San Diego’s top weekend events: Dec. 9-12
Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 12.
Thursday, Dec. 9
Jo Koy: Just Kidding World Tour
Comedian Jo Koy makes two stops in San Diego for his “Just Kidding World Tour.” Fans who have tickets for one of this two stops can expect all-new material, some written before the COVID-19 pandemic, and some written during. Will he mention new girlfriend Chelsea Handler? You’ll have to see the show to find out. 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday . Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway District. $37.50; jokoy.com.
READ MORE: JK: Jo Koy is “Just Kidding” at two Pechanga Arena shows
Aaron Watson
Country star Aaron Watson brings his voice to Moonshine Flats in Gaslamp, with Jake Worthington opening at this 21-and-up show. 10 p.m. Thursday. Moonshine Flats, 344 7th Ave., Gaslamp. $15 presale and $20 day-of; moonshineflats.com/artists/2021/12/09/aaron-watson-3
Taste ‘n’ Tinis
Hillcrest’s popular holiday sip-and-stroll event is back, with more than 30 participating stores and restaurants offering ticket-holders creative cocktails, light bites and the chance to shop local. 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday . Various locations in Hillcrest. $25 for early birds, $30 in advance and $35 on the day of; fabuloushillcrest.com/taste-n-tinis
Friday, Dec. 10
Holiday Joy Ride
Grab your bike and gear up for the 11th annual Holiday Joy Ride! All ages are welcome on this 4-mile route and everyone is encouraged to dress up in festive attire. Participants will receive a set of bike lights, and raffle tickets are available for purchase to win bike gear. 6:15 p.m. Thursday. Starts and ends at Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Registration is free but donations (in the form of raffle tickets) are encouraged; sdbikecoalition.org UPDATE: Due to weather, Holiday Joy Ride has been moved from Dec. 9 to Dec. 10.
READ MORE: Shine bright! Here are the best places to see holiday lights in San Diego
The San Diego Symphony’s “Noel Noel”
Bring sweaters and scarves as the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale and San Diego Children’s Choir present a night of holiday music, songs and stories at the outdoor Rady Shell. 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero. $25 to $95; theshell.org.
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
Get your holiday shopping done at the Makers Arcade Holiday Fair, featuring booths from more than 100 artisans. Entertainment includes a kids area, game zone, floral installation, mini wreath workshop, photo booth, live music and more. Plus, enjoy grub from lots of local food trucks and sip on drinks at craft cocktail bars. 1 to 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, Embarcadero. Tickets available online for $6; makersarcade.com
Paul Oakenfold
In the 1990s, Grammy-winning producer and DJ Paul Oakenfold was considered one of the best around, performing at clubs and parties around in the world. The British hitmaker is back on the road, performing an intimate show with blklght and DJ IDeaL. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required to attend this 21+ performance. 10 p.m. Friday. Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. $42 to $52; musicboxsd.com.
PB Crazy Christmas Holiday Bar Crawl
Drink for a good cause at the PB Crazy Christmas Holiday Bar Crawl! All ticket proceeds benefit nonprofit Big Josh Foundation. Bars on the lineup are PB Local, Waterbar, 710 Beach Club, Break Point, Maverick’s and Duck Dive. Stick around to the end for a chance to win a $200 cash prize for most holiday festive/best dressed. 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday. Starts at PB Local, 809 Thomas Ave., Pacific Beach. $25; maverickssd.ticketsauce.com/e/pb-crazy-christmas-holiday-bar-crawl
Jeff Garlin
Get ready to laugh as the star of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Goldbergs,” among many others, hits the stage for four shows in San Diego. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday . $25, American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp. americancomedyco.com
Jay Pharoah
You might remember former “Saturday Night Live” star Jay Pharoah and his incredible impersonations of such celebrities as John Mulaney, Jason Statham, Barack Obama, Denzel Washington, Jay-Z and more. Catch him live at one of his five San Diego shows this weekend. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, , 7 p.m. Sunday . $30, The Comedy Store La Jolla, 916 Pearl Street, La Jolla. thecomedystore.com/la-jolla
Saturday, Dec. 11
San Diego Santa Run
Calling all St. Nicks! After going virtual in 2020, San Diego Santa Run returns to Pacific Beach with an in-person event to celebrate its ninth year. Participants have the option to either run, jog or walk the route along Cass Street and Garnet Avenue. Following the races, the annual PB Holiday Parade — which is partially funded by proceeds from the Santa Run — will start at noon. Santa Run 5K starts at 9 a.m. followed by Kids 1-Mile at 11 a.m. and Dogs 1-Mile at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The start/finish line is located at 912 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. $45 for Santa Run 5K; $30 for Kids Mile or Dogs Mile. View the course and find packet pick-up details online. sandiegorunningco.com/sdrc_events/san-diego-santa-run
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus presents ‘Jingle’
The annual production of “Jingle” is back in person for 2021 — and it features about 200 singers, dancers and musicians performing traditional Christmas songs as well as new arrangements and creative medleys. 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $25 to $53; sandiegotheatres.org.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion Christmas Concert
San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez will be joined by the San Diego Opera and San Diego Ballet for a concert featuring selections from Handel’s Messiah, Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” and carols from around the world. 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. Free; balboaparkconcerts.org.
