thursday, dec. 25
Christmas Day Champagne Brunch Cruise
A full buffet and free-flowing bubbly with amazing views makes this brunch one of the most fun and intriguing in San Diego. Sample a variety of breakfast and dinner dishes with fantastic views, and then head to the outdoor deck for fresh sea air and a narrated bay cruise. This brunch is perfect for entertaining family and guests from out of town!
Hornblower Cruises, San Diego Grape Street Pier, 1800 N. Harbor Drive in San Diego, 11 a.m., boarding time: 10:30 a.m., $61.95 per person plus tax, service charge and landing fee, 1-888-467-6256, hornblower.com
friday, dec. 26
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
A wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 17th 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, 4 and 7 p.m., tickets from $52, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
saturday, dec. 27
This Wonderful Life
James Leaming returns to North Coast Rep with the San Diego premiere of his dazzling one-man tour-de-force based on the perennial favorite, It’s a Wonderful Life. Originally directed by Peter Amster and written by Steve Murray. In an amazing display of physical and verbal virtuosity, Leaming brings to life over 32 familiar people … his Jimmy Stewart-inspired George Bailey leads the impressively portrayed cast of characters from Bedford Falls, including Clarence the Angel, Mary, Zuzu and all the colorful townsfolk who rely on him to save them from the greedy Henry Potter.
North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D in Solana Beach, 2 and 7 p.m., tickets$40, 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
sunday, dec. 28
A Christmas Carol
Cygnet continues its tradition of holiday classics with a completely re-imagined Dickens favorite. Set on a Victorian stage, this new musical Carol has an original score by Billy Thompson, amazing puppetry, and live Foley sound effects. Expect 19th century tradition with a 21st century twist that will delight the entire family!
Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego, 2 and 7 p.m., tickets from $37, 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com
monday, dec. 29
Lorraine Castellanos
San Diegan Lorraine Castellanos has an intense passion for music, evident in her perceptive phrasing and tone, both as an instrumentalist and vocalist. With a weighty voice and sensitive execution on the classical guitar, Castellanos is gaining a reputation as a dynamic musical presence.
Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 6-9 p.m., 619-233-4355, crocesparkwest.com
tuesday, dec. 30
California Dreaming: An International Portrait of Southern California
Artists worldwide were invited to creatively interpret Southern California’s iconic culture. Contemporary artists submitted nearly 900 two-dimensional artworks of various medias that broadly reflect the changing culture and lifestyle of Southern California. Clearly, this exhibition will raise the fundamental question: Is the “California Dream” still alive and thriving, or has the past half-century of population growth and development seriously affected our popular and romantic notion of the Southern California lifestyle?
Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org
wednesday, dec. 31
Spreckels Organ Centennial Concert
Celebrate100 Years of the Spreckels Organ and Balboa Park! A grand procession of dignitaries led by 50 bagpipes will open the festivities, followed by fanfare by Westwind Brass, a rededication of the Spreckels Organ by John. D. Spreckels, an inspiring reveal of the gorgeous, newly-refinished pipe facade, and capped by a world premiere organ composition written especially for the occasion by San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., free, 619-702-8138, spreckelsorgan.org
