Expect festive cocktails with a view at the Over the Top Lounge this season. | Photo via Over the Top Lounge + Top of the Hyatt
Feeling that holiday cheer? Us too — and we’re not (home) alone. ☃️
Some well-known San Diego bars have fully gotten into the spirit of the season, transforming into festive wonderlands with all the trimmings — wall-to-wall decorations, shimmering lights, and cocktailsthat sleigh.
Let’s raise a glass to four holiday pop-up bars where you can drink and be merry. 🍸
💫 Miracle on 30th Street
📍 Polite Provisions, 4696 30th St., North Park For the past few years, “Miracle” pop-ups have taken over bars and lounges in select cities across the world, including Polite Provisions in San Diego. The holiday-themed event brings kitschy décor, festive craft cocktails, and nostalgic party vibes to the North Park hotspot during regular business hours and we are here for it.
🎅 Sippin’ Santa
📍 The Grass Skirt, 910 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach This tiki-themedChristmas pop-up takes over bars across the US annually and in San Diego, it happens at The Grass Skirt — a funky, polynesianspeakeasy and restaurant in PB. From décor to over-the-top drinks like Rudolph’s Rum Rhapsody, it’s a real experience. Sippin’ Santa runs through the end of December. The bar opens daily at 5 p.m.; make a reservation.
🎄 Over the Top Holiday Lounge
📍 Top of the Hyatt, 1 Market Pl., downtown San Diego Sitting 40 stories high at the top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, this holiday cabin-themedpop-up experience includes a cozy fireplace, stockings hung with care, and a menu filled with jolly creations. Specialty drinks include the vodka and eggnog-based “Let It Snow,” and the rum and hot cider-based “Sweater Weather.” See the Top of the Hyatt’s festive makeover nightly, 3 p.m.-12 a.m., through Wednesday, Dec. 28.
December Nights | Friday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 3-11 p.m. | Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego | Free | The tradition returns with holiday fun, food + drinks, and free evening admission to select museums.
To Kill a Mockingbird | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 4 | 8 p.m. | Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego | $35.50-$140.50 | The iconic play continues its run at the downtown venue through Sunday, Dec. 4.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Sips & Sweets with Santa | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | AleSmith Brewing, 9990 AleSmith Ct., San Diego | $20-$65 | Family-friendly activities, a special meet-and-greet with the Grinch + Cindy Lou, and photos with Santa.
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair | Saturday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego | $6 | More than 100 makers, holiday cocktails, food trucks + music along the downtown waterfront.
Holiday in the Village | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12-9 p.m. | La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa Village | Free | Live music, craft vendors, food, holiday photo opportunities, and a zone for the kids “bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop.”
OB Holiday Parade | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 5 p.m. | Newport Ave., Ocean Beach | Free | Celebrate the season in the eclectic beach community — including the famous “Crooked Tree” at the beach where Newport Avenue ends.
South Park Winter Walkabout | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 6-10 p.m. | Participating Stores, South Park | Free | Stroll through the heart of South Park while shopping small + enjoying live music, deals, fun activities, and lots of holiday cheer.
Sunday, Dec. 4
San Marcos Holiday Market | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 251 North City Dr., San Marcos | Free | Shop local vendors for food, decoration, and gifts.
Pawliday Market | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 12-4 p.m. | Second Chance Beer Company, 15378 Avenue of Science, #222, San Diego | Free | Browse local vendors, enjoy specialty beers + drinks, and pose for photo ops — leashed dogs welcome.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
64º | Possible showers, then mostly sunny | 20% chance of rain
Sunrise + Sunset
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Civic
The Downtown San Diego Partnership has teamed up with UC San Diego Extension to better understand what life is like for locals who live, work, and play in downtown San Diego. You can provide input via this survey by the end of today to help the organizations plan for the city’s future. 🌇
Today Is
The first day of December Nights, the city’s long-running holiday festival at Balboa Park. The local tradition — back in its full form — runs 3-11 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. tomorrow. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of the festivities. 🦌
Sports
Jill Ellis — president of the San Diego Wave FC — has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The two-time World Cup-winning coach will be inducted into the Class of 2023 at a ceremony in Texas on May 6. ⚽
While we’re talking soccer standouts, San Diego Loyal manager and World Cup legend Landon Donovan was also elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame and will join Jill Ellis in the Class of 2023. Fans refer to Donovan as “one of the greatest to ever play.” 🏆
Closed
It’s last call for Bay Bridge Brewing. After 16 years in business, Chula Vista’s longest-operating brewery has closed. Bay Bridge is credited for jumpstarting the craft beer movement in the South Bay, which is now home to many tasting rooms — including Novo Brazil Brewing and Chula Vista Brewery. 🍺 (San Diego Beer News)
Edu
Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet School is undergoing major upgrades including the construction of a brand-new classroom facility that’ll feature collaborative work spaces, a staff lounge, and a kitchen. This week, students and faculty hoisted the building’s final steel beam, celebrating a major construction milestone. 🏗️
Transit
Mapping your route to seasonal events? The Metropolitan Transit System released a guide on how to use public transit to get to certain popular events. Think bus routes to ice skating rinks, taking the Trolley to the Holiday Market at Petco Park, or getting to Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo. 🚍
Feel Good
Ukrainian artist Vira Ustianska and her daughter have found solace and a new, second home with San Diego resident Connie Terwilliger. Vira had her own studio in Ukraine and says being in a safe space has inspired her to paint again — especially sunflowers, which remind her of home. 🌻 (KPBS)
Shop
Your holiday music just got better. 1byoneaudio sells high quality and easy-to-use turntables equipped with incredible sound quality and hi-fi speakers, plus some that connect to Bluetooth headphones. Think: a great gift for the record lover in your life (or even an early present for yourself). 🎶*
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Then and now: The Cottage in the 1990s and today. | Photos via The Cottage La Jolla
The Cottage La Jolla — part of the seaside town’s dining scene since 1992 — will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Tuesday, Dec. 6, by throwing it back and giving back.
For that day only, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., the La Jolla and Encinitas locations will bring back the original1992 menu — rollback pricing and all. That means Brioche French Toast and OG dishes like the Mashed Potato Omelet will be available for under $7.50. 🍳
A portion of sales will benefit Day at the Beach, the Windansea Surf Club’s program providing underserved children with memorable water sport experiences.
With deep roots in the surf community, the restaurant is also raffling off a custom-made surfboard shaped by La Jolla local Rusty Preisendorfer of Rusty Surfboards, with glassing by pro surfer Jojo Roper and his Surfboard Repair Shop. Entries cost $10 and will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 22, with all proceeds donated to Day at the Beach. 🏄
Who says San Diego doesn’t have seasons? I recently took an afternoon stroll at Santee Lakes and as the cool breeze swept in, leaves were falling all around me. It was a perfect autumn moment. 🍂
I also spotted festive displays around the first couple of lakes, part of the first-everLights at the Lakes — a drive-through holiday event happening select nights through Christmas Eve. Tickets are available for $30 per car.
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