The December Nights are back in Balboa Park. There are numerous holiday events and parades going on. Ice skating rinks are opening at Hotel Coronado, Viejas, Liberty Station, Temecula and Julian. Some New Year’s Eve events are listed. The Solterra Winery in Encinitas has live music Fridays-Sundays. Vista has a number of events in their Winter Fest, plus Jingle Terrace Live at Moonlight. Other holiday festivals are listed at the links below. Andrea Bocelli will be at Pechanga Arena Dec. 4.
Holiday Parades:
Dec. 6, Coronado Holiday Parade and Open House
Dec. 6, Temecula, Santa’s Electric Light Parade 7pm
Dec. 7, Encinitas Holiday Parade and tree lighting
Dec. 7, Fallbrook Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
Dec. 7, Pacific Beach
Dec. 7, Vista 1-3pm
Dec. 8, La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Dec. 8, San Marcos Holiday Parade 1pm
Dec. 8 and 15, Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights www.sdparadeoflights.org
Dec. 14, Escondido Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival 10am-5pm
Dec. 14, Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Dec. 14, Chula Vista Starlight Parade and Festival
Dec. 14, Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, fireworks from SeaWorld
Dec. 14, Gaslamp Pet Parade
Dec. 27, Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Big Bay Balloon Parade
Many more events listed here at these links:
https://www.san-diego-beaches-and-adventures.com/san-diego-events-December.html
https://www.san-diego-beaches-and-adventures.com/christmas-activities.html
https://www.sandiego.org/campaigns/winter-holiday-in-san-diego.aspx
https://www.sandiegoville.com/2024/11/san-diegos-ultimate-guide-to-more-than.html
https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ca–san-diego/new-years-eve-parties/
Bill Magee:
Jan. 18, Django Reinhardt Birthday Show featuring Pino Noir & Friends and the Garner Trio, Sunshine Brooks Theatre, Oceanside 7pm $30+
Feb. 5, Something Wonderful, Stevie Wonder songs by The Kogee Soul Reprise, Center for the Arts, Escondido, 7pm free
Feb. 28, Vanessa Collier w/ Henri Herbert, Center for the Arts, Escondido, 7pm $32+
Ron Ebel:
Dec. 13, Vista Elks 5:30-9:30pm
Gone Blonde:
Jan. 24, Surf Club, Oceanside 6pm
Custard Pie:
Dec. 21, Five Suits Brewing, Vista 6pm
Dec. 27, Oceanside Moose Lodge 8:30pm
Dec. 28, Larry’s Beach Club, Oceanside 8:30pm
Jan. 11, Encinitas Elks Lodge, 5pm
Jan. 24, Encinitas Elks Lodge, 7pm
Cool Rush Band:
Dec. 6, Ringers, Bonsall 8pm
Dec. 14, Galley at the Marina, Chula Vista 6pm
Dec. 28, Red Eye Saloon, Fallbrook 8pm
Jan. 25, Galley at the Marina, Chula Vista 6pm
Lifetime Rocker:
Nov. 30, Miramonte Winery, Temecula 7pm
Dec. 5, Live Band Karaoke, Old Town Blues Club, Temecula 7:30pm
Dec. 20, Canyon Lake Country Club 6pm
Dec. 21, Lorimar Winery, Temecula 6pm
Jan. 3, Canyon Lake Country Club 6pm
Jan. 19, Bel Vino Winery, Temecula 12pm
Jan. 24, Lorimar Winery, Temecula 6pm
Anthony Cullins:
Dec. 1, with Earl Thomas & The Gospel Ambassadors, Encinitas Library 2pm
Dec. 7, with Earl Thomas, Matt Denny’s Ale House Restaurant, Arcadia 5pm
Dec. 8, with Earl Thomas, Malainey’s Grill, Long Beach 5:30pm
Dec. 9, with Earl Thomas, Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, Tarzana 8pm
Dec. 21, Casa Estrella, Fallbrook 5:30-8:30pm, Anthony’s Birthday Bash
Daring Greatly:
Jan. 24, NAMM Show, Anaheim 12pm
Jan. 25, Pour House, Paso Robles 7pm
Jan. 31, Music Box, San Diego 7pm
https://www.daring-greatly.com/
Danny Gali:
Tony Suraci:
www.tonysuracimusic.com and www.thehighwaymanshow.com
Pretending Chrissie:
Dec. 6, The Landings, Carlsbad 6pm
Dec. 28, Return To the 80s w/ Talking Threads and Rebel Robbie, Quartyard, San Diego 5pm $17.85
Jan. 3, The Landings, Carlsbad 6pm
http://pretendingchrissie.com/
Raynaldo Martine:
Bonsall:
