San Diego, December 19, 2025
San Diego will host a variety of arts and cultural events this weekend aimed at strengthening community bonds. Attendees can enjoy theater productions like ‘Burnout Paradise’ and ‘A Christmas Carol,’ musical performances such as ‘Noel Noel,’ and community celebrations including the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. These events reflect local resilience and creativity, fostering individual participation and a sense of belonging amid challenging times.
Engaging Arts and Cultural Events in San Diego This Weekend
Discover the Vibrant Community Spirit at Local Gatherings
San Diego, CA – This weekend, December 19-21, 2025, San Diego is alive with a broad spectrum of exciting arts and cultural events designed to foster community engagement and bring residents together. Local organizers have demonstrated resilience and creativity, showcasing how arts initiatives can flourish with minimal red tape, encouraging individual achievement and participation. From theatrical performances to festive celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while promoting a vibrant community experience.
In these challenging times, events like the ones taking place this weekend illustrate how local leadership and private partnerships can spark enthusiasm and participation. By creating space for community choice, we can support the creative endeavors of our neighbors, leading to a unified and thriving atmosphere in San Diego.
Theater Performances
- ‘Burnout Paradise’
Experience an extraordinary production by Australia’s Pony Cam, featuring an innovative blend of art and comedy performed on treadmills. Shows are at La Jolla Playhouse on Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $59. - ‘A Christmas Carol’
A classic tale is brought to life at Cygnet Theatre, running through December 28. Performances occur at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. show on Sunday. Tickets start at $54. - ‘Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz’
This festive musical performance will be held at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25 to $95.
Music and Dance
- ‘Noel Noel’ at The Rady Shell
Join the San Diego Symphony for a holiday concert featuring classic favorites and sing-alongs, taking place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced from $37 to $125. - City Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
Enjoy a magical holiday experience at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, with shows on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - Golden State Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
A festive ballet performance at the San Diego Civic Theatre, with shows on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Special Events
- Nat at Night
The San Diego Natural History Museum extends its hours for a holiday edition of ‘Nat at Night,’ featuring a rooftop bar, food pop-ups, and discounted admission after 5 p.m. This vibrant event occurs on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. - Winter Family Posada
Held at the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center on Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m., this celebration of Las Posadas will feature local artists, workshops, live music, and a toy drive. Admission is free. - 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The annual boat parade culminates on Sunday at Shelter Island, showcasing festively adorned boats sailing through San Diego Bay. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and viewing is free.
Art Exhibits
- ‘A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples, 1962 to 1972: The Frank Mitzel Collection’
Ongoing at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla until May 24, 2026. Admission is $25 for general visitors, with discounts available for San Diego County and Tijuana residents, students, educators, and older adults.
For further details and updates regarding these events, interested individuals should refer to the respective event organizers or their websites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the operating hours for ‘Nat at Night’ at the San Diego Natural History Museum?
‘Nat at Night’ is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m. After 5 p.m., admission to the museum is half price. The event features a rooftop bar, food pop-ups, and other activities.
Where can I view the 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights?
The parade takes place at Shelter Island on Sunday, December 21, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Shelter Island and ending at The Coronado Ferry Landing at approximately 7:40 p.m. Viewing the parade is free.
What is the admission fee for the ‘A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples’ exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego?
Admission is $25 for general visitors. Discounts are available for San Diego County and Tijuana residents, students, educators, and older adults. The exhibition is ongoing until May 24, 2026.
Event Highlights
| Event | Date | Location | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Burnout Paradise’ | Dec 18-21, 2025 | La Jolla Playhouse | $39-$59 |
| ‘A Christmas Carol’ | Dec 18-28, 2025 | Cygnet Theatre | From $54 |
| ‘Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz’ | Dec 19-21, 2025 | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center | $25-$95 |
| ‘Noel Noel’ at The Rady Shell | Dec 19-21, 2025 | The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park | $37-$125 |
| City Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ | Dec 20-23, 2025 | California Center for the Arts, Escondido | Varies |
| Golden State Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ | Dec 19-21, 2025 | San Diego Civic Theatre | Varies |
| Nat at Night | Dec 19, 2025 | San Diego Natural History Museum | $7-$12 |
| Winter Family Posada | Dec 20, 2025 | Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center | Free |
| 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Dec 21, 2025 | San Diego Bay | Free |
| ‘A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples’ | Ongoing until May 24, 2026 | Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla | $25; discounts available |
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