Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Nov. 29  to Sunday, Dec. 1.

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Friday

Liberty Station tree lighting: A ceremonial lighting of Liberty Station’s 88-foot Norfolk pine tree is at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 along with entertainment, festive firetruck rides, photos with Santa and an outdoor holiday movie showing of “The Grinch.” San Diego Chevrolet Dealers are sponsoring the event, and the Chevy Silverado EV RST will be the power source for the Christmas tree lighting. Admission is free. Visit libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting.

“Misery”: Backyard Renaissance Theatre presents William Goldman’s stage adaptation of the Stephen King novel about an obsessive and violent fan who kidnaps her favorite author. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 7. Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown. $18-$40. backyardrenaissance.com

Safari Park puts on ‘Wild Holidays’: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the “Wild Holidays” with an expedition of light and travel through places that twinkle with holiday cheer and seasonal culinary delights from 4 to 8 p.m. on select nights Nov. 29 to Jan 5 at the park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. The Safari Park will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the event, with “Wild Holidays” festivities beginning at 4 p.m. Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show with holiday soundtracks, Holiday Troubadour, fanciful characters, and visits with Santa along with lighted archway Bridge of Lights, Forest of Color, Baja Gardens and Nairobi Lantern Walk. “Wild Holidays” activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.

‘Winter Wonderettes’ opens Friday: San Diego Musical Theatre presents this holiday adaptation of Roger Bean’s all-female comedy “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” In this version, the women’s quartet are pressed into service to create a holiday show after Santa turns up missing. Opens Friday and runs through Dec. 29. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30 and up. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org

“A Christmas Carol”: Cygnet Theatre will present its annual production of Dickens’ redemptive holiday tale, once again starring Cygnet artistic director Sean Murray as the miserly Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge. The 2024 staging will feature an expanded storyline, fresh original music and a revitalized script. Opens Friday and runs through Dec. 24. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Cygnet’s Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego. $73. (619) 337-1525. cygnettheatre.com

BalletCenter Studios presents “The Nutcracker:” Director Michelle Noblejas-Bartolomei and former principal dancer Trystan Merrick created original choreography for “Clara and the Nutcracker Soldier.” The reimagined version of the classic tells the story of Clara, an orphan who looks for her parents with the help of the Snow Queen. 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20.. Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $30-$60. 619-322-7328, balletcenterstudios.com

Saturday

Holiday Lights on Main: El Cajon is kicking off the holidays  with an even featuring live music, food trucks, photos with Santa, carnival rides, ice skating, cookie decorating and other activities. A tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m.  There will also be a new feature called Holiday Lights Art Walk, with art from 28 artists from San Diego. Art galleries on Main Street will be open for visiting. 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Main Street in El Cajon. Free. downtownelcajon.com

“Arthur Christmas”: Reading Cinemas Town Square will be re-screening a holiday classic, “Arthur Christmas.” The screening is billed as a “Pajama Party.” The theater will also show “Elf” on Dec. 4, 14, 15 “The Polar Express” on Dec. 7 and  8, and “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Dec. 21 and 22. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Town Square, 4665 Clairemont Drive, San Diego. $11.19. readingcinemas.com/townsquare/signature-programming/pajama-party

Leslie Odom Jr. – ‘The Christmas Tour’: A versatile singer who earned a Tony Award for his electrifying portrayal of Aaron Burr in the smash musical “Hamilton,” Leslie Odom Jr. also portrayed vocal legend Sam Cooke in the film “One Night in Miami” and won a Grammy Award for his self-titled debut album. Wirth no fewer than three Christmas releases to his credit, he’ll have lots of songs to choose from for his orchestra-free concert here at the home of the San Diego Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B Street, downtown. $39-$147.619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Tree lighting at One Paseo: Lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and festivities continue until 9 p.m. at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place. The center will be shimmering with firefly lights in the trees and festive decor. The evening will feature live music performances, some snow and Santa along with special guests. Visit onepaseo.com.

Light Up the Holidays: The Salvation Army hosts its red kettle kickoff, “Light Up the Holidays,” from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The free family event includes a tree lighting, hot chocolate and coffee, Christmas music by The Salvation Army San Diego Brass Band and guest performance by Rat Pack Reborn and photos with Santa. Besides money donations, the Salvation Army is accepting new, unwrapped toys. Visit sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/event-page—light-up-the-holiday-red-kettle-kickoff

East Village Tree lighting: The holiday event is from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at Quartyard and 13th Street, featuring a curated holiday market by San Diego Markets, live entertainment, food and drinks and activities for kids. The traditional tree lighting ceremony is at 6:45 p.m. Visit eastvillagesandiego.com/events/east-village-tree-lighting-and-holiday-market