Harlow’s Lounge has live music scheduled semi-regularly, check their website for the current updates. Open Thursday-Saturdays 4-10pm
Fallbrook:
Nov. 30, Village Artisan Faire, downtown 9am-3pm
Dec. 6, Tree Lighting Festival, Community Center 5-7:30pm
Dec. 7, Christmas Parade 5pm
Dec. 13, Holiday Wine & A Bite Art Walk SOLD OUT, limited to 150 attendees
Dec. 14, Gingerbread Station Open House, Fallbrook Historical Society, 1-4pm
Dec. 15, Take3 Christmas, Burton Center for Performing Arts, 2pm $20/$25, under 18 free www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org
Dec. 2-19, Dine Out in December at 8 local restaurants on specific dates, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Foundation for Senior Care
Dec. 21, Breakfast with Santa, Community Center 8:30am-10:30am
https://www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/
Warrior Avenues:
There are two donation drives currently in progress: for holiday meals and toys for military families, and for basic hygiene items for our military personnel. More details are on the website. Other resources are available in support of active military, spouses and veterans. Email courtney@warrioravenues.org to coordinate a drop off or pick up of donations.
Dec. 7, Warrior Women Coffee & Conversation, Bakin’ it Up, Fallbrook 9am-11am
Holiday Boutique, Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society:
Dec. 7 and 14, 10am-4pm, 123 W. Alvarado
Fallbrook Community Drum Circle:
Dec. 22, at Jackie Heyneman Park on S. Mission under the gazebo, bring your own chairs, 2-5pm, now the 4th Sunday of each month. For more information email Daniel at eminentsun@icloud.com
Fallbrook Farmers and Artisan Market:
Saturdays 9am-1:30pm, on Main between Hawthorne and Fig, more info 760-728-5845 or info@fallbrookfarmersmarket.org
This is an informative website about Fallbrook you may want to check out: www.everythingfallbrook.org
Fallbrook Art Center:
Nov. 22-Dec. 31, Int’l Holiday Show, all mediums
Fallbrook Mission Theater:
Movies:
Dec. 6, It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
Dec. 13, Love Actually (2003)
Dec. 20, The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jan. 3, Remember the Night (1940) Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray
Jan. 17, Toy Story (1995) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Laurie Metcalf
Movies 7pm, doors 6pm $10
Check their website for late updates
Live Events:
Dec. 15, Gin ’N Tonix Christmas, 2pm
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, ball drop 9pm $20/$25, 7-9pm, live DJ, dancing, cocktails, food
Jan. 9-10, Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
Jan. 11, Live Comedy Onstage 7pm $20, 18 and older
Jan. 25, An Evening with Marlene Dietrich Live on Stage followed by the movie “Destry Rides Again”, $15/$20
https://fallbrookmissiontheater.com/
Fallbrook VFW Post 1924:
Lots of special events and meals, brunch, Bike Night last Friday of the month, and more, open to the public.
Monserate Winery:
Nov. 30, Shay & Co., live music 1pm
Dec. 13, Comedy Night with Jesus Trejo and Justine Marino 6pm $55
Vista WinterFest:
Holiday Parade:
Dec. 7, downtown 1-3pm, theme: Christmas in the Movies
Blues Christmas Pop-Up Music Fest:
Dec. 12, 5-9pm at four taverns on S. Santa Fe
Vista Cowboy Christmas:
Dec. 20, 5-9pm, Main Street Gazebo, downtown Vista
https://vistamade.com/winterfest/
Moonlight Theater:
Jingle Terrace Live:
Dec. 6-21, holiday event with light shows, displays, refreshments, live entertainment, all is free including parking.
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum special events:
Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 Holiday Lights
Regular events ongoing
Escondido:
https://visitescondido.com/full-calendar/
Escondido Wine and Craft Beer map: https://visitescondido.com/wineries/
Center for the Arts:
Nov. 30, Flamenco Sur Dance Co. presents Desplante!
