thursday, dec. 22
Beyond the Gates
Two estranged brothers reunite seven months after their father’s disappearance to liquidate his anemic video store. While there, they unearth an old VCR board game that acts as an inter-dimensional hub to a nightmare world where their father’s soul is trapped and can only be saved by playing the game. The film is an adventure horror that pays loving tribute to the VHS format, video stores and board games of the era.
Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park, 9:15 p.m., general admission $11, 619-230-1938, digitalgym.org
friday, dec. 23
Carlos Mencia
Carlos Mencia is undoubtedly one of today’s most popular entertainers and comics. Whether it is man-on-the-street interviews, studio comedy, commercial parodies, nationwide sold-out tours or films, Mencia demonstrates an extraordinary ability to connect with a wide and diverse audience.
The American Comedy Company, 818B Sixth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., tickets $25, 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com
saturday, dec. 24
Race: Are We So Different?
This exhibition explains in clear, helpful language the origins of race and racism, and helps us understand how to deal with them in productive, enlightening ways. Most of what we think about race is based on myth, folklore or assumptions unsupported by genetics or biology. No one is free of misunderstandings about race, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Experience an eye-opening look at human nature and biology. You’ll leave transformed.
San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., tickets $13, 619-239-2001, museumofman.org
sunday, dec. 25
Christmas Day Brunch Cruise
Sparkling waves and soft breezes set the mood for this relaxing mid-day tour, featuring free-flowing bubbly and unbeatable views of San Diego’s sights. The relaxing bay cruise includes a buffet stocked with classic American breakfast dishes, plus plenty of seasonal lunch entrées and richly decadent desserts.
Hornblower Cruises & Events, San Diego Grape St. Pier, 1800 N. Harbor Drive in San Diego, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., tickets $64.95, 1-888-467-6256, hornblower.com
monday, dec. 26
Last Day! Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
This wonderful, whimsical musical is based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 19th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 2 and 5 p.m., tickets from $24, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
tuesday, dec. 27
Dan McCleary, Etchings and Studies
Since 2000, Dan McCleary usually returns once, often twice a year, to the Taller de Grabado in Oaxaca, Mexico, to work with master printer Fernando Sandoval. There, McCleary and Sandoval work together to produce elegant and extraordinarily crafted etchings – more than 30 editions in the past 16 years – with imagery that includes sugar skulls, portraits of men and women and flowers.
Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org
wednesday, dec. 28
Jewels of the Season
Delight in a dazzling display of exquisite handcrafted ornaments covered with semi-precious gems, sequins, stones and filigree. Choreographed and prodcuded by San Diego State University School of Theatre, Television and Film and MSI Production Services, the Hord & Schlappi Collection of elaborate ornaments embrace another dimension as they float and sparkle at the Timken.
Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., admission free, 619-239-5548, timkenmuseum.org
