Thursday, November 30, 2017

Things to Do This Weekend in San Diego: Nov. 30 to Dec. 3


Thursday, Nov. 30
Rady Children’s Ice Rink
10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Liberty Station
‘Tis the season to ice skate – even if we are in sunny San Diego. The Rady Children’s Ice Rink, located at 2875 Dewey Rd. at Liberty Station, is open now through Jan. 7, 2018. Skating costs $12 for kids age 12 and younger, $14 for adults and $10 for military each day, which includes skate rentals.
Global Winter Wonderland Heads to San DiegoGlobal Winter Wonderland Heads to San Diego
Global Winter Wonderland, a traveling holiday attraction, is setting up in San Diego for the first time this season. Featuring light displays aplenty, carnival rides and more, the attraction is open Nov. 19 through Jan. 7 at SDCCU Stadium.
(Published Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017)
Beauty or Torture: Society’s Demand of Perfection Examined
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Women’s Museum of CaliforniaThis exhibition at the Women’s Museum of California at Liberty Station explores the timeless quest for beauty and the lengths women have gone to over the centuries to alter their looks to conform to society’s beauty standards of the time. The exhibition takes a look at weird beauty trends and how routines weren’t always pretty. Admission is $5. “Beauty or Torture: Society’s Demand of Perfection Examined,” is on display at the museum through Jan. 28, 2018.
Mistletoe Market3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Behind the Observatory North ParkNorth Park Main Street will host this holiday market Thursday behind the Observatory featuring snow flurries, live music, a Christmas tree market, food, drinks, activities for the kids, gift vendors and – in true North Park fashion – photos with “Hipster Santa.” For the 21+ revelers, Thorn Street Brewery and Cutwater Spirits will be selling drinks. The community event is free.
Holiday by the Bay
4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Hilton San Diego Bayfront
With an ice skating rink overlooking the bay and a mini golf course inspired by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hosts its “Holiday by the Bay” celebration this season. The Skate by the Bay rink is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends, through Dec. 17. Hours will change after that, but it’ll remain open through New Year’s Day. Skating costs $20 for adults and $15 for children. Rudolph’s “Tees the Season” mini-golf course features nine holes adorned with holiday themes. One round costs $10. There’s an additional fee to park at the hotel.
Inside Liberty Public Market: Fall 2017Inside Liberty Public Market: Fall 2017
It's been a year-and-a-half since Liberty Public Market opened in the heart of Liberty Station. With more than 30 vendors lining its halls, the 25,000-square-foot marketplace has quickly transformed into a food emporium, with interesting treats to be had at every turn. Here's a glimpse at LPM, as it looks in fall 2017. 
(Published Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017)
Holidays at the Cape
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Cape Rey Carlsbad
The Cape Rey Carlsbad hotel hosts its 5th annual tree lighting ceremony Thursday night featuring live music and holiday-themed activities for the little ones, including cookie decorating and photos with Santa. As the hotel decks the halls, visitors can enjoy some shopping and even complimentary kombucha tastings. The event is free and open to the public.
2017 Encinitas Turkey Trot & Food Drive2017 Encinitas Turkey Trot & Food Drive
There are lots of Thanksgiving Day races happening in San Diego County, including the Encinitas Turkey Trot & Food Drive. The 4th annual 10K and 5K start at 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., right under the big Encinitas sign.
(Published Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017)
Zumba Fitness Fun
6:30 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
This energizing Zumba class goes down each Thursday on the second-floor South Tower at Harrah’s Resort SoCal. The movin’ and groovin’ starts at 6:30 p.m.
Cooking Class: Try My Healthy Thai
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Lazy Acres
This chef-led cooking class at in the Moonlight Room at Lazy Acres (150 Encinitas Blvd.) in Encinitas will teach the techniques involved in cooking healthy Thai cuisine – from appetizer to dessert. On the menu: a Thai Mocktail featuring lemongrass, basil, and lime; Thai Spring Rolls with fresh mint and peanut sauce; Red Curry Chicken with Lime and Cilantro, accompanied by seasoned cauliflower rice; Coconut Mango Parfait. The class costs $30 per person.
