Things to do include theater, concerts, festivals, holiday events and more

Holiday lights festival at fairgrounds

The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts Coastal Christmas, a festival with holiday light attractions, from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 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. 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. Also, the first 1,000 kids get in free Dec. 14 if they bring one unwrapped toy for children in need. General admission tickets are buy one, get one free on Dec. 18. Visit  delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2025/coastal-christmas.

A Beatles Holiday Spectacle brings joy to the Belly Up

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles returns to the Belly Up on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. This special night is filled with Abbey Road’s mash-ups of Christmas classics and Beatles faves. Tickets are $20 – $35 and may be purchased online at www.bellyup.com, by phone at 858-481-8140 or at the venue box office. The Belly Up is located at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. The show is 21+.

North Coast Rep presents 2 Pianos 4 Hands for the holidays

North Coast Repertory Theatre is bringing back the joyful family-pleasing 2 Pianos 4 Hands to brighten the holiday season. Get ready for an interlude of riotous laughter as Richard Todd Adams and Max Roll take the audience on a musical comedic journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists. The talented duo trade stories about piano lessons, pushy parents and eccentric teachers while playing everything from Bach to Billy Joel.2 Pianos 4 Hands performances began Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Final performance is Sunday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. The show runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and there are Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Added Tuesday matinee and evening performances on Dec. 23. Added 2 p.m. matinee on Monday, Dec. 29. There are no performances Dec. 24 and Dec 25. Tickets are $68 plus $2.50 service fee. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.

Guitarist Peter Sprague to hold annual Del Mar Christmas Eve concert

On Dec. 24, renowned guitarist Peter Sprague will present his annual Del Mar Christmas Eve concert, a free outdoor event that will begin at 1 p.m. at the Jim Watkins Amphitheater (L’Auberge, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar}. This tradition is now in its 45th year. Del Mar Foundation is sponsoring this year’s concert, and all are encouraged to attend.

One Paseo’s December Nights

Every Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 20 from 5-8 p.m. One Paseo will celebrate the season with strolling entertainment and falling snow around its 26-foot holiday tree. 3725 Paso Place, Carmel Valley.

Snow in the forecast at Ocean Air Park on Dec. 20

The San Diego Parks and Recreation Department will host Snow Day in the Park at Ocean Air Community Park on Saturday, Dec. 20. From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., kids can enjoy snow sledding, outside games and activities, pictures with Santa and train rides. The event is free and participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots and/or non-perishable food items to support San Diego Food Bank. Ocean Air Recreation Center 4770 Fairport Way, Carmel Valley.

Christmas Pageant

A Children’s Pageant that tells the story of the birth of Jesus and the events leading up to it will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1 Parish Lane, Del Mar. The pageant features angels, shepherds, kings, and animals. Visit stpetersdelmar.net.

Old Globe: “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”: The Old Globe presents its 28th annual production of this musical adaptation of the holiday children’s book. Andrew Polec has returned for his fifth year in the role of the Grinch. Now playing through Dec. 31. Show times vary. Shiley Stage, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $34 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Lightscape at botanic garden

Lightscape runs through Jan. 4 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The immersive experience guides visitors through a 1-mile garden trail with tunnels of lights featuring light installations designed by international artists. Installations range from California poppies and a field of fireflies to a laser garden. There will be seasonal treats. Tickets start at $28; $18 for children. Visit sdbg.org.

Holiday ‘Cars and Coffee’

The San Diego Automotive Museum will celebrate the season with a free event for car lovers that is a twist on its “Cars and Coffee” event from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dec. 21 at 2080 Pan American Plaza. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their “sleigh” for a chance to win a prize. There will be free coffee and doughnuts while supplies last. The museum will also open early at 8 a.m., offering a special $10 admission for guests who visit before 10 a.m. The “Cars and Coffee” event typically meets the third Sunday of the month for car enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles and share camaraderie. All years, makes, models, colors, styles and customizations are welcome. Visit sdautomuseum.org.

Fields of Light

An intergenerational Hanukkah Celebration is from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas to honor the holiday’s spirit of resilience and hope and to inspire the community to spread light. Highlights include live music by Kol Tefillah, traditional Hanukkah games, illuminated garden, herb harvesting, latkes and noshes. Admission is $25; $10 for children.  Preregistration required at https://coastalrootsfarm.givevirtuous.org/Event/chanukah2025/tickets

Decorated Christmas Eve services at The Village Church

The annual Christmas Eve services at the Village Church will be held throughout Wednesday, Dec. 24, in the Sanctuary at 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe.Unique to The Village Church’s Christmas Eve experience is a candle-lighting ceremony during each service and over 1,500 luminarias adorning the church campus.A contemporary worship service will be held at 2 p.m., while more traditional services will be held at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m., complete with holy scripture and a message, as well as music performed by a brass quartet and an 80+ member choir.For more information, call 858-756-2441.

