by Mimi Sells
November 21, 2025
‘Tis the season. And, of course, you can always wallow in your PJs watching sappy Christmas movies from your comfy couch. But we, at Vanguard Culture, think there’s way more to the holiday season than bundling up in your blankie.
San Diego offers a cornucopia of out of the ordinary, immersive events to get you out the door and experiencing our vibrant–and eclectic–holiday arts scene from from drag to drama, singing to sweating and comedy to chaos.
Below is a totally non-comprehensive collection of non-traditional ideas to make this season of merriment bright.
Think Christmas is a drag? Well it literally is here!
Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular
Artpower at UCSD at the Epstein Amphitheatre
Dec. 5-6
Tickets: https://artpower.ucsd.edu/event/ginger-minj-holidayspectacular/
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 winner Ginger Minj is your host for a fabulous and festive celebration. Yes, there will be happy holiday music along with madcap comedy and deft drag doings.
According to Artpower, Ginger will be kicking off and kicking out with “a night of non-denominational, all-inclusive festive cheer. Forget the silent nights—expect a high-energy romp filled with campy classics, hilarious seasonal tales, and dazzling costumes that shine brighter than the star on top of the tree.”
Dress to impress and be impressed.
For holiday beats and all that jazz!
Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O | Athenaeum Jazz
Atheneum in La Jolla
December 5
Tickets: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/events/jazz-25-1205
Acclaimed Drummer Matt Wilson is one of the most in-demand jazz musicians today. His Tree-O of musicians will help you celebrate the holiday season with his own humorous and sometimes wildly eccentric sendups of holiday classics. The band, now in its 25th year, features sax virtuoso Jeff Lederer and bassist Paul Sikivie.
According to the Atheneum, “Wilson’s greatest gift is his knack for invention and the unbridled sense of fun he brings to the bandstand—a perfect combination for the holiday season.
Why sing solo when you can carol with a crowd!
Holiday Cabaret
Coronado Playhouse
Dec. 19-21
Tickets: https://www.coronadoplayhouse.org/holiday-cabaret-2025/
Directed by Desha Crownover, this crowd-pleasing, annual community singalong turns everyone into a star for a night. Croon your favorite songs along with the Coronado Playhouse crew, cast and alums.
Hard to workout during the holiday season? Not for these guys!
Burnout Paradise
La Jolla Playhouse
December 17-21
Tickets: https://lajollaplayhouse.org/show/burnout-paradise/
Burnout Paradise wowed SD at the UCSD WOW festival…and now these energetic players are back for the holidays. Watch four insanely talented (and insane) performers frantically try to outdo each other while running on treadmills. This show won raves from Melbourne to Edinburgh and New York. Called a “truly exceptional theatrical experience” by the British Theatre Guide, come prepared to be breathless!
Want to spend quality time with the kiddies? Have we got a Seuss for you!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Old Globe Theatre
Now thru Dec. 28
Tickets: https://www.theoldglobe.org/shows–tickets/current-and-upcoming/
Take the kids and be a kid yourself at this 28th annual performance of Dr. Suess’ classic holiday fable. This whimsical musical features beloved Seussical songs like “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas ” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! See the theatre transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
There are special performances, too, for sensory-sensitive children and ASL interpreters.
Last but not least, if your idea of the holidays is a funny movie and Chinese food, we have you covered!
A December 25th Tradition
Lawrence Family JCC
Dec. 25
Tickets: https://my.lfjcc.org/16071/16073
Enjoy a double header movie evening with kids, family and friends with a children’s movie, a vegetarian Chinese dinner and a romantic comedy classic with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Here’s the full program:
-Kids Concert & Movie: “A Rugrats Chanukah”
-Vegetarian Chinese Dinner:
-Movie: “When Harry Met Sally…”
Try one or all of these non-trad San Diego holiday treats. We think Yule have a great time and that’s No(el) lie!
