It’s the last weekend before Christmas and there are plenty of jolly, festive things happening around San Diego. So, finish your shopping, wrap your gifts and hit the town for some last-minute holiday happenings:
Cider and Fruit Cake at the Lodge at Torrey Pines – Saturday, Dec. 22:
Enjoy a cup of hot spiced apple cider and fruit cake in the AR Valentien Lounge at the Lodge at Torrey Pines from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. As you’re noshing on the winter treats, holiday carolers will sing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It doesn’t get more festive than that.
Chesnut Roasting on the Aria Lawn – Saturday, Dec. 22:
Nothing says Christmas quite like chesnuts roasting on an open fire. Take the family to The Grand Del Mar on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for chesnut roasting at the resort’s decked out Aria Lawn ($5 per ½ dozen chesnuts; $9 per dozen)
Coronado Holiday Bike Tour – Saturday, Dec. 22:
Need to work off some those holiday treats? Take a 30-minute holiday bike tour around Hotel del Coronado and the surrounding area, which is all decorated for the season. Guests even get to ride on holiday-themed surrey bikes. The tour is available on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. and 7p.m. ($10 per person).
Skating by the Sea – Through January 1:
Looking for a unique San Diego ice skating experience? Hit the “Skating by the Sea” rink at the Hotel del Coronado, an outdoor rink overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This weekend, the rink is open for “matinee” skating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Prices range from $15 for kids, $20 for adults during the two-hour matinee session to $20 for kids, $25 for adults during the three hour afternoon and night sessions).
Garden of Lights – Dec. 22 & 23:
Visit the San Diego Botanic Garden’s dazzling winter wonderland this weekend from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The garden boasts more than 100,000 sparkling holiday lights and live music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday will feature Jazz musician Jimmer Bolden and on Sunday, Raggle Taggle will perform a Celtic holiday tribute. Kiddies can roast marshmallows at the Lawn Garden Campfire and chat with Santa Claus. (Admission: $6 for members, $12 for non-members, $4 for kids 3-12, children 2 and under free).
Twelve Days of Christmas at Old Town San Diego – Dec. 22 & 23:
Old Town San Diego’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” celebration wraps up this weekend with two live performances at the Mormon Battalion Historical Site at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the SD Stake Spanish Choir and singers Matt and Heather Young will take the stage. On Sunday, Sister Riggs & Missionary Ensembles will perform.
Story Time with Santa -- Sunday, Dec. 23:
Grab the kids and head to The Grand Del Mar on Sunday at 4 p.m. for special story time with Santa Claus. Jolly Ol' St. Nick will be reading the Christmas classic, "The Night Before Christmas," by the festive tree at the Aria Pavilion.
