How to deck the halls in SD

December Nights
Free
Balboa Park
Dec. 7-8, 12-10 p.m.
Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5 to 9 p.m. both evenings. The annual San Diego event features sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, and food. www.balboapark.org

Ice Skating
$12 to $20
Horton Plaza and Hotel Del Coronado
Nov. 15- Jan. 1
“Glide to your heart’s content!”

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
$39 to $59
Balboa Park’s Old Globe Theatre
Nov. 25-Dec. 30
The musical, directed by acclaimed director Jack O’Brien, brings to life the classic Dr. Seuss book with incredible sets and memorable performances.

Sugar Plum Fairies
$1 to $15
Casa Del Prado Theater in Balboa
December 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16
This year, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is proud to present the premiere of a totally revised Nutcracker.

Festival of Sail
Free
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 9 and 16, 5:30-9 p.m.
Come see more than 100 boats, all decked out in lighted glory, cruise a 7.5-mile route on San Diego Bay. This year’s theme is a “Fanta-Sea Christmas,” and it promises to be better than ever. Best vantage points from the shore are along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Harbor Island and Coronado.

Balloon Parade
For tickets, call
619-283-5308
One mile route along the Embarcadero
Dec. 27, 10 a.m.
Dubbed “America’s Largest Balloon Parade,” more than 30 giant balloons will float down the one-mile route along the Embarcadero, along with bands, drill teams and more. It’s the precursor to the evening’s main event: the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium.

Cut Your Own Tree
Varies
Pinery Tree Farms in Bonita and Rancho Bernardo and Family Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon
until Christmas
Choosing a Christmas tree is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit. There’s nothing like roaming the tree lot, smelling the wonderful scents and finding that perfect tree to take home (off campus).

Christmas Lights
Free
Chula Vista (You’ll find Christmas Circle between First and Second Avenues, just south
of H Street and I Street) and Point Loma (Garrison Street)
Varies
Several neighborhoods around town put on annual displays, but none more venerable than Christmas Circle in Chula Vista, a tradition for more than 46 years.

Christmas Light Festival
$33 for general admission
Wild Animal Park
Dec. 7-23 and 26-30
The Wild Animal Park illuminates the holiday season this December with all-new displays for its Festival of Lights.

Christmas in Coronado
Varies
Coronado
All Christmas season
Various festivities, for more information www.coronado.ca.us

Pacific Beach Parade
Free
Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach
Dec. 8, 12-4 p.m.
Annual Holiday Parade