Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Dec. 16 to Friday, Dec. 20.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
Monday
Skating by the Sea: Hotel Del Coronado: Locals can enjoy views of Coronado Beach and the Pacific Ocean while ice skating at the Hotel Del Coronado. An outdoor temporary ice rink on the hotel’s Windsor Lawn will be open to the public through Jan. 5. General admission is $40 and $35 for hotel guests, military members and first responders. There are also $35 “value skate days” on Dec. 16 and 17. Admission covers rentals and ice skating sessions can last up to 90 minutes. There is also lounge seating around the ice rink available by reservation. Open and closing times differ each day. Check the Hotel Del Coronado’s website for the full schedule. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619-435-6611, hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea
“In the Christmas Mood”: The Glenn Miller Orchestra will play holiday classics. More than 18 singers and other musicians are featured in this show. 7 p.m. Monday. Balboa Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., B Street, San Diego. $72. sandiegotheatres.org/event/2024/12/christmas-mood-glenn-miller-orchestra
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Ice skating at Fairmont Grand Del Mar: Glide on an “eco-friendly Glice skating rink” at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar this holiday season. The resort will use a synthetic ice product from Glice, a company headquartered in Switzerland, that functions “without electricity or water,” according to the company. Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Glice rink will be available from Nov. 28 through Jan. 1. Rink hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 3 to 7 p.m. Sundays. There will be special hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It will cost $40 for adults and $20 for children, with skate rentals included. Skating passes will be available for $150 per person. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego. 858-314-2000, granddelmar.com/holidays
Rady Children’s Ice Rink: The annual Rady Children’s Ice Rink returns to Liberty Station, benefiting cancer patients. This will be the 28th year Rady Children’s Hospital will host its ice rink. “Net proceeds from the rink” go to the Thriving After Cancer Program and over the years and more than $2 million has been raised, according to Rady Children’s Ice Rink organizers. This year, the outdoor ice rink will be open most days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 5, with special holiday hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. It will cost $20 per adult and $15 per child, military member and Rady Children’s staff. Skate rental is covered with admission. 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego. 619-221-1970, rchicerink.org
‘All That Jazz’ at Hotel del Coronado: The Norfolk Island Pines on the Hotel del Coronado’s Founders Lawn are the centerpiece of the “All That Jazz” light show. From 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21 to Jan. 5., the Hotel del Coronado gives the public a free holiday light show that is synchronized with jazz music. There will also be a hotel duplicate 12-foot-tall red turret with holiday lights, a bar and lounge seating. The free light show is 10 minutes long and occurs every 30 minutes. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619-435-6611, hoteldel.com/events/at-first-light-lightshow-spectacular
Lights at the Lakes: The Santee Lakes Campground will turn into a holiday light show Dec. 1-31 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Lights at the Lakes is a free event that allows registered campground guests to walk or drive their golf court to see the light displays. 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee. 619-596-3141, santeelakes.com/event/lights-at-the-lakes-campground-edition
Jingle Terrace Live: The Brengle Terrace Park at Moonlight Amphitheatre will present a holiday light show through Dec. 21. Jungle Terrace Live will feature live entertainment, holiday displays, seasonal activities, photo opportunities and light shows. This all-ages event is free to attend.1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/jingle-terrace-live
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Jungle Bells: The San Diego Zoo will once again celebrate the holiday season with its Jungle Bells seasonal event. Through Jan. 5, the park will offer three holiday light trails: celebration, discovery and symphony from 5 to 8 p.m. These paths allow guests to venture into the zoo and explore exhibits such as the cactus garden and the tiger trail. Jungle Bells also brings holiday musical acts and performances. It is free with paid admission to the zoo or a membership. Parking is available for free. 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells
Tuesday
‘A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays’ The Old Globe presents Tony-winning actor and UC San Diego graduate Jefferson Mays in a new adaptation of his acclaimed solo show where he plays more than 50 characters in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Old Globe artistic director Barry Edelstein directs. Through Dec. 22. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $64-$96. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org
A Nat “King” Cole Christmas Tribute: Leonard Patton and Friends will play a Christmas tribute concert for Nat King Cole. 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The Jazz Lounge, 6818 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Tickets start at $40.thejazzlounge.live/
Wednesday
Jasmine Jan., left, Eileen Bowman, Allen Lucky Weaver, David McBean, Megan Carmichael, Sean Murray and Patrick McBride in Cygnet Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol.” (Karli Cadel)
‘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. It was adapted for the stage and directed by Murray, with lyrics by Murray and original music by Billy Thompson. It features sing-along Christmas carols, puppetry, humor, dancing and special effects. The 2024 staging will feature an expanded storyline, fresh original music and a revitalized script. 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
Winter Fest: On Dec. 18, the Fallbrook Library will host its annual Winter Fest. There will be a photo booth and face painting for all ages and holiday music by the Mountain Dulcimer Club. The Bottom Shelf bookstore will also reopen starting Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will host its annual Christmas Boutique through Dec. 31, featuring art books, coffee table books, collector’s items and children’s books. 2:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Visit 124 S. Mission Road. Visit fallbrooklibraryfriends.org.
