The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Dec. 26-28

Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Dec. 19 to Sunday, Dec. 21.

Friday

Kwanzaa celebration: For the 45th time, the World Beat Center will host a Kwanzaa celebration. From Dec. 26 to Dec. 29, there will be a series of events, including candle lighting, guest speakers, performances, drumming, poetry and traditional feasts. Friday’s kickoff event will feature Starla Lewis, professor emerita of black studies at San Diego Mesa College and the founder of C.E.L.L. (Celebration of Everlasting Life & Love) and Dalene Brown, a holistic practitioner and founder of Total Health Products and At Your Service Health & Beauty Center. Rrban jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette will perform. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday to Monday. 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego. worldbeatcenter.org/events

Steve Taylor’s “Magical Marionettes”: Steve Taylor, who has been featured at Disneyland, on “America’s God Talent” and other major platforms, will do a special family-friendly, holiday-themed show at the Mary Hitchcock Puppet Theater. 2 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park, 2130 Pan American Road, San Diego. $7. balboaparkpuppets.com/products/tickets?variant=51095535321371

Final day for Coastal Christmas at fairgrounds: The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts Coastal Christmas, a festival with holiday light attractions. Highlights include a walk-through display of more than 1 million lights, “glice” skating, a holiday market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, Holiday Wine Walk and Santa and Friends. Igloos and fireside lounges can be reserved for cozying with some hot cocoa. S’mores kits, festive food and drinks will be sold. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Tickets start at $26.98 for adults and $20.61 for kids on select nights. Admission is free for kids 3 and younger. The Holiday Wine Walk is $54.99. Promotional nights include military, first responders and nurses, seniors and students. delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2025/coastal-christmas

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

Learnmore Jonasi: Anyone looking for a laugh the day after Christmas can find one at Mic Drop Comedy. Zimbabwean stand-up comedian Learnmore Jonasi will perform for two nights this weekend. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. $25.50. micdropcomedysandiego.com/events/114027

Holidays at LEGOLAND: Live entertainment, twinkling lights, holiday treats and some snowfall will be on display through Jan. 4. Throughout the holidays, the park’s 30-foot LEGO tree decked with lights and LEGO ornaments built out of more than 350,000 LEGO and Duplo bricks. Photos can be taken with life-sized festive LEGO models or costumed characters such as a LEGO Santa, toy soldier, gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Through Jan. 4. LEGOLAND California, One Legoland Drive. legoland.com/california.

Happily Ever Holiday: Mockingbird Improv will host a improvisational performance inspired by Hallmark Christmas movies. 7 to 8:15 p.m. Friday. 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 200. $17. libertystation.com/do/happily-ever-holiday

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: Holiday wonderland runs daily to Jan. 4 with live musical shows, faux snowfall, over a million lights, Santa and real reindeer, singing elves and the SkyTower decorated as San Diego’s largest Christmas tree along with festive food and beverages. One million twinkling lights, nightly snowfall and immersive holiday experiences. There’ll be a new Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special at Sea Lion Stadium and a new Mrs. Claus story time show. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Through Jan. 4. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego. seaworld.com/san-diego

Candlelight concerts: As seen on Instagram, the candlelight concerts hosted by Fever are coming to San Diego this weekend. This show’s theme is “Queen vs. ABBA.” 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. Friday. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego. Tickets start at $34. fleetscience.org/events/candlelight-concerts

Star Party at Sycamore Canyon: Weather permitting, join San Diego Astronomy Association and park rangers for a educational star viewing-party. 7 p.m. Friday. Sycamore Canyon (Highway 67 Staging Area), Lakeside. Free. sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/calendar.html

Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder: The  annual event at the beachside amusement park, 3146 Mission Blvd., runs through Jan. 4 with hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, holiday-themed treats and drinks and special events on weekends. Attractions include the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland and Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts and and Polar Plunge. Tickets and passes are at belmontpark.com.

Jingle Jets: The USS Midway Museum will be decked with more than a million lights as part of its “Jingle Jets” holiday light show and festivities. Highlights include Holiday Dancing Light Show, Midway’s Magical Penguin Search, Christmas Carol Karaoke, Bring Your Dog Night, Santa’s Christmas Rush Virtual Reality Ride and expanded Reindeer Games, among other festivities. Holiday eats & treats will be sold. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Through Dec. 30. Tickets are $20-$30 and sold only online; discounts for museum members; free for children 3 and younger. midway.org/event/jingle-jets-2025

A holiday in Oz: The Hotel del Coronado is offering a range of festive activities with a “Wizard of Oz” theme. A light show takes place on the Founders Lawn each night at 5 p.m. and repeats every 30 minutes until 9 p.m. Guests can also go ice skating near the beach or watch holiday movies on the beach. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave.Coronado. See full lineup of activities here: hoteldel.com/events/lightshow-spectacular

Wild Holidays at Safari Park: Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show, Bridge of Lights,  Enchanted Lagoon and visits with Santa along with Holiday Troubadour, Forest of Color and Nairobi Lantern Walk, among other festivities. Festivities are Nov. 28–30; Dec. 19–23 and Dec. 26–Jan. 4; the Park at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, will stay open until 8 p.m. with holiday cheer. “Wild Holidays” activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Through Jan. 4. sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.

