Table of Contents
Christmas Events
Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show
Nov 21–Dec 28, 2025
The Old Globe gives Dickens a SoCal glow-up with a high-energy, laugh-packed remix set in “wintery” San Diego—complete with live music, local jokes, and the classic trio of ghosts. It’s family-friendly and fast-paced, perfect for holiday hijinks that won’t scare the little ones (just the misers). With tickets starting at $48 and a Balboa Park backdrop, you get festive vibes before and after Scrooge sees the light. Short, snappy, and totally SD—bring the relatives and watch them pretend they got every reference.
Skating by the Sea
Nov 21–Jan 4, 2026
Swap snowflakes for sea breeze—Hotel del Coronado’s oceanfront rink is back, letting you carve figure eights with Pacific panoramas and palm trees. Opening day brings Broadway sparkle with Jenna Leigh Green, and the Frostbite Lounge levels up your après-skate with fire pits, seasonal treats, and cocktails. It’s peak San Diego holiday energy: sunsets, sweater-optional skating, and your ticket supports Make-A-Wish San Diego. Pro tip: hit a sunset session and let your camera do the humble-bragging.
Comedy
Mark Normand: Ya Don’t Say
Nov 21
Mark Normand brings his Ya Don’t Say tour to Observatory North Park with razor-sharp, deadpan punchlines and relentless tags. With two shows in one night, expect a packed, comedy-savvy crowd ready for unfiltered, punchline-heavy bits and zero fluff. If you love observational jokes that spiral from awkward to absurd in seconds, this is your sweet spot. Hot tip: these dates tend to move fast, so snag tickets early and let the laughter do the stress relief.
Music
John Legend – The “Get Lifted” 20th Anniversary Tour
Nov 23
John Legend is celebrating 20 years of Get Lifted with a sunset sing-along on the waterfront, and yes, “Ordinary People” and “All of Me” are on the menu. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park brings those San Diego Bay views, skyline sparkle, and seriously good sound—aka peak date-night energy. Expect a polished, romantic vibe with easygoing Shell amenities (seating, eats, and sips) so you can focus on the goosebumps. If you’ve been waiting for a classy excuse to wear linen in November, this is it.
Xavi: X-Tour
Nov 22
Xavi brings his urban corridos and R&B heat to downtown’s biggest backyard, turning Petco Park into a bilingual sing-along. Expect high production, big hooks, and a crowd that knows every lyric—this is a full-on celebration of Latin culture, not just a concert. If you’ve been streaming him on repeat, now’s your chance to belt it out IRL with skyline views and stadium sound. Pro tip: arrive early for smoother entry and maximum time to vibe before the first bass drop.
Vienna Boys Choir – Christmas in Vienna
Nov 21
World-famous since 1498, these angelic voices bring a hush-inducing mix of holiday classics, European carols, and sacred works to the beautifully restored Jacobs Music Center. It’s a family-friendly yet sophisticated night that jump-starts your holiday glow before the turkey even hits the oven. Expect spine-tingling harmonies, Old World charm, and that downtown sparkle that makes a weeknight feel special. Bring the kiddos or your inner choir nerd—either way, you’ll leave humming.
San Diego Symphony: Invocations to the Spirits (Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4)
Nov 21–22, 2025
Beethoven’s Fourth is the one that sneaks up on you—the piano tiptoes in, the orchestra answers, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in feelings you swore you left in the car. The San Diego Symphony’s Jacobs Masterworks program pairs it with other sonic spell-casters for a full evening of goosebumps and glorious orchestral glow. It’s a two-night run, so you can pick your night or lean in and make it a double. Come for the G major hush, stay for the afterglow.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Nov 22
If your holiday playlist needs more synth sparkle than mall speakers can handle, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas is your peppermint pick-me-up. Chip Davis brings the neo-classical rock spectacle with thunderous percussion, lush arrangements, and a festive multimedia light show that makes classic carols feel brand new. It’s family-friendly, gloriously over-the-top, and a tradition you can bring both your cool cousin and your carol-singing aunt to. Consider it San Diego’s unofficial holiday kickoff: zero snow, maximum sleigh bells.