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Venice – ‘The Venice Christmas Show’: Jackson Browne, Roger Waters and the late David Crosby are just some of the notable artists the veteran Los Angeles band Venice has collaborated with over he years. The group’s harmonious vocal blend is a treat in any setting. 8 p.m. Wednesday. Belly Up, 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $26-$46. Ages 21 and up only. 858-481-8140, bellyup.com
Lightscape: San Diego Botanic Garden will host its light show for the third time, opening on Nov. 15 and running through Jan. 5. Lightscape is a one-mile trail filled with flowers and trees covered in lights, illuminated tunnels, suspended lights and artistic installations from international artists. Holiday drinks and treats will be available on the trail. Ticket prices range from $13-31, based on age and time of day. The parking fee is $10-$25. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 760-436-3036, sdbg.org/lightscape
Thursday
Voctave – ‘It Feels Like Christmas’: San Diego Symphony presents this 11-member a cappella vocal ensemble performing songs from its just-released holiday album on a North American tour. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39-$93. purchasing.sandiegosymphony.org/9537
Jingle Jets: The USS Midway Museum is marking the season with its second annual Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration. The museum will be decorated with 750,000 festive lights, and themed events will take place on certain nights, including a dog night, Christmas pajama party, ugly sweater night and Christmas carol karaoke. Plus, ticketed guests can take a photo with Santa Claus. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. $18-$30. 619-544-9600, midway.org
Friday
Coastal Christmas Del Mar: The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts a Coastal Holiday Festival with holiday lights attractions. Highlights include a walk-through display of more than 1 million lights, “glice” skating, holiday market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, holiday wine walk and Santa and Friends. Igloos and fireside lounges can be reserved for cozying with some hot cocoa. S’mores kits, festive food, and drinks will be sold. Tickets are $19.95 and $12.95 for children ages 4-12. Admission is free for 3 and under. Holiday Wine Walk is $49.99. Promotional nights include military, first responders and teachers. 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 26 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Visit delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2024/coastal-christmas
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Holiday Lights: The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum will put on its annual Holiday Lights event, which transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with light display. Highlights include wagon rides through holiday lights, Santa photos, food and drinks, crafts, model trains, steam engine and tractor displays, s’mores, holiday movies, local vendors and Christmas tree raffle. 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Admission is $10, in advance online; $12 at gate; free for kids 6 and younger. agsem.org/holiday-light-2024
City Ballet of San Diego’s “The Nutcracker”: John Nettles directs the City Ballet orchestra for this production which won the Tommy Award for Best Nutcracker in San Diego. The pre-ballet show features holiday carolers in the lobby. The Victorian-era story is traditional with Clara, her Nutcracker Prince and Tchaikovsky’s famous 1892 ballet score. The choreography was created by Elizabeth Wistrich after Rudolf Nureyev and other masters. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Monday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $39-$119. 800-988-4253, cityballet.org
Golden State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: The lavish downtown production choreographed by Raul Salamanca includes professional dancers and 90 talented students from the award-winning academy. The Tchaikovsky score is performed by a live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Runs 20 hours, 10 minutes, with intermission. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $35-$129. goldenstateballet.org
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the annual production featuring students of the Balboa Park-based company. The ballet follows the traditional story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince, the battle of the toy solders and mice and the dance of the Sugarplum Fairy. 7 p.m. Friday 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park $27. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org
Oceanside Harbor Beach. (File photo courtesy of @CityofOceanside via X)
A man apparent drowned in the waters near the Oceanside Pier Saturday morning, despite efforts by lifeguards and paramedics to revive him.
