The holiday season has officially arrived in East Village, and the community is bursting with festive cheer! On Nov. 30, the East Village Association, along with neighbors and visitors, kicked off the merriest time of the year with the Annual East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market. Featuring a delightful holiday market curated by the San Diego Markets, lively local entertainment and delicious food and drinks, the event embodied the spirit of togetherness and holiday joy. But the celebrations don’t stop there! East Village has even more events and delicious dining experiences at your fingertips to keep the holiday spirit alive and thriving.
Holiday Happy Hour @ Park & Market
Get ready to toast to the season at a Holiday Happy Hour, hosted by UCSD Park & Market on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. The festive evening will feature bites and sips from Senses Bistro, festive libations, and an electrifying performance by Full Strength at the Guggenheim Theater. With their dynamic mix of ‘70s funk, Latin hits and today’s top beats, the high-energy dance band will keep you grooving throughout the whole night. The Lucky Duck Foundation, an organization that helps to prevent and alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego County, will be the official event charity. Purchase tickets soon – you won’t want to miss out!
City lights
Immerse yourself in a dazzling new reality where light, sound and urban culture converge at City Lights, an alluring visual experience debuting at Quartyard in East Village this winter. Opening on Dec. 6 and running through Jan. 19, this walkable journey blends cutting-edge digital art and interactive installations, inspired by the vibrant energy of the city nightlife and the raw, experimental spirit of ‘90s underground rave culture. Guests will embark on a 50-minute exploration of six distinct zones, each featuring awe-inspiring elements like lasers, LED sculptures, projection mapping and reactive video displays. Entradas are available for $20.
Holiday Market in Gallagher Square
From Dec. 5 through 27, Gallagher Square at Petco Park will be hosting a Holiday Market filled with lighting displays, a visit from Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday characters. Attendees can immerse themselves in the winter wonderland featuring various artisans, food and drink vendors, a carousel, live entertainment, and more! Entradas are $18 for children and $21 for adults.
Holiday dining
The holidays are a perfect time to savor a memorable meal, and East Village offers a range of incredible dining options that suit any celebration.
Cowboy Star is the first restaurant in East Village to offer a distinctive fine dining experience that blends contemporary American cuisine with a western flair. A must-try, Cowboy Star features a menu showcasing only the finest cuts of beef and the freshest seafood. Don’t miss their seasonal favorites, such as the Dry Aged Duck Breast, a creative take on French Onion Soup, and the beloved Bana “Pudding” this winter.
At the award-winning Callie, Chef Travis Swikard brings together the diverse flavors of the Mediterranean with the fresh, local ingredients of his hometown, San Diego. Located in the heart of East Village, Casa Octavio is a Mexican restaurant and luxury tequila bar that draws inspiration from Baja beach culture and the art of tequila-making. There’s nothing like a warm soup during the holiday season. Designed to suit the fast-paced lifestyle of San Diegans, Beshock Ramen & Sake Bar offers meals that are both satisfying and light.
Founded by sibling duo Jumi Pitiwartarlai and Uthan Dejcomrunkul, Sovereign Modern Thai brings the authentic flavors of Northeastern Thailand’s Isaan region to San Diego. Taking a fresh approach to traditional Thai dishes, the restaurant prepares everything from scratch, with care and authenticity.
Lola 55 stands out in the sea of San Diego’s bustling taco scene, earning Michelin recognition for its incredible taco offerings, like baby carrot adobada and squash blossom relleno. Don’t forget to save room for a sweet treat this holiday season and indulge in the Mexican mole-chocolate ice cream and irresistibly crunchy churros.
For those in search of a more casual setting for a hearty meal, Knotty Barrel is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with house-brewed beers and a full bar. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, Knotty Barrel offers a creative, locally sourced menu with everything from Farmers Market Toast to smoked turkey breast specials.
With so many festive events, immersive experiences, and dining options, East Village is the ultimate destination to celebrate the holiday season. Come be a part of the magic and make this December one to remember!
