It’s Thanksgiving weekend. It’s also Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, not to mention the holiday season is in full swing.
If you’re planning to shop, check out our holiday gift guide.
Otherwise, there’s plenty to do in San Diego County this weekend.
Here are the top events in the area from Thursday, November 24 to Sunday, November 27.
Thursday
Friday
Mexico fans cheer during the FIFA World Cup Group C match against Poland at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022.
(Martin Meissner/Associated Press)
World Cup Watch Party with San Diego Loyal: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park showcases its soccer bona fides with Pride and Glory, a free weekend watch party for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 presented by the San Diego Symphony in association with San Diego. Loyal SC. The public is invited to watch the two matches on giant LED screens at Symphony Public Bayfront Park. Bring a picnic or buy food and drinks on site. USA vs. England on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Mexico vs. Argentina on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. Free of charge. RSVP at bit.ly/3OaAhm4
Gaslamp Quarter World Cup Viewing Party: Soccer fans can enjoy the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar at an outdoor viewing party in the Gaslamp Quarter. The games are USA vs. England and Mexico vs. Argentina. Enjoy a drink garden, interactive games and more for all ages. Games every day at 8 and 11, from today until Sunday. The drinking garden is open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Island Street, San Diego between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Participation is free. bit.ly/3TIL1cP
Winter Wonderland: Lakehouse Hotel & The resort opens its Winter Wonderland with a free tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, featuring holiday beverages from hot chocolate to cider (for ages 21+). Get ready for an ugly sweater themed skating session, Santa Claus and carolers. Decorations include a 140-foot tunnel of holiday lights and a 30-foot Christmas tree. Head to the ice rink, join the Polar Express Hayride or dine in one of the resort’s “igloos”. Free tree lighting on Friday at 6; ice skating 14-21. daily (tickets $10 children, $15 adults); Polar Express Hayrides from 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort, 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. lakehousehotelandresort.com/winter-wonderland
Wild Holidays at Safari Park: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the “Wild Holidays” with an expedition of light and journeys through places that glow, holiday carols, walks and seasonal culinary delights. Entertainment includes the Light Up the Holidays choreographed lighted tree show with holiday music at Safari Base Camp, Santa at Village Market, Holiday Troubadour, Lights Bridge, Firefly Stilt Walkers and Journey of Light decorated trails and the Nairobi Lantern Walk. 16-20. 25-27 November, 3-4 December, 10-11, 17-23, 26-31 Jan. 1. San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. The safari park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during this event, with the exception of January 1, when business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wild Holidays activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.
Liberty Station Tree Lighting: Ceremonial lighting of Liberty Station’s 88-foot Norfolk Pine with entertainment, festive fire truck rides, free photos with Santa and outdoor movie screenings. 17.00. Nov 25 North Promenade at Liberty Station, 2848 Dewey Road, San Diego. Entrance is free. Visit libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting.
Hyatt goes ‘over the top’: Manchester Grand Hyatt has transformed its Top of the Hyatt bar into the ‘Over the Top Holiday Lounge’ – a festively decorated pop-up experience which opens on Friday and runs until 28 December. The cabin is designed to recall a nostalgic family vacation with bunk beds and holiday decor. Four specialty drinks are on offer, including the Classy Grinch mint vodka cocktail, Let It Snow vodka and eggnog, Sweater Weather spiced rum and apple cider, and Build Your Own Cozy Cabin Coco, along with a selection of hot chocolate and spirits. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, 40th Floor, 1 Market, San Diego. topofthehyatt.com
“The Gifts of the Magi”: Lamplighters Community Theater presents this musical adaptation of O. Henry’s holiday story about an impoverished but devoted young couple who give up their most prized possessions to buy each other Christmas presents. Opens on Friday and runs until December 18 at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 14.00. Sundays. 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. 22-28 dollars. (619) 303-5092. lamplighterslamesa.com
San Diego’s Plaid Tidings Musical Theater presents a holiday edition of the popular doo-wop musical comedy Forever Plaid. In this version, the long-dead 1960s all-male vocal quartet the Plaids are resurrected for one night to perform the holiday concert they never got to sing in their lifetimes. Nov. 25 to Dec. 24, 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 20.00. on Fridays. 16.00. on Saturdays. 14.00. Sundays. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $40 and up. (858) 560-5740. sdmt.org
“The Nutcracker”: New West Ballet’s 41st production features a mix of professional and pre-professional dancers with more than 50 performers. 19.00. November 25 at 2 and 7 p.m. November 26 and 2 p.m. Nov 27 14.00. The Nov. 26 show is a family- and sensory-friendly abbreviated show, and all tickets that day are $15. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $27-$42. newwestballet.com
Saturday
Debbie Gibson performs Saturday at Viejas Casino. He is shown here in concert at the 2022 International Tennis Hall of Fame Legends Ball in New York.
