Of course the OB Christmas tree would be part of the story. | Photos via @obtowncouncil
‘Tis the season for cheesy holiday movies and that got us thinking: what would be the plot to a Hallmark movie set in San Diego?
Cue ChatGPT. We asked the popular artificial intelligence tool to drum up a Hallmark-style holiday movie set in America’s Finest City, inspired by stories from our website.
Here’s the masterpiece, aptly titled “A Coastal Christmas Romance":
Plot Summary:“Mia, a rising tech executive from Silicon Valley, returns to her hometown of San Diego to oversee her company’s sponsorship at Balboa Park’s iconic December Nights festival. Tasked with ensuring the event’s lighting installations run smoothly, Mia is ready for a no-nonsense trip focused on work.
Her plans change when she bumps into Alex, a free-spirited surf instructor and local holiday enthusiast who volunteers to decorate the quirky Ocean Beach Christmas Tree every year. Alex is spearheading a community fundraiser to restore the aging light displays at Christmas Circle in Chula Vista, a tradition dear to locals but at risk of being discontinued...”
Jingle Belle Cruises | Saturday, Dec. 21-Monday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Catamaran Resort Hotel + Bahia Resort Hotel | $45+ | Jingle all the way aboard this festive sightseeing cruise on Mission Bay that includes crafts, treats, and photos with Santa.
Georgia Swarm vs. San Diego Seals | 7 p.m. | Pechanga Arena San Diego | $22+ | It’s “Heroes Night” presented by Marvel at the arena as SD’s National Lacrosse League West Conference Champions show off their superpowers.
Sunday, Dec. 22
“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” | Through Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | The Old Globe | $84+ | The whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss story continues its seasonal run at the Balboa Park venue — and it feels very much like Who-ville in there.
“City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light & Sound” | Through Sunday, 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.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Ugly Sweater Skate | Tuesday, Dec. 24-Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 12-10 p.m. | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | $25 | Wear your kitschiest holiday sweater and roll into this new outdoor roller skating rink offering bay views, fun music, and rinkside snacks.
Thursday, Dec. 26
Salute the Season: Menorah Lighting | 5-8 p.m. | Liberty Station’s Central Promenade | Free | Enjoy a family-friendly festival with music, treats, and the Chabads of Downtown San Diego + Pacific Beach lighting the menorah next to the Rady Children’s Ice Rink.
44th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: Umoja, Unity | Worldbeat Cultural Center | Free | This event will celebrate four of the seven days of Kwanzaa with guest speakers, performers, a ceremonial candle lighting, drumming, and poetry readings.
Friday, Dec. 27
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade | 10-11:30 a.m. | Embarcadero | Free | Marching bands, floats, giant balloons, and drill teams will march down the bayside streets of downtown SD for the annual holiday spectacular — you can watch this on TV, too.
DirecTV Holiday Bowl 2024 | 5 p.m. | Snapdragon Stadium | $60+ | The Syracuse Orange will face the Washington State Cougars in the annual Holiday Bowl, and the local stage is none other than SD’s stadium in the heart of Mission Valley.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Hanukkah Festival | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Seaport Village | Free | Seaport Village will partner with The Chabad of Downtown San Diego for this event that includes live music, festive performers, and the lighting of the menorah.
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by touching grass at a local park or heading to one of these museums in San Diego. (Time Magazine)
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Treat the movie lover in your life to an AMC Stubs A-List™ membership this holiday season. Enjoy up to three movies a week in formats like Dolby Cinema® and IMAX®. Choose a three-, six-, or 12-month subscription, sent instantly via email, or opt for a gift card. Give the gift of movie magic.*
Travel
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Tech
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🎁 Wrap up that gift list
Embrace the holiday giving season with this guide that’s got something for everyone, including local finds. | Graphic by 6AM City
Season’s greetings, San Diego. Need a last-minute holiday gift that will ship quickly? We’ve all been there. Shop these great gifts available with Prime two-day shipping — plus, a little something local.
Gifts that ship fast
Layering initial necklace | $15.99+ | Ship it fast, but make it feel personal with this 14K gold necklace displaying their first name initial.
Magnetic portable power bank charger | $37.99 | Perfect for the friend whose phone is always dying, this portable charger offers on-the-go power.
Candle warmer lamp + Thymes Fraiser Fir Candle | $43.99 + $36 | Make a candle extra special by pairing it with a warmer lamp that will make it last longer with flame-free heat.
Kindle remote control page turner | $19.99 | Upgrade their Kindle reading experience with a universal remote control page turner — trust us, avid Kindle users will love it.
Local pick:Callie gift card | $5-$500 | Your loved ones deserve a night out — treat them to dinner at Chef Travis Swikard’s renowned hot spot.
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