Friday, Dec. 1
Skating by the Sea
11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Hotel Del Coronado
Now in its 13th year, The Del’s seaside ice skating rink on Windsor Lawn is open through New Year’s Day. The ice rink adds to the spirit of the season at the landmark, where visitors will also find thousands of white lights decking out the hotel’s iconic Victorian buildings, holiday music and hot cocoa. Check The Del’s website for exact times and dates. Skating costs $30 per person and includes ice skate rentals.
Chuao Chocolatier Factory Tour
11 a.m., Chuao Chocolatier
Enjoy your very own “Willy Wonka” moment at this guided tour of a chocolate factory – Chuao Chocolatier – in Carlsbad (2350 Camino Vida Roble). Visitors will hear the story of how the chocolatier came to be, how confections there are made and – as the cherry on top – get to sample some chocolates. Tickets are $15; space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance.
Balboa Park December Nights
3 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s biggest event of the year, December Nights, is back, filling the landmark with festive entertainment, lights, food and family-friendly activities. The festival goes down on Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and again Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Balboa Park museums will offer extended hours and free admission from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both nights. The event attracts about 350,000 visitors each year, so consider taking public transit or ride-sharing to Balboa Park on those days as parking usually fills up.
Group Works to Restore Balboa Park CarouselGroup Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel
The San Diego-based nonprofit organization, Friends of Balboa Park, recently purchased the historic Balboa Park Carousel located off Park Boulevard. The group plans to restore the ride to its glory days and keep it running for generations to come. The carousel was built in 1910 and boasts all of its original parts. It first came to Balboa Park in 1... 
(Published Tuesday, July 25, 2017)

Global Winter Wonderland: 'Circus of Light'
5 p.m. to 11 p.m., SDCCU StadiumThis 17-acre holiday festival is in San Diego for the first time this season, setting up at SDCCU Stadium through Jan. 7, 2018. The family-friendly international celebration features the largest display of traditional Chinese lanterns outside of China, plus acrobatics performances, carnival rides, holiday-themed activities, games, food and shopping. The little ones can even write letters to Santa Claus and visit sections like Toyland, Candyland and the North Pole. Global Winter Wonderland opens daily at either 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. but is closed on some dates. Check this calendar for exact dates and times to plan your visit. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $19 for kids ages 4 to 12 or senior citizens age 62 and older. Kids 3 and under get in free.
Olde Fashioned Christmas
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe hosts its 4th annual Olde Fashioned Christmas, a celebration that includes outdoor ice skating, s’mores roasting, a soup tasting event, the lighting of a 20-foot Christmas tree and Santa’s arrival. Three-hour ice skating sessions at the rink at the hotel costs between $15 and $18; the rink is open through Jan. 1. Friday’s festivities are free, but bring money to buy food or drinks or to partake in some of the activities.
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
7:30 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre
This touring, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical makes its way to the San Diego Civic Theatre this weekend with five performances over the course of three days, the first at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The play tells the classic, romantic tale of Cinderella and her glass slippers, with a few twists. Tickets to the opening night start at $56.50.
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends: New Worlds
7:30 p.m., California Center for the Arts Escondido
This show is sold out but we couldn’t resist still telling you about it. Funnyman Bill Murray will take the stage Friday night at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido as both singer and narrator of “New Worlds,” a showcase of literature and music. Murray, joined by German cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang and pianist Vanessa Perez, brings his charm and wit to classic songs and readings of American poetry. When Murray’s San Diego show was announced over the summer, SoundDiego was pretty excited about it.
Group Works to Restore Balboa Park CarouselGroup Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel
The San Diego-based nonprofit organization, Friends of Balboa Park, recently purchased the historic Balboa Park Carousel located off Park Boulevard. The group plans to restore the ride to its glory days and keep it running for generations to come. The carousel was built in 1910 and boasts all of its original parts. It first came to Balboa Park in 1... 
