Concert at Carmel Valley Library features male vocal ensemble performing holiday songs
Friends of the Carmel Valley Library will present In a Chord, a local male vocal ensemble, at the Carmel Valley Library on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. Formed in 2000, In a Chord Men’s Ensemble is a small vocal group with an emphasis on tight harmonies and high quality sound. Led by conductor and musical director Bob Wertz, In aChord presents a collection of classic and contemporary holiday songs that are sure to cheer you up.
This 45-minute program is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. The programs offered by Carmel Valley Friends of the Library are made possible through generous financial donations from the community. For more information on the concert series, visit https://www.carmelvalleylibrary.org/friends_music.php. Carmel Valley Library is located at 3919 Townsgate Dr. in Carmel Valley. (858) 552-1668.
Winter Concert at Del Mar Library
The Shalimar Flute Quartet will perform “Silver Sounds” at the Del Mar Library, 1309 Camino del Mar, on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. The Quartet is a group of flutists and friends who perform seasonal music from “Silver Sounds.” Nutcracker,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Hanukkah Suite,” “Gaelic Offering,” and other songs for various combinations of C flute, piccolo, alto, and bass flute.
On January 14th at 5:30 p.m., Honey Buckets will begin their 2024 Bluegrass Concert at the Library.
Both concerts are sponsored by Del Mar Friends of the Library. For more information, visit her website at Friends at friendsdelmarlibrary.org.
Promises2Kids Holding Gift and Toy Drive
The nonprofit organization Promises2Kids is collecting new unwrapped gifts and gift cards to distribute to foster children this holiday season. The “Give From Your Heart Holiday Gift Drive” is hosted by Carmel Mountain Preschool.
The community can purchase gifts from the Amazon Wish List (bit.ly/49OiHyM) and have them shipped directly to Promises2Kid, 9400 Ruffin Court, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92123. You can also receive a gift at Promises2Kids until December 21st. Monetary donations are also welcome. Visit Promise2kids.org
Coastal Christmas: Amusement Park Christmas Lights Spectacular
The Coastal Christmas Holiday Lights Spectacular opens Dec. 14 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and runs for 12 days through Dec. 30, promising a “magical experience” filled with twinkling lights and festive activities for all ages. Did.
In the temporary holiday village, guests can stroll through immersive light displays, skate on an eco-friendly skating rink, shop at the holiday market, and let little ones bounce and climb in the Frosty’s Fun Zone. You can also enjoy ziplining. Santa and his girlfriends will also be on site for free photo opportunities.
Tickets are $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and under are admitted free. Tickets and more information for all Coastal Christmas events and festivities are available at coastalchristmasdelmar.com.
San Diego Botanical Garden Lightscape
The San Diego Botanical Garden’s lightscape is back in Encinitas, including tunnels of light, colored laser beams, and illuminated California poppies. On display until January 1, Lightscape features the international artist’s mile-long illuminated, eye-catching installation that comes to life at night with color, imagination, and sound.
New this year, discounted tickets for off-peak dates start at $26 for adults, $16 for children ages 3-12, and children 2 and under are free. Discounted tickets are also available to members of the San Diego Botanical Garden and to active duty and incapacitated military members with ID. Parking is available in advance for $10 per vehicle or $20 on the day of your visit. Admission is every 15 minutes, and tickets and parking can be purchased online at sdbgarden.org/lightscape.
“Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show”
The Old Globe is reviving Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” a fast-paced comedy that premiered at the Globe in 2019. Scrooge will be played this year by Christopher Seaver, a two-time Tony Award nominee who played the memorable role of Miss Trunchbull. He has appeared on Broadway in “Company,” “Shrek,” and “Matilda.” Until December 24th. Tuesday-Sunday 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Sheryl and Harvey White Theater, Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. Over $29. (619) 234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Genesis Opera Theater presents Amahl and the Night Visitors: A heartwarming holiday opera in English.
Step into the enchanting world of Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one-act Christmas opera written by the famous Gian Carlo Menotti. This timeless Genesis Opera Theater production, performed entirely in English, will grace the stage at the STAR Repertory Theater, 329 E. Valley Parkway in Escondido, on December 22 and 23.
This beloved opera was first commissioned and broadcast by the NBC network on December 24, 1951, and has been a holiday season staple ever since. Inspired by the captivating painting Adoration of the Magi on display at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Amar and the Night Visitors retells the story of the Nativity and Epiphany from a unique perspective .
