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| 2:00 PM | Stage: Beauty's Daughter Beauty’s Daughter by Dael Orlandersmith is a gripping and poetic one-woman play that explores the cycles of trauma, survival, and self-discovery in the heart of Harlem. At its center is Diane, a woman confronting the scars left by her charismatic yet deeply destructive mother, Beauty. Through a series of vivid monologues, Diane transforms into a tapestry of neighborhood characters—friends, lovers, and strangers—each reflecting the pain and resilience of urban life. With raw honesty and lyrical power, Orlandersmith crafts a portrait of a woman striving to break free from her past and reclaim her voice in a world that has tried to silence her.
Diversionary Theatre |
| 7:00 PM | Music: Los Blenders In the vibrant heart of Mexico City, where contrasts shape the days and nights brim with endless possibilities, Los Blenders emerged—a band that transformed the ordinary into unforgettable anthems. Since their beginnings in the early 2010s, they’ve captured the spirit of a youth that seeks refuge in art, music, and humor, blending garage rock, surf, and lo-fi rhythms with a unique and undeniable identity.
Soda Bar |
| 6:30 PM | The Power of Story: Latina Book Fair Join us for the first San Diego Latina Authors Book Fair at the KPBS Community Room, SDSU. The Power of Story: Latina Authors Book Fair Be part of a historic gathering that celebrates Latina voices shaping history today. When Latinas speak, generations are inspired—and this is your chance to be in the room. What You’ll Experience: Meet recently published Latina authors breaking barriers Learn proven strategies to write and publish your own book Join an inspiring live author panel + audience Q&A Receive one hour bonus webinar with AWA author Erica Alfaro - TBD Light refreshments and beverages will be provided Why You Should Attend: Only 8% of U.S. authors are Latina/o. This event is more than a book fair — it’s a movement to honor our stories, uplift our communities, and ignite your own voice. Reserve your spot now. Tickets are limited — once they’re gone, they’re gone! Hosted by TV host, speaker, and author Elsa Sevilla, and award-winning author Erica Alfaro.
Copley Telecommunications Center |
| 7:30 PM | Performance: Irish Christmas in America Celebrating 20 years, Bringing irish spirit to the holidays since 2005 The hugely popular Holiday show "Irish Christmas in America" returns in 2025, bringing a fascinating performance of music, song, dance and stories of seasonal Irish traditions. Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, the show features exceptional Irish music, song and dance in a family-friendly performance rich in humour and boundless energy. Evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland. The holiday show was first conceived in 2005 with past tours featuring such stellar guest vocalists as Niamh Farrell, Séamus & Méabh Begley, Teresa Horgan, Lumiere (Pauline Scanlon & Eilis Kennedy), Karan Casey, Cara Dillon, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cathie Ryan and Michael Londra. Performance highlights from 2005 – 2024 include Cerritos Performing Arts Center – Los Angeles, National Geographic Live – Washington DC, Fox Theater, Tucson, The Egg – Albany, Annenberg Center – Philadelphia, Kimo Theater – Albuquerque, The Classic Center – Athens, Stephens Performing Arts Center – Pocatello ID. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas, as the finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a fun-filled start to the holiday season of 2025.
California Center for the Arts |
| 10:30 AM | Ukrainian Borscht Cooking Day We invite you to take part in our Borscht Cooking Day, dedicated to preparing traditional Ukrainian borscht for December Nights, the largest annual celebration in Balboa Park. This is a volunteer effort to support the House of Ukraine. Together, we will prepare borscht that will be sold during December Nights to help raise funds for our organization. About the Dish: Ukrainian borscht is a hearty beet-based soup made with vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and often beans or meat. It is traditionally served with sour cream and fresh dill — a treasured symbol of Ukrainian culinary heritage. Whether you speak Ukrainian, English, or both, you are welcome to join us and contribute your time and support to help the House of Ukraine prepare for December Nights.
Hall of Nations |
| 7:30 PM | A Merry-achi Christmas Eight-time Grammy-nominated Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández brings holiday cheer with its Merry-achi Christmas tour. Known as Los Embajadores del Mariachi, the world-renowned ensemble will entertain audiences with dazzling renditions of mariachi favorites and Christmas classics, from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite to Feliz Navidad. This year?s tour also celebrates Hernández?s 50th year of preserving and elevating the mariachi art form
Balboa Theatre |
| 8:30 PM | Music: Marisela Marisela, Marisela is a Mexican-American singer and songwriter, also known as La Dama de Hierro. She rose to prominence in the 1980s with her romantic ballads and has maintained a decades-long career in Latin music, becoming recognized as one of the most enduring female voices of her generation
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| 10:30 AM | Brazilian Music Storytime Storytelling, Games, Cool Instruments, Capoeira, Fun Times! Music and movement for kids and families with Brazilian duo Do Re Tree.