Horizon Church Living Nativity event to be held Dec. 19-21

Come experience Christmas brought to life at the Horizon Church Living Nativity to be held Dec. 19-21, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.For generations before the birth of Jesus his arrival was anticipated. That same anticipation grows each year in the months leading up to Christmas. From children excited for Christmas morning to adults looking forward to gathering with friends and family. But this year, Horizon “wants to make sure you don’t lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas by inviting you to the Living Nativity,” a news release stated.With breathtaking scenes and dramatic recreations, the Living Nativity walks you through the birth, life, death and resurrection of the Savior, Christ the Lord, according to the news release. Even before you and your family experience the program, enjoy the Marketplace, from the petting zoo to games and crafts for kids, hot chocolate, apple cider and food trucks.The Marketplace opens at 5:30 p.m. and tours begin at 6 p.m. nightly.The Horizon Church Living Nativity event location is at 6365 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. Visit horizon.org for more information. Also Christmas Eve service times are 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. candlelight.

“Burnout Paradise”

La Jolla Playhouse presents a return engagement of Australia’s Pony Cam troupe performing their audience-interactive treadmill-of life comedic show that was the hit of the 2025 WOW Festival. Dec. 17-21: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Thursday, Dec. 18, Friday, Dec. 19; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Potiker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $49-$59. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21, a procession of decorated boats will be arriving off the shore of San Diego Bay for the 55th annual Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is “An Out of this World Christmas.” The parade takes a little over an hour to pass any given point along the parade route, including Shelter Island (start of parade) at 5:30 p.m. The 55th annual parade will pass Harbor Island from 5:45 to  6:15 p.m., Seaport Village at 6:20 to 6:45 p.m., The Embarcadero at 6:50 to 7:15 p.m., The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park at 7:20 to 7:30 p.m. and Ferry Landing on Coronado at 7:40 p.m. (Times are approximate.) Visit sdparadeoflights.org.

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration and Holiday wonderland runs daily through 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. All included with park admission Tickets start at $61.99 during the Black Friday Sale. Visit seaworldsandiego.com.

Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo

The annual holiday event from Dec. 19 to Jan. 4 (except Dec. 24) at the San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, features a wonderland of twinkling lights, live entertainment, music and views of wildlife, along with a magic of Aurora immersive performance about the power of nature with 3D projection mapping, music and lights. Highlights featured at various times include Reindeer Games, Jingle Brass concerts and Holiday Troubadour along with Northern Frontier’s Holiday Forest, Zoo characters, snow and a visit with Santa. There will be food, drinks, and shopping for gifts. The zoo is open late from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event, except Dec. 24. Free with zoo admission or membership; parking is free. sandiegozoo.org/junglebells

Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K returns in January

The 36th annual Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is returning for another year of winter racing on the Southern California oceanfront on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.All race distances will start at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The marathon distance features an 18-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean, the half marathon will showcase the beachfront for 8 miles, while the 5K runners will journey along a scenic out-and-back route passing the Buena Vista Lagoon, according to a news release. The event will also include a variety of participant perks. For more information, including race start times and registration go to www.inmotionevents.com/event/carlsbad-marathon/

Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert

The top ensemble of the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra, the Advanced Orchestra, will present a public holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 5 p.m. This concert will feature selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, a Hanukah Festival, musical highlights from the movie Polar Express, many other holiday favorites, as well as an audience sing-along. This concert will take place at Tierrasanta Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 11260 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, 92124.

Holiday Bowl 5K and parade

The 30th annual Port of San Diego Game Day 5K Run/Walk is slated to start at 9:45 a.m. Jan. 2, taking place along the bayfront, beginning at Harbor Drive and Ash Street. The 5K kicks off the 46th annual Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, featuring marching bands, floats, drill teams and a procession of huge themed balloons at 10 a.m. Jan. 2 on North Harbor Drive along downtown San Diego’s waterfront. Street-side viewing of the parade is free. Grandstand tickets are $30. The Holiday Bowl game kicks off at Snapdragon Stadium at 5 p.m. Jan. 2. Visit holidaybowl.com.

Death Cafe

Hosted by Selena Jong of Moving Through – Death Doula (www.movingthrough.org)A safe space to have educational, inspiring and empowering conversations about death and dying. Free admission. Saturday Dec. 27, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., reoccurring every fourth Saturday of the month. (www.deathcafe.com)Location: Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive Encinitas, 92024.Please RSVP at Meetup: The Death Network or email selenajong@gmail.com

La Jolla events• The musical ensemble Camarada presents “Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz,” its festive re-creation of the soundtrack from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20, at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $28-$98. theconrad.org/events/25-26-camarada_charlie-brown• “Land and Sea: Selections from the Collection,” an exhibit featuring land and seascapes by more than 20 artists with connections to the region, runs through Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. It includes pieces in the museum’s current collection, as well as new acquisitions. mcasd.org/exhibitions/new-on-view• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego presents “A Burial in Shanghai,” an exhibit of large paintings by Chinese-born artist Yan Pei-Ming, through Sunday, Jan. 4, at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. mcasd.org/exhibitions/yan-pei-ming• “A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples, 1962 to 1972: The Frank Mitzel Collection” runs through Sunday, March 15, at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. The exhibit marks the public debut of Mitzel’s gift to the museum of more than 60 pop art prints he collected over three decades. It inludes works by Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton, Gerald Laing, Joe Tilson and more. mcasd.org• “Alex Katz: Theater and Dance” continues at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego through Sunday, Jan. 4, at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. The exhibit is the first comprehensive exploration of Katz’s collaborations with choreographers, dancers and members of avant-garde theater ensembles over six decades, showcasing rare archival materials, major sets and paintings and previously unexhibited sketches. mcasd.org/exhibitions/alex-katz-theater-and-dance