Debbie Gibson’s Winterlicious: Once-teen pop star Debbie Gibson is now 52 and on tour in support of her first career holiday album. It features what is believed to be a new “holiday anthem” called “Heartbreak Holiday,” a vocal duet with New Kids On The Block veteran Joey McIntyre. Presumably, the new boy won’t be at the concert anymore, but Gibson alone can elicit screams from fans. 20.00. on Saturday. Oak Ballroom, Viejas Casino 5000 Willows Road, Alpine. $30-$35 (must be 21 or older). viejas.com
Sound of Music: The Balboa Theater hosts this musical gathering for fans of The Sound of Music who just love to sing along. (Can’t remember all the words? Don’t worry, the words are on the screen) Everyone gets a prop pack and you can channel your inner Liesl with a costume contest. The party will feature a live organ concert featuring Russ Peck on the Wonder Morton organ. 14.00. on Saturday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. Tickets $3.50-$35. sandiegotheatres.org/node/179
(Andrew Huse/courtesy Sideways Media)
“The Last Waltz” featuring Mrs. Henry, Albert Lee, Scarlett Rivera, Jack Tempchin and more: On Thanksgiving night 1976, pioneering Americana group The Band played their farewell concert in San Francisco with guests including Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison , Neil Young and Eric Clapton. This concert, themed around the film directed by Martin Scorsese, will be recreated song by song by the award-winning San Diego band Mrs. Henry. The list of guest artists includes such prominent collaborators as former Clapton band guitar wizard Albert Lee, former Dylan fiddler Scarlet Rivera and renowned Nordic troubadour Jack Tempchin. 18.00. on Saturday. Magnolia, 210 East Main Street, El Cajon. 26-30 dollars. livenation.com
“Johnny Zero’s October Night”: Backyard Renaissance Theater premieres Francis Gercke’s mystery comedy-sci-fi story about a teenage boy coming of age in 1980s New Jersey. Opens on Saturday and runs until December 10 at 8:00 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. 19.00. Sundays. Backyard Renaissance Theater at Tenth Avenue Center for the Arts, 930 Tenth Ave., San Diego. $18-$40. (760) 975-7189. backyardrenaissance.com
“A Christmas Carol”: Cygnet Theater presents its 11th annual production of Dickens’ holiday tale, with Cygnet Artistic Director Sean Murray playing the role of Scrooge. Murray wrote the adaptation and lyrics and directed this production with music by Billy Thompson. It features Christmas carols, puppetry and special effects. Opens on Saturday and runs until December 24 at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 20.00. on Fridays. 3 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays. 14.00. Sundays. Cygnet’s Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego. $30 and up. (619) 337-1525. cygnettheatre.com
Tree Lighting in One of the Paseos: See the lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree. The center will sparkle with firefly lights on the trees and festive decor. In the evening, there will be live music performances, snow from the roofs, Santa Claus, special guests and photos. 17.00. Nov. 26 at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place. Visit onepaseo.com.
Light Up the Holidays: The Salvation Army kicks off its Red Kettle “Light Up the Holidays.” The free family event includes a tree lighting, holiday music, performances and photos with Santa. In addition to monetary donations, the Salvation Army accepts new unwrapped toys. 16-18. Nov. 26 at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. Visit salarmy.us/lightuptheholidays.
Skydive Santa: St. Nick parachutes into the Jingle Bell Jump, a free family-friendly event from noon to 3 p.m. The El Camino High School Band and Santa’s Elves lead the parade from Santa’s Landing. Highlights include visits from Santa, carnival games and rides, holiday crafts and cookie decorating, bingo with prizes, free churros and cotton candy, a petting zoo, pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides and balloon art. Midday. November 26. Mission Marketplace, 471 College Blvd. missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.
Sunday
Cast of “Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show” at The Old Globe.
“Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show”: The Old Globe presents Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” set in 1800s San Diego with music, comedy and puppetry. 19.00. Tuesdays-Sundays. 14.00. on Saturdays and Sundays. Until December 24. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $34-$85. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org
“Exceeding Gestures”: Artist Leslie Pierce presents this multimedia art installation that includes video projections, drawings and paintings, and drawings by participants from the public event “Exceeding Gestures.” The exhibition was made possible through a cooperation grant issued by the NTC Foundation and runs until Wednesday. From noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Fridays. 11.00-18.00. on Saturdays and Sundays. Dick Laub Command Center, Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road. Suite 104, San Diego. ntcfoundation.org
Christmas tree lighting: Christ Presbyterian Church begins the Advent season with a festival of lights from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27 on the patio and lobby, 7807 Centella St. The event includes making an Advent wreath and Christmas set for children, fellowship around the fire, a hot chocolate bar and sweets, culminating in the lighting of the outdoor Christmas tree. Visit christ-pres.church.
Village Family Christmas: This is a free community event for families. Highlights include Christmas cookies, cocoa and coffee, and traditional carols and jingle pop songs performed by soloists. Make Christmas ornaments and a wreath to decorate for the holidays. 16.00. Nov 27 Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias. villagechurch.org.
OMA Presents “Legacy: 25 Years”: The Oceanside Museum of Art is now exhibiting “Legacy: 25 Years of Art and Community,” a two-part exhibition of the 25-year history previously exhibited at the museum. Curated by Danielle Deery, the exhibition is designed to show how the museum has evolved from humble beginnings to a renowned center for contemporary art. “Previous Years (1997-2014)” and “Recent Years” (2014-2021) will be exhibited simultaneously. “The Early Years” runs until January 29. “The Recent Years” continues until February 19. “Zena and Zelda” (pictured) by sculptor Cheryl Tall is on display at the “Recent Years” exhibition. 11.00-17.00. Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. 11.00-20.00. on Fridays. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Free up to $10. (760) 435-3721. oma-online.org
Where is it warmest in November?
On average, the hottest places in November are:
- Bangkok (33.1 °C)
- Singapore (31.3 °C)
- Dominican Republic (30.5 °C)
- Barbados (30.3 °C)
- Orlando (29.1 °C)
- Cape Verde (28.3 °C)
- Brisbane (26.6°C)
- Tenerife (24.3 °C)
.
What months can you see whales in San Diego?
Humpback, minke, and fin whales can be seen year-round along San Diego’s coast. Blue whale season is in the summer, usually from May to August. But the best months to see whales in San Diego are from mid-December to mid-March, when gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico and back.
Is it whale watching season in San Diego? San Diego is one of the world’s most popular marine wildlife viewing destinations. During the whale watching season, from mid-December to April, over 20,000 gray whales travel along our coast.
Is whale watching in San Diego worth it?
A fantastic way to experience the ocean in San Diego. I’ll admit I’ve never made a whale watch before, but I loved it. We saw over 100 dolphins, California sea lions and a MINKE WHALE! Dani was our tour guide and she was knowledgeable and accommodating and just as excited as we were to see a minke whale.
What month is best for whale watching in San Diego?
Blue whale season is in the summer, usually from May to August. But the best months to see whales in San Diego are from mid-December to mid-March, when gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico and back. Gray whales feed in shallow waters off the coast, so they are close enough to reach by kayak.
What time of day are whales most active in San Diego?
Whale patterns are unpredictable depending on the time of day, but of course whales are easier to spot with more light. While there’s no guaranteed time of day for prime whale watching, it’s true that between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM PT in San Diego, the beautiful blue waters are mesmerizing.
Is a whale watching tour worth it?
Whale watching can be an exciting experience, an adventure on the water that results in incredible memories and surprisingly good photos of seabirds, dolphins and of course whales. It’s an exciting day out: a new perspective as you watch the coastline recede and search the wide horizon for the spout.
What time of day is best for whale watching in San Diego?
The best time to see whales in San Diego is in the morning. The sea is usually calmer at other times of the day. Also, ideal sea and weather conditions make it easier to spot whales even from a distance.
Is it better to whale watch in the morning or evening?
But first, we emphasize that there is no best time of day for whale watching. Whales are out and about doing their thing day and night, so whether you go out in the morning, afternoon or evening, you’ll always have a great chance to see whales and other marine life.
What is the best time to whale watch in California?
In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is from December to May. For humpback whales, visit between May and November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October.
When should I go whale watching?
They travel north in mid-May, June and July. August is the month when some whales head north and some have started back south. From September, October to mid-November, they come south. Any time during this period is good for whale watching.
What is the best month for whale watching in California?
In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is from December to May. For humpback whales, visit between May and November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay between July and October.
Is San Diego zoo open year round?
Yes! The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park is open every day of the year, rain or shine, including ALL holidays!
