December Nights in Balboa Park
Traditionally, the holiday season kicks off with a grand celebration in Balboa Park. Balboa Park December Nights is a two-day gift to the community that brings out the holiday spirit in all, this year taking place December 2 and 3, 2011. The beloved San Diego event features sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, and exotic Food/Spirits throughout the Park.
North Park Toyland Parade
Unwrap some magic this holiday season and take in the festive fun at the 48th Annual North Park Toyland Parade & Holiday Fair, Saturday, December 3, 2011, starting at 11 a.m. Following the parade is the North ark Holiday Festival from noon to 3 p.m.See Neighborhood Christmas Lights
Who doesn't love to see Christmas lights? Several neighborhoods around town put on annual displays (competitions?), but none more venerable than Christmas Circle in Chula Vista, a tradition for over 46 years. People come from all over San Diego to see the wonderful displays. You'll find Christmas Circle between First and Second Avenues, just south of H. Street and I Street. Read my list of other residential holiday light displays around the county.Take in Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
For a wild twist to holiday festivities, take in the Zoo's annual Jungle Bells celebration. Starting Saturday, Dec. 10 through January 1, 2012, families can put a wild-animal twist on familiar holiday traditions during the Zoo's 2011 Jungle Bells celebration. The Zoo will stay open until 8 p.m. each night except Dec. 24 - when it will close at 5 p.m. - and guests can expect a flurry of whimsical décor and holiday-themed activities including performances by the acrobatic Jumpin', Jammin' Elves and musical trio, Angels with Strings. The festivities start nightly with a tree-lighting ceremony at the Zoo's living conservation tree.Drive-Thru Christmas Lights
We San Diegans are notorious for using the drive-thru lanes, so why not to see Christmas lights? With more than 400 lighted and animated scenes, this 1.5-mile drive around the world-famous Del Mar Racetrack is sure to get everyone from ages 1 to 100 into the holiday spirit. With returning holiday favorites such as Toyland, Candy Cane Lane, Treasures by the Lake and Elves at Play, the 2011 holiday tradition continues with opening night on November 24 (Thanksgiving) and running through Sunday, January 1, 2012.
Ice Skate Outdoors
It's our own version of the Rockefeller Center ice rink - the downtown ice rink at Horton Square is a perfect holiday setting, nestled between Horton Plaza and the NBC 7/39 TV studios (can you see the Rockefeller Center parallels?). Beginning Nov. 17 through Jan. 8, 2012, bring the family downtown, in the evening, so you can bundle up in stocking caps and mittens, pretend you're Manhattanites and skate away. It's only $14/$12 and proceeds benefit Children's Hospital. In addition, the Hotel del Coronado offers ice skating by-the-sea with an outdoor ice rink overlooking the ocean from 11/24-1/2. And Viejas Outlet Center boasts San Diego's largest outdoor ice skating rink.
See Boats On Parade - At Night
Now this is quintessential San Diego: the 2011 annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. On Dec. 11 and 18, 2011, 5:30 - 9 p.m., see over 100 boats, all decked out in lighted glory, cruise a 7.5 mile route on San Diego Bay. This year's theme is a "The Sounds of Christmas" and it promises to be better than ever. Best vantage points from the shore are along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Harbor Island and Coronado.
The Holiday Bowl Parade
Speaking of parades...the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl Parade at 10 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2011 is known for one thing: balloons. Dubbed "America's Largest Baloon Parade," more than 30 giant ballons will float down the one-mile route along the Embarcadero, along with bands, drill teams and more. It's the precursor to the evening's main event: the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium, one of college footballs most exciting and successful bowl games. After the parade, hit the Family Festival at the Broadway Pier.
Take in the Grinch
The Old Globe Theater production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" has quickly become an annual holiday classic in a mere 5 years. The musical, directed by acclaimed director Jack O'Brien, brings to life the classic Dr. Seuss book with incredible sets and memorable performances. The 2011 production runs through Nov. 19 through Dec. 31.
See Sugar Plum Fairies
Of course, what's Christmas without the Nutcracker? This year, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is proud to present the premiere of a totally revised Nutcracker. Performances will be held at the Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park on December 7 - 18, 2011.
