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• Where to see Fourth of July fireworks | From the Big Bay Boom to the San Diego County Fair, you were after that patriotic sparkle.
• Hiking and nature walk guide | We feel this on every level — there are just so many beautiful places to hike in SD.
• Kid-friendly activities | Parents, we hear you and see you — and we have 30+ fun ideas to share.
• Volunteer opportunities | Helping others was near to your heart, and we love this.
• Celebrity restaurants | You were curious about these star-studded spots.

📲 Instagram posts

• Four capybara pups born at the San Diego Zoo | With nearly 4.5 million views, this video made you really capy.
• The Rady Shell’s holiday programming | Even back in September, you were feeling festive.
• 2023 seasonal events | You stayed festive, ready to explore the seasonal fun in SD.
• Small things | We all had a good giggle at this “small thing you can buy to make your friends in San Diego happy”: a $38 million, oceanfront mansion.
• Taco cities | WhenSan Diego ranked No. 5 among best cities for tacos in the US, you were not having it — and you gave us great recommendations.

• Jingle Belle Family Cruise | Thursday, Dec. 21-Monday, Dec. 25 | Times vary | Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel, San Diego | $45 | This festive, family-friendly cruise along Mission Bay features carolers, photos with Santa, and cookie decorating; SDtoday readers can use the code SD10 for $10 off.
• San Diego State Aztecs vs. Stanford Cardinal Men’s Basketball | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6 p.m. | Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Dr., San Diego | $32+ | It’s a SoCal vs. NorCal showdown.
• City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” | Thursday, Dec. 21-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. | $35-$119 | City Ballet of San Diego performs the holiday classic, with choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich.

• “Las Posadas: A Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebration” | Friday, Dec. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $22+ | This re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem features classic holiday songs and Mexican carols.
• “Die Hard” | Friday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | La Paloma Theatre, 471 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas | $12 | Yes, “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie — and it’s playing at the historic theater all weekend, yippee-ki-yay.

• “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 | The Christmas classic is in its final stretch — catch it while you can.
• USS Midway Museum Jingle Jets | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | USS Midway Museum, 910 Harbor Dr., San Diego | $18-$25 | It’s the final day of the twinkling light displays and festive experiences on the iconic aircraft carrier’s flight deck.
• San Diego Gulls vs. Tucson Roadrunners | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 6 p.m. | Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego | $20+ | The AHL team glides into this Southwest showdown.

• Brass Band Holiday Celebration | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 2-4 p.m. | Shakespeare Pub, 3701 India St., San Diego | Free | The group performs holiday classics on the patio.
• Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Flagship cruises and Events, 990 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego | $100 | Get in the holiday spirit with a festive gourmet dinner on San Diego Bay; kids under 4 get in free.

• A Flood Watch is in effect this evening through tomorrow evening for San Diego County’s coast, valleys, mountains, and deserts. This week’s storms — expected to drop 1-3 inches of rain across SD — could cause excessive runoff and flooding in local rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying locations. (National Weather Service)

• The San Diego Registrar of Voters will begin sending ballots for the primary election the week of Feb. 4, 2024. If you’re a nonpartisan voter and want to vote for president, you’ll have to tell the Registrar which crossover ballot you’d like by Jan. 5, 2024.

• Scientists believe the dead 52-ft fin whale that washed up on Pacific Beach last week was bit by a killer whale — its natural predator. Lifeguards initially towed the whale out to sea about one mile offshore but she floated to the surface; she was then hauled out 20 nautical miles. (Voice of San Diego + San Diego Union-Tribune)

• According to Zillow, Chula Vista was the most popular large city searched by “Zillow surfers” in 2023. The real estate tool says a typical home in Chula Vista is worth $808,000, while San Diego’s average home value hovers around $962,000. Still, surfers browsed — despite the pricey properties. (Zillow)

• 900. That’s how many intricate ornaments handmade by Florence Hord and Elizabeth Schlappi are featured in the Timken Museum’s “Jewels of the Season” display. Each ornament features gems, sequins, stones, and filigree from around the world — see the holiday installation through Sunday, Dec. 31. (CBS 8)

• We hear Spill the Beans will open its newest location — 525 Camino de la Reina in Mission Valley — later this month. The coffee and bagel specialists are currently hiring for the shop; send your resume to info@spillthebeanssd.com.

• The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has honored San Diego as a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for its San Diego Access 4 All program. The initiative aims to close the digital divide by offering free Wi-Fi at 300+ locations across the city including select libraries, parks, and rec centers.

• The sun may set at 4:47 p.m. today, but good news is on the horizon… literally. Today is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the North Pole is tilted the furthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year — which means the days will start getting longer.

• USA Today’s 10Best ranked Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea the No. 7 best ice skating rink in the US. The seaside rink is certainly a seasonal staple — it’s on our list of local skating rinks, too, open through Jan. 7, 2024. (USA Today 10Best)

• According to the San Diego Natural History Museum, six species of mistletoe grow on trees and shrubs in San Diego County’s deserts, montane forests, and scrublands. Birds eat mistletoe berries and expel the seeds onto new host trees, so the word “mistletoe” in Old English translates into “dung-on-a-twig.” Cute, right?

• Big Night San Diego | Hilton Bayfront San Diego | $105+ | This long-running NYE bash features multiple party zones, bands, DJs, open bars, and a champagne midnight countdown.
• Monte Carlo New Year’s Eve Party Casino Cruise | Mission Bay | $75 | Hop aboard the William D. Evans sternwheeler for casino tables, live entertainment, drinks, and spectacular views of Mission Bay. SDtoday readers get $10 off with the code SD10.
• NYE 2024 | Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center | $35+ | Usher in 2024 with salsa and bachata dancing at the events center that recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. The night includes DJs and a performance by Hector Rivera y Su Orquestra at 10:30 p.m.