FRIDAY – DEC. 4

Chrysler Test Drive Tour: Take a test drive of the 2015 model Chrysler 200 and/or Chrysler 300 and receive a $10 gift card and more. Runs through Sunday, Dec. 6. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Horton Plaza, 324 Horton Plaza, Downtown.

Cortez walkabout: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. Meet-up at Tenth Avenue and Beech Street (NW corner). For more info, call 619-234-8900, visit downtownsandiego.org or sign up for their newsletter.

‘City Moves’: San Diego City College’s dance department presents this collection of dances that “reflect how we negotiate the world around us.” $10 at the door. 8 p.m. Additional performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. City College Saville Theatre, 14th and C streets, Downtown. Visit sdcity.edu/campuslife/dance.

Balboa Park December Nights: For the 38th consecutive year, this two-day festival kicks off with participating museums opening their doors free of charge. 350,000 visitors are expected to partake in the food, music and entertainment of the weekend. 3 – 11 p.m. (noon – 11 p.m on Saturday, Dec. 5). Visit balboapark.org/decembernights.

Festival of Trees: In conjunction with December Nights, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral will light its campus — adjacent to Balboa Park — and open its doors for tours. There will be performances by local choral groups, musicians, a charity bake sale, craft market and more. Various organizations will display information and giveaway items with a tree decorated to reflect their mission. 2728 Sixth Ave. Visit stpaulcathedral.org.

Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park: The ballpark will be transformed for 12 nights in December with lighting displays, Polar Express trains, live reindeer and more. Guests can also take a photo with Santa Claus near a 40-foot Christmas tree. $20 adults, $10 children (under 3 free). 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., East Village. Visit tinyurl.com/ntg4f69.

Coronado Christmas Parade: Event by the Greyhound Adoption Center with dogs wearing special coats adorned with holiday lights and fur trim. Meet at police station patio on Seventh Street and Orange Avenue at 5 p.m. Parade at 7 p.m. down Orange Avenue to Hotel Del and back. Visit on.fb.me/1NmdKu2.

SATURDAY – DEC. 5

San Diego Jeep Club convoy for Toys for Tots: Decorated jeeps will convoy from Fiesta Island to the USS Midway Museum to kick off the Midway’s “Party on the Pier Toy Drive” which supports the Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive. Jeep owners will meet at 7:30 a.m. and are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy. 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit facebook.com/jeepclubsd.

‘Stretch Yourself’ yoga classes: A free yoga class at outdoor locations throughout Downtown. 9 a.m. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway. Visit downtownsandiego.org.

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair: Enjoy shopping with 95 makers, live music, free make and take crafts, food trucks, cocktails and more. First 100 people in line get a swag bag of handcrafted goods. $5 at door. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Drive. Visit makersarcade.com.

Vinavanti Wines Grand Opening: The urban winery will celebrate the opening of their new Hillcrest location with an all-day party. A portion of wine proceeds from the day will be donated to the San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project to support Wild Willow Farm. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 1477 University Ave., Hillcrest. Visit facebook.com/vinavanti.

52nd annual North Park Toyland Parade and Festival: This legendary parade returns with fun for the whole family. 11 a.m – 3 p.m. University Avenue, North Park. Visit toylandparade.com.

Balboa Park December Nights: The 38th annual festival continues with participating museums opening their doors free of charge. 350,000 visitors are expected to partake in the food, music and entertainment of the weekend. Noon – 11 p.m. Visit balboapark.org/decembernights.

Little Italy tree lighting and holiday shopping: The Little Italy Association presents their 16th annual tree lighting. Attendees can do some holiday shopping with Mercato Farmers Market vendors throughout the “Christmas Village.” 4 – 8 p.m., Santa arrives at 4:30 p.m. on a Little Italy Fire Engine, tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Visit facebook.com/LittleItalyMercato.

SUNDAY – DEC. 6 – FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH

Kidz Bop concert: Kid’s artist Kidz Bop make a stop on their holiday tour for a family friendly show. Doors at noon, show at 1 p.m. House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown. Visit kidzbop.com/tour.

58th annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival: Over 25,000 people are expected to visit downtown La Jolla for this community tradition. Parade Follows Girard Avenue from Kline Street to Prospect Street and then follows Prospect south. Parade 1:30 – 3 p.m.; festival 2 – 5 p.m. Visit ljparade.com.

‘History for the Holidays’: A local history lecture featuring San Diego author and historian Jack Innis – author of “San Diego Legends.” Free (includes museum admission, cider and cookies from noon – 2 p.m.) 2 – 3 p.m. Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, 410 Island Ave. Visit gaslampfoundation.org.