Genesis Opera Theater is committed to making opera affordable and enjoyable to people of all ages, igniting a love for this art form in the hearts of young people, and developing future opera lovers and artists. We are aiming for
Performance dates and times: Friday, December 22nd, 7pm start Saturday, December 23rd, 2pm and 7pm
Tickets start at just $25 and are available at sdartstix.com. For more information, please contact genesisoperathheatre@gmail.com.
Christmas at Abbey Road, Bury Up with the Beatles
Christmas with the Beatles at Abbey Road returns to Belly Up on Wednesday December 20th at 8pm Abbey Road featuring all of the Beatles’ top hits and some great holiday tunes – Lorde’s Christmas with the Beatles promises to be a night of fun. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and can be purchased online at bellyup.com, by phone at (858)481-8140, or at the venue box office. The Belly Up is located at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach.Show is 21+
Historic Downtown Encinitas Walking Tour
The Encinitas Historical Society will be hosting an educational Historical Downtown Encinitas Walking Tour for everyone on Saturday, December 16th. A suggested donation of $5 per adult. Children and dogs are free.
Meet in the 1883 one-room schoolhouse located at 390 West “F” Street. There is plenty of parking on site. Tours begin at 10am and last approximately 2 hours. Registration is not required. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Dogs are always welcome.
Jungle Bell Festival at the San Diego Zoo
With support from California Coast Credit Union, the San Diego Zoo will bring back Jungle Bells, giving a wild twist to a familiar holiday tradition. The zoo sparkles with holiday atmosphere and decorations, festive music, roaming entertainers, special food and treats, and awe-inspiring views of wildlife.
Jungle Bell runs from December 8th to January. Opening hours will be extended starting January 1, 2024, except on December 24, when no Jungle Bell activities are scheduled.
When you make a gift from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, you directly support wildlife conservation around the world. Guests won’t miss the magic of the Northern Lights, which takes place twice in one night, combining 3D projection mapping, music and lighting.
Jungle Bell activities are free with zoo admission or membership registration. Parking is free.
The San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive. Visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells
Village church holds event to sing popular Christmas songs
Spend the afternoon spreading Christmas cheer with a family-friendly sing-along of popular Christmas songs at 3pm on Sunday, December 17th at Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe. “Carols at the Village” features all your favorite Christmas songs, from “White Christmas” to “Jingle Bell Rock,” and tells the stories that make these songs so beloved. Join Senior Pastor Dr. Jack Baca and the church’s talented worship team for a fun-filled afternoon of coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks while singing heartwarming classics.
For more information, visit villagechurch.org/carols-at-the-village.
Holding a birthday celebration at Horizon Church
Horizon Church in Rancho Santa Fe is celebrating its 30th anniversary in ministry and is bringing back the Living Nativity after a four-year hiatus. The campus will be transformed into a first-century experience of the life and ministry of Jesus for three nights, Dec. 21-23, from 5 to 9 p.m. Invite your friends and teach kids about snowy hills, crafts, petting zoos, and more.
Horizon Church is located at 6365 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe.
Two other events are scheduled for Horizon Church.
Worship at the Ranch: December 17th 6-8pm Outdoor worship with Horizon Worship Band. The forecast is for snow after the service begins.
Christmas Eve Service Hours: December 24th, 10 a.m. Outdoor services and children’s programs will be offered. 4:00 p.m. Outdoor family service by candlelight.
Grand Hyatt’s rooftop cinema club, Embarcadero, extends its season.
It’s the season to celebrate the holidays on the rooftop as Grand Hyatt’s Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero extends its run through December 23rd.
RCC Embarcadero, previously scheduled to close on December 17th, will now remain open until December 23rd. Our expanded slate is packed with holiday classics perfect for this season. The lineup includes movies like Elf, The Grinch, Home Alone, Die Hard, and The Polar Express.
We’re also introducing some exciting new elements and events to celebrate the holidays on the rooftop.
For more information and tickets to all movies and special events, visit rooftopcinemaclub.com/embarcadero.
Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero is located on the outdoor 4th floor sports terrace of the Harbor Tower at the Manchester Grand Hyatt (1 Market Place, San Diego, 92101) with stunning skyline views.