This is the weekend for quirky Christmas. Santa in a sleigh is so 20th century. Make that man scamper! And why put on an elf suit when you can put one on Fluffy instead? Now you’re talking!
First up, “Jungle Bells” at the San Diego Zoo opens Friday through Dec. 23, then continues from Christmas Day to Jan. 5. The Balboa Park attraction will feature entertainers, carols, and animal encounters, along with “Aurora.” The zoo describes the show as a visual and sound experience with 3-D projections, music, and something you don’t usually see in San Diego – the Aurora Borealis, hence the name. Most activities are included with admission.
Gather in La Mesa at 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday for Holiday in the Village. The free event includes 20 performers, craft vendors, and of course, Santa Claus.
The San Diego Symphony’s “Noel Noel” holiday concert, stars the San Diego Master Chorale and Betsy Wolfe, of the Broadway musical Waitress. Tickets for the show, at Copley Symphony Hall, start at $25. It begins Saturday and continues through Dec. 22.
It’ll be all-Santa, all day Saturday in Pacific Beach. As befits a beach community, the lineup starts at 9 a.m. with the Santa Run, for those who prefer Ole St. Nick without a belly like a bowlful of jelly. Thus warmed up, at 1 p.m. we’re sure the main man himself will join the crowd for the PB Holiday Parade, kicking off from Garnet Avenue and Haines Street.
Drop by Christmas in the Park at Old Poway Park Saturday, for carols, horse-drawn hay rides and a tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. Santa, dependable chap that he is, will follow.
Need a break from the holiday madness? Actor and comedian Nick Offerman provides it with his “All Rise” tour, which stops at the Balboa Theatre at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets to see the “Parks and Recreation” star start at $55.
Thus refreshed, your holiday revels can resume with the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. It’s $15 in advance to dress up your favorite furry friend and parade him about in his wintry finest. The day at MLK Promenade Park includes a pet market at noon, and the parade at 2. Organizers recommend Fourth and Fifth avenues between E and K streets as the best vantage points for those who prefer to leave their pets at home. Just watching the fun is free.
Finally, Foothills Christian Church in El Cajon hosts “Christmas Nights at Foothills” at 5 p.m. Sunday. The free event includes a live nativity, petting zoo, music, cookie decorating and outdoor fire pits. In addition, view the light display along West Bradley Drive through Dec. 31.
– Staff reports
