| 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 | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 2:30 PM | An Irish Christmas Experience the joy of An Irish Christmas as seen on PBS! Enjoy all the holiday carols you know and love plus a spectacular high-energy display of Irish dancing at its very best. "...Genuinely astonishing ... electric!" - The Village News An Irish Christmas is a celebration of family and community that showcases some of the great Irish holiday traditions and features award-winning dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Wings.
Balboa Theatre |
| 7:00 PM | Winter Schminter Solstice Concert Join us for this high-spirited evening of international song with ethnomusicologist Yale Strom and members of the Hot Pstromi Ensemble.
All of humanity celebrates the winter solstice. Long before the Abrahamic religions came to be, tribal groups marked the darkness of the winter solstice with music and dancing to rekindle their hopes for the return of spring. We will celebrate with music from many different cultures including tunes as ubiquitous as the American classic "Christmas Time Is Here" to the Kurdish folk melody "Zivistane" (In Winter).
First UU Church |
| Music: Lupita Infante Lupita Infante Esparza is an American singer-songwriter. She sings traditional mariachi, norteño, and ranchera music. Her work blends classic Mexican musical traditions with a contemporary perspective. Infante's debut studio album "La Serenata" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Regional Mexican Music Album.
House of Blues |
| 7:30 PM | Golden State Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Golden State Ballet proudly presents THE NUTCRACKER at the Civic Theatre, featuring the marvelous choreography of Artistic Director, Raúl Salamanca! Step into a world of wonder as dazzling scenery and exquisite costumes bring Clara's enchanting journey with her Nutcracker Prince to life. This beloved holiday tale is set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score, performed live by the world-renowned San Diego Symphony. Prepare to be swept away by the magic of San Diego's favorite holiday tradition-an experience you won't want to miss!
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| 4:30 PM | Book Talk: The Deadly Stingaree Join us for a book signing and celebration for the release of The Deadly Stingaree! Dive into the rich and thrilling world of 1890s San Diego in this action-packed mystery novel by Cory Lynn Fayman, available now.
SDCHM Mission |
| 7:00 PM | Navidad Latina: A Holiday Concert Experience the holiday magic as Ensemble Vocal de las Californias (EVOCA) and the Ghukasyan String Orchestra take the stage, joined by guest musicians and the First UU Chalice and Women’s Choirs for a festive musical celebration.
First UU Church |
| 6:00 PM | 45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 45th Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African American Holiday celebrated from the 26th of December to the 1st of January. The annual Kwanzaa holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and reaffirm family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa was a celebration that was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study of African traditions and Nguzu Saba, the “seven principles of African Heritage” which Karenga said “is a communitarian African philosophy”. Each night will feature Special guest speakers or performers, Ceremonial candle lighting and libation with drumming, poetry readings by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, and Karamu (the traditional feast and family get down).
WorldBeat Center |
| 7:00 PM | Comedy: Learnmore Jonasi Learnmore Jonasi is a Zimbabwean stand-up comedian and actor. He stands at over 6 feet, his comedy is brought to life by past experiences. Learnmore Jonasi is a Zimbabwean stand-up comedian and actor. He stands at over 6 feet, his comedy is brought to life by past experiences, observations and his view (from the top) which elicit rib-tickling laughs, regardless of the crowd. He has performed with and alongside the biggest names on the African Continent and performed across 20 countries at various Theatres, Festivals, Comedy clubs, and on TV Shows. He was the winner of the 2023 Boston Comedy Festival , and the 2023 audience choice Jersey City Comedy festival. In 2019 he won the National Arts Merit Awards as the Outstanding Comedian of the Year, the Savanna Comic Choice Awards as the Pan African Comic of the Year, and he was the People’s Choice Award winner in Steve Harvey’s Stand Up Spotlight competition. He can be seen on America’s Got Talent starting May 2024 after receiving the Golden Buzzer and advancing directly to the live show.
Mic Drop Comedy |
Experience the holiday magic as Ensemble Vocal de las Californias (EVOCA) and the Ghukasyan String Orchestra take the stage, joined by guest musicians and the First UU Chalice and Women’s Choirs for a festive musical celebration.
Admission/Cost: FREE Please Register
Location:
First UU Church
298 W. Arbor Dr
San Diego, CA
Friday, December 12 - 7:00 PM
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