San Diego, CA

List: Holiday events to feel festive this winter in San Diego

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2024

Press Room

List: Holiday events to feel festive this winter in San Diego

What to Know

‘Tis the season for festive fun!
From San Diego’s December Nights to holiday-themed runs and bar takeovers, there’s something for everyone to celebrate this holiday season
This week: December Nights, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, Gaslamp Pet Parade
For foodies, several neighborhoods are offering tasting events and holiday-themed bar takeovers
For those who want to add a little pep to their holiday steps, try one of the 5K or Santa runs below
Bundle up and hit an ice skating rink. See our list below

The days are getting colder and winter coats are being pulled out of the closet. It can only mean one thing: the holiday season is upon us. While it’s not likely we will have a white Christmas in San Diego, there are plenty of ways to feel festive for the holidays.

Find all things merry at these holiday festivals

December Nights
Dec. 6 and 7, times vary | Balboa Park | Free
The annual December Nights is back in Balboa Park. Join in the festivities this holiday season by visiting vendors, stopping at food stations and watching performers from 3-11 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Since the event gathers quite a crowd, there are some rules that you should know before you go.

44th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 26 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 29 at 9 p.m. | 2100 Park Boulevard | Free
WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 44th Annual Celebration with four of the seven days of Kwanzaa, an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. The annual Kwanzaa holiday was created to celebrate and reaffirm family, community and culture. Each night will feature special guest speakers or performers, ceremonial candle lighting and libation with drumming, poetry readings by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, free heirloom seeds for families and Karamu (the traditional feast and family get down).

Hanukkah Festival
Dec. 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Seaport Village | Free
Seaport Village is partnering with The Chabad of Downtown San Diego to host a family-friendly event featuring festivities like live music, performers and the traditional lighting of the menorah.

San Diego Lunar New Year
Jan. 24-26 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | 4455 Wightman Street | Free
This year is the 15th annual San Diego Lunar New Year Festival. The three-day event will feature a vibrant array of folk and traditional performances, arts and cultural exhibitions, lion dances, firecrackers and numerous family-friendly activities. A highlight of the festival will be the Cultural Village, which aims to recreate the traditional villager lifestyle of Southeastern Asia.

Grab your mittens and scarf and hit an ice skating rink

Rady Children’s Ice Rink
Nov. 21-Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Point Loma | $15-20
Back for its 28th year is Rady Children’s Ice Rink. It’s open through Jan. 5, 2024, and the beneficiary? The rink will be raising money for “the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.” Tickets for adults are $20 and $15 per child.

Frosted by the Sea
Nov. 21-Jan. 5, times vary | Coronado | $40
Skating by the Sea returns the weekend before Thanksgiving. This ice rink features views of the Pacific Ocean and benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego. General admission tickets are $40. Hotel guests, military, first responders and club members are $35.

See the full list of San Diego County ice skating rinks here:

Be joyful and jolly while watching a holiday parade

Gaslamp Pet Parade
Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. | Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach | Free
For more 40 years, the quaint surfing neighborhood of Ocean Beach has hosted a unique SoCal Holiday parade. On the first Saturday in December, Newport Avenue is lined with locals and visitors all eagerly awaiting the commencement at sunset.

Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec 8 and 15 at 5:30 p.m. | San Diego Bay | Free
The 54th annual Bay Parade of Lights will be entertaining bayfront crowds for two evenings this holiday season. This year’s theme is: “Peach on Earth.” Find the approximate arrival time of the parade at various locations along the route online. The parade takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to pass any given point along the parade route.

Find some holiday sparkle at these must-see performances

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Old Globe Theatre
Dec. 7-15, times vary | Balboa Park | $200+
Step into “Whoville” when you enter the plaza outside the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. The festive decorations coincide with the production running in San Diego until Dec. 15.

