thursday, dec. 8
Skating by the sea
Don’t miss this unique Southern California experience – outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean! The oceanfront Windsor Lawn at the Hotel del Coronado has been transformed into a spectacular ice rink with skating sessions offered daily. A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.
Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. and 6p.m.-9 p.m., Pricing includes skate rental and is $25 for adults/$20 for kids (ages 10 & under) for the 3-hour session. The 2-hour matinee session is $20 for adults/$15 for kids, 800-468-353, hoteldel.com.
friday, dec. 9
Holiday Wine, Food and Pet Festival
Mark your calendars for the annual Holiday Wine, Food and Pet Festival to shop for Christmas and the holiday season this year. Enjoy a snow and ski jump for the kids and your pets; make snowmen and snow angels or just play in the snow. American hot dog eating contest, David Letterman and stupid pet tricks. There will be 50 plus exhibitors, live music, and a wine and beer tasting fundraiser on Friday night.
Embarcadero Park North, Seaport Marina Village North, 500 Kettner Blvd. in San Diego, 2:30 -7:30 p.m., free, 619-865-5904, thekidsofamerica.org.
saturday, dec. 10
Straight No Chaser
If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses … think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) is neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. As original member Randy Stine comments, “We take the music very seriously; we just don’t take ourselves too seriously.” In the process, they are reinventing the idea of a cappella on the modern pop landscape. Originally formed over a dozen years ago while students together at Indiana University, the group has re-assembled and re-emerged as a phenomenon – with a massive fan base.
Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $32, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org.
sunday, dec. 11
Beethoven’s Ninth
Ludwig Van Beethoven’s bold vision of mankind united by brotherly love returns to Symphony Hall. The Symphony No. 9 features a glittering array of guest vocalists including Soprano Heidi Grant Murphy, as well as the mighty San Diego Master Chorale, and will be led on this occasion by in-demand American guest conductor John Nelson.
Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org.
monday, dec. 12
North Park Grub Sprawl
The first North Park Grub Sprawl was such a success, they’re coming back around for a second helping! With over 400 participants attending the previous North Park Grub Sprawl, this thriving neighborhood is sure to have even more to discover during the next round. For one night only, 10 of your favorite North Park restaurants will each offer amazing $5 signature dish specials.
North Park Grub Sprawl, University Avenue and 30th Street in North Park, 6-10 p.m., check Web site for wristband pick-up and locations, grubsprawl.com.
Festival of Christmas
Discover the tradition thousands of Southern California families know and love at the 34th annual Lamb’s Players Festival of Christmas .
Lamb ’ s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $26, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org.
wednesday, dec. 14
A Christmas Carol at the Whaley House
Join SOHO and the Whaley House Museum staff for a performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday ghost story, A Christmas Carol , set in the historic and haunted Whaley House. The classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, will unfold as you go from room to room in the historic 1857 brick mansion known as “America’s Most Haunted.” Although not a traditional tour of the Whaley House, A Christmas Carol is sure to bring holiday fun for the whole family, and who knows? You might even encounter a ghost of Christmas past.
The Whaley House, 2476 San Diego Ave. in Old Town, 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., tickets $8, 619-297-7511, whaleyhouse.org.
