Holiday Events in and Near Imperial Beach

See Also: Christmas Church Service Times

For more events, see the Holiday Guide section in the IB Patch Event calendar.

IMPERIAL BEACH

Send Letters to Santa
Where/when: Through Dec. 22. Click event listing for times. San Diego County Library, Imperial Beach Branch, 810 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Why go: Cause Santa likes kids who read books.
Price: Free

Winter Fest Concert at Mar Vista High School
Where/when: Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Mar Vista High School, 505 Elm Ave.
Why go: A festive holiday concert by Mar Vista Middle School and Mar Vista High School bands.
Price: Free

Healthy Holiday Classes
Where/when: Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 from 9-10 a.m., 1237 Elder Ave.
Why go: A registered dietician from Imperial Beach Health Center will discuss how to control or prevent diabetes Dec. 13 and the difference between good and bad fats Dec. 20.
Price: Free

Holiday Greetings
Where/when: Dec. 19 from 2-4 p.m. at Sports Park and Recreation Center, 425 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Why go: Make holiday cards for your friends and family.
Price: Free

Light Up IB
Where/when: Dec. 19 cross Imperial Beach after sunset
Why go: Participate in the chambers holiday decoration contest. Judging will take place Dec. 19. Winning residents and businesses get $100, $50 or $25.
Price: Free

Santa Skates?
Where/when: Dec. 21 from 2-6 p.m. at Sports Park and Recreation Center, 425 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Why go: The Sports Park will hold its annual holiday party. Santa will be there. Nachos and punch for everybody. A Christmas tree decorated by local kids and teens will be donated to family in need. The band Beat the Drag will perform at 3 p.m.
Price: Free

Cookies with Santa
Where/when: Dec. 22 at 9 a.m. at Boys & Girls Club of South County-Imperial Beach, 874 Encina Ave.
Why go: Eat cookies, tell Santa what you want for Christmas and make holiday arts and crafts.
Price: Free

Holidays Get You Down?
Where/when: Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., Imperial Beach United Methodist Church, 455 Palm Ave.
Why go: The holidays don't make everyone jolly. If you need a place to go to celebrate the season but aren't in the highest of spirits, go to the Blue Christmas church service.
Price: Free

Candlelight Christmas Eve
Where/when: Dec. 24 from 11 p.m. to midnight at St. James Lutheran Church, 866 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Why go: The church will hold a candlelight sermon to recognize the coming of Christmas.
Price: Free

NEAR IMPERIAL BEACH

Holiday Lights with Navy at 32nd Street
When/where: Dec. 14 from 6:30-9 p.m. at Naval Base San Diego, 3455 Senn Rd., San Diego
Why go: See ships decorated for the holidays and attend a Navy holiday celebration.
Price: Free

Bethlehem via Coronado
Where/when: Through Dec. 16 at the Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way, Coronado
Why go: A modern but family-friendly Christmas play with a twist.
Price: $8-15

Wreaths Across America at Fort Rosecrans
Where/when: Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego
Why go: Help lay wreaths at the graves of veterans.
Price: Free

YMCA Winter Wonderland
Where/when: Dec. 15 from 12-2 p.m. at the South Bay Family YMCA, 1201 Paseo Magda, Chula Vista
Why go: Face painting, pictures with Santa and much more at this holiday celebration.
Price: Free

Church Christmas Musical
Where/when: Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Ocean View Baptist Church, 2460 Palm Ave., San Diego
Why go: The church hosts its large annual musical.
Price: Free

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Where/when: Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at San Diego Bay
Why go: Now in its 41st year, boats lit up with Christmas lights tour the bay.
Price: Free

Holiday Hoopla at Mendoza
Where/when: Dec. 17 from 1:15-2:30 p.m. at Mendoza Elementary School, 2050 Coronado Ave., San Diego
Why go: Performing Arts students will sing holiday songs. All are welcome.
Price: Free

Classic Christmas
Where/when: Dec. 17-26 at the Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
Why go: Enjoy a five-course meal in the hotel ballroom while actors perform "An American Christmas," a three-hour show in 1912-era attire.
Price: $120-165, $80 for children

Nestor Christmas Eve Program
Where/when: Dec. 24 from 5:15-7 p.m. at Nestor United Methodist Church, 1120 Nestor Way, San Diego
Why go: Music from children and adults at the classic church.
Price: Free

Christmas on My Mind
Where/when: Through Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado
Why go: Join a group of travelers trapped by a snowstorm who share the holiday through music and stories.
Price: $26-60

Ice Skating by the Beach
Where/when: Through Jan. 5 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
Why go: Ice skating by the beach in the shadow of a world-class hotel. Can't do that everywhere.
Price: Varies from free to $25 depending on age and time of day. Ice skates included in price.

Are we missing anything? Email editor Khari Johnson at khari.johnson@patch.com or share in comments.