Weekend Preview: Best Events 12/19-25

Can you believe that Christmas is less than one week away? I hope you have your shopping under control, because there is a full week of festive events ahead, and not a moment to spare. Family and friends are heading back to town, and it’s our job to remind them of what they’re missing in America’s Finest City.

Our can’t-miss holiday events include the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium and the kickoff battle of the bands and march through the Gaslamp Quarter. Also check out the Deck the Halls holiday show at Anthology, An American Christmas at Hotel Del Coronado, Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower and the completely P.C. Industry Night Christmahanakwanzaka Party at Side Bar. And to make your holiday weekend as stress-free as possible, we’re hooking you up with a guide to Christmas dining at local restaurants.

Discover this week’s best San Diego events.

Poinsettia Bowl March in the Gaslamp Quarter – 12/19

The Gaslamp Quarter Association is getting us in the mood for the big Poinsettia Bowl football game by hosting the annual Gaslamp March down Fifth Avenue on Monday, December 19th. Every year a few days before the game, the GQA invites marching bands and spirit squads from the participating universities for a parade through our city lights to the tune of classic holiday songs. It’s a light hearted battle of the bands with plenty of free entertainment for spectators. The Gaslamp March will start at 6pm, and the central meeting place is on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Market Street. So, who do you think has the better band, TCU or Louisiana Tech? For more information, visit poinsettiabowl.com

7th Annual Poinsettia Bowl at "Snapdragon Stadium" – 12/21

The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs will face the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs in the 7th Annual San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, taking place at Qualcomm Stadium, AKA “Snapdragon Stadium,” on Wednesday, December 21st. During the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl, our own San Diego State University battled the United States Navy Academy and triumphed with a final score of 35 to 14. The Poinsettia Bowl has quickly become a holiday tradition in San Diego, as well as a huge attraction for our local tourism industry. Upgrade your experience with the VIP Tailgate Party, featuring unlimited food, beer and live entertainment from 2:30 to 4:30pm in the stadium parking lot. The game kicks off at 5pm and will air on ESPN. For more information, visit poinsettiabowl.com

Industry Night Christmahanakwanzaka Party at Side Bar – 12/21

Side Bar is home to the hottest Industry Wednesday party in downtown San Diego, and the scene is known to get especially wild during the holiday season. See for yourself in this rowdy gallery of Thanksgiving Eve photos. Welcome your old friends back to town at Side Bar’s Industry Night Christmahanakwanzaka Party this Wednesday, December 21st. Keep it P.C. and celebrate a year of nice with a night of naughty as DJ Brett Bodley spins dance beats into the early morning. I have a feeling Bad Santa will be making an appearance for this annual bash. For VIP reservations, call 866.618.8969 or visit Side Bar

Deck the Halls Holiday Show at Anthology – 12/24

Need a break from the predictable tunes off your old Mariah Carey Christmas CD that’s been playing on repeat all week long? We hear your cry for help loud and clear. Our favorite swanky supper club Anthology offers the perfect escape: the 3rd Annual Deck the Halls Holiday Show, a family-friendly concert and dinner experience starting at 7pm on Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24th. The award-winning nine-member jazz house band will perform live as you dine on a holiday menu with options for refined parents and picky kids. Pricing starts at $10 for adults and $5 for kids. For reservations, call 888.339.9163. Get more details here

An American Christmas at Hotel Del Coronado – 12/24

The Hotel Del Coronado truly comes alive during the holiday season, from the dazzling light displays, to the beachfront ice skating rink and packed calendar of family-friendly events. If you haven’t yet visited the Del, we recommend making reservations for the finale showing of An American Christmas on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th. The award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre recreates the story of the Marshall family, played by 30 versatile actors in an upbeat, interactive performance set in the year 1911. The show takes place in the hotel ballroom, and also features a four-course dinner. The Del offers a variety of dining and entertainment options throughout the holiday weekend. For pricing and reservations, visit hoteldel.com

Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise on Hornblower – 12/24

Spice up your family’s holiday routine by heading out on a festive cruise through San Diego Bay. Hornblower Cruises & Events is hosting a variety of morning and evening cruises this holiday weekend. Start the weekend off on the right foot with a Christmas Eve Brunch Cruise, a two-hour event with unlimited champagne and sparkling cider, a full brunch buffet and strolling holiday carolers on Saturday, December 24th. San Diego is one of the only cities that promises sun shine and warm weather through the month of December. Why not take advantage of it this Christmas Eve? For pricing and reservations, visit hornblower.com

Christmas Dinner at San Diego Restaurants – 12/25

Honey-Roasted Ham, Rum-Soaked Pork Chops, Smoked Maine Lobster, Sweet Potato Pie, and bottles of local wine. Now that we have your attention, we’d like to share that many top San Diego restaurants are serving multi-course holiday menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year, let local chefs do the work and sit back and relax with your family and friends. Our top picks for festive holiday dining across the county include Addison at The Grand Del Mar, George’s California Modern, The Prado, Grant Grill at US Grant Hotel, Mediterranean Room at La Valencia Hotel, Mistral at Loews Coronado Resort, El Bizcocho at Rancho Bernardo Inn and Café Sevilla, among others. For more information, read our Christmas Dining Guide

More Holiday Plays in San Diego

A few of our favorite holiday theater performances are closing the curtain following grand finale shows this holiday weekend. Don’t miss your chance to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Old Globe Theatre, A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory Theatre, California Ballet’s The Nutcracker at San Diego Civic Theatre and Jesus Christ Superstar at La Jolla Playhouse, among others. Get more details here

More Hot San Diego Holiday Parties:

Wednesday at GuestHouse ft. DJ Skratchy - 12/21

Savvy Thursday ft. DJ Kurch at Hard Rock Hotel - 12/22 

BPM Thursday at Bar West - 12/22 

Gaslamp Holiday Pub Crawl - 12/22

A Cash’d Out Christmas at The Belly Up - 12/23

Winter Wonderland Party at Stingaree - 12/23

Bad Santa Naughty PJ Party at Side Bar - 12/23

Forget Mistletoe, Try Ivy Party at Andaz - 12/23

LED Presents LA Riots at Voyeur - 12/23

Tavern & Bowl Open on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day - 12/24-25

Funky Garcia's Open on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day - 12/24-25

Discover more local entertainment and gift ideas in our 2011 San Diego Holiday Guide

Plan Ahead: Scope the hottest parties and hotel deals in our 2012 New Year’s Eve Guide