Is the San Diego Zoo open in November? The San Diego Zoo is open every day of the year—rain or shine—including all holidays.
Is San Diego Zoo open in December?
December 9, 2022 to January 1, 2023* The magic and spirit of the holiday season returns!
What is the best time to visit San Diego Zoo?
The best time to visit the San Diego Zoo is when it opens. You can enjoy the exhibits with smaller crowds as the zoo tends to get busier as the day goes on and weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Most of the park is outdoors, so it’s best to save the zoo for nice weather.
Is December a good time to visit San Diego Zoo?
The winter months are a great time to visit the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. We like comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. December to March also marks the official whale watching season.
Is San Diego Zoo open in the winter?
The San Diego Zoo is open daily, regardless of the weather.
Is the San Diego Zoo open in October?
San Diego Zoo hours vary by season, but the park is open every day of the week, including holidays. The best time of year to save money is October, when kids get in for free.
What is the best time to visit San Diego Zoo?
The best time to visit the San Diego Zoo is when it opens. You can enjoy the exhibits with smaller crowds as the zoo tends to get busier as the day goes on and weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Most of the park is outdoors, so it’s best to save the zoo for nice weather.
Is the San Diego Zoo busy in October?
Weekends attract more tourists and vacationers. 1-31 through October, children ages 3-11 can enter the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park for free. It traditionally attracts large crowds, including large school groups, every day in October and especially at weekends.
Is San Diego Zoo free in October?
October is Kid Free Month at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and kids 11 and under get free admission (with an adult) all month.
Is San Diego Zoo open in the winter?
The San Diego Zoo is open daily, regardless of the weather.
Is the San Diego Zoo good in the winter?
Winter is a great time to visit the San Diego Zoo. Not only will you avoid the busy summer crowds, but you’ll also benefit from slightly cooler temperatures. Both of these factors make getting around the zoo easier and allow you to take your time and really get the most out of your visit.
Is December a good time to visit San Diego Zoo?
The winter months are a great time to visit the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. We like comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. December to March also marks the official whale watching season.
Can you go to the beach in San Diego in November?
If you are planning to visit San Diego in November, try to come during the first couple of weeks. You’re more likely to capture sunny beach days during this time, but certainly not impossible for the rest of the Thanksgiving month. The days have a little sun, a little cloudiness and a few rainy days.
Is San Diego hot in November? The average November temperature in San Diego is about seventy degrees on the high end of the spectrum or fifty-four degrees on the low end. For many of us, that sounds absolutely perfect for all sorts of November activities.
Can you swim in California beaches in November?
In Los Angeles, San Diego, San Clemente, Encinitas and Hollywood, swimming is possible in November, but the sea is generally cool. Although the sea temperature can sometimes reach 65°F, it can also drop to 60°F. Note that the average is 63°F.
Can you swim in Los Angeles beaches november?
You can swim in Los Angeles beaches in November, but the sea water is cool. Although the sea temperature sometimes reaches 65°F, it can also be as low as 60°F! Note that the average is 63°F.
What is the warmest place in California in november?
San Diego is the warmest and sunniest city, while Lake Tahoe is usually the coldest area, with very little rain or snow, but temperatures below freezing.
Is november too cold for the beach?
November is a warm and dry time to sunbathe on Santa Monica Beach. November is too cold to swim at Santa Monica Beach for any length of time unless you have a wet suit. For the best beach weather, consider visiting Santa Monica Beach in June, July, August, and September.
Is November a good time to visit San Diego?
Fall is the best time to visit San Diego and La Jolla; more precisely in October and early November. Fall in San Diego and La Jolla is my absolute favorite. The weather is perfect for hovering in the 70s, the sun is shining, and the crowds start to thin out as you head into fall.
Is November a good month for San Diego?
The best time to visit San Diego is from March to May and from September to November. Compared to the summer high season, you can find good deals on travel prices in the low season.
What is San Diego like in November?
Average temperature (high/low): 69°F/54°F. Precipitation: 1 inch. Rainy days: 4. Sunny days: 75%
Can you go to the beach in San Diego in November?
It’s cold in the Pacific, but San Diego is at its warmest in the fall. November usually has warm, dry days and cool to cool nights. The water should be quite cool, but much better than, for example, in June. Stay away from the beach after it rains – all street runoff goes into the ocean.
Can you swim at the beach in San Diego in November?
You can swim at San Diego beaches in November, but the sea water is chilly. Although the sea temperature sometimes rises to 65°F, it can also be as low as 61°F! Note that the average is 63°F.