Point Loma Library |
| 3:00 PM | December Nights Join us on December 5 and 6 for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.
Balboa Park |
| 5:30 PM | Music: Mireya Ramos Latin GRAMMY® winner Mireya Ramos brings her powerhouse vocals and six-piece band to our cabaret space for an unforgettable, one-night-only performance. The evening will feature captivating original rancheras that blend traditional Mexican folk music with jazz and cumbia. Through a powerful mix of heartfelt storytelling, soul-stirring ballads, and uplifting anthems, audiences will be immersed in a celebration of music that honors joy, love, strength, and resilience. This groundbreaking vocalist and violinist is redefining mariachi for a new generation—don’t miss the chance to experience her dynamic presence and vibrant energy in an intimate setting. It’s an evening you won’t soon forget.
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center |
| 6:30 PM | Film: L'Attachement A young single father trying to find the strength to love. A feminist librarian, single by conviction, who’s decided that she won’t be a mother. A six-year-old child trying to find a place in a new family structure. By revealing their aspirations, their fears, their choices, writer/director Carine Tardieu depicts different ways in which humans create families. Based on the novel L’Intimité by Alice Ferney.
French American School |
| 7:30 PM | Music: Metalachi Born from a long night of music, tequila, and mariachi-loving metalheads, Metalachi has been entertaining audiences and wooing abuelas everywhere for over a decade.
The Holding Company |
| 8:00 PM | Music: Liverpool Legends Liverpool Legends are four incredibly talented musicians/actors curated by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison, to honor her brother's legacy, and re-create the band that changed the world forever. This Grammy-nominated and unique one-of-a-kind Beatles show is narrated by Louise Harrison and honors The Beatles' legacy by tracing their musical evolution from early hits to psychedelic masterpieces. With note-perfect vocals, precise attention to every musical detail, along with costume changes, vintage instruments, and new state-of-the-art multi-media, Liverpool Legends will make you feel like you are seeing the real thing!
Balboa Theatre |
| Music: Mireya Ramos Latin GRAMMY® winner Mireya Ramos brings her powerhouse vocals and six-piece band to our cabaret space for an unforgettable, one-night-only performance. The evening will feature captivating original rancheras that blend traditional Mexican folk music with jazz and cumbia. Through a powerful mix of heartfelt storytelling, soul-stirring ballads, and uplifting anthems, audiences will be immersed in a celebration of music that honors joy, love, strength, and resilience. This groundbreaking vocalist and violinist is redefining mariachi for a new generation—don’t miss the chance to experience her dynamic presence and vibrant energy in an intimate setting. It’s an evening you won’t soon forget.
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center |
| Music: Yandel Llandel Veguilla Malavé, best known by his stage name Yandel, is a Puerto Rican singer who is a member of the reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel. He released his first solo album, Quien Contra Mí, in 2003. His second solo studio album, De Líder a Leyenda, was released in 2013 and was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2014
Cal Coast Credit Union |
| 11:00 AM | December Nights Join us on December 5 and 6 for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.
Balboa Park |
| 4:00 PM | Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village San Diego’s most magical holiday traditions! Join us as our charming neighborhood transforms into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive music, and joyful cheer.
Little Italy |
| Reimagining Refuge: An Evening of Art, Community, and Conversation Join us for a night of creativity and meaningful dialogue as a group of local artists leads us to reimagine refuge.
Welcome to Reimagining Refuge: An Evening of Art, Community and Conversation! Join us for a night filled with creativity and meaningful dialogue as a group of local artists leads us to reimagine refuge. What does it mean to find refuge? To be refuge? Supported by a cohort of local institutions and organizations, the event explores ways to respond to and think beyond the current situation impacting migrant communities. The evening will include live theatre, art installations, and musical performances as well as interactive opportunities for conversation and prompts for creative action. Come and join us as we imagine a better future for our community!
Event recommended for ages 12 and up.
TICKETS Ticket pricing is flexible. 100% of the proceeds go to our participating artists. Please contribute as you are able.