Dec. 2, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 7:30pm
Dec. 3, Irish Christmas in America 7:30pm
Dec. 6-7, Carols by Candlelight, Richie Furay on Dec. 6, Rodney Atkins on Dec. 7, special guest John Ford Coley both nights, www.carolsbycandlelight.com
Dec. 7-8, Winter Wonderland 1-5pm free, exhibit through Feb. 23
Dec. 7-8, The Nutcracker by Performing Arts Workshop
Dec. 8, The Nutcracker by West Coast Dance Complex
Dec. 12-15 and 19-22, Hope Springs, Eternal, various times, North County Players
Dec. 14-15, The Nutcracker by West Coast Ballet & San Elijo Dance
Dec. 15, Sound Meditation and Body Movement w/ Noriko Whitfield 11am $30
Dec. 20-23, The Nutcracker by City Ballet of San Diego
Dec. 21, The Nutcracker with Live Orchestra, San Diego Academy of Ballet 1pm and 7pm
Jan. 17, An Evening with Judy Collins 7:30pm
Jan. 18, Ronstadt Revival, tribute by Shannon Rae
Jan. 19, Sound Meditation and Body Movement w/ Noriko Whitfield 11am $30
Jan. 22, Jesse Cook 8pm
Feb. 2, New Orleans Songbook, The Spirit of Mardi Gras
Intimate Classic Series:
Jan. 19, Victor Asuncion & Paul Tseng, piano and cellist 3pm $30-$66
The Grand – Ritz Theater:
Dec. 5, Holiday Magic Nutcracker 6:30pm
Dec. 6, Christmas Concert 7pm
Dec. 7, Happy Hula-Days Showcase 4pm
Dec. 8, Christmas with the Piano Man: Billy Nation 7pm
Dec. 13-14, Anastasia the Musical: Youth Edition
Dec. 15, Seaside’s Winter Showcase 4:30pm
Dec. 21, The Nutcracker by Encinitas Ballet
Dec. 28, Cocktail Hour: Songs of the Rat Pack 2pm and 7:30pm
Jan. 10, Frampton Comes Alive! Featuring Jeff Ellis 8pm
Jan. 13, Tom’s Elton Tribute to Elton John
Jan. 17, Motown in your Town
Both indoor seating and an outdoor rooftop venue
https://www.thegrandescondido.org/projects-8
Welk Theatre:
Dec. 4, 11, 18, Don’t Stop Believing, Journey tribute, Wednesdays 7pm
Dec. 15, 19, 21, 22, A Magical Holiday Celebration, various times
https://tickets.thewelksandiego.com/
Ramona:
The Barn, weekend bands start 8:30 or 9pm, varies
Thursdays: DJ Keahi 6:30pm, line dancing
First Saturdays: Fiesta Night 9pm
Friday and Saturday live music varies
Ramona Mainstage on Main Street, formerly the Ramona Theatre, has been refurbished and updated. The original grand opening was in 1947. Now a performing arts facility, there is live music scheduled regularly. Doors open 7pm.
San Marcos:
Bornemann Theatre:
Dec. 7, Soul Seekers
Dec. 11, Holiday Memories
Dec. 13, It’s a Wonderful Life, movie
Dec. 14, Jingle Grass featuring Honey Buckets Band
Dec. 21-22, A Christmas Carol, 2pm and 7pm
Dec. 27, Don’t Tell Comedy
Dec. 28, Ticket to Ride, Beatles tribute
Jan. 4, Sammy Listoe
https://www.campusoflife.org/live-shows/the-bornemann
My Yard Live:
Live music Fridays-Sundays, Karaoke Thursdays, Trivia Night Wednesdays, Dueling Pianos first Friday of each month.
Carlsbad:
8th Annual Makers Market:
Dec. 7, Carlsbad Village at St. Michael’s by the Sea 9am-4pm
The Landings at Palomar Airport, 6-9pm unless otherwise noted:
Sundays 11am-2pm
Tuesdays-Thursdays Happy Hour 3-6pm
Wed-Sun live music (most)
Nov. 30, Sticky Sweets
Dec. 6, Pretending Chrissie
Dec. 7, Social Remedy
Dec. 13, Fleetwood Max
Dec. 14, The Smokin’ Guns
Dec. 20, The Ride
Dec. 21, Totally 80s Band
Dec. 27, Boogie Xpress
Dec. 28, Mojo Strut
Jan. 3, Pretending Chrissie
Jan. 4, Cadillac Fringe
Jan. 10, 80’s Jukebox
Friday and Saturday evenings: reservations are required for parties over 8, $30/person minimum.
