Whether you’re a lucky San Diego resident or a visitor who happens to be in America’s Finest City for the holidays, you won’t have any problems finding festive activities to enjoy in the downtown districts. Parades and festivals take place year-round in San Diego, but they tend to be more spectacular and magical during the holidays. As usual, the postcard-worthy weather in December will make the following events even more delightful.
1. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
This traditional boating event organized by the Port of San Diego dazzles visitors from around the world each year. More than 80 vessels will be decorated with elaborate holiday lights and sail around the inner harbor after the sun goes down on December 16th. The parade starts sailing around 5 p.m. from Shelter Island. The closest downtown spots to catch the display are Embarcadero Park and Seaport Village.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Balboa Park
Over the last two decades, the Old Globe Theater at Balboa Park has been transformed into Whoville, the magical place where Dr. Seuss’s most popular holiday story unfolds. This season, you’ll be able to catch The Grinch on various dates between December 19th and 29th. Tickets start at $29 for adults. For play times and the full program, check www.theoldglobe.org.
3. The Nutcracker at the San Diego Civic Theatre
The California Ballet Company will perform Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday masterpiece at the Civic Theatre on December 16th at 5:30 p.m., December 19th through the 22nd at 7 p.m., and December 23rd at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for The Nutcracker start at $25. Discounts are provided for children under the age of 12. If you attend the 5:30 p.m. performances, you’ll have an opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet event with the ballet performers.
4. Holiday for Pets at the Gaslamp Quarter
On December 16th, the largest pet expo in San Diego will start with a holiday parade running down the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter. Pet owners will dress up their cuddly companions in festive costumes, and judges will grant an award to the most creative and stylish outfits. Viewing stations will be set up along Fourth and Fifth Avenues starting at 2 p.m.
5. Steampunk Pirate Holiday Concert in Little Italy
On December 21st, whether they’re staying in a cozy hotel or own one of the trendy condos in Little Italy, San Diego locals and visitors will be able to hear the jazz and Celtic fusion band known as Steampunk Pirate, who will perform a free concert featuring holiday music from around the world at Piazza della Famiglia in the Little Italy district. The concert will last from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
6. San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
The Holiday Bowl Parade on December 31st begins with a 5K run that starts out from behind the Convention Center at 9:45 a.m. The floats, drill teams, marching bands, cheerleaders, dancers, and other participants will follow the runners for the next few hours. This is a nationally televised event that culminates with the afternoon Holiday Bowl football game at San Diego Community Credit Union Stadium.
Unless you’re like the title character in The Grinch, you’ll want to check out at least a couple of these fantastic holiday activities. To find out more about downtown holiday happenings, events throughout the year, or the special character of each individual neighborhood in the downtown area, trust the people who know the most about downtown San Diego real estate. Call the friendly agents at 92101 Urban Living today at 619-649-0368.