Copley Symphony Hall presents Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
thursday, dec. 1
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
Antonio Vivaldi, the red-haired priest, taught music at the Devout Hospital of Mercy, an orphanage for abandoned children in Venice. Girls were taught music at the orphanage, and the best of them could stay indefinitely. They became part of Vivaldi’s all-girl orchestra, who became the darlings of Europe. Though invariably at odds with his employers, everyone had to admit Vivaldi wrote, and played like no one else. When he created The Four Seasons , one of the first examples of specific story-telling music, he became all but a living legend. Explore the poetry and music of this timeless classic with conductor, Jahja Ling and violinist Robert McDuffie.
Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org.
Balboa Park December Nights
friday, dec. 2
Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park December Nights , the nation’s premier holiday festival, will take place for the 34th consecutive year Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3. Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9 p.m. both evenings. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of the Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree and more.
Balboa Park, Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday, noon-10 p.m., free, balboapark.org.
12th annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
saturday, dec. 3
12th annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
The Little Italy Association presents the kick-off to its annual holiday shopping, dining and pampering season with the annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village. Come one and all; family, friends and pets are welcome. Also, jolly ole Saint Nick will be arriving on Little Italy Fire Engine 3, to add that additional holiday cheer; while attendees are serenaded to the musical talents of various entertainers. The Association will be giving out free Italian cookies, cider and coffee; and don’t forget the Little Italy Mercato vendors will be selling holiday gifts, to get the season started off right.
Piazza Natale, on the corner of India and Date Streets in Little Italy, free, 4-7:30 p.m., littleitalysd.com.
San Diego North Park Craft Mafia’s Holiday Hit List
sunday, dec. 4
San Diego North Park Craft Mafia’s Holiday Hit List
The San Diego North Park Craft Mafia presents their 5th annual Holiday Hit List , San Diego’s indie arts holiday shopping extravaganza. Shop from local artists and buy unique handmade gifts. Free gift bags for the first 100 shoppers.
Corky McMillan Event Center, 2875 Dewey Road, NTC Promenade in Liberty Station, free, noon-6 p.m., holidayhitlist.com.
Sycuan’s Fantasy On Ice outdoor ice skating rink
monday, dec. 5
Sycuan’s Fantasy On Ice outdoor ice skating rink
Want to experience ice skating in the heart of America’s Finest City, all while benefiting a great cause? Come to Horton Plaza and enjoy Sycuan’sFantasy On Ice seasonal outdoor ice skating rink benefiting Rady’s Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
Outdoor Rink at Horton Square, 225 Broadway Circle in San Diego, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., adults $14, children under 12 $12, 858-966-6700, sdice.com.
Mannheim Steamroller
tuesday, dec. 6
The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller
The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller has been America’s favorite holiday celebration for more than 25 years. Grammy award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in a festive setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.
San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $35, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
wednesday, dec. 7
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Don’t miss the final year of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play . Join Cygnet Theatre as they make their last visits to Studio A of WCYG radio for the annual telling of this heartwarming classic about a man who wished he had never been born and the apprentice angel who helps him see why his life is so important.
The Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $39, 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com.