PROGRAM The program has been intentionally designed to culminate in community converation and reflection. We encourage you to join for as much of the evening as possible!
4:00 PM to 5:15 PM - Interactive Visual Art Exhibition and Reception 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM - Community Connections & Live Performances 7:00PM to 8:00 PM - Community Conversation & Action 8:00 PM - ?? (Dance Party)
Light refreshments will be provided.
ARTISTS Boree (@boree_designs) Carlito Espudo (@yoitslito) Ryan Fan Majdal Arab Community Center of San Diego (@majdalcenter) Denise Márquez, Mutual Aid for Moms (@solysemillaa_) Maya Grace Misra (@streetside_flag_history) Sergio "Takito" Ojeda, Imperial Valley Equity and Justice (@takito.11) Refugia Playback Ensemble Fouad Sawa (@fouadsawa55) & Tamia Dowlatabadi Claudia Snider Sharon Swatowski (@sharonbiancaa) Robert Valiente-Neighbours (@artbyrvn) Natalia Ventura
MORE INFORMATION Contact
Collaboration supported by: Imagine Brave Spaces Majdal Arab Community Center The Chrysalis: Monarch Center for the Arts UCSD Center for Comparative Immigration Studies UC Reimagining Refuge Network
Monarch Center for the Arts |
| 6:00 PM | World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker, a heartwarming ballet that brings dreams into reality for audiences of all ages. Join Marie on Christmas Eve as her beloved Nutcracker springs to life, leading her on a wondrous journey filled with swirling snowflakes, mischievous mice, and a visit to the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets. Featuring 40 world-class dancers, over 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and breathtaking hand-crafted sets, World Ballet Company’s enchanting production is the perfect way to make holiday memories together. Gather the whole family and step into a world where toys come alive, magic fills the air, and every moment is touched with holiday wonder!
Balboa Theatre |
| 11:00 AM | House of Syria Lawn Program Join the House of Syria for their first annual Lawn Program featuring cultural food, performances and demonstrations.
International Cottages |
| 2:00 PM | World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker, a heartwarming ballet that brings dreams into reality for audiences of all ages. Join Marie on Christmas Eve as her beloved Nutcracker springs to life, leading her on a wondrous journey filled with swirling snowflakes, mischievous mice, and a visit to the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets. Featuring 40 world-class dancers, over 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and breathtaking hand-crafted sets, World Ballet Company’s enchanting production is the perfect way to make holiday memories together. Gather the whole family and step into a world where toys come alive, magic fills the air, and every moment is touched with holiday wonder!
Balboa Theatre |
| 6:00 PM | Music: Jake Shimabukuro Celebrate the Holiday Season with Jake Shimabukuro’s Spectacular Show: Holidays in Hawai’i! Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical spirit of the holidays as the ukulele virtuoso and beloved ambassador of aloha, Jake Shimabukuro, presents his highly anticipated seasonal extravaganza: Jake Shimabukuro, Holidays in Hawai’i! This festive show promises to be a sensational gift to music lovers worldwide, delivering an unforgettable experience filled with joy, warmth, and the infectious charm of the ukulele. Jake Shimabukuro’s unparalleled talent on the ukulele has captivated audiences around the globe, and now he’s here to spread his unique brand of holiday cheer. Prepare to be enchanted as he strums his way through a dynamic repertoire that combines his signature show favorites with a vibrant collection of holiday classics. From the timeless melodies of “We Three Kings” and “O Holy Night” to the playful tunes of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” Jake will transport you to a musical wonderland, reimagining these beloved songs in his own inimitable style. But that’s not all! As a special treat, Jake will also showcase selections from his new album “Grateful,” which is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed duets album with artists from Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley and Bette Midler to Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, and Kenny Loggins. It was these collaborations that inspired him to go back to the beginning and play with the musicians who first inspired him as he was growing up in Hawai`i. Jake shares a connection with each and every artist on this album. Joining Jake Shimabukuro on stage will be the talented bassist Jackson Waldhoff, whose rhythmic prowess will provide the perfect foundation for the melodic brilliance of the ukulele. Additionally, the show will feature the soulful and captivating voice of special guest singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young. Together, this exceptional ensemble will create an atmosphere of pure merriment, ensuring that spirits remain bright throughout the entire performance. Jake Shimabukuro, Holidays in Hawai’i is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of the holiday season, a fusion of musical excellence, and a testament to the power of harmonious unity. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the magic of the ukulele, and let Jake Shimabukuro transport you to a world where music and the spirit of aloha intertwine to create an unforgettable holiday experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration – book your tickets now and prepare to embark on a musical journey like no other!
