From December Nights to Queen Bee Market, this weekend is full of winter parties and holiday shopping
Top events this weekend include Jingle Bell Run, Winter Wonderland Festival, Makers Arcade Holiday Fair and Vista Winterfest. Plus, cult film favorite John Waters is coming to town...
12.6-7: December Nights
Featuring new light displays and inspirational choirs, this iconic, two-day extravaganza celebrates its 42nd anniversary. Guests will find access to an endless amount of international food as well as exhibits, entertainers and other attractions at many of the park’s museums.
Balboa Park, sandiego.gov/december-nights

12.7: Jingle Bell Run
Do your part to find a cure for arthritis at this holiday-themed 5K that encourages runners to dress up in their North-Pole best.
Liberty Station, Point Loma, arthritis.org
12.7: 28th Annual Red Nose Run
Choose to run either 3K or 5K on this Fido-friendly fundraiser followed by drinks and bites at the picturesque Poseidon Restaurant.
Del Mar Beach, Del Mar Beach, therednoserun.com
12.7: Winter Wonderland Festival
Scamper in real snow, create winter-themed crafts and rub noses with live reindeer as the North Pole takes over the heart of Escondido with carolers, stilt walkers and new light installations among other decorations.
Lyric Court, Escondido, artcenter.org
12.7: A John Waters Christmas
The director, comedian and artist famous for his cult films brings his explicitly irreverent style of storytelling to San Diego for one night.
The Observatory, North Park, observatorysd.com

12.7-8: San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Jingle
Join 200 of San Diego’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians as they present a family-friendly holiday show featuring traditional favorites and modern classics.
Balboa Theatre, Downtown, sdgmc.org

12.7-8: Queen Bee Market
This urban-style artisan market includes more than 100 local and national vendors specializing in handmade and vintage accessories, along with clothing, home décor, furniture and more.
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, thequeenbeemarket.com
12.7-8: 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.
Port Pavilion @ Broadway Pier, Downtown, makersarcade.com
12.8: Vista Winterfest 2019
Enjoy holiday carolers, a horse-drawn carriage and colorful ballet dancers at this free, family-friendly fete that also includes a seasonal marketplace, wintertime movies and a roaming mariachi band.
Along Main Street, Vista, vistachamber.chambermaster.com
12.8: Lady Brain Presents Holiday Party
Lady Brain Presents, a collective of female creatives, hosts “Home is Where the Art Is” -- a free, 21+ holiday event featuring music performances. The event doubles as a winter clothing drive, so bring (preferably new) beanies, gloves, scarves, socks and blankets, as well as cash for merch and a raffle. (Sara Butler)
The Holding Company, Ocean Beach, ladybrainpresents.com
12.8: Parade of Lights Watch Party
The San Diego Convention Center celebrates its 30th anniversary celebration with a free party on the waterfront to watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Enjoy local entertainment, holiday-themed beverages and more. (Sara Butler)
San Diego Convention Center, downtown, facebook.com/events/442066756665697
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