Holiday Cheer on Wheels: Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour run through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25) with a mix of sightseeing, holiday sing-alongs and a 90-minute trip through festively decorated neighborhoods, including Old Town, Banker’s Hill, Little Italy and Garrison Street. Leaves from the Old Town Market, 4010 Twiggs St., San Diego. Reservations required. trolleytours.com/san-diego/holiday-tour-tickets

Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday Celebration!”: Cygnet Theatre’s education and outreach director Carlos Mendoza presents this 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. Friday; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. The Dottie Studio Theatre, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District, Liberty Station, San Diego. $83. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com

“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. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30-$75. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org

“Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show”: The Old Globe brings back its fast-paced comedic take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which was first presented at the Globe in 2019. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, it’s an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Victorian novella about miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas morning redemption, re-set in San Diego with music, comedy and all of the time-traveling ghosts and other characters for which the story is known. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $70 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.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. Friday, 2 and 7:30 Saturday and Sunday. Through Dec. 31. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $70.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”: The Old Globe’s 28th annual production of this holiday classic will once again star Andrew Polec, who returns for his fifth year in the title role, with a nearly all-new cast of principal actors as the grown-up citizens of Whoville. 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 premiered in 1994 at a children’s theater in Minneapolis. In 1998, it moved to the Old Globe, where artistic director Jack O’Brien worked with Geisel’s widow, Audrey Geisel, to add music from the famous 1966 animated TV version and a storybook-come-to-life scenic and costume design. It’s been an annual tradition ever since. 5 p.m. Friday. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Through Dec. 31. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $51 and up. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org

Last day for Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse Resort: One of the most family-friendly pop-up experiences, Lakehouse Resort throws an annual holiday festival with candy cane cruises on Lake San Marcos as a highlight. Seasonal drinks will be for sale for all ages. Activities include a frozen fun zone, a train, a s’mores station, bounce houses and more. Groups of families and friends can rent out igloos with fire pits, s’mores, charcuterie, wine and family dinners. Early bird prices are available online through Nov. 26. Prices vary per activity. Nov. 28 to Dec. 26. 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. $10 admission for ages 10 or older, free for kids under age 10. events.thelakehouseresort.com/e/winter-wonderland-at-lakehouse-resort-2025

Saturday

Christmas tree collection in Ramona: Put trees curbside in green organics carts on collection days. No ornaments, tinsel, nails, tree stands or flocked trees; must be cut into 4-foot sections. Trees of all sizes can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27 to Dec. 28 and Jan. 3-4 at Ramona High School, 1401 Hanson Lane, or The Village Shopping Center in San Diego Country Estates. Call 760-789-0516 or visit ramonadisposal.com.

Bingo Loco: What started in Ireland is now arriving in San Diego. Bingo Loco is an interactive game night filled with dance competitions, lip sync battles, prizes, comedy hosts and DJs playing throwback anthems from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Bingo Loco is for individuals 21 years of age and older. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 27. Quartyard, 1301 Market St., San Diego. us.bingoloco.com/san-diego 

Holiday Hangover Stand-up Comedy: Looking for a laugh after the holidays? National Lampoon The Yellow Door is hosting a holiday hangover stand-up show. Sasha Nezlobin will be the headliner. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. 750 Sixth Ave., 2nd Floor, San Diego. $23.18. eventbrite.com/e/holiday-hangover-stand-up-comedy-tickets

After Dark @ Punch Bowl Social: On the second Saturday of the month, Punch Bowl Social hosts special themed nights with drink specials, DJs and hourly raffles. This weekend’s theme is ’90s & ’00s R&B Night. 9 p.m. to midnight. Punch Bowl Social, 1485 E. St., San Diego. Free entry. eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-ca-after-dark-punch-bowl-social-tickets

BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure: On a 90-minute cruise aboard the San Salvador, see an immersive pirate-themed theatrical show. Guests will learn about navigation, see sword fights and do other maritime activities. 10:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. Saturday. Star of India Wharf, 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. $35 for youth, $85 for adults. sdmaritime.org/visit/on-the-water-adventures/boarded-a-new-pirate-adventure

North County Archery Club: On the last Saturday of each month, the San Diego Archaeological Center teaches archery and welcomes all skill levels with gear provided on a first-come basis. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. $15. sandiegoarchaeology.org/event/north-county-archery-club-2/

Sunday

“A Magical Cirque Christmas”: Broadway San Diego presents this touring cirque-style holiday show with acrobatics and feats of agility, holiday songs, dancing and more. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $72 and up. sandiegotheatres.org

Trail Trek: San Diego County parks hosts Trail Treks on the the fourth Sunday of the month. This month’s will be in the Wilderness Gardens County Preserve. The 4.5-mile hike will include birding. 9 a.m. to noon Sunday. Wilderness Gardens County Preserve, 14209 CA-76, Pala. Free. $5 parking. sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/calendar.html

Community Christmas singalong: A Christmas carol sing-a-long will feature a youth group playing ukuleles during the worship service at Incarnation Lutheran Church. 10 a.m. Sunday. 16889 Espola Road Poway. godamong.us