Coyote Bar and Grill:
Live Music:
Saturdays 1-4:30pm and 6-10pm
Sundays 1-4:30pm and 5-9pm
Tuesdays-Friday 6-10pm
Mondays, Karaoke 6-10pm
Dec. 3, Jimmy and Enrique 6pm
Dec. 11, Half Shot 6pm
Dec. 16, Jimmy and Enrique 6pm
Dec. 21, Jimmy and Enrique 1pm
Dec. 31, Bumpsonic 6-10pm
Dec. 31, DJs Gary B and Treflip on the patio 9pm-1:30am
St. Michael’s by the Sea:
https://www.carlsbad-village.com/events/calendar-of-events-2024
Oceanside:
https://visitoceanside.org/events/
Coomber Craft Wines, tasting room, food, live music most nights
December Sundays with Raynaldo Martine 6pm
https://www.coomberwines.com/calendar
Oceanside Sunset Market every Thursday 5-9pm
This link also has information on the various artisan and gift markets in Oceanside.
Del Mar:
Del Mar Fairgrounds:
Dec. 13-15, 20-23, 26, Coastal Christmas in the Paddock 4-9pm
Jan. 10-12, Gem Faire
https://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/events
Del Mar Track:
Winter racing season ends Dec. 1
The Sound:
Encinitas:
Botanic Garden Lightscape:
Nov. 15- Jan. 5, San Diego Botanic Garden, one mile evening walk with 1 million lights, laser garden, lantern trees, more. Special ticketed event, reservations required
Solterra Winery:
Live music Fridays and Saturdays 6-9pm, Sundays 4-7pm
Solana Beach:
Belly Up:
Fridays, Atomic Groove: Get Your Groove Back Happy Hour 5:30pm, $12
Full schedule, some shows sold out
San Diego:
Balboa Park December Nights:
Dec. 6, 3-11pm and Dec. 7, 11am-11pm, free, lights, live music, food, tree lighting
https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
Big Night San Diego:
Dec. 31, Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, 12 themed party areas, 6 dance floors, fireworks, more, 21+ only
https://www.bignightsandiego.com/
Ice Skating at Hotel del Coronado:
Mid-Nov to January, $35
Smokehouse Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at The Del
The Shell:
Dec. 7-8, Night of Christmas, various times
Dec. 15, Cruising into the Holidays: Fiesta Navidad!
Dec. 21, Fit Athletic Yoga 9:30 am
Full season back in the spring
Snapdragon Stadium (at SDSU) opened for sports, monster jams, concerts
Dec. 26, Snapdragon Bowl Bash, free
Dec. 27, Holiday Bowl 5pm
https://snapdragonstadium.com/
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre:
Diverse series of concerts/events
https://as.sdsu.edu/calcoast/events
The Magnolia:
The Magnolia, formerly the East County Performing Arts Center, has been fully renovated and is now open and hosting a variety of events year-round, including concerts, movie nights, beer festivals, street fairs, etc. 210 E. Main, El Cajon
https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/venue-info
Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay:
Concerts back in April 2025
https://www.humphreysconcerts.com/
Humphrey’s Backstage Live:
A Gourmet Blues concert series is on the schedule, sponsored by AimLoan and produced by Wicked Harem Productions. Vince Kasperick of AimLoan is the driving force behind this series. AimLoan was the main sponsor of the San Diego Blues Festival put on by the Jacobs & Cushman Food Bank. This is the lineup:
Dec. 14, Nick Moss Band w/ Chicken Bone Slim
Jan. 11, Shemekia Copeland w/ Mercedes Moore
Feb. 8, Marquise Knox
Mar. 1, Danielle Nicole Band
Dec. 31, Detroit Underground, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Party
www.humphreysbackstagelive.com/events
Tio Leo’s: live music Tuesday-Saturday at the Napa Street, San Diego, location. All three restaurants are open. www.tioleos.com
Aquarius Bar & Grill, Mission Bay:
Live music every day but the website only shows a few days at a time. Check there for current info.