MONDAY – DEC. 7

Garden of Lights: The San Diego Botanic Garden will be transformed with over 125,00 sparkling lights each evening through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). There will be nightly entertainment, food, coffee and other treats, plus family-friendly activities. 5 – 9 p.m. Visit sdbgarden.org.

TUESDAY – DEC. 8

Menorah lighting: A public Chanukah celebration with menorah lighting, music, latkes, chocolate gelt, donuts and children’s activities. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at The Headquarters outdoor courtyard. 789 W. Harbor Drive, Marina District. Visit theheadquarters.com.

WEDNESDAY – DEC. 9

‘Holiday Cookies — Great for Giving’ baking class: Hands-on class to make holiday favorites including some best sellers and traditionals like Spritz and roll out cookies. $75. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Bake Sale, 815 F St., Downtown. Visit bakesalesd.com.

THURSDAY – DEC. 10

East Village Community Holiday Tree Lighting: This event kicks off a two-day holiday market hosted by Quartyard and will feature treats from local food trucks and venues (to be purchased), a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday music and more. 5 – 7 p.m. Quartyard, 1102 Market St., East Village. Visit eastvillagesandiego.com.

FRIDAY – DEC. 11

Core Walkabout: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. Meet-up at Third Avenue and C Street (NW corner). For more info, call 619-234-8900, visitdowntownsandiego.org, or sign up for their newsletter.

‘The Nutcracker’: San Diego Civic Youth Ballets performances of this holiday favorite start today. Through Dec. 20. 7 p.m. Casa del Prado Theater, 1600 Village Place, Balboa Park. Visit sdcyb.org.

SATURDAY – DEC. 12

Free workshop: Downtown San Diego Partnership and The Home Depot are teaming up for monthly free workshops. This month “Tree lot: tips on how to decorate a tree and outdoor yard art.” 10 a.m. – noon. Gaslamp Square, Fifth Avenue and L Street. Visit bit.ly/1N0dXnx.

East Village community clean up: DSDP’s Clean & Safe program will provide trash bags and supplies for this neighborhood clean up. The District will donate sandwiches to volunteers. 10 a.m. – noon. Meet at Urbana East Village Rental Flats lobby, 450 Tenth Ave. Visit eastvillagecommunitycleanup.eventbrite.com.

March and Rally for Climate Justice: As world leaders meet in Paris to negotiate a new global climate treaty, locals will come together to call for “bold climate solutions that create local jobs, strengthen community power and transition us to 100 percent clean energy by 2035.” Noon – 3 p.m. Balboa Park, Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. Visit facebook.com/SanDiego350.

The 2nd annual Toast of Downtown: Featuring nibbles and sips from several Gaslamp and East Village businesses including Le Parfait Paris, Rustic Root, Whiskey Girl and more. Attendees can sample while visiting local businesses, perfect for holiday shoppers. 1 – 5 p.m. Visit toastofdowntown.com.

Holiday art show: An artist reception with hosted wine, hors d’oeuvres, new artwork by several artists and jewelry plus live jazz. More details to come. 7 – 9 p.m. Adelman Fine Art, 1980 Kettner Blvd. #40, Little Italy. Visit adelmanfineart.com.

‘Jingle’ holiday concert: 160 members of San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will perform renditions of holiday favorites, along with special guests and a sing-along. 8 p.m. (Additional performance on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m.) Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown. Visit sdgmc.org.

SUNDAY – DEC. 13

The 8th annual Gaslamp Pet Parade: Downtown Ace Hardware and Market Street Veterinary Clinic present this year’s parade where pets will compete for festive prizes in fun categories. Goodie bags with samples, toys, coupons and more. Parade entry is $15 in advance, $20 day of. $5 discount for those that donate pet supplies to VCA Market Street or Doozydog Club for San Diego Human Society’s PAWS program. Free public pet expo 1 – 5 p.m., parade at 3 p.m. MLK Promenade Park, 401 K St. Gaslamp Quarter. Visit gaslamp.org.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: A special tradition of the boating community sponsored by Port of San Diego featuring decorated boats. This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World.” 5:30 p.m. (Additional procession on Dec. 20). Visit sdparadeoflights.org.

MONDAY – DEC. 14 – LAST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH

Jungle Bells: For three weeks the San Diego Zoo will host holiday activities and offer holiday-themed animal experiences and entertainment with a nightly tree lighting ceremony. The zoo is open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. with most Jungle Bells activities between 4 – 8 p.m. Visit sandiegozoo.org.

RoboUniverse: This two-day conference and exhibition makes its West Coast debut starting today. Conference sessions will look at robots in manufacturing, business, STEM education, healthcare, agriculture and more featuring top companies in robotics. San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Visit robouniverse.com/san-diego/2015.

