If you’re in San Diego this week and wondering how to make the most of the days leading into the weekend, you’re in a great spot. Let’s dive into some of the most fun, festive, and very local things happening around town.

According to San Diego Magazine, one of the longest-running holiday traditions is Exile on Kettner Boulevard at The Casbah in Middletown, a free Rolling Stones tribute that takes over the cozy, 200-capacity club every Christmas Eve starting at 9 p.m. It’s loud, it’s sweaty, and it’s pure rock and roll nostalgia, so listeners who love live music will want to get there early to snag a spot.

If your idea of Christmas Eve is more food than feedback from guitar amps, the Manchester Grand Hyatt along the Embarcadero is offering a prime rib and jumbo garlic prawns special at Sally’s Waterfront Dining, along with steak and Chilean sea bass features at the lobby bar, The Landing. San Diego Magazine reports that these specials run through the week, so you can turn any evening into a holiday dinner with a view of the bay.

Over in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Westin’s Bronze Bird restaurant is hosting a Christmas Eve three-course dinner this afternoon and evening. The San Diego Tourism Authority notes that your meal includes a welcome drink, a festive dessert station, and optional wine pairings, all right in the heart of downtown.

If you want a more European-feeling Christmas, the Westgate Hotel’s Bonne Vie Brasserie is serving a holiday special featuring Cape Grim beef tenderloin with truffle potato purée and charred Brussels sprouts on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as highlighted by the Westgate’s own event calendar. It’s a great option if you want classic downtown elegance and the flexibility to go either tonight or tomorrow.

Balboa Park is buzzing all week. The San Diego Museum of Art says its Holidays at the Museum programming keeps the galleries open through the end of December, with the rotunda decked out in festive décor, guided tours, and plenty of chances to warm up with art between strolls through the park. It’s a perfect daytime choice before an evening dinner or concert.

Looking toward the weekend, Petco Park transforms into the Wild Horses Festival on Saturday, a big Americana showcase headlined by Mumford and Sons, with Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, and Lily Meola also on the bill, according to San Diego Magazine. Gates open late afternoon, and the music runs into the night, giving you an outdoor, boots-and-denim kind of holiday sendoff.

For listeners who like mixing sports with seasonal fun, San Diego Magazine also spotlights the San Diego Clippers G League team hosting the Sioux Falls Skyforce at the new Frontwave Arena in Oceanside on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is Kids Night, complete with mascot shoulder pets for the first 500 kids, while Sunday is Country Night, with themed music and cowboy hats for early fans. It’s a low-cost, high-energy family outing and a great excuse to explore North County.

If you’re drawn to culture and community, the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park is hosting its 45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration from Friday through the weekend, featuring keynote speakers, live music, poetry, and a community feast. San Diego Magazine notes that each evening focuses on a principle of Kwanzaa, making it a powerful and welcoming way to learn, celebrate, and connect.

And if you prefer a quieter evening, the San Diego Museum of Art’s holiday hours, plus the nearby restaurants like Panama 66 in the sculpture garden, make Balboa Park a relaxed, art-filled escape any day through the weekend.

Whatever you choose, San Diego this week offers a little bit of everything: rock shows and festivals, elegant dinners, family sports nights, and meaningful cultural celebrations. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s happening next around the city. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI