Whats Going On This Weekend in San Diego

From the Benei Menashe tribes in the hills of India to the Inca Jews of the Andes to the Jewish community of Rusape, Zimbabwe (with its own Jewish gospel choir), Bryan Schwartz has visited dozens of t... [more+]

From the Benei Menashe tribes in the hills of India to the Inca Jews of the Andes to the Jewish community of Rusape, Zimbabwe (with its own Jewish gospel choir), Bryan Schwartz has visited dozens of today’s most isolated Jewish communities. Now coming to the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre in La Jolla, "Scattered Among the Nations"' unique photographs and interviews document the fringes of the Jewish Diaspora. [less-]

With more than 100 speciality martinis to choose from, an array of delicious food, and top live acts from L.A., New York and beyond, Martinis Above Fourth | Table + Stage is the ultimate supper club e... [more+]

With more than 100 speciality martinis to choose from, an array of delicious food, and top live acts from L.A., New York and beyond, Martinis Above Fourth | Table + Stage is the ultimate supper club experience. On any given night, you'll enjoy entertainment ranging from jazz to pop to American standards, and even acts like an expert Dame Edna impersonator, comedians like Alec Mapa, movie and Broadway stars like Molly Ringwald and country musicians like Ty Herndon. Sit back and relax over a martini and treat yourself to a meal or a snack while you bask in the sounds of live music, comedy and more. Martinis Above Fourth | Table + Stage offers a hip, eclectic dining and entertainment experience in an upscale yet decidedly unstuffy environment. [less-]

The Windham Hill record label, synonymous with the best in acoustic jazz, new age and pop instrumentals, lays down the chillest of holiday grooves at San Diego's Balboa Theatre. Touring for more than ... [more+]

The Windham Hill record label, synonymous with the best in acoustic jazz, new age and pop instrumentals, lays down the chillest of holiday grooves at San Diego's Balboa Theatre. Touring for more than 30 years, their famed "Winter Solstice" concert celebrates the shortest day and longest night of the year with selections from the multi-platinum album series of the same name. Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Barbara Higbie, Windham Hill founder and guitarist Will Ackerman and solo steel-string acoustic jazz guitarist Alex de Grassi are set to star in this festive show. [less-]

See if you can spot Gray Whales migrating down to Baja California on an Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Tour. Each year these magnificent creatures pass by Oceanside on their way south to breed, and ridin... [more+]

See if you can spot Gray Whales migrating down to Baja California on an Oceanside Whale and Dolphin Tour. Each year these magnificent creatures pass by Oceanside on their way south to breed, and riding aboard a luxury catamaran is one of the best ways to see them. While aboard you might also catch a glimpse of dolphins or other whales, and any sightings will be pointed out and narrated by an expert captain, who is also a certified naturalist. And even if the whales aren't being cooperative, you can enjoy fabulous ocean views as you cruise along on the comfortable boat, taking advantage of the covered and open-air seating areas during the scenic two-hour journey. [less-]

Catch tomorrow's NHL stars as the San Diego Gulls tear up the ice in exciting American Hockey League play. The Gulls have been one of the best teams in the league since their inception four years ago,... [more+]

Catch tomorrow's NHL stars as the San Diego Gulls tear up the ice in exciting American Hockey League play. The Gulls have been one of the best teams in the league since their inception four years ago, and coach Dallas Eakins returns with his attacking style of hockey. As the AHL affiliate for the Anaheim Ducks, the Gulls play a fierce game as the players look to make it to the big time. Valley View Casino Center boasts a new state-of-the-art scoreboard, so you never miss a second of the action, plus great food and drink options, like local brews on draft at the Tap Haus and Baja-style tacos at Rockin' Baja Lobster. [less-]

San Diego’s longest-running professional theater production is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year, but Lucifer is sneering. The hard-partying Prince of Darkness and his minions are making pl... [more+]

San Diego’s longest-running professional theater production is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year, but Lucifer is sneering. The hard-partying Prince of Darkness and his minions are making plans to ruin Christmas. The newest in Teatro Máscara Mágica’s award-winning series of Mexican-inspired Christmas musicals, "Pastorela de la Familia" once again features the timeless battle between Lucifer’s forces of evil and Michael the Archangel’s champions of goodness set in today’s world of chaos and hope. Angels and devils do battle in thoroughly topical disguises. Don't miss it at The Lyceum Stage. [less-]

California Ballet's glittering production of "The Nutcracker" leaps onto the stage of the San Diego Civic Theatre in America's favorite holiday tradition. Under the baton of music director John Stubbs... [more+]

California Ballet's glittering production of "The Nutcracker" leaps onto the stage of the San Diego Civic Theatre in America's favorite holiday tradition. Under the baton of music director John Stubbs, accompanied by the San Diego Symphony, Tchaikovsky's extravagant score comes to life with a cast of more than 150. Gather your friends and family for one of the finest holiday traditions San Diego has to offer. [less-]

