Winter Solstice hikes, a holiday boat parade and demonstrations: Things to do in San Diego Dec. 17-22
From a French language club meeting to the 39th annual performance of a holiday musical based on Mexican traditions, here are events in San Diego County this week.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Sam Barney-Gibbs and Kate Morrissey
With the holiday season well underway, San Diegans are celebrating with a boat parade, Hanukkah happy hour and community potluck. For non-holiday events, there’s a meeting of a French language club at Frenchy’s Hideout and a wellness panel discussion at The Block Club.
We also have separate lists of upcoming food distribution events and other holiday season happenings.
Do you know an event we missed? To submit an event for consideration to be added to this list and our community calendar, send us the details in our online form.
Dec. 17
Le Voilà Club: Commonplace San Diego is hosting a French club meeting at Frenchy’s Hideout for community members to practice their language skills. The event is free, but registration online is required due to space limitations. 5:30 - 7 p.m., Frenchy’s Hideout, 142 W. University Ave., Suite C, San Diego, CA 92103
PlayLab: Gifts: The Kaleidoscope Training Center is hosting a gathering to explore a decolonial way of thinking about gifts through games as well as practicing giving the gifts of presence, attention and imagination. The event is inspired by “The Serviceberry,” a book on abundance and reciprocity in the natural world by “Braiding Sweetgrass” author and Potawatomi botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer. Attendees can register online. 6 - 8 p.m., Burn All Books & Friends Gift Shop, 3131 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Hanukkah Candle Lighting: JQuties is celebrating the fourth night of Hanukkah with a happy hour and candle lighting in the back lounge of Uptown Tavern in Hillcrest. 7 p.m., Uptown Tavern, 1236 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Dec. 18
Winter Wonderland: Southern Indian Health Council is hosting a Grinch-filled, family holiday event. The evening includes photos with Santa Claus, presents for kids, food, games and activities. Attendees should register online. 4 - 7 p.m., Viejas Recreation Center, 1B, Viejas Grade Road, Alpine, CA 91901
ICE Out of San Diego: A coalition of local organizations is hosting a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity every Thursday in front of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, which holds the San Diego ICE Field Office. Attendees can RSVP online. 10 a.m., 880 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101
Volando Juntes: International Migrants Day Celebration: The North County LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting a celebration of International Migrants Day with an evening of storytelling, education, free legal consultations and community-building. 6 - 8 pm., 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054
Satya on the Block: Seeking Satya and The Block Club are hosting the inaugural “Green Couch Conversations,” a panel discussion focused on wellness with community. The panel will include Tribe Fitness Club owner Robbin Ward, personal trainer and yoga instructor Jonzi Jones, and licensed marriage and family therapist Gloria Saldana. RSVP for free online. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
‘La Pastorela’ Musical: Teatro Máscara Mágica is presenting its 39th annual holiday performance at the Southwestern College Performing Arts Center. “La Pastorela” tells a story of hope, love and community in honor of the holidays. Tickets can be purchased online. Dec. 18-23, 7 p.m., Southwestern College Performing Arts Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Dec. 19
City of La Mesa Winter Party: The city of La Mesa is hosting a winter party for adults 50 and over. The event includes continental breakfast, live entertainment, craft activities and gift bags. 9 - 11:30 a.m., La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942
Holiday Mixer and Toy Drive : The San Diego Latino Professionals is hosting a holiday mixer and toy drive at the New Americans Museum. They're accepting unwrapped toys or gift cards to support the Jackie Robinson YMCA Christmas with Character Celebration. Tickets are available on a sliding scale. 5:30 - 8 p.m., 2825 Dewey Road, #102, San Diego, CA 92106
Dec. 20
Water and Kindness Free Store: Every Saturday, Water and Kindness hosts a free store at Popup Winona where visitors can donate items or get needed supplies. The group is seeking donations of baby formula, bags, blankets, diapers, first aid items, harm reduction supplies, hats, gloves, hygiene products, mobility aids, rolling carts or wagons, shoes, sleeping bags, socks, tarps, tents, undergarments and water. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, California, 92115
