Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village

The Little Italy Association is thrilled to join the community in ringing in the holiday season with the Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village on Saturday, Dec. 2nd from 4-8 p.m. Nothing marks the start of winter quite like watching one of San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods go through a festive transformation with 10-foot-tall nutcrackers, kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, and twinkling Christmas light throughout the 48-square blocks. Take part the San Diego’s long-standing tradition with your loved ones through an evening filled with seasonal vendors, live music and entertainment, holiday treats, family photos with Santa, and above all, the traditional Italian countdown tree lighting ceremony for the Piazza della Famiglia 25’ live tree. Holiday shoppers can also take advantage of the Christmas Village, located on India Street, to find unique stocking stuffers and other holiday goodies from seasonal vendors and select Little Italy Mercato vendors throughout the entirety of the event.

Free pet photos with Santa

This holiday season, Petco invites pets and pet parents to create lasting memories at the Photos with Santa event. Stores are decking the halls and setting the stage for pets to have their free photo taken with Santa. Head down to a local Petco store for a snapshot filled with holiday cheer from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Gaslamp Holiday Market

The historic Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego is proud to announce its multi-week jovial fete, the Gaslamp Holiday Market. This magical event promises to be the crown jewel of the upcoming holiday season, featuring unique artisans, handcrafted gifts, festive installations, live music, Santa, and more. It will take place on the first three Thursdays in December: December 7th, 14th, and 21st, from 4-9 p.m., transforming the Gaslamp Quarter into a cheerful wonderland for all to enjoy.

East Village tree lighting

Join the East Village Association in welcoming the festive season with the return of the East Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market! Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit on Saturday, December 9 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Quartyard and 13th Street for a night of holiday galore. The magical evening will feature a curated holiday market by San Diego Markets, live music, delicious foods, fun activities for the kids, a tree lighting ceremony and above all, photos with Santa Claus himself! 

Taking place at 5:45 p.m. the East Village Association and San Diego’s elected officials invite friends and family as they mark the start of the holiday season with the special tradition of the Christmas tree lighting. Throughout the evening, guests will be able to check out the East Village Holiday Market which will showcase a delightful selection of wonderful hand-crafted gifts, giving holiday shoppers the chance to purchase last minute gifts while enjoying live music and the festive spirit.

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas transports audiences back to December 1956 as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley reunite at Sun Records for a holiday celebration. The group journeys through stories of Christmas past, present, and future in a rockin’ evening filled with holiday hits like “Run Rudolph Run,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and more. Tony-nominated book writer Colin Escott and original orchestrator Chuck Mead reunite with director Scott Weinstein to deliver a show full of both hits and heart. The tour will be at Balboa Theatre on Dec. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/MDQXSanDiego.

Pancakes and Pajamas Brunch with Santa

No need to wear your ‘holiday best’ for this brunch at Provisional Kitchen on Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Join Pendry San Diego for a festive holiday brunch in pajamas! Enjoy brunch favorites, a visit from Santa and a pair of complimentary children’s holiday pajamas from chic pajama partner P.J. Salvage – perfect for photos with Santa! For reservations, visit OpenTable.

Gaslamp Pet Parade and Pups in the Pub Party

Get ready for a howlin’ fun time this December as the Gaslamp Quarter transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with the merry pitter-patter of paws! ‘Tis the season for San Diego’s most heartwarming tradition, the 15th Annual Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade and Pups in the Pub Party! This parade is a fur-tastic extravaganza where pets take the center stage. Picture pets of all shapes and sizes donning their most creative, festive costumes, strutting their stuff, and competing for fabulous prizes. Expect to see Santa Claus himself, along with a delightful array of holiday pet costumes and elaborately decorated floats. Our participants are renowned for their over-the-top creativity, group costume ensembles, and oodles of holiday spirit. With the addition of the holiday expo prior to the parade as well, this year’s parade promises to be one for the history books! On Saturday, Dec. 16, visit the Holiday Expo in MLK Promenade Park from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., then watch the pet parade at 1 p.m. The Pups in the Pub Party takes place from 2-4 p.m.

Koz Christmas in San Diego

Dave Koz and Friends jazz-based Christmas tour is coming to San Diego on Dec. 19. at Balboa Theatre. Beginning the next era of this rich musical tradition, Koz and Friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics – as well as a Chanukah medley – and hits from their respective catalogues. The tour reunites Koz with long-time musical partner, guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, and will feature special guests saxophonist/flutist Marcus Anderson, making his Dave Koz and  Friends debut, and vocalist Rebecca Jade, marking her third outing with the tour. The run will also introduce musical prodigy Justin-Lee Schultz, a 16-year-old South Africa-born, U.S.-based pianist/guitarist/vocalist and social media sensation.

Jingle Belle Family Cruises

Gather with friends and family – and Santa Claus! – aboard the majestic William D. Evans sternwheeler for Jingle Belle Family Cruises, a San Diego tradition on the sparkling waters of Mission Bay. Guests can enjoy joyful carolers, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, a balloon artist, face painter, and tasty holiday treats and libations including hot cocoa and an espresso coffee bar. Cruises depart from the Bahia and Catamaran resorts, December 21-25. Reservations are required. The cost is $45 per person, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Mama’s Kitchen, a San Diego nonprofit that provides medically tailored meals to individuals and families at risk of malnutrition due to critical illnesses. Book tickets at https://www.bahiahotel.com/jingle-belle-cruise.