Rock out with Coral Bells, A Perfect Tool – tribute to A Perfect Circle and Tool, a tribute to Eric Clapton, R.I.P. (Rocks Influential Past) and Oceans, a tribute to Pearl Jam. Plus DJ Professor CC ... [more+]

Rock out with Coral Bells, A Perfect Tool – tribute to A Perfect Circle and Tool, a tribute to Eric Clapton, R.I.P. (Rocks Influential Past) and Oceans, a tribute to Pearl Jam. Plus DJ Professor CC will be on the decks at the House of Blues San Diego [less-]

"Miracle on 34th Street" gets even more miraculous when San Diego Musical Theatre performs it live in the style of an old-time radio play, complete with live Foley effects and a score of favorite holi... [more+]

"Miracle on 34th Street" gets even more miraculous when San Diego Musical Theatre performs it live in the style of an old-time radio play, complete with live Foley effects and a score of favorite holiday tunes. When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court. Watch the miracle unfold when the belief of a little girl makes all the difference in this iconic story. Adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Hour Broadcast, this charming production perfectly captures the spirit of the season at The Horton Grand Theatre. [less-]

One of the world's most magical adaptations of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, the Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" pirouettes its way into San Diego once again. Close to 40 renowned dancers ... [more+]

One of the world's most magical adaptations of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, the Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" pirouettes its way into San Diego once again. Close to 40 renowned dancers bring to life the timeless story of young Masha (Clara), who receives the gift of a nutcracker one Christmas Eve and dreams that night of a grand adventure with her Nutcracker Prince. Filled with world-class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens and jubilant Nesting Dolls, this perennial favorite is sure to cast its seasonal spell over the whole family when it returns to the Jacobs Music Center's Copley Symphony Hall. [less-]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that all "Pride and Prejudice" fans want to know two things: did Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy live happily ever after and did Mary find love? Get all the deets in thi... [more+]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that all "Pride and Prejudice" fans want to know two things: did Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy live happily ever after and did Mary find love? Get all the deets in this charming sequel to Jane Austen's timeless rom-com. Ignore your unwrapped holiday gifts and half-finished decorations and escape to "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley" with your fav Bennet sisters and their cravat-wearing peacocking men in this new play. That peevishly practical and beloved bookworm Mary takes her turn as the Austenian heroine and her self-discovery and fight for love makes this an endearing outing for you and your pals or the whole family. "Make haste" and catch the premiere of "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley" at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad. [less-]

"Winter Fest OC" is coming to town for 18 days and nights, blowing tons of family fun into the OC Fair & Event Center. "Winter Fest OC" is a giant wonderland of immersive wintry fun, featuring ice tub... [more+]

"Winter Fest OC" is coming to town for 18 days and nights, blowing tons of family fun into the OC Fair & Event Center. "Winter Fest OC" is a giant wonderland of immersive wintry fun, featuring ice tubing down an 8-lane, 150 foot real ice summit; massive snow play and slide area with fresh snow blown in daily; an all new SoCal Dickens Village, where you can take a trip down memory lane through the 1800's with holidays past, present and future. Decorate Christmas cookies, listen to holiday storytelling, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Christmas Eve), enjoy a pony ride, and visit the new Victorian holiday shops. Make sure you don't miss the magic of Santa and his Reindeer flying over the fairgrounds through Christmas Eve. "Winter Fest OC" also includes the all new Festival of Lights walk-through with more than 2 million lights, nightly Christmas tree lighting celebration with spectacular fireworks and snowfall and ice skating under the stars on SoCal's largest outdoor ice rink. "Winter Fest OC" is also packed with over 30 carnival rides, attractions and games, a petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train through the Festival of Lights, interactive model trains, craft-making activities and plenty of Instagram-worthy picture opportunities. Make sure you also don't miss ringing in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks spectacular and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6:00pm and midnight. Multiple live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of the a new one. Your ticket includes a fast pass, so you can skip the lines and go down the Snowflake Summit ice tubing slide. Go for the season pass and save over 40% and return as many times as you would like over the 18-day run of SoCal's favorite winter experience. [less-]

Enjoy up-close views of the beautiful marine life, sea cliffs and seven caves of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve on a two-hour guided kayaking tour. No experience is necessary for this fun excursion, ... [more+]

Enjoy up-close views of the beautiful marine life, sea cliffs and seven caves of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve on a two-hour guided kayaking tour. No experience is necessary for this fun excursion, and life-jackets are provided. After a brief lesson, you'll paddle out on a two-person kayak with an experienced and friendly guide to marvel at Arch Cave, Sunny Jim's Cave and others, and maybe even steer through the amazing double-sided Clam Cave (ocean conditions permitting). You might even catch glimpses of sea lions, harmless leopard sharks, Garibaldi fish and dolphins before returning to shore. [less-]