TUESDAY – DEC. 15

‘The Nutcracker’: The California Ballet’s adaptation of this holiday favorite features a huge cast with children ages 4 – 14. Dec. 12 – 20. San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue and B Street, Downtown. Visit san-diego-theater.com.

WEDNESDAY – DEC. 16

Poetry night: Alchemy Poetry Series hosted by local poets Seretta Martin and Fred Longworth. Featured poets: Karen Keyon and Ish Von Hendrick. Features an open mic segment. Third Wednesdays. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com.

THURSDAY – DEC. 17

Downtown at Sundown: Event on the third Thursday of every month with local businesses Stone Brewing, Flight Path Wine Bar, SDSU Downtown Gallery and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) welcoming visitors to the Core-Columbia neighborhood. Drink and appetizer specials, music, performing arts, art tours and more. 5 – 8 p.m. MCASD is located at 1100 and 1001 Kettner Blvd. Visit mcasd.org.

FRIDAY – DEC. 18

Columbia Walkabout: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. Meetup at Pacific Highway and Ash Street (SE corner). For more info, call 619-234-8900, visitdowntownsandiego.org, or sign up for their newsletter.

San Diego Gulls: Our local hockey team will offer a $2 beer special tonight (two hours before game until one hour after puck drop). Opponent: San Jose Barracudas. 7:05 p.m. Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway. Tickets at 619-359-4730 and sandiegogulls.com.

SATURDAY – DEC. 19

Fitbit Local fitness session: Part of a free workout program hosted by local fitness experts. Today’s session will include an oceanview run/walk and yoga with Sheri Matthews. 9 a.m. Law Street Beach, Pacific Beach. Visit fitbit.com/local-events.

Cannon battle reenactments: Guests can participate in these reenactments between tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and the Lady Washington by raising sails, heaving lines and more or opt to relax and watch the action. Weekends through Jan. 3. Tickets $47 – $91 and include same-day admission to the Maritime Museum. 2 – 5 p.m. Ships depart from the Maritime Museum of San Diego on the Embarcadero, 1492 N. Harbor Drive. Visit sdmaritime.org.

Mrs. Claus Holiday Show: A holiday sing- and dance-along featuring Mrs. Claus on ukulele, surprise guest puppets and more. 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Neil Morgan Auditorium, Central Library, Visit sandiego.gov/public-library.

SUNDAY – DEC. 20

‘Holiday Pops’ featuring Cirque Musica: The second of four concerts by the San Diego Symphony as part of its “Family Festival” designed for children 5 – 12 years old. This edition will feature holiday music, carols, audience singalongs and the acrobatic troupe Cirque Musica. 2 p.m. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., Downtown. Visit sandiegosymphony.org.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: A special tradition of the boating community sponsored by Port of San Diego featuring decorated boats. This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World.” 5:30 p.m. (Additional procession on Dec. 13). Visit sdparadeoflights.org.

MONDAY – DEC. 21

Poinsettia Bowl Gaslamp March: Marching bands and spirit squads from the competing teams of the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl will have a battle of the bands in the Gaslamp Quarter, performing holiday favorites and fight anthems as they parade along Fifth Avenue from E to K streets. Visit sandiegobowlgames.com/gaslamp-march.

TUESDAY – DEC. 22

‘Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’: Performances continue of this musical based on the beloved children’s book. Closes Dec. 26. 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Tickets start $96. Visit theoldglobe.org or call 619-234-5623.

WEDNESDAY – DEC. 23

Poinsettia Bowl: This special NCAA bowl game sponsored by San Diego County Credit Union will be played at Qualcomm Stadium at 1:30 p.m. 9449 Friars Road, Mission Valley. Visit sandiegobowlgames.com.

THURSDAY – DEC. 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE

‘Exile on Kettner Blvd’: A music scene tradition with local musicians performing a Rolling Stones-themed show. 9 p.m. Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Visit casbahmusic.com.

FRIDAY – DEC. 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas cruises: A unique way to spend the holiday. Hornblower offers a champagne brunch cruise boarding at 11 a.m. ($62.95 per person) and a dinner buffet cruise boarding at 3:30 p.m. ($91.95 per person). Cruises depart from Grape Street Pier, 1800 N. Harbor Drive. Visit hornblower.com.

SATURDAY – DEC. 26

‘Rent’: California Youth Conservatory will stage a special engagement of the hit musical “Rent” at Lyceum Theatre through Jan. 10. Opening night features a complimentary champagne and dessert reception. Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown. Visit cyctheatre.com.