Ales N’ Rails
Enjoy brews and browse San Diego Model Railroad Museum’s model train exhibits to celebrate the museum’s 40th anniversary. The 21-and-up event also features a raffle, live music, food, games and more. 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Model Railroad Museum, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. Presale tickets are $30 and increase to $40 day-of at the door; sdmrm.org/alesnrails. Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within previous 72 hours required for entry. UPDATE: This event has sold out.
READ MORE: Drink up! Don’t miss these holiday beer events happening in San Diego
Christmas in the Park
Head to Poway for a slew of holiday festivities, including caroling, live music, horse-drawn hayrides, and crafts for kids. There will also be holiday boutique shopping, Poway-Midland Railroad train rides and the annual tree lighting at 5:15 p.m., followed by a special visit from Santa. 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Parking available at two lots, located at Poway City Hall (13325 Civic Center Drive) or the Poway Adult School (13626 Twin Peaks Road). Free; fee required for train rides. Complimentary shuttles available to and from parking lots. (858) 668-4576; poway.org/890/Christmas-in-the-Park
Uncorked: San Diego Wine Festival
Bring on the wine! Vino lovers can indulge in a wide selection of reds, whites and champagnes — more than 200, to be exact. Bring a picnic blanket to the 21-and-up event, which will also have local food trucks and a live DJ in a waterfront park setting. Bonus: guests will be drinking for a good cause, as the festival benefits San Diego nonprofit Urban Surf 4 Kids. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Embarcadero Marina Park North, 400 Kettner Blvd. $65 for general admission and $80 for early admission at noon; uncorkedwinefestivals.com/uncorked-san-diego-wine-fest
Marc Broussard
Singer-songwriter Marc Broussard, known for his “Bayou Blues” sound, performs at Belly Up with opener Jamie McLean. 9 p.m. Saturday. Belly Up Tavern, 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $30-$33; bellyup.com
Nutcracker Tea Party
The fourth annual Nutcracker Tea Party returns to Liberty Station, featuring a narrated performance of “The Nutcracker,” delicious bites, photo ops, an interactive ballet demonstration and more. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday . Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road, Liberty Station. $55-$65, libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/nutcracker
READ MORE: Where to see ‘The Nutcracker’ this year
Sunday, Dec. 12
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead
Alternative rock band ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, known for songs like “Will You Smile Again For Me” — will stop by the Casbah for a 21-and-up show, featuring opener Death Valley Girls. 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. $17-$20; casbahmusic.com. Proof of full vaccination or negative PCR test within 72 hours of show is required.
You & Yours Holiday Afternoon Tea
Cheers to the most wonderful time of the year! Lift those pinkies and enjoy Your & Yours’ tea cocktails, as well as a variety of small sandwiches, pastries, and scones. All tickets include hot tea service, a tray of treats, and one champagne tea cocktail, with the option to buy additional specialty tea cocktails. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. You & Yours Distilling Co. 1495 G St., East Village. Tickets are $70 online and are sold in sets of two, four and eight; youandyours.com
West Coast Dance Complex presents “The Nutcracker”
This student production features notable ballet professionals such as Ana da Costa and Jeremy Zapanta. 6:30 p.m. Sunday. California Center for the Arts Escondido, Concert Hall, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $40-$60. artcenter.org
Holiday Craft Sale
Swing by Liberty Station to shop gifts from local businesses! San Diego Craft Collective will host an outdoor Holiday Craft Sale, which shoppers can either drive or walk through. All products available for sale — including ceramics, glassware, natural dye silks and macrame kits, among others — are crafted by San Diego artists. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.Arts District Liberty Station, 2590 Truxtun Rd, Studio 106, Point Loma. libertystation.com
READ MORE: Check out these outdoor ice skating rinks at Liberty Station, Hotel Del Coronado and Sycuan Casino
North Coast Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy seasonal classical music and Christmas carols performed by this community orchestra of amateur and professional musicians. The program includes Taiga by Ilari Hylkilä, “I Saw Three Ships,” “Greensleeves” and many more. 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park, Encinitas. $8 and $10; northcoastsymphony.com.
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