Tired of staging Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide they'll do something a bit less predictable and bit more challenging this year by performing every... [more+]

Tired of staging Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide they'll do something a bit less predictable and bit more challenging this year by performing every Christmas story ever told. The result is the appropriately titled "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)", a fast and furious look at the holiday classics we all know and love — including Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. No holiday icon is spared in this madcap “tour de farce” of holiday cheer performed at the Patio Playhouse in Escondido. [less-]

Voted "San Diego's Best Nutcracker" by San Diego Dance Alliance Tommy Awards, and described as "a plum of a Nutcracker," by the "San Diego Union-Tribune", City Ballet's 24th annual Nutcracker returns ... [more+]

Voted "San Diego's Best Nutcracker" by San Diego Dance Alliance Tommy Awards, and described as "a plum of a Nutcracker," by the "San Diego Union-Tribune", City Ballet's 24th annual Nutcracker returns to the historic Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego. This lavish production is fashioned after the choreography of the great Russian master Lev Ivanov who created the very first "Nutcracker" more than 100 years ago. Virtuoso dancing is complemented by opulent sets, costumes and Pyotr Tchaikovsky's brilliant score performed live by The City Ballet Orchestra with John Nettles conducting. The cast is made up of professionals from the City Ballet company, with children's roles performed by the top talent from the City Ballet School. This beloved holiday ballet follows young Clara on an exciting Christmas night journey through an enchanted dreamworld, where she encounters the Nutcracker Prince, fights epic battles and travels to the magical kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. [less-]

California Ballet's glittering production of "The Nutcracker" leaps onto the stage of the San Diego Civic Theatre in America's favorite holiday tradition. This is a very special on hour performance of... [more+]

California Ballet's glittering production of "The Nutcracker" leaps onto the stage of the San Diego Civic Theatre in America's favorite holiday tradition. This is a very special on hour performance of "The Nutcracker" for families with very young children, performed to pre-recorded music. After the show, you can meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara on the red carpet (on the Plaza) immediately following the performance. [less-]

Magic Shop San Diego and 3 Generations, Inc. are proud to present an extraordinary dinner theater experience. Situated in the historic Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego, the Illusions Theatre and... [more+]

Magic Shop San Diego and 3 Generations, Inc. are proud to present an extraordinary dinner theater experience. Situated in the historic Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego, the Illusions Theatre and Bar is the perfect location to celebrate special occasions with a sensory experience beyond anything you can imagine. Gourmet food, fine liquors and wine enhance the spectacular entertainment from some of the most talented magicians in the country. This parlor magic show has been specially designed and choreographed for Illusions Theatre. It's not just a magic show; it's an adventure through your mind and a test of your imagination. [less-]

The Charles Dickens holiday classic comes to life as a live old-time radio broadcast from the studios of WOTC Radio. The whole family will enjoy this OTC original adaptation of the familiar tale of mi... [more+]

The Charles Dickens holiday classic comes to life as a live old-time radio broadcast from the studios of WOTC Radio. The whole family will enjoy this OTC original adaptation of the familiar tale of miserly curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge and his visit from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who take Scrooge on a thrilling journey to teach him the true meaning of Christmas. A charming take on a holiday favorite that will leave no one saying "Bah Humbug!" See it at Brooks Theatre in Oceanside. [less-]

Klezmer star Yale Strom and his band Hot Pstromi hit The Lyceum Stage in San Diego for a festive holiday concert, featuring tunes from his latest release "Yale Strom's Broken Consort: Shimmering Light... [more+]

Klezmer star Yale Strom and his band Hot Pstromi hit The Lyceum Stage in San Diego for a festive holiday concert, featuring tunes from his latest release "Yale Strom's Broken Consort: Shimmering Lights." "Winter Schminter" celebrates both Hanukkah and the Winter Solstice with Hot Pstromi's signature sound, a fusion of traditional klezmer, new Jewish music, Roma, khasidic, world beat and Balkan music noted for long improvisational breaks. [less-]

Tis the season for the Holiday Hangover when four great tribute bands convene at House of Blues San Diego. Headlining the show is Strangelove, the ultimate tribute to '80s new-wavers Depeche Mode -- i... [more+]

Tis the season for the Holiday Hangover when four great tribute bands convene at House of Blues San Diego. Headlining the show is Strangelove, the ultimate tribute to '80s new-wavers Depeche Mode -- in fact, "LA Weekly" recently declared that "Strangelove's resemblance, both visually and sonically, to Depeche Mode is frightening." Strangelove performs the British synthpop band's biggest hits, from "People Are People" to "Personal Jesus" and beyond. They recreate the original group's famed theatrical concert experience with precision and style, including costume changes and multiple screen projections, to take you through the different eras of Depeche Mode's decades-spanning career. Also on the bill is Temptation, a tribute to New Order; Oh L'Amour, a tribute to Erasure; and Electric Duke, a tribute to David Bowie. [less-]