Coronado Times

CoSA DigArts Horror Nights: Whispers in the Woods
2025-10-30 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Black Box Theater 650 D Avenue, Coronado, 92118
It screens and causes screams at the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) Digital Arts Conservatory’s Horror Nights taking place on Tuesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 30. For two chilling and thrilling nights, students will showcase their A+ work focused on the theme: Creepy Campfire stories – ranging from ghost stories to monster and stalker lore, it’s all happening at the Coronado High School Black Box Theatre, 650 D Avenue from 6 to 7:30 pm each night.
To prepare for the project, students chose a campfire story to represent their form of digital art that includes their unconventional storytelling and suspenseful audience appeal. Students explored how campfire stories can be brought to life through creativity and horror.
“Students are excited to test their skills in a horror genre,” said Anna Woerman, CoSA DigArts Conservatory Director and Teacher. “They love horror and retelling the genre in their own way. Students get to be creative within the theme and they like to push the limits, within a PG-13 appropriateness,” added Woerman.
Horror Nights, now in its 16th year, is a much-loved DigArts tradition. Since horror night occurs in October, students are tasked with beginning their projects as soon as they start school. They begin with sketches and brainstorming, then they storyboard, film, animate, or begin to design in Illustrator or Photoshop in anticipation of their show October 28 and 30.
The event is recommended for middle school aged children or older. Concessions will also be available for sale.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, staff, seniors, and military and are on sale now at cosasandiego.com or can be purchased prior to each performance.

Autumn Concert Series: Robert Wetzel
2025-10-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Library’s Autumn Concert Series takes place on Fridays from September 5 to October 31. Each concert will begin at 1 pm in the Winn Room. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance. On October 31, we will have Robert Wetzel on guitar, performing Guitar Fantasy Through the Centuries.

Robert Wetzel was born of Dutch and Indonesian lineage. He started playing piano at age eight, acoustic steel-string guitar and electric guitar at age eleven, and then he began serious study of the classical guitar at age fifteen which changed his life forever. In 1972, he began several years of private classical guitar studies with Spanish guitar virtuoso, Angel Romero, followed later by private guitar studies with guitar maestros Celedonio Romero, Pepe Romero and Celin Romero. He still considers himself a disciple of the Romero family of master guitarists, and often states, “the master-disciple relationship is a lifelong affair.” Wetzel frequently performs as a soloist and with orchestral and chamber music groups. He is also the founding member of the award-winning Odeum Guitar Duo, that was established in 1994 with his well-known guitarist duo colleague, Fred Benedetti. Their second Odeum Guitar Duo CD, entitled Forgotten Romance, was officially chosen by NASA in 2016 to fly aboard the final flight of the United States Space Shuttle, THE ENDEAVOR, Mission STS-134, to the International Space Station launched on May 16, 2011, and the CD travelled there and back with additional orbits around the earth to complete mission objectives for a total of 6.5 million miles! Robert resides in San Diego County, where over the years he has been or presently is teaching the art of playing the guitar while on the musical faculties of Point Loma Nazarene University, University of California San Diego Extended Studies, SDSU, Cuyamaca College, Grossmont College, Southwestern College, Palomar College and Mesa College. He also teaches private guitar students online all over the world via video platforms. FANFARE Magazine described his guitar playing as, “…truly magical…realized the piece’s inherent fire…projection of instrumental color…delightful…”

“A Very Special Christmas Tree” Performance
2025-11-05 19:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Two performances of “A Very Special Christmas Tree” will take place on Nov. 5 — a 12:30 pm show for elementary students and a 7 pm show for the community. The narrator is Coronado High School Principal Karin Mellina.
This show is written expressly for children and is 45-50 minutes in length. Performers are students in a dance class through the CHS physical education department, and most have not danced prior to this class; what progress they’ve made in their dancing and commitment to provide a community service and mentorship for younger students.
Because of some wonderful donors, this performance is FREE and is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
A Very Special Christmas Tree
Deep in the forest where the fairies dwell, a little pine tree grows among her lush and lofty neighbors. Her branches droop, her needles are sparse, and every other tree towers above her. Her greatest wish is to grow taller and stronger, so she will be chosen to stand in a special place for the Christmas season.
After every other tree finds a glorious home for the holiday, the little tree is disappointed to find where she has been taken.
But with the help of a kind man and a wise angel, the little tree discovers the true spirit of Christmas and that her greatest wish has come true.