(Published Tuesday, July 25, 2017)

Pizza Port’s 21st Annual Strong Ale Festival
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), Pizza Port Bottle Shop in CarlsbadCheers! Pizza Port will host its 21st annual Strong Ale Festival Friday and Saturday at its bottle shop in Carlsbad (571 Carlsbad Village Dr.), showcasing more than 75 strong ales on draft that patrons can taste throughout the event. A $45 general admission ticket gets you a commemorative festival glass and eight sudsy samples either from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday night or 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. There are VIP ticket options, too, which include food.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Boardwalk Craft Market
8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Old Poway Park
The Boardwalk Craft Market – a juried show with crafts created and by San Diego County artists – is held every Saturday morning (through Christmas) at Old Poway Park. Artists are on-hand to answer questions about their work. Admission is free. After the holidays, this market returns in February.
Healthy Living in the City Yoga
9 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Headquarters at Seaport Village
We know December can be a month of over-indulgence, so why not kick off the month with a healthy mindset? Stretch the morning away with a free yoga class at the Headquarters at Seaport Village. Scripps Health and the Downtown San Diego Partnership are offering this free yoga session to yogis of any age and any skill level. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Just bring your own mat to join the party.
International Beer-Doughnut Pairing
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Second Chance Beer Lounge
Suds and sweets? Now you’re talking. The Second Chance Beer Lounge (4045 30th St.) will host this tasty Saturday morning event featuring internationally-inspired brews paired with specialty doughnuts created by Nomad Donuts. For instance, the brewery’s “What Goes Around Comes Around Session Tart” will be paired with a Calamansi Mango Donut for a Filipino-inspired flare, while the “Legally Red Hoppy American Red” beer will be matched with a Honey Saffron Walnut Donut for a Mediterranean experience. A $20 ticket gets you four beer samples and four doughnut samples.
San Diego's Top Breweries San Diego's Top Breweries
Layered Vintage Wreath-Making Workshop
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Moniker General
Moniker General (2860 Sims Rd.), a quirky little shop and craft coffee space at Liberty Station, will host this workshop Saturday morning focused on the art of making a vintage, layered holiday wreath. The class will be on Moniker’s back patio and will touch on everything from foraging and ingredient sourcing to texture blending to build that perfect wild winter wreath. Students will enjoy hot cocoa and snacks while they craft; the class costs $75 and you take home your wreath when you’re finished.
Winter Wonderland Festival
3 p.m., California Center for the Arts Escondido
This annual Winter Wonderland Festival returns to Lyric Court at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido with twinkling lights, carolers and holiday spirit. Kids can frolic in real snow, decorate Christmas cookies, meet live reindeer and chat with Santa Claus. The free festival includes lots of live entertainment, too, from local choirs to hula dancers telling the story of the holidays as celebrated around the world. Food and drink vendors will be on-hand selling goodies, as well.
Grand Holiday Marketplace at Cellar 312 p.m. to 4 p.m., Green Flash Brewing’s Cellar 3Green Flash hosts its 6th annual Grand Holiday Marketplace at its Cellar 3 Tasting Rooms in Poway in both Poway (12260 Crothwaite Circle) and Mira Mesa. The marketplace features dozens of cool San Diego-based vendors selling their handmade goods including Craft and Copper, Manzanita Roasting Company, Nibble Chocolate, Smallgoods and more. Shoppers can sip on craft brews while picking up some unique gifts and supporting small, local business owners. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.Healthy Living in the City Yoga
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
4 p.m. to 8 p.m., India Street, between W. Grape and W. Cedar streets
It’s time to light up the 25-foot poinsettia tree at the Piazza Basilone in Little Italy. In celebration of the community's 19th annual tree lighting, Little Italy is doing it big. Three blocks of India Street will be closed off and loaded with Mercato vendors, holiday entertainment, a kids area full of crafts, and, of course, Santa himself. Little Italy will flip the switch on their Christmas Tree at 5:30 p.m. Santa will be available for photos until 6:30 p.m.
