Join the fun

• Tuesday, Dec. 26, 5-7 p.m. | The Snapdragon Bowl Bash brings a battle of the bands to the Gaslamp Quarter.
• Wednesday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. | The San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente — billed as “America’s Largest Balloon Parade” — marches down North Harbor Drive.
• Wednesday, Dec. 27, 5 p.m. | The 2023 DIRECTV Holiday Bowl kicks off, followed by the booming 101.5 KGB Sky Show — tickets are still available.

• “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” | Through Sunday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego | $59-$109 | Sing “Fah Who Doraze” with Cindy Lou Who — this Christmas classic returns in all of its Grinchy glory.
• Reason | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 7 p.m. | House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego | $25 | The up-and-coming rapper, who appeared on the “Black Panther” soundtrack, performs the “Off The Porch Tour” with Oswin Benjamin, Bishop Snow, and Xian Bell.
• “The Muppets Christmas Carol” | Wednesday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | La Paloma Theatre, 471 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas | $12 | Watch the Muppets’ 1992 retelling of the Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic.

• Golden State Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” | Thursday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego | $25-$129 | Clara and her Nutcracker Prince dance into the Land of Sweets as the San Diego Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s score.
• Gaslamp Mini Golf | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 4-9 p.m. | Johnny WAHOO! Golf Bar, 527 Fifth Ave., San Diego | $25 | Sink a HO HO HOle in one at this festive 18-hole course along Fifth Avenue, and score food and drink deals at nine bars.
• “Star of Ocotillo” | Through Saturday, Dec. 23 | 8 p.m. | OnStage Playhouse, 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista | $15-$40 | This dark Chicano Christmas comedy follows the story of a Hollywood couple that builds a luxury home on the edge of the border, and a guest who exposes secrets.

• Bingo All the Way | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7-9 p.m. | Quartyard, 1301 Market St., San Diego | Free | Enjoy games, prizes, festive decorations, and food and drink specials.

• A Peter White Christmas | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 8 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $20-$95 | The contemporary jazz singer performs his holiday show with Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala.

• San Diego County is expecting rain and potential thunderstorms through Saturday morning, with most areas likely to receive 2+ inches of precipitation. The heaviest rain is forecasted for tomorrow evening, and the city is offering free sandbags at 11 rec centers to help with potential flooding. (National Weather Service)

• The Midway Rising redevelopment is beginning its environmental review process, a requirement prior to construction. The first step is the release of a notice of preparation — a document that invites the public to determine what is studied in the environmental analysis. Once the review is completed, a development deal can be signed. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

• The Linda Vista Community Garden is starting to bloom. Crews broke ground on the shared gardening space, the first of its kind in the neighborhood. It’s expected to be completed in spring 2024 and will feature amenities like a greenhouse, 22 raised garden beds, and picnic spaces. (Times of San Diego)

• Point Loma Nazarene University’s physician assistant program recently celebrated the graduation of its first-ever class. The 28-person cohort is just what the doctor ordered: The new PAs will help address local staffing shortages and are qualified to work at any San Diego County institution. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

• For the first time in North America, visitors can observe the Lord Howe Island stick insect at the San Diego Zoo’s Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has partnered with Australia’s Melbourne Zoo for over a decade to help conserve the endangered insect.

• Trader Joe’s announced plans to open a store in Santee, the first in the city. A representative for the company confirmed the new location, but the planned address and opening date have not yet been announced. Currently, the grocer has over a dozen locations in San Diego County. (NBC 7)

• All aboard, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum will enter the New Year with a new exhibit. “Tales of Thomas” will debut on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, and focus on the beloved fictional tank engine. The display is expected to be at the museum for six months.

• Jurassic Quest will migrate back to the Del Mar Fairgrounds next year. The prehistoric, dinosaur-focused traveling exhibit will return Friday, Jan.19-Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. It will feature interactive and educational experiences; tickets are now available.

• Let There Be Light | Through Sunday, Dec. 31 | San Diego History Center
• Kwanzaa Storytime | Thursday, Dec. 28 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Mountain View/Beckwourth Library
• Family Kwanzaa Celebration 2023 | Friday, Dec. 29 | 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
• Kwanzaa Meetup 5K | Saturday, Dec. 30 | 7:30-10 a.m. | WorldBeat Cultural Center