The Oceanside Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division and the Oceanside Police Department responded to a report of a missing man at about 4:30 a.m.. Officials said the man was last seen swimming in the ocean about a half-hour earlier.
Lifeguards and police immediately initiated a coordinated search effort using pier vantage points, surveillance cameras and watercraft, but the search was suspended at approximately 5:30 a.m. after no one was found, fire officials said.
“At approximately 10:50 a.m., lifeguards discovered an unresponsive adult male, matching the earlier description, in the water near Lifeguard Tower 12, at Oceanside Harbor Beach,” Division Chief Blake Dorse said in a statement. “The individual was removed from the water, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately initiated.”
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Fire and rescue personnel continued efforts to resuscitate the man on the way to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He is believed to be the one who was reported missing near the pier.
Authorities did not release the man’s name.
“The Oceanside Lifeguard Division reminds the public to exercise caution when entering the ocean, especially during early morning hours or when lifeguards are not actively monitoring the water,” Dorse said. “Always swim near an open lifeguard tower and avoid entering the water alone.”
A decade of unforgettable meals calls for a proper celebration. This April, Herb & Wood marks its 10-year anniversary, honoring ten years of shaping San Diego’s culinary identity from its stylish home in Little Italy.
Since opening in 2016, the restaurant has played a defining role in modern San Diego dining, ushering in a more ingredient-driven, chef-forward era while setting the standard for design, hospitality, and overall experience.
A Month of Throwback Favorites and Celebratory Surprises
To commemorate the milestone, Herb & Wood is celebrating all month long by bringing back a selection of OG favorites alongside the signature dishes that have remained staples over the years.
Order from the anniversary lineup and receive a scratcher ticket for a chance to win prizes like a whole Jamón Ibérico ham leg, a custom Johnny Lane painting, and a coveted “lifetime” branzino card. It’s a fun and fitting way to toast one of San Diego’s most influential restaurants.
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A Collaborative Anniversary Dinner
The celebration concludes with a special four-course anniversary dinner featuring standout chefs from the Puffer Malarkey Collective. Brian Malarkey, Aidan Owens, Tara Monsod, and Kylie Cablayan will come together for an unforgettable evening that highlights their creativity and culinary artistry.
The celebratory menu includes:
Course One
Parker House Rolls with honey herb butter
Oyster & Beef Tartare with smoked oyster mayo, caramelized onion, and beef fat snow
Course Two
Lechon Kawali with grilled strawberries, pickled mustard seeds, pickled Tokyo negi, mustard frill, and strawberry sarsa
Course Three
Woodfired Tenderloin & Charred Prawns with garlic and chili, fennel oil, celery root, and whipped tallow butter
Course Four
Funfetti Cake with blueberry jam, lemon curd, and Swiss meringue buttercream
This one-night-only collaboration is a delicious tribute to Herb & Wood’s legacy and a memorable way to toast ten remarkable years in Little Italy.
A Defining Force in San Diego Dining
Over the past decade, Herb & Wood has become a cornerstone of Little Italy’s vibrant dining scene. Known for its warm ambiance and thoughtfully crafted menu, it continues to set the tone for modern dining in San Diego.
Whether revisiting longtime favorites or discovering something new, this anniversary celebration is the perfect excuse to gather around the table and raise a glass to ten remarkable years.
See you there!
We’ll be celebrating in Little Italy with throwback bites, celebratory pours, and plenty of toasts to ten iconic years at Herb & Wood.