Peace Vigil for Palestine: CODEPINK San Diego, Palestine Pals and other local activism groups host a weekly peace vigil to advocate for peace in Gaza and beyond every Saturday in Ocean Beach. The group invites attendees to wear pink and bring peace-themed posters. For more information, email sandiego@codepink.org. 10 a.m. to Noon, Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and W Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
Balboa Park Women’s Tour: Forever Balboa Park hosts a tour highlighting influential women like Kate Sessions — who is considered the mother of Balboa Park — on the third Saturday of each month starting at Bea Evenson Fountain. 10 a.m., Bea Evenson Fountain, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Mosaic Art Workshop: Join community artists David and Janine Coral as they lead a free mosaic art workshop at the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center. All materials will be provided. Attendees should RSVP online. 1 - 4 p.m., Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, 1960 National Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Bilingual Tide Pool Hikes: Wildlife and conservation biologist Francisco Basso and oceanographer Blanca Velazquez are leading tide pool hikes under Scripps Pier in La Jolla both Saturday and Sunday. The hike is rated “hard” due to sharp and slippery, algae-covered rocks. The hikes will be led in both English and Spanish. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for kids under 15 and free for kids under 4. Directions to the meeting location and registration are online. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., 8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Community Potluck: The City Heights Defense Committee is hosting a community potluck with free food, piñatas and a live cumbia band. 4 p.m., Church of Nazarene in Mid-City, 4101 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Come Home for the Holidays: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting a gathering in honor of diverse cultures and traditions during the winter holiday season. Guests can enjoy a free, community meal while learning about local resources. Attendees should RSVP online. 4 - 6 p.m., The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Hanukkah Candle Lighting: JQuties is hosting an event to celebrate the seventh night of Hanukkah with a candle lighting, Havdalah and Sufganiot. 5 p.m., Send a message on Instagram for location details.
North Park Food & Supplies Distribution: Volunteers are collecting supplies to distribute to unhoused neighbors. The group is asking for warm clothing, socks, beanies, jackets, tents, portable chargers, toiletries and first aid supplies. Items can be dropped off at Red Brontosaurus Records Wednesday through Sunday, and the group is also looking for volunteers to distribute the items on Saturday evening outside the record shop. 6 p.m., Red Brontosaurus Records, 3044 N Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104
Dec. 21
Posada del Tianguis de la Raza: Centro Cultural de la Raza is hosting a grassroots community market with food, live music, performances, kids activities and gifts. Noon - 5 p.m., 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Occupy Otay Demonstration: Demonstrators gather every Sunday on the sidewalk outside Otay Mesa Detention Center to protest the Trump administration's increase in arrests and detentions related to immigration enforcement. 2 - 4 p.m., 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA, 92154
Holiday De-Stress Walk/Hike: The Collective San Diego and Hot Queer Hikes are leading a Winter Solstice hike at Lake Murray. The trail is 5.7 miles out and back with 111 feet of elevation gain. Name tags, light snacks and a first aid kit will be available, and hikers are asked to come prepared with layered clothing, water, comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Attendees should RSVP by sending a message on Instagram. 2 - 4:30 p.m., Lake Murray Recreation Area, 5650 Kiowa Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942
Books & Puzzles Swap: Commonplace San Diego is hosting a books and puzzles swap at Duck Foot Brewing in Leucadia. Guests are asked to bring one book or puzzle to exchange. Registration is $5, and attendees can RSVP online. 4 - 5:30 p.m., Duck Foot Brewing, 978 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: About 80 boats decked out in holiday lights will parade along the San Diego Bay. The route starts in Shelter Island and ends at the Ferry Landing on Coronado Island. Email sdparadeoflights@gmail.com with any questions. 5:30 - 8 p.m., San Diego Bay, Visible from Multiple Locations (See map and schedule)
Dec. 22
Queer Sharing Circle: Breaking Down Barriers is hosting a virtual space to connect with queer peers and share writings, feelings or household pets. Register online. Noon - 1 p.m., Zoom
Holiday Potluck & Cookie Exchange: Women’s Services at the San Diego LGBT Community Center is inviting community members to participate in a holiday potluck and cookie exchange. Guests are welcome to bring a light snack, appetizer or one to two dozen cookies to share (optional) and dress in festive holiday clothing. Email women@thecentersd.org for more information. 6 - 7:30 p.m., The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