FLOW in Concert with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra
Nov 23
Anime bangers, but make it symphonic. Japanese rock legends FLOW team up with the San Diego Symphony to supercharge the themes you grew up shouting at your TV. Expect a cinematic, cross-cultural blowout that turns arena anthems into goosebumps, with orchestral muscle and fan energy to match. If Naruto, Code Geass, or general main-character energy live rent-free in your head, this one-night power-up is calling.
Sports
SDSU Aztec Football vs. San Jose State Spartans
Nov 22
Final home game energy hits different, and the Aztecs are lining up against the Spartans with the whole place roaring in red and black. Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego keeps you fueled with local craft beer and guilty-pleasure stadium bites while the defense dishes out the not-so-friendly kind of welcome to San Jose State. It’s the perfect fall-night playbook: rivalry vibes, big plays, and a crowd that treats third down like a holiday. Wear your best red-and-black and get loud for the home stretch.
San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United FC at Snapdragon Stadium
Nov 24
San Diego’s first-year upstarts are 90 minutes closer to history after braces from Amahl Pellegrino and Anders Dreyer toppled Portland, and now it’s a Western Conference Semifinal under the lights at 7 p.m. against Minnesota. Dayne St. Clair just went full superhero in a shootout, so expect drama, decibels, and a Snapdragon Stadium buzz that says ‘MLS Cup or bust.’ It’s an official sellout, but diligent fans can still snag resale seats starting at $119. Bring your voice and some nerves of steel—the winner books a spot in the conference final, the loser gets an early winter.
Theater
Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern
Nov 21–23, 2025
San Diego, roll for initiative: this interactive D&D romp lets you and your phone steer the entire quest via Gamiotics, so every plot twist is audience-made. Expect improv-fueled battles, mini-games, and big tavern energy—no two shows ever play the same. It’s a perfect squad night out whether you’re a seasoned DM or just down for dice-fueled chaos; bring your party and your best persuasion checks. It’s a limited-run weekend, so lock in your tickets before this campaign disappears.
Festival
ANIME 619
Nov 22–23, 2025
San Diego’s otaku meter is set to redline at this two-day bash celebrating anime, manga, cosplay, and pop culture. Expect stacked panels, a bustling vendor hall, and exclusive merch that’ll have your wallet attempting a substitution jutsu. Family-friendly cosplay contests mean you can bring the kiddos and still flex your 10/10 fit. Pack comfy shoes and a charged camera roll—this one’s a quest you actually want to grind.
“Wonder of Oz” Lightshow Spectacular
Nov 21–Jan 4, 2026 (runs nightly)
Follow the yellow brick road to Coronado, where The Del’s historic pine trees glow to an Oz-inspired soundtrack and finish with magically timed snow flurries—because this is San Diego, and our blizzards come with ocean views. The show is free, runs nightly, and is basically a cheat code for instant holiday vibes and family photos. Stake out a spot under the towering Norfolk pines or on the beach and let the lights do the heavy lifting while you sip something festive. No ruby slippers required—flip-flops will do.
DroneArt Show: Music That Lights Up the Night
Nov 21–22
When 500+ drones start sketching 3D art across the Chula Vista night sky, even your phone will look up. This 65-minute, Fever-produced spectacle syncs aerial choreography to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake for a legit goosebump combo of tech and classical bangers. Doors open two hours early—grab a spot, snack, and pretend you planned the most romantic STEM date ever. Shows are at 7 p.m. both nights at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway.
Doggie Street Festival & Pet Adopt-A-Thon
Nov 22
Free pets-and-people fun takes over NTC Park (2455 Cushing Rd., Point Loma) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with adoptable dogs and cats, complimentary goodies, and plenty of chances to fall in puppy love. Browse a park-full of vendors slinging pet caricatures, handmade outfits, themed accessories, chew toys, organic treats, and more. Swap tips with on-site veterinarians, throw your name in for auction prizes, and stock up on the good stuff your furball actually wants. Basically, it’s Comic-Con for critters—minus the capes, plus way more belly rubs.
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
Nov 23
It’s six blocks of Old Encinitas cheer on the 101, with 450+ vendors slinging seasonal desserts, art, out-of-the-box gifts, and handmade accessories you can pretend you found months ago. Swing by Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for four live entertainment stages, a beer garden, and plenty of interactive activities and kid-friendly rides. It’s free, festive, and a ridiculously easy way to support local businesses while making a dent in your list. Bonus: ocean air pairs beautifully with holiday shopping victories.