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📆 April 3 – 29, 2026 | Culmination celebration April 30 📍 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego 🎟️ Book your table here ℹ️ Click here for updates
The San Diego Wave and their fans deserved every second of the festive Friday morning that played out at Snapdragon Stadium.
Wave personnel and fans erupted in cheers as Catarina Macario, a star striker with San Diego roots who agreed to a record-setting contract, displayed a Wave No. 20 jersey at an introductory news conference.
Macario, 26, has taken injury detours, but stands indisputably as one of the world’s better goal-scorers among women.
The Torrey Pines High School and San Diego Surf alum’s local pedigree may also boost the fifth-year Wave, who through no fault of the club’s current leaders, lost considerable star power in recent years, contributing to an attendance decline.
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At a reported $8 million, the five-year deal is reportedly the most for a women’s soccer player.
Macario, smiling often, labeled her new reality “unreal,” while seated next to Wave sporting director Camille Ashton.
She was 12 when family members, seeking better opportunities, brought her from Brazil to live in San Diego after first visiting Dallas.
“I never would have imagined, I guess, that 12-year-old Cat, not knowing how to speak English, being super scared, would one day come back and get to represent her hometown team,” Macario said. “It’s very special. It’s something I’m very proud of. It will just mean that much more, once I step on the field.”
Catarina Macario, right, holds up her jersey with Camille Ashton, Sporting Director and General Manager, at a news conference held to announce
her signing with the San Diego Wave FC March 27, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. (Photo by Denis Poroy)
Ashton called it “a monumental signing.”
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Ashton, formerly Camille Levin, won a national championship with Stanford as a player. She said Macario, who came to Stanford after Ashton turned pro, fits well into the possession-driven, uptempo style the Wave have developed in a season-plus under coach Jonas Eidevall.
“Cat is a world-class player of exceptional quality, intelligence and character,” Ashton said. “Her technical ability, vision and goal-scoring instinct make her one of the most exciting talents in the game today. Just as importantly, she brings a professionalism and competitive drive that will both complement and elevate the high standards already established within our squad.”
Turmoil marked the 2024 season, the franchise’s final one under team president Jill Ellis and coach Casey Stoney.
Ellis fired Stoney, the franchise’s coach since its inception, before midseason. The team’s offense was tedious, leading to a ninth-place finish and the franchise missing the playoff cut for the first time. Ellis, amid reports of a harsh work environment, moved on.
In the first full year under Ashton and Eidevall, the Wave’s offense improved and the team made the playoffs, but was bounced in one game.
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Macario will give the Wave a better chance to rebound at the gate and on the pitch from the exodus of popular stars Alex Morgan (retirement in 2024), midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (traded at her request in January 2025) and defender Naomi Girma (who was transferred to Chelsea later that month for $1.1 million).
The Macario signing comes 16 months after Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine, founders of a private equity firm in Los Angeles, completed a $120-million purchase of the Wave.
The record contract “just shows how serious they are about me, and getting the club to succeed even more,” Macario said.
NWSL leaders facilitated the deal as well. Ashton said the league’s adoption four months ago of the High Impact Player Rule, allowing an exception to the salary cap, “came at an incredibly good time.”
Macario said she knows several Wave players and played with versatile fullback Perle Morroni on France’s top club team, Lyon.
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Given that Macario has scored goals at an extraordinary pace throughout her career — with the Surf, Torrey Pines, Stanford, Lyon and Chelsea — there’s only one major concern about how her Wave career will play out:
Health.
A left ACL injury suffered in the final game of her season with Lyon four years ago cost her a full season.
An irritation in her right knee cost her a spot on the U.S. team that won gold at the 2024 Olympics in France.
She was sidelined in recent months at Chelsea, creating uncertainty about her Wave debut.
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“We’re confident her best years are ahead,” Ashton said.
Macario offered no details Friday about when she’ll be ready to play for the Wave, who’ll face Chicago in a home game today.
Smiling, she suggested being in San Diego will improve her health.
“Maybe the skies were a little too gray for me,” she quipped about health setbacks in England and France. “The sunshine will help me heal a little bit quicker.”
For a franchise that was enveloped by clouds in 2024, the forecast grew much brighter Friday.