Belly Up |
| 8:00 PM | Music: Natalia Jimenez Singer-songwriter Natalia Jiménez is a creative artist, with a powerful voice and musical versatility that have made her one of the most important female figures in Spanish-language music. This internationally renowned GRAMMY, Latin GRAMMY, ASCAP & Latin Billboard winning artist has sold over 3 million albums worldwide and has recorded duets with Latin music’s biggest stars, including Marc Anthony (Recuérdame), Daddy Yankee (La Noche de los Dos) and Ricky Martin (Lo Mejor de Mi Vida Eres Tu) to name a few.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| 5:30 PM | Music: Luke Lashchuk Miller oin us for a free concert of Ukrainian bandura music at the Del Mar Library, featuring Luke Lashchuk Miller. Luke, a second-generation Ukrainian American and native San Diegan, began studying the bandura at age 13 under the late Andrij Kytasty of the renowned Kytasty family of bandurists. In 2003, he was invited to join the 107-year-old Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts award. With the ensemble, he has toured throughout Western Europe and North America, and in 2018 returned to Ukraine for the Chorus’s 100th Anniversary Tour. Luke lives in Pacific Beach with his wife and two children, and together they are active members of San Diego’s Ukrainian community.
Del Mar Library |
| 7:30 PM | Music: The Blind Boys of Alabama The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy/GRAMMYs with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of six GRAMMY® Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years. The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince, and Tom Waits. They have appeared on recordings with many artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Susan Tedeschi, Ben Harper, Patty Griffin, and Taj Mahal. Blind Boys of Alabama released 'Echoes Of The South’ on Aug 25, 2023, which finds the Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees coming home to honor those they've lost on a bold declaration of how far they still plan to go. The eleven-song collection is a portrait of perseverance from a group well-versed in overcoming incredible odds - from singing for pocket change in the Jim Crow South to performing for three different American presidents, soundtracking the Civil Rights movement, and helping define modern gospel music as we know it. Recently, the group's decades-long mission of spreading light and love has taken on even deeper context as they've reckoned with the loss of two of their own, Paul Beasley and Benjamin Moore, both longtime members of the Blind Boys’ tight-knit family. 'Echoes Of The South' is released in their honor - as well as for the group's recently-retired leader, Jimmy Carter - and keeps the Blind Boys' long-held mission statement at its core: “As long as everybody gives all that they have to give and we sing songs that touch the heart, we'll live on forever.”
Belly Up |
| 7:30 PM | Soweto Gospel Choir Celebrated by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey, the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir brings soul-stirring harmonies, vibrant rhythms, and joyful energy to the stage—a performance the whole family will love!
Epstein Family Amphitheater |
| 7:00 PM | Film: Goodbye, Dragon Inn Like the Royal Theater in The Last Picture Show and the title movie house in Cinema Paradiso, the Fu-Ho is shutting down for good. The Fu-Ho’s valedictory screening is King Hu’s 1967 wuxia epic Dragon Inn, playing to a motley smattering of spectators. The standard grievances persist: patrons snack noisily and remove their shoes, treating this temple of cinema like their living room. The sense that moviegoing as a communal experience is slipping away takes on a powerful and painful resonance. Yet Tsai Ming-liang’s Goodbye, Dragon Inn is too multifaceted to collapse into a simple valentine to the age of pre-VOD cinephilia. A minimalist where King Hu was a maximalist, preferring long, static shots and sparse use of dialogue, Tsai rises to the narrative challenges he sets for himself and offers the slyest, most delicate of character arcs (the manager, a woman with an iron brace on her leg, embarks on a torturous odyssey to deliver food to the projectionist, played by Lee Kang-sheng). By the time the possibility arises that the theater is haunted, we’ve already identified it as a space outside of time—indeed, two stars of Hu’s original opus, Miao Tien and Shih Chun, watch their younger selves with tears in their eyes, past and present commingling harmoniously and poignantly.
