thursday, dec. 15
Traditions of Christmas
Traditions of Christmas has grown to be the biggest Christmas show in San Diego drawing more than 250,000 patrons over the years. It is a musical journey of all the greatest Christmas songs and traditions from around the world. Santa’s workshop comes alive with dancing elves, Raggedy Ann dolls, toy soldiers and magical toys. The Rockette-style tap dancing kickline will have you cheering in the isles. You’ll sing along with your favorite songs like “White Christmas” and the Dicken’s carolers. It all comes together at the end with a fully staged living nativity. It has a cast of 100 people with spectacular sets and costumes and a full 25-piece orchestra. It truly is the perfect show to capture the sights and sounds of Christmas.
Lincoln Performing Arts Center, 4777 Imperial Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $26, 619-588-0206, traditions2011.com.
friday, dec. 16
An Irish Christmas
Welcome to a great celebration of a Christmas evening in Ireland with glorious music, traditional dance, lively storytelling, laughter and plenty of Irish soul. The production boasts an all-star cast including renowned Riverdance lead Darren Maguire; button accordion genius David Munnelly; the great Kieran Munnelly on flute and bodhran; the Kerry Trad Orchestra and a host of actors and singers in a sparkling Irish night!
Come ‘round the hearth and celebrate the wonder and beauty of An Irish Christmas . Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $25, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org.
saturday, dec. 17
The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet about a young girl, Clara, who is given a nutcracker for Christmas by her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. But this is no ordinary nutcracker as Clara learns that very night. After a great battle with the Mouse King, the nutcracker turns into a Prince. He takes Clara on a magic journey through the Land of the Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy honors the couple with entertainment from around the world.
Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway in San Diego, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., tickets from $29, 858-272-8663, cityballet.org.
sunday, dec. 18
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 2011
Be a part of the 40th anniversary of the spectacular San Diego Bay Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay. This year’s theme is “Our 40th Anniversary, Back to the Future.” More than 80 vessels will be decked out in their most festive holiday light displays and decorations for spectators to see around the bay.
San Diego Bay, Shelter Island (start of parade): 5:30 p.m., Harbor Island: 6 p.m., The Embarcadero: 6:30 p.m., Seaport Village: 7 p.m., Ferry Landing on Coronado: 7:30 p.m., free, 619-224-2240, sdparadeoflights.org.
monday, dec. 19
The Holiday of Lights
The Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is the largest animated drive-through light show on the West Coast. More than 400 twinkling, lively displays located around the Del Mar racetrack will delight your family. Make it your holiday tradition.
The Del Mar Fairgrounds, Interstate 5 at Via de la Valle, enter the Fairgrounds at the main lot on Jimmy Durante Boulevard, 5:30-10 p.m., $14 per car, up to 5 people, $19 per vehicle, 6 or more people, $49 per bus, 858-793-5555, holidayoflights.com.
tuesday, dec. 20
An UnScripted Carol
Presented by Improv Theatre of Los Angeles, An UnScripted Carol is a show where keen imaginations steeped in Dickens and Christmas work feverishly to create theater on the spot.
North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Ste. D in Solana Beach, 7:30 p.m., tickets $20, 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org.
wednesday, dec. 21
The Santaland Diaries
Join New Village Arts Theatre for another journey with actor Daren Scott through Macy’s Santaland, as he encounters the insane world of retail during the holidays. This comic and caustic holiday tale is written by the great American humorist David Sedaris, from his “Holidays on Ice” book.
New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 B State Street in Carlsbad, 8 p.m., tickets $20, 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org.
