays. The 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings together close to 80 boats that are 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 and Dec. 21. Free. sdparadeoflights.org

North Coast Symphony presents “Holiday Harmonies”: The ensemble, with North Coast Singers youth choir, will perform works Mendelssohn, Gershwin, Copland, José Elizondo and Ching-Shan Chang.7 p.m. today; 2 p.m. Sunday. San Dieguito United Methodist, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $15-$18. northcoastsymphony.com

“The Light of Hope Returning”: The Village Church’s 80-member Community Chorale presents folk, gospel and bluegrass holiday vocal music. 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday. 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. $10-$20. villagechurch.org

Cellist Bennett Tsai and pianist Rodolfo Leone: La Jolla Music Society presents these prize-winning musicians performing works by Haydn, Bloch, Barber, N. Boulanger and Beethoven. 3 p.m. Sunday. Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $35-$70. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org