The weekend event lineup is here, and there’s plenty happening on both sides of the border. If you’re free from December 5 to 7, here’s a look at the concerts, festivals and holiday events taking place across Tijuana and San Diego.
Omar Camacho & Alan Arrieta – Tijuana
Regional Mexican singers Omar Camacho and Alan Arrieta perform in Tijuana for a night of norteño and banda hits.
Date: Dec. 5
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: El Foro
Cost: 450–1,350 MXN (approx. $25–$75 USD)
Balboa Park December Nights – San Diego
San Diego’s largest holiday festival returns with music, light displays, family attractions and more than 20 food vendors offering global cuisine.
Dates: Dec. 5–6
Hours: Day 1: 3–11 p.m.; Day 2: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Location: Balboa Park
Cost: Free
Yandel Sinfónico – San Diego
Reggaeton star Yandel brings his symphonic show to San Diego, performing hits backed by a live orchestra.
Date: Dec. 5
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
Cost: $41–$766 USD
Holiday Wonderland – San Diego
Petco Park transforms into a holiday attraction with large-scale light displays, festive décor and meet-and-greets with Santa and the Grinch.
Dates: Dec. 5–23
Hours: 4–8 p.m.
Location: Petco Park
Cost: $18–$28 USD
José Madero – Tijuana
Former PXNDX frontman José Madero brings his solo tour to Tijuana, performing a setlist that spans nearly a decade of solo work.
Date: Dec. 6
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: El Foro
Cost: 300–1,800 MXN (approx. $17–$100 USD)
The Nutcracker – Tijuana
This year’s staging features 19th-century-style sets, a snowy forest, the Kingdom of Sweets and classic scenes like the battle of soldiers and mice.
Date: Dec. 6
Times: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Location: CECUT
Cost: 400 MXN (approx. $22 USD)
Starlight Parade – Chula Vista
Chula Vista’s Starlight Parade brings decorated floats, school bands, dance groups and classic cars to Third Avenue. A small festival nearby offers food vendors, crafts and photos with Santa.
Date: Dec. 6
Time: From 3 p.m.
Route: Third Avenue, from H Street to E Street
Cost: Free
Gaslamp Artisan Market – San Diego
This outdoor market in the Gaslamp Quarter offers brunch options, clothing, accessories, pet items, art and jewelry from local makers.
Dates: Dec. 6–7
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Fifth Avenue between Market Street and J Street
Cost: Free
Natalia Jiménez – San Diego
Spanish singer Natalia Jiménez performs at the San Diego Civic Theatre, delivering a set of pop and mariachi favorites.
Date: Dec. 7
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: San Diego Civic Theatre
Cost: $130–$496 USD
4×4 Festival – Playas de Rosarito
The 4×4 Festival brings together performing arts, visual arts, live music, poetry and experimental work, all centered on community and creative expression.
Dates: Dec. 1–7
Time: Around 10 a.m.
Location: CEART Playas de Rosarito
Cost: Free