Choir! Choir! Choir!
Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater | Free
Choir! Choir! Choir! returns to San Diego to present: Un-Silent Night: An EPIC Holiday Sing-Along. Imagine yourself surrounded by hundreds of other voices, making your way through an unforgettable mix of holiday classics and seasonal pop gems. No singing experience is necessary. Dust off that ugly sweater, grab your friends and family and get ready to feel the glow of togetherness at a fully interactive holiday sing-along show like no other. Registration is required.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 13-Dec. 22 Showtimes vary | The Civic Theatre | $35+
Golden State Ballet proudly presents “The Nutcracker” at the Civic Theatre, featuring the choreography of Artistic Director Raul Salamanca. Step into a world of wonder as dazzling scenery and exquisite costumes bring Clara’s enchanting journey with her Nutcracker Prince to life. This beloved holiday tale is set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, performed live by the world-renowned San Diego Symphony. Prepare to be swept away by the magic in the two hour and 10 minute runtime.

Add a little spice for foodie (and bevvy) festivities

Cutwater Tasting Room
Nov. 21-Dec. 31, times vary | 9750 Distribution Ave. | Prices vary
Sip and savor the holiday season at Cutwater’s Tasting Room and Kitchen, that’s been transformed into Cutwater Lodge for this select time. Delight in the flavors of winter with our curated menu, featuring two flights and a lineup of winter-inspired cocktails, including traditional, spirit-free, warm and frozen choices. Discover seasonal merchandise, themed photo ops, and embrace the festive atmosphere of the lodge for a limited time only.

Top of the Hyatt Over the Top Holiday Lounge
Nov. 27 through Jan. 5 | 1 Market Place | Drink prices vary
The Over the Top Holiday Lounge will bring a snowy wonderland to sunny San Diego. Find a spot around the warm hearth, sip a cocktail in bunk beds that set the scene of a nostalgic family vacation and take advantage of the photo opportunities that showcase the epic views Top of The Hyatt is known for. No reservations required. Enjoy live holiday entertainment in the lounge every Tuesday and Friday night and Christmas Eve from 7-9 p.m.

Del Mar Village Winter Taste and Sip
Dec. 8 from 1 – 4 p.m. | Downtown Del Mar Village | $49+
Stroll the festively decorated streets as you enjoy culinary creations from our award-winning Del Mar Village restaurants, sips from local beverage partners at “Sip Stops” inside downtown Del Mar businesses, live music and other holiday happenings as part of the North Pole by the Sea day of family-friendly festivities. Both “Taste Only” and “Taste and Sip” tickets are for sale.

Taste ‘n’ Tinis
Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Hillcrest | $30
Guests will have a fabulous time as they stroll the holiday-light-decorated shops of Hillcrest with martini in hand. This food-tasting event will dish up appetizers, small bites and desserts alongside mini specialty cocktails.

A new holiday pop-up bar opened its doors in Hillcrest called “Sleigh Bar,” which offers a new menu featuring holiday cocktails and mocktails.

Make the night merry and bright at these holiday lightings

“All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular
Nov. 21 – Jan. 5 runs every 30 minutes from 5 – 9 p.m. nightly | Hotel Del Coronado | Free
The grove of towering pine trees on the Founders Lawn is the scene of a dynamic 10-minute light show orchestrated to lively holiday jazz music. The experience captivates guests with a finale of snow flurries. Showcased is the Norfolk Pine originally made famous in 1904 as the world’s first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree.
While at the Hotel Del, don’t miss several other holiday events.

Menorah Lighting
Dec. 26 from 5-8 p.m. | Liberty Station | Free
Head to Liberty Station’s Central Promenade to commemorate the first night of Hanukkah. The family-friendly festivity will include entertainment, packaged treats and the traditional lighting of the menorah.

Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Select dates in December from 4-9 p.m. | Del Mar Fairgrounds | $20+
The iconic Del Mar Fairgrounds get transformed with twinkling lights, holiday cheer and delicious snacks and drinks. Enjoy the holiday light trail, Glice skating, Holiday Wine Walk, Frosty’s Fun Zone and more.

Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration
Select dates Nov. 22-Dec. 23 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. | USS Midway Museum | $18+
Step aboard for a magical evening at the USS Midway Museum’s 2nd Annual Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration. See Midway transform into a festive holiday wonderland on the sea, dazzling from bow to stern with 750,000 twinkling lights. Whimsical music, tasty treats and festive fun for the whole family await.

Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Select dates in November through January, Timed entry | Encinitas | $13+
The Lightscape returns for its third year with over 1 million twinkling lights and new installations. Walk the 1-mile path around the garden stopping for seasonal treats like Chicken Pot Pie Handpies, Smokey BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches and a Giant Bavarian Pretzel with Cheese Sauce. Sip on festive cocktails like the Holiday Sparkler, the Whiskey Warmer or try a boozy take on hot chocolate and hot mulled cider. Tickets are required.