SUNDAY – DEC. 27

‘Bubbles, Cheese and Chocolate’: A special class by Venissimo Cheese teaching the best cheeses and chocolates to pair with sparkling wines. $60. Venissimo Cheese at The Headquarters Seaport, 789 W. Harbor Drive, Marina District. Visit venissimo.com.

MONDAY – DEC. 28

Poinsettia display: The 29th annual Poinsettia festival will fill the Botanical Building in Balboa Park through Jan. 8. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 1549 El Prado. Visit balboapark.org.

TUESDAY – DEC. 29

Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece. Tonight, a couple’s event, “Tree of Love.” 6 – 9 p.m. 21+. $45, all supplies included, registration is required. Bring your own wine / $15 corkage. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 110. For more info, visit paintingandvino.com.

WEDNESDAY – DEC. 30

21st annual Bumble Bee Seafoods 5K Run/Walk: Race follows a waterfront course from Harbor Drive and Ash Street behind the San Diego Convention Center through Embarcadero Park North and finishes near Tuna Harbor Park. Post race party at the park featuring food, music and more. Starts at 9:45 a.m. Visit sandiegobowlgames.com/5k-run.

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade: America’s largest balloon parade will hit Downtown San Diego with marching bands, floats, drill teams a procession of enormous balloons and more. Grandstand seats will be at the intersection of Harbor Drive and Ash Street. 10 a.m. Visit sandiegobowlgames.com/parade.

Holiday Bowl: Following the day’s events the actual bowl game will hit Qualcomm Stadium at 7:30 p.m. 9449 Friars Road, Mission Valley. Visit sandiegobowlgames.com.

THURSDAY – DEC. 31 – NEW YEAR’S EVE

San Diego International Car Show: This year’s auto show will feature over 400 2015 model-year vehicles, ride and drives, expanded exotics salon and more. Through Jan. 3. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Visit sdautoshow.com.

WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS

TUESDAY

Residents Free Tuesdays in Balboa Park: Participating museums change the first four Tuesdays of the month. Free for San Diego city and county residents with ID, active military and dependents. Hours vary by museum. Visit balboapark.org/visit/Tuesdays.

Coronado Certified Farmers Market: 2:30 – 6 p.m. First and B streets at Coronado Ferry Landing. Visit welcometocoronado.com.

Trivia: Bring a team or play alone. 7 – 9 p.m. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. Visit 98bottlessd.com.

WEDNESDAY

Comedy Open Mic: Up-and-coming comics test their skills while patrons enjoy drink and appetizer specials and no cover. 8 p.m. American Comedy Company, 818 B Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit americancomedyco.com.

THURSDAY

Horton Square Certified Market: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (March – Oct.) 225 Broadway near Broadway Circle, Downtown. Visit sdfarmbureau.org.

Trivia Night: Bring a team or play alone. 7 – 9 p.m. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. Visit 98bottlessd.com.

FRIDAY

Take a bite out of Downtown: Hosted by food tour service Bite San Diego, join fellow foodies and winos for a historical walking tour sampling some of Downtown’s finest restaurants. 21+. Noon. Tickets are $45. Tours also on Saturday. Visit bitesandiego.com/index.php.

Sights and Sips Sunset Cruise: Two-hour Hornblower cruise held on Friday and Saturday nights through October featuring live music, light hors d’oeuvres and dessert; boarding cocktail included with other drinks and specials available. $31.76 per person plus fees. Boards at 5:30, cruise from 6 – 8 p.m. Departs from Navy Pier, 970 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Through Oct. 31. Visit hornblower.com.

SATURDAY

Little Italy Mercato: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Over 100 booths at Date and India streets.Visit littleitalysd.com/mercato.

The Gaslamp Architectural Walking Tour: Stops on this tour include architecturally significant structures from the 1800s including Old City Hall, the Keating Building, William Heath Davis House Museum and more. 11 a.m. 410 Island Ave., Gaslamp.Visit gaslampquarter.org.

SUNDAY

Rooftop Flow: Dynamic yoga class by Yoga One. Hotel Solamar, 435 Sixth Ave., Downtown. 9 – 10 a.m. Visit yogaonesandiego.com.

Walk-in eReader and device assistance: Free and open to the public. Bring your Android and iOS devices for hands-on learning. 2 – 4 p.m. Room 222, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit sandiegolibrary.org.

Outdoor organ concert: The San Diego Organ Society presents a free organ concert. With over 4,500 pipes, this organ is one of the largest organs in the world with wonderful sound, playing classic and popular hits by Downtown News contributor Carol Williams. Enjoy free parking, lots of seating. Balboa Park’s Organ Pavilion. 2 p.m. Visit balboapark.org.

—Complied by Jen Van Tieghem. Send items for inclusion to editor Morgan M. Hurley at [email protected].