Holiday Hoopla
by Ryan Thomas

When I was a whelp, there was a much-loved holiday tradition in my small New England town. Every winter, we would grab our sleds and head to the local police station. You see, adjacent to the parking lot where the police cruisers sat covered in snow and rock salt, was a large, very steep, snow-covered hill. At the top of the hill was a patch of trees where we daredevils would line up for the greatest ride of the year. I say daredevils because there was only one accessible path to the bottom. It involved a series of large boulders, a man-made jump so ludicrously angled you’d end up in the treetops if you didn’t skirt it, and the many moaning sledders who had not avoided both of these before you. If you made it past that first leg, you had to get out of the way of the telephone pole and lamp post at the bottom, then try to hit the two-foot jump that would launch you into the parking lot where said cruisers would be coming and going all day, driven by angry officers who spent the morning in the bitter cold helping residents push their cars out of snowbanks.

Traditions such as these ultimately become memories we share later in life. When they are linked with your hometown, they are even more important. Eventually, the slope of death gave way to ice skating at the outdoor rink and attending A Christmas Carol at the local Trinity Repertory Theater.

San Diego, like every other city in America, has traditions that make it a special place to spend the holidays, from How The Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre, to the Parade of Lights boat show, to the outdoor ice skating rink downtown. These local customs go back as far as Alonzo Horton himself, and continue to thrive thanks to a community that supports them. In the end, they provide San Diegans with a lifetime of memories and pride, a piece of home carried inside hearts and minds. However, owing to the extensive arts and recreation communities in San Diego, there are so many events to experience that keeping track of them all can be taxing. Therefore, the following are some local favorites considered essential San Diego holiday pastimes.

Fantasy On Ice
You could fly to Rockefeller Center, where it’s so cold that skating around becomes the only means of not freezing, or come to this much-loved San Diego outdoor rink at Horton Square for a more comfortable time. Stay late and skate under the stars. November 17 through January 16 from 10am to 10pm; closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. (619/234-1031)

How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Now in it’s eighth year, Grinch has become one of San Diego’s most-attended theatrical productions. Pulled right from the pages of Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s book, with fantastic sets and costumes, this spectacular play proves that Christmas is indeed in the heart. At the Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park from November 19 through December 31. (619/234-5623, www.oldglobe.org)

Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival
Over 25 bands from throughout the country will perform at the Town and Country Hotel and Convention Center, Hotel Circle. This event will draw music lovers from near and far from November 23 - 27. (619/297-5277, www.dixielandjazzfestival.org)

Holiday Of Lights At Del Mar
The Del Mar track becomes one of the best places to see lighted displays this holiday season
made even more special than usual since the public is allowed to drive onto the oval track.
With over 350 displays, this is the largest drive-through event in the county. Held from
November 24 - January 4. (858/793-5555, www.dmtc.com)

The Nutcracker
A staple of the holiday season, this ballet is breathtaking when performed by the California Ballet Company. Members of the San Diego Symphony provide the music. November 26-27 and December 23-24 at Copley Symphony Hall. (858/560-6741, www.californiaballet.org)

The Festival Of Christmas
After you’ve watched Scrooge deal with the ghost of Christmas past, head over to the Hotel del Coronado and go back in time yourself with the Lamb’s Players Theatre. This unique San Diego tradition takes place during a different time period each year, and this year the Players will transform the ballroom into St. Louis during 1928. Guests are treated to a five-course dinner while the entertainment unfolds. December 1-29. (619/437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org)

December Nights
A weekend of delicious foods, entertainment, and gifts from around the globe at the popular House of Pacific Relations Cottages in Balboa Park. Museums offer free admission from 5pm to 9pm; December 2-3 from 5pm to 10pm. (619/239-0512, www.balboapark.org)

A Christmas Carol
Only Scrooges will miss this version of the Dickens classic, this year set in the 20th century. At the San Diego Repertory Theatre, Horton Plaza from December 3-24. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com)

Light Up Your Chanukah
Learn exciting ways to make your Chanukah memorable as Congregation of Beth Israel’s director of education emeritus, Helene Schlafman, provides the history of the holiday’s rituals, and offers recipe and music ideas guaranteed to enhance any Chanukah celebration. The event includes traditional foods made by outreach committee members, and is co-sponsored by the United Jewish Federation Outreach Program. It’s a good idea to RSVP for this one. December 7 from 7pm to 9pm. (858/535-1111, ext. 3500)

RSF Christmas Sing
The annual Christmas sing is held in front of the Inn At Rancho Santa Fe. Members of the community and school children regale the town with holiday favorites. December 8, 6pm. (858/756-1141)

Garden Of Lights
Quail Botanical Gardens hosts their annual holiday celebration featuring over 90,000 lights throughout the gardens. Horse-drawn wagon rides, ornament-and-wreath-making classes, and food and gifts make this a must for a night out with the family. December 9-11, 15-23, and 26-30 from
5 to 9pm. (760/436-3036, ext. 206, www.qbgardens.com)

Wild Animal Park Festival Of Lights
Christmas comes to the animal park in the form of caroling, lights, Santa Claus, and children’s activities. Of course the best part is being so close to the world’s most exotic animals. December 9-23; December 26-30. Park hours are 9am to 8pm with festival activities beginning at 4pm. (760/796-5621, www.sandiegozoo.org)

Holiday Swing Concert
The Rancho Santa Fe Big Band is one of the best in the state. Join them and cut a rug as they perform some of the holiday greats. December 11 at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club. Bring your own wine and appetizer — glasses and openers provided. (858/756-4542, www.ranchosantafebigband.org)

San Diego Bay Parade Of Lights
Not your average parade, this annual event features a multitude of boats dressed in lights and holiday fare. Starting in Point Loma, the boats sail around North Island and end up near the Convention Center. This year’s theme is Nautical Nights. December 11-18, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. (619/224-2240, www.sdparadeoflights.org)

Holiday Jazz And Blues Festival
In its third year, this music festival is based on the history of downtown’s East Village, which once housed numerous African-American clubs whose owners would offer gifts and food to under-privileged people. In keeping with tradition, the Jazz and Blues Festival features Christmas music, food and refreshments, and gifts. December 17. (619/685-7215, www.holidayjazzandblues.com)

Holiday Bowl Parade
Forget the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, running down Harbor Drive from the Star of India to Seaport Village, this holiday event features more giant inflatable balloons than any other parade in the nation, the marching bands of the two teams in the Holiday Bowl, and even racing wiener dogs. December 29 at 10am. (619/283-5808, www.holidaybowl.com)

Big Night San Diego
Get your groove on and ring in the New Year at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina. Featuring multiple themed rooms, six dance floors, 12 live bands, drinks, party favors, and discounted hotel rooms, this is one of San Diego’s fastest growing in-crowd parties. (www.bignightsandiego.com)

New Year’s On The Midway
There are few parties more unique than this one on the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier downtown. Listen to bands, enjoy a catered dinner from Peartrees Catering, and watch fireworks over the downtown skyline. Though it’s a bit pricier than other events, this is one of those times where you’ll really get what you pay for. (619/575-5500, www.peartreescatering.com)