Spread holiday cheer: Runs and races to join

San Diego Santa Run 5K and 1 Mile Race
Dec. 14 Race times vary | 912 Garnet Avenue | $34+
Join the sea of Santas filling the streets of Pacific Beach for the 12th annual San Diego Santa Run.

Holiday Half Marathon
Dec. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. | 14455 Penasquitos Road | $160+
The 13.1-mile course starts on Penasquitos Drive and Carmel Mountain Road, then travels southwest along Carmel Mountain Road, along the 56 bike path and finishes at Torrey Pines State Beach.

Port of San Diego Game Day 5K Run/Walk
Dec. 27 at 9:45 a.m. | Downtown | $20+
Run or walk along San Diego’s harborfront, starting at Harbor and Ash. Athletes will go past an approximate 10,000 cheering spectators. Runners, families and spectators can watch the parade, which features colorful floats, bands and huge inflatable characters. All participants receive a finisher medal and awards will be given to the top three male and female 5K finishers in each age division. T-shirts and goody bags will be handed out at the finish line area. Join the post-race party, featuring live music and lots of extra snacks.

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San Diego, CA

Judge sentences rapper to time served in 2023 San Diego arrest

Published

8 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Judge sentences rapper to time served in 2023 San Diego arrest

Federal courthouse in downtown San Diego. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)

Rapper Boosie Badazz was sentenced Friday to credit for time served in the case stemming from his 2023 arrest in San Diego for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The 43-year-old, whose real name is Torence Ivy Hatch Jr., was arrested in Chollas View after police found two guns inside a vehicle in which he was riding.

Hatch was in town to shoot a music video and perform at a Gaslamp Quarter nightclub.

In a social media video clip recorded during the video shoot, Hatch was spotted with a gun in his waistband. Police then used a helicopter to track down his vehicle, after which officers conducted a traffic stop and discovered the firearms.

He pleaded guilty to a federal gun possession count last year. As part of his sentence, Hatch will also serve 300 hours of community service.

Defense attorney Meghan Blanco said in a statement released after Friday’s hearing, “The resolution brings a sense of relief, allowing him to finally put this chapter behind him. He can now focus on continuing his music career, dedicating time to his family, and being a positive and inspiring presence for his children and the wider community.”

Federal prosecutors sought a two-year prison sentence, arguing in court papers that custody was warranted due to Hatch’s “insistence on carrying a weapon despite his status as a convicted felon” and allegations that he threatened his security detail shortly after his arrest.

Blanco, in her sentencing memorandum, denied any such threats occurred, noting that the statements are not included in any police reports stemming from the arrest and that no recorded evidence of the threats exist.

The defense attorney wrote that Hatch’s gun was never fired, brandished or used to threaten anyone. She also said there have been no allegations that the weapons were intended for any other offense and that Hatch’s last criminal case had occurred around 10 years prior.

“The case represents an isolated lapse in judgment, not a pattern of ongoing criminal conduct,” Blanco wrote.

Hatch was initially charged by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. His defense attorneys have stated that Hatch intended to plead guilty at the time and was expected to be sentenced to probation, but the state’s case was dismissed before that plea deal could be reached and federal prosecutors took up the case.

U.S. District Judge Cathy Bencivengo, who sentenced Hatch on Friday, previously dismissed the case against him following a 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that said it was unconstitutional to prohibit convicted felons who served sentences for nonviolent drug offenses from possessing firearms.

But a larger panel of the 9th Circuit overturned its earlier ruling and San Diego federal prosecutors re-filed the charges against Hatch.

Hatch was previously convicted in Louisiana of marijuana possession. He also was indicted in an alleged murder-for-hire plot, but was acquitted by a Baton Rouge jury in 2012.

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San Diego, CA

Mayor Gloria defends Balboa Park paid parking, blames council for rocky rollout

Published

20 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Mayor Gloria defends Balboa Park paid parking, blames council for rocky rollout

San Diego will put off issuing citations for paid parking in Balboa Park for about one month while improvements are made, but Mayor Todd Gloria says the new system is functioning well and being “actively adopted.”