Digital Gym Cinema |
| Comedy: Stef Dag Stef Dag is a dark, Slavic force of wit charisma, and jokes about her immigrant mom. She’s an internationally touring standup comedian. Stef Dag is a dark, Slavic force of wit charisma, and jokes about her immigrant mom. She’s an internationally touring standup comedian, 2025 Tribeca Film Festival Creator UpNext, and a 2022 New York Comedy Festival Creator to Watch. You may have seen her hosting the viral digital dating show, Hot and Single, with guests like Dua Lipa. Stef has been featured in the New York Times, Nylon, Alt Press, Betches, and more. You can catch her at all the major clubs in NYC, on the road, or opening for comics like Louis CK!
Mic Drop Comedy |
| Film: A World Apart Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Abruzzo National Park, Un mondo a parte follows veteran teacher Michele Cortese as he begins an unexpected chapter in his life. Arriving during a snowstorm to take a post at a tiny rural school on the verge of closure, Cortese finds himself far from the comforts of Rome and faced with a lively, multi-age class. With the support of Agnese, the school’s passionate vice-principal, he gradually sheds his urban habits and rediscovers the true meaning of teaching — rooted in empathy, resilience, and the power of community.
La Paloma Theatre |
| 11:00 AM | Kinfolk Holiday Market Family-friendly holiday market on Sat, Oct 13! Shop Black & minority-owned vendors, enjoy festive photo ops & more. Kids under 10 are free
City of Hope International Church |
| 5:00 PM | Music & Dance: Zambomba Flamenca Celebrate the holiday season Spanish style, by immersing yourself in the fiery passion of Andalusian music and dance! Gathering talented artists, we bring Spain to you! Enjoy an engaging evening of wine, food and Christmas carols with the flare of Flamenco music and dance! Zambomba is a traditional percussion musical instrument, more precisely a rubbed membranophone. It is used to accompany popular traditional songs mostly in Portugal, Spain and Latin American countries. In Spain, a Zambomba is a typical Christmas celebration in which people sing Villancicos, (aka Christmas carols), while playing this instrument
The Turquoise |
| 6:00 PM | The Nutcracker Ballet Step into Clara’s dream — a world where ballet brings imagination to life and the holidays sparkle with wonder. The Nutcracker whisks audiences away on a magical journey through enchanted lands, where toy soldiers battle, snowflakes dance, and the Sugar Plum Fairy reigns. At the heart of it all is young Clara, whose extraordinary dream unfolds through breathtaking ballet and timeless storytelling. Whether you're joining us for the first time or continuing a beloved tradition, discover why The Nutcracker is a dazzling celebration of dreams, childhood wonder, and the magic of the season.
The Conrad |
| 7:00 PM | Yalda Night With Gelareh Sheybani Saturday, December 13, 2025, 7 PM Fal Hafez, Ash (Persian Soup), and Yalda snacks
Persian Cultural Center |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: Christmas in Mexico Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico! Named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol, this vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season! Through the joyous rhythms of “Bells Upon Bells” and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance, we capture the heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey! You’ll experience the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas! Join Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande for an unforgettable program where every note and dance step embodies the rich cultural tapestry of Christmas in Mexico.
Epstein Family Amphitheater |
| NOON | Fundraiser for Jamaica Join the San Diego reggae community for Smile, Jamaica, an uplifting, all-day music festival and art auction dedicated to supporting Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in late 2025. This powerful day of unity and positive vibrations takes place Sunday, December 14th, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Holding Company in Ocean Beach. All proceeds will go directly to aid organizations supporting communities severely impacted by the hurricane.
The Holding Company |
| 10:00 AM | Talk: The Lost Weekend: John Lennnon and May Fung Yee Pang Presenter: May Fung Yee Pang Moderator: Bob Stein Discussant: Billly Amendola
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| 10:00 AM | Bilingual Storytime Join us every third Thursday of the month for a very special bilingual storytime. Here children will be introduced to different languages, songs, stories and fun!
Mountain View Library |
| 6:00 PM | Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Join Del Mar Highlands Town Center on Thursday, December 18th, at 6 PM for the annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting. ? Congregation Beth Am will bring the community together in the Upper Plaza, near Cinépolis, for the symbolic lighting of the holiday season ?️ while playing a few festive songs. ?
Del Mar Highlands Town Center |
Join us every third Thursday of the month for a very special bilingual storytime. Here children will be introduced to different languages, songs, stories and fun!
Admission/Cost: FREE
Location:
Mountain View/Beckwourth Library
721 San Pasqual St
San Diego, CA,
Thursday, December 18 - 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
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