This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
Turkey Trot Fun Run | 9-11 a.m. | 2527 University Ave., San Diego | $40 | Kick off North Park’s Shop Local event with a 5K fun run + walk.
Surfin’ Santa | 12 p.m. | Seaport Village | Sporting his Hawaiian shirt + board shorts, the SoCal Santa will make his annual grand arrival at the landmark — by watercraft, no less — and lead the parade down the boardwalk.
East Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market | 4-8 p.m. | Quartyard | Free | This festive evening will include a curated holiday market featuring local vendors, live music, food, activities for the kids, photos with Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m.
SDSU Aztec Football vs. Air Force Academy Falcons | Snapdragon Stadium | $24+ | The air is crisp, so bundle up in your best red + black gear and warm up by rooting for the Aztecs on their home turf.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Sips & Sweets with Santa | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | AleSmith Brewing | $20+ | This festive, family-friendly event will feature meet-and-greets with the Grinch and Cindy Lou, photos with Santa, live entertainment, cookie decorating, and exclusive beer specials.
Unleash the Holiday Cheer | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | 2455 Cushing Rd. | Free | This pet-centric, military-focused holiday event will include photos with Santa, a Holiday Vendor Village, a pet parade, and a pet costume contest.
Home Opener: San Diego Seals vs. Philadelphia Wings | 2 p.m. | Pechanga Arena San Diego | $23+ | Our home team — aka the defending National Lacrosse League West Conference Champion — will open the 2024-2025 season at home.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Holiday Market at Petco Park | Through Friday, Dec. 27 | 4-9 p.m. | Petco Park | $22+ | The festive market kicks off its seasonal run at Gallagher Square with vendors, dazzling lights, visits with Santa, and holiday drinks + treats.
Friday, Dec. 6
December Nights | Friday, Dec. 6 + Saturday, Dec. 7 | 3-11 p.m. + 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Balboa Park | Free | San Diego’s biggest holiday celebration will fill the park with lights, live performances, crafts, food vendors, and activities for the whole family.
“City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light & Sound” | Through Friday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-10:30 p.m. | Quartyard | $15+ | Digital artist Ben Guerrette created this 50-minute walkable adventure that combines interactive light displays, soundscapes, and art inspired by the energy of urban life in SD.
🎥 Catch a new release at this swanky, newly-renovated theatre
Presented by AMC Theatres
Relax and unwind like never before with a cinema experience so lifelike that you’ll forget you’re at the movies.| Photo courtesy of AMC Theatres
Whether going to the movies is a new or existing holiday tradition, there’s something for fans of all ages and interests at AMC UTC 14 this holiday season.
Grab some popcorn, and see these new releases now playing:
Wicked
Gladiator II
Moana 2
Add these upcoming releases to your calendar:
Y2K (releasing Dec. 6)
Kraven the Hunter and Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim (releasing Dec. 13)
Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and A Complete Unknown (releasing Dec. 20)
Have you been eyeing our guide to 45 volunteer opportunities in San Diego? You’re not alone. According to a new study by AmeriCorps, formal volunteering and informal helping (think: helping your neighbor rake the leaves) are on the rise again after dipping in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Civic
There will be at least 56 women serving in the California Legislature next year — up by six people compared to 2024. They will be part of the 2,450 women in state legislatures nationwide (or ~33%), setting a new record. (AP News)
Number
$7.38. According to an airport beer price study, that’s the average cost of a domestic beer at San Diego International Airport — the No. 6 most affordable beer across the 50 busiest US airports. Check out our airport guide before you board. (Financebuzz.com)
Plan Ahead
Sunday, Dec. 1 is Secondhand Sunday. Created by secondhand marketplace Poshmark, the day encourages shoppers to purchase pre-owned items for gifting like records, clothing, jewelry, and home decor. In case you need vintage store inspo, check out our local guide.
Wellness
Posture check — this is your weekly reminder to straighten your back. If that felt good, imagine how nice a stretch at CorePower Yoga would feel. Find your flow at these San Diego yoga studios.
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Try This
You know how awesome your business is, but do our readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how SDtoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the 90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Category (Paid)
Seasonal
☃️ Ho-ho-holiday pop-ups
The Bah-Rum-Bug at Great Dickens. | Photo via Duck Dive
Feeling that holiday cheer? Us too. Many San Diego bars are getting into the spirit of the season, transforming into festive holiday pop-up bars with all of the trimmings. Check these out.
Locations: Draft at Belmont Park + The Bar at Rancho Bernardo Inn This year, the holiday-themed event — known for its nostalgic, kitschy décor and festive craft cocktails — has taken over Draft at Belmont Park in Mission Beach until Sunday, Jan. 5. You’ll also find the pop-up at Veranda Bar in the Rancho Bernardo Inn from Sunday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Location: 401 G St., Gaslamp Quarter This pop-up located at downtown’s Good Night John Boy features holiday decorations and festive cocktails aplenty. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday, though times vary.
Location: The Duck Dive, Pacific Beach Inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” this holiday pop-up runs nightly until Tuesday, Dec. 31. Inside, the vibes are “reminiscent of a Thomas Kinkade village,” and the menu includes themed cocktails like the Berry Christmas, Everyone!
Sea Hive Station is home to 150+ San Diego brands, including La Loupe Vintage. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year (or really, shop local year-round), try these small businesses recommended by SDtoday followers:
Mujer Divina Coffee | This coffee shop in Chula Vista is known for its burritos and lattes.
Sea Hive Station | This makers market features handmade and curated goods from 150+ San Diego-based brands and small businesses — it’s local to the max.
Quartyard | This East Village space is home to coffee, art, a beer garden, and special events + concerts.
The Encanto Cafe | “Because Paty puts her love and soul into her shop,” @mujerdivinacoffee said about the La Jolla cafe.
Artelexia | “She is so passionate about our Mexican culture and it shows in her shop,” said @tuetanotaqueria about the vibrant shop in North Park.
Wolf & Lion | This “wellness collective” focuses on well-being resources that bring San Diegans together, including yoga classes.
Tuetano Taqueria | “Because it’s family-owned and operated, and Priscilla still cooks the line and helps prep the food,” @vainillamxna explained.
Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
Happy Small Business Saturday, San Diego. Shopping local is always a good idea, but today it’ll be extra fun if you head to Shop Local Saturday in North Park. Starting at 11 a.m., enjoy craft pop-ups, freebies, live music, special deals, and join a scavenger hunt to find Ollie the Owl, North Park’s Shop Local mascot.
I also recommend heading to South Park or La Mesa Village — these cute, walkable neighborhoods are filled with great small businesses.