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Dec. 12-Jan. 4, Jingle Bells at the San Diego Zoo, Wild Holidays at Safari Park
SeaWorld: Christmas Celebration, select dates Nov. 15-Jan. 5. Fireworks most weekends. www.seaworld.com
Balboa Park www.balboapark.org free organ concerts every Sunday 2-3pm
Birch Aquarium https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/
USS Midway Museum Jingle Jets Holiday lighting Nov. 22-Dec. 23 www.midway.org
The Old Globe Theatre www.theoldglobe.org tickets on sale now for How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Liberty Station:
Nov. 21-Jan. 5, Rady Children’s Ice Rink
Dec. 26, Hanukkah and Menorah Lighting
https://libertystation.com/events/calendar
Petco Park sports and concerts:
Dec. 5-27, Holiday Market
https://www.petcoparkinsider.com/petco-park-events
https://www.petcoparkinsider.com/category/concerts-at-petco-park/
San Diego Brewers Guild has a link for the current status of local breweries that is constantly being updated here, including live music www.sdbeer.com
Pechanga Arena sports, concerts, monster trucks:
Dec. 4, Andrea Bocelli
Dec. 5, Maverick City Music
Feb. 14, Valentine’s Super Love Jam
https://pechangaarenasd.com/events/category/concerts/
San Diego Food Bank:
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank feeds about 400,000 military and civilian people per month, year-round. Please help them feed the hungry in our local communities. They are doing an enormous job!
http://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/
Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, open and with a fully booked schedule, reservations.
Temecula:
Nov. 30, Holiday Sunset Market, artisan vendors, food 2-6pm
Dec. 2, Christmas Tree Lighting, Temecula Duck Pond 7pm
Dec. 6, Santa’s Electric Light Parade 7pm
Dec. 12, Temecula on Ice opens, through Jan. 5, Town Square Park
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, Civic Center
http://www.temeculaevents.org/
Old Town Temecula Community Theater
Season tickets available for purchase, regular ongoing events
https://tickets.temeculatheater.org/
Vail Headquarters:
Different events scheduled throughout the year
Old Town Blues Club, live music Thursday-Sunday
Old Town Temecula Community Theater
https://tickets.temeculatheater.org/
More Temecula activities and information:
Wineries:
This website has a comprehensive and detailed list of the status of the wineries and what they are currently offering.
Pala Casino, all times 8pm unless noted otherwise:
Indoor concerts:
Dec. 8, Chiquis
Dec. 28, Mamase – Tribute to Michael Jackson
Jan. 10, Queen Nation – Tribute to Queen
Jan. 17, Twisted Gypsy – Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Jan. 26, Grupo Laberinto
Harrah’s Rincon Casino:
Dec. 6, Penn & Teller
Jan. 4, Masters of Illusion
Jan. 9, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, comedy
Jan. 17, Theresa Caputo Live!
Jan. 18, Gladys Knight
Pechanga Resort & Casino:
Dec. 6, Tony Hinchcliffe
Dec. 7, Kenny G -Miracles Holiday and Hits
Dec. 20, Air Supply
Dec. 21, Aaron Kwok Iconic World Tour 2024
Dec. 22, Live Show My Tam – My Soul in USA
Dec. 28, Thunder from Down Under – Untamed 2024 Tour
Dec. 29, En Vogue
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve events
Jan. 3-5, Pechanga Pow Wow, free
Jan. 10, Engelbert Humperdinck, The Last Waltz Farewell Tour
Jan. 11, The Fab Four USA Meets the Beatles
Jan. 26, Three Dog Night
Valley View Casino in Valley Center, 8pm:
Nov. 30, Upstream
Schedule not posted yet
Bates Nut Farm:
Nov. 30, Santa’s Coming Craft Fair
Dec. 13-14, Christmas in Valley Center
https://batesnutfarm.biz/p-9224-events.html
Mahalo,
Annette 😇
Share Smiles, Show Kindness, Spread the Love
For in-depth coverage of many of the local musicians and concerts (and more):
Click here for BackStage360: http://www.backstage360.com/
Disclaimer: times and events may change after publication.