San Diego: This Weekend (Dec. 6-9)

By Leslie HackettEditor-in-Chief and Digital Director

Dec. 6, 2018 6 AM PT

Big events going on this weekend in San Diego include December Nights, Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Fest, Toast of Gaslamp and Red Nose Run.

12.6: Mingle Bells 2018

MarComm professionals gather ‘round for one crazy night in the Spirit of Glamping for the annual event that includes drinks, bites, photobooths and staying warm by the glampfire.

Fluxx Nightclub, 500 Fourth Ave., downtown, sandiegox.org/events

12.6-8: Robert Kelly

“If I have to tie my shoe, I could die. I could die. ’Cause I have to hold my breath like I’m swimming for conch shells off the coast of Puerto Rico.” — Robert Kelly at the Gotham Comedy Club

@ The American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

12.7: 43rd annual Coronado Holiday Parade

Light up your yuletide season at this traditional hometown parade set to a soundtrack of carolers and offering one lucky family the chance to illuminate Star Pine, the community’s enormous holiday tree. — Michael Benninger

Orange Avenue, Coronado, coronadochamber.com

12.7: Nightmare Before Christmas Brews Cruise

Fans of Tim Burton’s cinematic, stop-motion classic won’t want to miss this night as the Spirit of San Diego yacht converts into holiday-themed Halloween Town complete with two floors of entertainment, three hours of breathtaking bay views and unlimited samples of 20 from nearby breweries. — Michael Benninger

Spirit of San Diego, San Diego Bay, eventbrite.com

12.7: 3LAU

New York-born, Vegas-based DJ Justin Blau released his 11-song full-length debut, Ultraviolet, in February. A remixed version featuring new versions by Zeds Dead, Zaxx, and more followed in May. And last month, Blau teamed with HYO on new single, Punk Right Now. — Scott McDonald

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com

12.7: Tiga

Canadian DJ, producer and musician Tiga was last in San Diego for this year’s CRSSD Spring edition. He returns after releasing the four-track Blessed EP, Pt. 1 with The Martinez Brothers last month. — Scott McDonald

@ Spin, spinnightclub.com

12.7-8: 41st annual December Nights

Admission to this iconic two-day extravaganza — the largest free festival in the city — includes access to an endless amount of international food as well as exhibits and entertainers at many of the Park’s museums. Before you go, be sure to read these 10 tips. — Michael Benninger

Throughout Balboa Park, sandiego.gov/december-nights

The Botanical Garden at Baloba Park lit up for December Nights.

12.7-8: La Mesa Holiday in the Village

Get into the holiday spirit by ambling down the streets of historic downtown La Mesa while enjoying live music, craft merchants and occasional fire pits where you can warm your weary bones. — Michael Benninger

La Mesa Village, La Mesa, lamesavillageassociation.org

12.7-8: Joey Diaz

“I lit a bum on fire one time in Hollywood. Not because I wanted to — I was smoking a joint. I threw the flame out the window. And he was downstairs with a Kmart sweater on with like a f***ing blanket. It lit up on flames. And I’m good. I went down and brought him another blanket. You know me; I’m tight with that. I heard him down there f***ing yelling and screaming, so I brought him down another blanket. But that’s the type of guy I am.” — Joey Diaz on The Degenerates

@ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

12.8: Tequila, Taco & Cerveza Fest

Showcasing more than 40 brands of tequila alongside tons of taco recipes, this inaugural event also includes a live lucha libre show and authentic Mexican mariachi music. — Michael Benninger

Liberty Station, Point Loma, ttcfest.com

12.8: Second annual Island Food & Beer Fest

Knock back unlimited tastings of locally brewed beer, then soak up those suds with delicious dishes from the Pacific Islands while the ’80s hit-band The Jets headlines the day’s live entertainment. — Michael Benninger

Waterfront Park, Little Italy, coconutsandcocktailspromotions.com

12.8: Taste & Thirst 10 year anniversary

Celebrating a decade in business is cause for a huge celebration, which will include extended happy hour (1/2 off all drinks) until 1 a.m. and a toy drive for the Boys & Girls Club of National City (an unwrapped toy gets you a Jameson shot and a raffle ticket; a $10 donation gets you two drink tickets, buffet and raffle ticket).