La Jolla Symphony and Chorus’ Joyful Traditions: On the eve of December, LJSC kicks things off with its annual community Messiah sing  event. The ensemble will perform Handel’s full “Messiah” oratorio. The audience is invited to sing along with Part I and the Halellujah chorus. 2 p.m. Saturday. San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $10-$20 (plus $10 cash for vocal score rental). 760-753-6582, ljsc.org/joyful-traditions

Sunday

City tree lighting ceremony: The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Memorial Park on Third Avenue. The ceremony will feature remarks from city officials and community leaders to kick off the season. There will be carolers, holiday shopping and food. The Downtown Chula Vista Farmers Market will have extended hours from 3 to 6 p.m. Visit downtownchulavista.com

Snowfall & Light Show: The free holiday shows begin at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 1-22 near the Koi Pond at Village Walk at EastLake, at Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive. Children will receive free magic glasses to view the light show in an array of colors. Entertainment on Dec. 1 includes a performance by the Discovery Charter School at 5:30 p.m. and between shows. Various community caroling groups will sing between shows on other days. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events

Camp Christmas: Pine Valley Camp Christmas, a holiday festival for all ages, starts Nov. 15 and runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday in November and Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-14, 18-22 at 8668 Pine Creek Road. Festivities include a Lights & Sounds of the Season show and dancing water show, hay rides, train rides, a nativity scene and a talking Christmas tree. There will be a game room, archery and bounce houses, among other attractions. Visit PineValleyCampChristmas.com.

Christmas concert: The Music Men Barbershop Chorus will perform a concert, Twas The Week Before Christmas at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave. The family-friendly event includes popular and classic holiday songs, sung in Barbershop harmony. The show will feature a guest chorus, The Pacific Belles and audience sing-a-longs. The suggested donation is $10. Visit musicmenchorus.org

Originally Published: November 27, 2024 at 10:57 AM PST

Paul Henning

OBITUARY

Paul Robert Henning, of Pine Valley, CA was born in Santa Ana, CA to Urban J. and Loverna M. (Felling) Henning. He attended George Washington elementary, McFadden Jr. High, and Sana Ana Valley High where he earned enough credits to graduate early as he was such an exceptional student. He matriculated at the University of California at San Diego, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. During a summer break he went to Berlin, Germany as an exchange student. Always eager to learn, he became fluent in German, Spanish and also becoming conversant in French. His insatiable appetite for learning continued throughout his life.

After graduation Paul worked a couple different jobs. In 1987 he began a 29-year career with U.S. Customs – starting as an Inspector at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and ultimately promoting to Assistant Director of Field Operations for Border Security in the San Diego District.

Paul had many hobbies, including genealogy (he extensively researched his family tree which has over 4,700 ancestors), writing (he authored a book titled “Rosalia” that was based on his ancestor’s immigration from Germany to the U.S. in the 1800’s) and he was an avid reader. He enjoyed snorkeling, swimming, skiing, and especially hiking. He also loved his house in the mountains at Pine Valley, CA.

In 1982 Paul met his partner, Craig, and they began a life journey together that lasted almost 42 years until his death. They were married in 2014. Paul is survived by his husband, Craig Everett, sister Deborah Verplancke of Prescott, AZ, brother Robin Henning of Orange County, CA, two nieces: Kristin Stahr of Havasu City, AZ and Melanie Jackson of Lake Forest, CA; grand-nephew, Jacob Jackson and grand-niece, Hailey Jackson. He also leaves behind a large extended family.

Paul was a unique and special person who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. There will be a graveside service for Paul at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 10:00 am.

The holiday season can be particularly tough for those experiencing homelessness, as colder temperatures and feelings of isolation set in. But for many in San Diego, Uptown Community Service Center offers warmth, hope, and essential support.

This week, the center hosted a Thanksgiving distribution.

“I’ve seen amazing things go down over here,” said Bonnie, a volunteer who has personally experienced homelessness on and off for the past five years.

“I love helping people. That’s my life,” she shared. “We give life, we give food, we give happiness and love.”

At their new location in City Heights, Uptown Community Service Center serves as a lifeline for many, operating Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It provides necessities like winter clothing and toiletries, along with resources aimed at helping individuals get back on their feet.

“People in California don’t realize how cold they can get over here,” added Bonnie.

Each year, Uptown assists more than 2,000 San Diegans.

As the holidays approach, Uptown Community Service Center encourages donations to help those in need. Items like socks, underwear, winter clothing, and toiletries can make a significant impact on the lives of those they serve.

For more information or to learn how you can help, visit Uptown Community Service Center’s websiteor stop by their City Heights location.