In a long and harshly worded memo released Thursday, Gloria said recent calls by City Council members to suspend the program were politically motivated and examples of bad governance and erratic decision-making.

Gloria also deflected blame for the chaotic way enforcement began Monday, when city officials raced to put stickers about resident discounts on parking kiosks and lobbied a vendor to deliver crucial missing signs.

The mayor said the council had “shaped, amended and approved” paid parking in Balboa Park and contended an accelerated timeline chosen by the council made it hard for his administration to implement it flawlessly.

The mayor’s memo came in response to a Tuesday memo from Councilmembers Kent Lee and Sean Elo-Rivera in which they called implementation of paid parking “haphazard” and “not ready for prime time.”

Lee and Elo-Rivera said the process for city residents to get approved for discounts was so complex, cumbersome and confusing that Gloria should waive fees for residents until they have had time to adapt and learn.

While Gloria rejected that suggestion in part of his memo, he later said “enforcement remains focused on education, not punishment, during this early phase, to ensure park users are aware of the new parking fees.”

Dave Rolland, a spokesperson for Gloria, said Thursday that no specific date had been set for when the city would shift from education to enforcement. But he added that “about a month” would be an accurate timeline.

City officials have already corrected one key mistake: Signs that were missing Monday — alerting drivers that the 951-space lower Inspiration Point lot is free for three hours — have since been installed.

Lee and Elo-Rivera in their memo decried “an inadequate effort to educate the public on how to use this new system.”

They said San Diegans had not been clearly informed about when a portal for city resident discounts would go live or how to use it.

And they complained that residents weren’t told they couldn’t buy discounted parking passes in person, or when enforcement with citations would actually begin.

City residents must apply for discounts online, pay $5 to have their residency verified, then wait two days for that verification and choose the day they will visit in advance.

Lee and Elo-Rivera called the city’s efforts “a haphazard rollout that will surely lead to San Diegans missing out on their resident discount and paying higher parking rates than they have to.”

Gloria said the city collected $23,000 in parking fees on Monday and Tuesday and another $106,000 in daily, monthly and quarterly passes — mostly from residents who get discounts on such passes.

“Early data shows that the program is functioning and being used,” he said. “These are not the metrics of a system that is failing to function. They are the metrics of a system that is new, actively being adopted, and continuing to improve as public familiarity increases.”

While Gloria conceded that some improvements are still necessary, he rejected calls from Lee and Elo-Rivera for a suspension, citing his concerns it would jeopardize city finances and confuse the public.

“Your proposal to suspend paid parking for residents two days into the new program would have immediate and serious fiscal consequences,” Gloria said. “This reversal could introduce confusion among park users and would disregard investments already made to establish the system, potentially compromising the program’s effectiveness.”

Paid parking in Balboa Park is expected to generate about $3.7 million during the fiscal year that ends June 30, but revenue is expected to rise substantially when the fees are in place for a full fiscal year.

Gloria said the money is a small part of the city’s overall solution to recurring deficits it faces of more than $100 million per year.

“What we will not do is reverse course days into implementation in a way that undermines fiscal stability, creates uncertainty, and sends the message that addressing a decades-old structural budget deficit that has plagued our city is optional because it is politically uncomfortable,” he said. “That kind of erratic decision-making is not good governance, and San Diegans deserve better.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the San Diego Zoo said Thursday that paid parking there has continued to go smoothly since it began on Monday.

The zoo, which is using Ace Parking for enforcement, opted for immediate citations instead of an educational grace period.

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San Diego, CA

Barricaded individual in custody following police response in Mission Valley

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Barricaded individual in custody following police response in Mission Valley

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Police responded to a barricaded individual in the Mission Valley area Thursday afternoon, prompting a heavy law enforcement presence.

The Nexstar Media video above details resources for crime victims

The department confirmed around 1 p.m. that officers were on scene in the 1400 block of Hotel Circle North, and are working to safely resolve the situation. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area and allow officers the space needed to conduct their operations.

Police described the incident as a domestic violence restraining order violation. At this time, it’s unknown if the person is armed.

No injuries have been reported.

The suspect was taken into custody within an hour.

Further details about the barricaded person were not immediately released. Police say updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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