Exhibit Opening Reception & Lecture: Bitter Sweet with Kitty Morse
2025-11-06 17:30 - 19:00 | CA
CHA is proud to announce the opening of its newest WWII exhibit. In honor of this exhibit, join us Thursday, November 6, for an exhibit opening reception and lecture featuring author Kitty Morse. Kitty will discuss her new book, Bitter Sweet: A Wartime Journal and Heirloom Recipes from Occupied France. This book was written after she discovered her great-grandfather’s journal chronicling the advance of the Germans in Le Grand Est (Alsace-Lorraine) between April and December 1940, and two notebooks filled with recipes written in her great-grandmother’s hand in a suitcase left to her by her mother. Bitter Sweet takes place in and around her mother’s birthplace, Châlons-sur-Marne (now Châlons-en-Champagne). Blanche Lévy-Neymarck, Morse’s maternal great-grandmother, died at Auschwitz in 1944 along with one of her daughters and her son-in-law. Blanche’s husband Prosper, an army surgeon in WWI, was twice the recipient of the Légion d’Honneur. This book is not just the story of a family torn apart by war, but it also features 70 unique recipes that show the rich history of a family.
On Thursday, November 6, a wine & cheese reception at 5:30 pm will be followed by the lecture from 6 to 7 pm.
Tickets are available now
Member ($15.00 each)
Non-Member ($20.00 each)
Important Registration Information: Capacity is limited and reservations are required. No walk-ins will be admitted.
If you have any questions, please email info@coronadohistory.org or call 619-435-7242.

About the Speaker: Award-winning author Kitty Morse was born in Casablanca, Morocco, to a French mother and a British father. She emigrated to the United States at the age of 17. While studying for her master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Kitty catered Moroccan diffas, or banquets, and went on to teach the intricacies of Moroccan cuisine in cooking schools and department stores nationwide. In June 2002, she conducted a Culinary Concert on Moroccan culture and cuisine hosted by Julia Child, as a benefit for the Harry Bell Foundation of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Kitty’s books have been translated into French, German, Polish, and Czech. In 1984 (and for the next 25 years) she initiated annual gastronomic tours to Morocco that included culinary demonstrations in her family home, a Moorish riad south of Casablanca. Her monthly e-newsletter, The Kasbah Chronicles, in French and in English, is now in its 12th year of circulation.

Sharp Coronado Hospital presentation: How music helps us survive the holidays
2025-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The holidays can be joyful but stressful — learn how music can help.
Sharp Coronado Hospital warmly invites you to “How Music Helps Us Survive The Holidays” on Thursday, Nov. 13, 5–6 pm at the Coronado Community Center. This all-ages event is designed to be inclusive, exploring the decisive role of music in reducing stress, lifting spirits, and strengthening family bonds. Enjoy interactive activities and expert advice that you can use every day this holiday season. Everyone’s welcome, and we encourage you to register at www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, by phone at 619-522-7342, or in person at 1845 Strand Way. Your presence will make this event even more special.
Direct Link: https://bit.ly/MusicHealsHolidays

Alchemy Concert
2025-11-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Ephraim Reitman started playing guitar at twelve years old and developed an affinity for Latin based music. He began playing with the local musicians in his Philadelphia neighborhood. At 15 he started studying percussion with Butch Ballard, a drummer for Count Basie and Duke Ellington, which in turn help his guitar playing. In 1976 he joined The Wire and Wood Band as a percussionist and vocalist. He is currently the percussionist for Elegencia Doub’le, a piano duo.
Don Boyd was born Pomona, CA (many, many decades ago). He attended Mount San Antonio College, Cal State Los Angeles. He studied Jazz and played in various Jazz groups and multiple Top-40 bands from 1977 through present day. Married Rita Boyd on June 25 1994 and moved to Oceanside in September 1994. He has three amazing children; Wyatt Boyd, Savannah Boyd and Gabriel Boyd (ages 24 – 28).
Ephraim and Donn met in the fall of 2022 and formed Alchemy shortly after, finding common musical ground in their love for blues, jazz, folk and Latin compositions.