Things to Do in Old TownThings to Do in Old Town
From free museums and historical demonstrations to food, NBC 7's Monica Garske takes a look at some things to do when visiting Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
(Published Thursday, June 1, 2017)
Chula Vista Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
Children’s Faire from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Parade from 6 p.m to 8 p.m., Third AvenueThe famous Starlight Parade is back preceded by a host of special attractions at the new Children’s Faire. Itching for a chance to play in the snow? Check out Frosty’s Snow Hill in Memorial Park. Want some heart-pumping fun? Play winter hoops or putt-putt golf at the Recreation Center. How about some educational activities? Find out how to make snow and meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Public Library. And of course, don’t miss the annual Starlight Parade down Third Avenue starting at 6 p.m. You may even see some of the NBC 7/Telemundo 20 team there!
Sunday, Dec. 2
Guided Nature Walk
9:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
Join a trail guide from Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) on this free, 1.5-hour nature walk and learn about the plants, animals, geology, history and ecology of the park. The walk begins at the Visitor Center and will head out to one of three scenic trails: The Oak Grove Loop, The Visitor Center Loop, or The Riverside Grinding Rocks. These walks are typically held at MTRP every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Wear close-toed shoes and sunscreen, and bring water.
Things to Do at Balboa ParkThings to Do at Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s best-known landmarks. NBC 7's Monica Garske speaks with Balboa Park Conservancy CEO and president Tomas Herrera-Mishler about a few of the things you should do when you visit the sprawling urban park in the hear of America's Finest City.
(Published Thursday, April 20, 2017)

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m., The Old GlobeOne of San Diego's favorite holiday traditions, now in its 20th year at The Old Globe, runs through Christmas Eve, with several performances on the weekends. The whimsical characters and stories from the classic Dr. Seuss book jump off the page and onto the stage in “Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” featuring songs like “This Time of Year” and “Fah Who Doraze.” Tickets start at $37 for adults and $24 for children.
WinterFest
12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Downtown Vista
Celebrate all things winter, from holiday movies to carriage rides, at WinterFest 2017 in downtown Vista. The event takes over a stretch of Main Street to bring guests bites, sights and shops from around Vista. Nearby Cinepolis will even be screening holiday movies, complete with milk and cookies. Tour downtown’s eateries with the “Sip or Sweet Tour.” For the kids, there is even a “Sweet Stop Tour.” Wrap up the evening with a performance by vocalist Celeste Barbier while snow falls and Vista’s giant Christmas Tree is lit. It’s sure to be spectacular.
SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical2 p.m. and 7 p.m., La Jolla PlayhouseThe world-premiere production of “SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical” continues its run at the La Jolla Playhouse this weekend. The musical put together in part by the director (Des McAnnuff) and choreographer (Sergio Trujillo) that worked on “Jersey Boys,” follows the life of the singer from her modest Boston childhood to her rise as the Queen of Disco. The show is led by a Tony Award-winning actress, a former “Hamilton” star and a local San Diego favorite. Tickets start at $80, and if you’re considering attending, you may want to act fast: tickets have been selling out quickly for all performances of this musical. The musical runs until Dec. 17.
It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert
2 p.m., Copley Symphony Hall
Enjoy this timeless holiday movie in a way like you’ve never seen before. Watch "It’s a Wonderful Life" as the San Diego Symphony performs Dimitri Tiomkin’s heartfelt score live. If you’ve never seen the film (what are you waiting for?), "It’s A Wonderful Life" is a tale of a frustrated man who is given a chance to see what life would be like without him, and discovers that he truly is the “richest man in town.” Complimented by the melodious sounds of the San Diego Symphony, this event will surely get you into the holiday spirit.
Garden of Lights
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., San Diego Botanical Garden, Encinitas, prices range from $5 to $20Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights are enchanting the San Diego Botanical Garden in Encinitas. The Garden of Lights festival features entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, marshmallow roasting, crafts and more on select nights throughout December. Santa will be on-hand to hear your gift requests and you may even see some snow!
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San DiegoTimes and locations varyFree or Cheap Things to Do in San DiegoFree or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.

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