Taste & Thirst, 714 Fourth Ave., downtown, tasteandthirst.com

12.8: Toast of Gaslamp

Raise a glass to the heart of our beloved city during this decadent evening teeming with treats from 24 of the Gaslamp’s top restaurants and complemented by scorching deals at many of downtown’s most desirable retailers. — Michael Benninger

Throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, tasteofgaslamp.com

12.8: Meet the Artists in North Park

Art Produce is opening its doors to local artists Kaori Fukuyama and Channin Fulton, whose artwork and design concepts will be commissioned for the new Target store being built in North Park. Stop by and say hello and learn about their upcoming projects.

Art Produce, 3139 University Ave., North Park, eventbrite.com

12.8: Brohug

The Swedish DJ and production trio of Christopher Lunde, Niklas Lunde and John Dahlbäck was last here in February as part of the LED Anniversary VII. The threesome has kept busy in 2018, releasing seven singles (Sinner, Fun, My Place, Charlie, Be Somebody, The Hunt, In My Hand) as well as a pair of remixes. — Scott McDonald

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com

12.8: Poway Christmas in the Park

Travel back to a simpler time this Christmas season with Poway’s steam locomotives, horse-drawn hayrides and live entertainment reminiscent of an earlier era. — Michael Benninger

Old Poway Park, Poway, poway.org

12.8: Fifth annual Makers Arcade Holiday Fair

Meet makers, listen to live music and express yourself at the make-and-take craft center during this unique event that includes scrumptious bites, a free photo booth and finely crafted cocktails. — Michael Benninger

Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier, Marina District, makersarcade.com

12.8: Mission Bay Parade of Lights

In this distinctly Californian celebration, an armada of seaworthy vessels decorated for the season cruises along the waters of Mission Bay. — Michael Benninger

Santa Clara Point, Mission Bay, mbyc.org

12.8: Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

Bring a blanket, a jacket and some cocoa to sip on while watching decked-out boats of all shapes and sizes in this seafaring celebration along O’side’s coast. — Michael Benninger

Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, visitoceanside.org

12.8: Warren Miller’s Face of Winter

Warren Miller, who practically invented the modern ski movie, passed earlier this year. This movie screening pays homage to the great filmmaker and showcases some of the world’s greatest skiers and snowboarders carving powder in stunning, remote locations. — Michael Benninger

La Paloma Theatre, Encinitas, lapalomatheatre.com

12.8: 27th annual Jingle Bell Run

Do your part to help find a cure for arthritis at this holiday-themed 5K that welcomes runners to dress up in their North-Pole best. — Michael Benninger

Liberty Station, Point Loma, events.arthritis.org

12.9: Craft & Draft

Shop and sip at this annual event featuring local artisans, brews and food.

Blind Lady Ale House, 3416 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, blindladyalehouse.com

12.9: Red Nose Run

Choose either a 3K or a 5K on this fundraising, Fido-friendly holiday run followed by drinks and bites at the iconic Poseidon Restaurant. — Michael Benninger

Del Mar Beach, Del Mar, therednoserun.com

12.9: Over the Edge for Brain Cancer

Show your fear of heights who’s boss while rappelling down the tallest building on downtown’s waterfront during this no-experience-necessary event benefiting brain-cancer research. — Michael Benninger

Manchester Grand Hyatt, downtown, events.abc2.org

12.9: Celebrate San Diego

Because who doesn’t want to celebrate San Diego?! The Travelers Club, along with Red Bull, are honoring America’s Finest City by throwing a huge party complete with art installations, various activations and music from Amon, Eddie Zuko and Spooky Cigarette.

Beach Hosue, 3125 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach, thetravelersclubsd.com

12.9: 47th annual San Diego Parade of Lights

More than 100,000 locals are expected to attend this bayfront tradition showcasing 80 lavishly decorated boats fitting this year’s theme: Tropical Island Christmas. — Michael Benninger

Several viewing areas along the San Diego Bay, sdparadeoflights.org

12.9: Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony

More than 15 local artists and craftsmen vendors will be on hand to help with holiday shopping along with an East Village tree lighting ceremony, Christmas carolers, dance performances and a chance at a selfie with Santa.

Quartyard, 1301 Market St., downtown, quartyardsd.com/events

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Leslie Hackett

After graduating from San Diego State in 2005, Leslie Hackett started working for The San Diego Union-Tribune as a newsroom page designer. Since then she has moved through different positions at the company, including Content and Product Manager in advertising, Editor of DiscoverSD.com and now works on both the print and website products for PACIFIC magazine as Editor-in-Chief and Digital Director.