Musica Vitale presents: Music on Fifth
2025-11-16 15:00 | Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1111 5th St, Coronado, CA 92118, USA, 301 5th St, United States
Described as “virtuosic and exhilarating, passionate and deeply moving,” the first performance of Coronado’s newest chamber concert series, Music on Fifth, was a standout success. Continuing the trend, its second performance on Sunday, November 16 at 3 pm, promises more excitement with compositions by Handel, Astor Piazzolla, Fritz Kreisler, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Alfred Schnittke. Located at Coronado’s Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1111 5th St., the concert is free, though donations are appreciated.
The brainchild of Musica Vitale’s founder and Music Director, Elena Vizuet, the series consists of vocalists from Musica Vitale, Coronado’s only professional vocal ensemble.
Accompanying the vocalists will be the Ghukasyan String orchestra from Ensenada, led by founder and first violinist Nonna Alakhverdova, violin professor at the Autonomous Ensenada University, Baja California. Rounding up the ensemble are pianist Olena Galytska, second violinist Eric Ghukasyan, and cellist Ruben Ghukasyan.
As Vizuet describes it, “This eclectic program offers something for everyone! Don’t miss a chance to immerse yourself in a beautiful sound of string instruments right in your neighborhood!”

"Aladdin Jr." with Islander Youth Theater
2025-11-19 19:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
CoSA Foundation and Playground Players Productions presents Aladdin Jr. with Islander Youth Theater.
Join us for a magical evening filled with singing, dancing, and fun as our talented young performers bring this beloved story to life. The show will take place at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Ave. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 and Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 pm.
Tickets are available at CoSAFoundation.org or at the door.
The cast is composed of 20 TK-1st grade students in the Junior show choir performing a medley prior to the cast of 50 students in 2nd-8th grade (pictured above) performing the main show. It’s family-friendly and great for audiences of all ages.
Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aladdin-jr-with-islander-youth-theater-tickets-1744769836549?aff=oddtdtcreator

"Aladdin Jr." with Islander Youth Theater
2025-11-20 19:00 | CA

Tween Dungeons and Dragons Club
2025-11-21 15:30 - 17:30 | Ruby Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Tween Dungeons and Dragons Club for students aged 8-13. Beginners welcome! Dungeon Masters provided by The Goblin Guild.

Musical Storytime Takeover with Ralph's World
2025-11-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready for a fun filled morning of music with Ralph’s World at this special Storytime takeover. Perfect for littles (and their bigger siblings) to enjoy musical favorites and interactive fun.
Preschool storytime will resume as normal the following week.

Happy Thanksgiving Charlie Brown!
2025-11-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Good Grief! It’s time for Thanksgiving with Charlie Brown! Enjoy the feature film It’s Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown! with the traditional Peanut’s thanksgiving feast and a craft.

Holiday Festival at the Hotel del Coronado
2025-12-03 15:00 - 21:00 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join The Del for its annual Holiday Festival. This community event includes performances by Coronado school children, Skydiving Santa followed by photos, Skating by the Sea®, and a dazzling fireworks show.
Schedule of Events
CORONADO SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
Vista Terrace | Times TBA
Join Coronado schools as they sing holiday favorites and spread holiday cheer.
SKATING BY THE SEA
Windsor Lawn | 4-10 pm
Take an ice skating adventure on San Diego’s only beachfront ice rink.
SKYDIVING SANTA
Del Beach | 4:30 pm
Surprise and delight your little ones as Santa skydives onto Del Beach to join them for the Holiday Festival.
Courtesy photo.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Location TBA | 5-8 pm
Capture the magic of the holiday season with a meeting and photo with Santa himself. Santa Passes will be distributed on-site for families to secure a time slot. No online reservations for this date.
Courtesy photo
“WONDER OF OZ” LIGHTSHOW SPECTACULAR
Founders Lawn | 5-9 pm
Experience the magic as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with a whimsical Oz-inspired soundtrack and snow flurries. The show takes place every 30 minutes.
Nighttime Christmas fireworks show at Hotel del Coronado as seen from across Glorietta Bay. Courtesy photo
FIREWORKS SHOW
Del Beach | 6:45 pm
Look to the skies over Del Beach for a dazzling fireworks display to celebrate the season.
Holiday Festival event times and details are weather permitting and may be subject to change.

