The fact that San Diego doesn’t have sub-zero temperatures, frozen ponds, or snow days doesn’t mean that San Diegans have to miss out on winter festivities. Residents of San Diego enjoy the holidays in different ways, many of which imitate the cold winter seasons elsewhere in the country — just without the snow.
Christmas lights are a very popular option that doesn’t require snow. A large-scale example would be the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a procession of elaborately decorated ships that sail through the bay on December 11 and 18. According to the Parade’s website, this year’s theme is “Back to the Future” (sdparadeoflights.org).
The December Nights Festival in Balboa Park, formerly called “Christmas on the Prado,” is enjoyed by many students, including Sophomore Carol Thivierge. “The Christmas lights there are very beautiful,” she said, and added that she also liked the dances and bands that perform. According to the December Nights’ website, “Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer” (balboapark.org).
Classic Christmas productions such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe and The Nutcracker at the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet need little explanation, but they do provide a sense of tradition to San Diego’s Christmas scene. The “Grinch” will be shown from November 19 to December 31, while the “Nutcracker” plays from December 7 to 18.
Of course, quirkier activities are also present during the holiday season. Thivierge once saw someone surfing on Christmas day. Although most of us would think it is too cold to surf this time of year, a Christmas surf session is a popular tradition for some. “Christmas is a family thing, even if you go to the beach with your family, but aren’t you supposed to stay inside,” she said, with a laugh.
Lots of San Diegans like to ice skate during the holidays, even though we don’t have the weather for nature to provide skate spots. Right next to UC High, we have the UTC mall rink, but there are some skating rinks open during the holidays that benefit charity. The Hotel Del has a rink benefiting the Make-s-Wish foundation and Horton Plaza’s rink benefits the Rady Children’s Hospital foundation.
Whether you watch a holiday-themed play or enjoy making snowmen at the beach, the holidays are a nice break from the busy everyday lives we live. Being creative in embracing the lack of snow-filled holidays in San Diego isn’t hard,