DECEMBER 4 • Artist reception and food drive Dec. 4, 5-7 p.m., 2034 India St. reception featuring painter Joan Merrick. Bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the San Diego Food Bank’s Holiday Food Drive. DECEMBER 6 • Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul in Bankers Hill hosts its sixth annual Alternative Gifts Expo in the Great Hall, Dec. 6, 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2728 Sixth Ave., at Nutmeg across from Balboa Park. (619) 298-7261 DECEMBER 10 • Blue Christmas in the Gaslamp Quarter — Live performances of blues, jazz, rock and R&B throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, along with complimentary street talent. gaslamp.org • Jingle Bell Bachelor Bash bachelor auction to benefit the Junior League of San Diego, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., The Merk Lounge in The Keating Hotel, 820 Fifth Ave. jinglebellbachelorbash.com DECEMBER 13 • The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation presents a vintage Christmas celebration, Dec. 13, noon-5 p.m., William Heath Davis House. Free craft making for kids, hot apple cider and pictures with Santa in adjacent pocket park. gaslampquarter.org • Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade — Pet owners and their pets are invited to dress in their best holiday costumes and march down Fifth Avenue. The Parade originates and concludes at the Hilton Park adjacent to the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter at Fourth Avenue and K Street. Begins at 3 p.m. Pet Expo in Hilton Park from 1 to 5 p.m. Entry form at gaslamp.org. • Feast of Lights concert, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.; Dec. 14, 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 320 Date St. The evenings culminate in a spectacular living nativity tableau. fpcsd.org, (619) 232-7513. DECEMBER 21 • Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the Bands in the Gaslamp Quarter, Dec. 21, 6 p.m. DECEMBER 30 • Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade, Dec. 30, 10 a.m., Harbor Drive. Preceded by the finals of the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals and the Bumble Bee Foods 5K.