Timeless flute journey concert
2025-12-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Experience a journey of solo flute pieces spanning different cultures and times with musician Pam Vliek Martchev. She will be featuring the flute, alto flute, and piccolo, as well as composers like Marin-Marais, Bozza, Karg-Elert, and more.

Pam Vliek Martchev served as principal flute with the Boulder Philharmonic in Colorado for 10 seasons, and has been a guest principal flutist of the San Diego Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony, Reno Chamber Orchestra, California Chamber Orchestra, and Long Beach Opera.
She has been featured on many chamber music series such as La Jolla Summerfest, Art of Elan, Jacaranda, Chamber Music Unbound in Mammoth, Blanco Performing Arts in Texas, the Tannahill Arts Festival in Scotland, Le Salon de Musique, Bruman at UCLA, Dilijan, and LACMA Sundays Live. She is currently a member of the woodwind quintet Presidio Winds. You may have heard her on movie soundtracks, CD recordings, television specials, and in the San Diego pit for broadway shows such as King and I, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and My Fair Lady.
A native of Long Island, NY, she began attending the Manhattan School of Music pre-college program at age 12, and continued another four years for her Bachelor of Music – her primary teachers were Harold Jones and Linda Chesis. During her student years, she won prizes in many competitions, was a soloist with the Long Island and Massapequa Philharmonic, and was featured on WQXR’s Young Artist Showcase.
She has been a guest teacher at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC); University of Oregon, Eugene; University of Nevada, Reno; and Manhattan School of Music. Her students have auditioned successfully for conservatory degrees across the country, top prizes in national competitions including the NFA High School Soloist, the National Youth Orchestra, and CA All-Southern and All-State ensembles. She is a Haynes Artist, and is the flute professor at San Diego State University, Pt. Loma Nazarene University, the University of San Diego, and San Diego Summer Music Institute (SDSMI)

Holiday parade and tree lighting
2025-12-05 18:00 | CA
Get ready for Coronado’s 50th Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting happening Friday, December 5 at 6 pm from 8th & Orange to RH Dana & Adella. Celebrate the golden milestone with 50+ festive parade entries, our big tree wrapped in over two miles of lights, and a special visit from Santa himself.
After the lighting, stay for the Coronado Community Band’s holiday concert in Rotary Park, the perfect way to kick off the season.
This cherished tradition is proudly presented by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce, with generous sponsorship from the City of Coronado, EDCO, California American Water, and Discover Coronado.

Coronado Philharmonia Holidays in Coronado concert
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Celebrate the holiday season with the Coronado Philharmonia at their 5th annual Holidays in Coronado Concert, taking place on Saturday, December 6 at 7 pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Featuring the incredible Christopher Hollyday Jazz Quartet, this will be an unforgettable evening of music and cheer.
GET TICKETS

CIFF Student Classic Film: "Scrooge"
2025-12-07 13:00 - 15:45 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
On Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7 at 1 pm, in the Library’s Winn Room, the Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) Student Classic Film Series presents a special Advent movie event for the entire family, screening Scrooge, the acclaimed 1951 British Renown Studios movie adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The screening will be followed by the first public announcement of the 2026 Student Classic Film Series “The Art of Adaptation” schedule of classic films. This Scrooge screening is a FREE event and open to the public of all ages.
Attendees are asked to please bring an unwrapped toy to the screening as part of Downtown Lions Club toy giveaway to underserved children.
Charles Dickens’ Christmas novella is, arguably, the single most adapted literary story in stage and cinematic history. A great many film critics insist that Brian Desmond Hurst’s 1951 film version has never been equaled. The screenplay by Hurst and Noel Langley (a The Wizard of Oz screenwriter) Hurst’s adroit direction, and C. M. Pennington-Richards’ haunting black and white cinematography, completely convince audiences of Scrooge’s spiritual transformation from bitter, friendless curmudgeon, into a man so overcome by gratitude and joy, simply to be alive on Christmas morning, that he finds himself gleefully shouting, “Merry Christmas!” to all within earshot; a man whose renovation of heart is so profound that many who knew, feared, or loathed him, suspect he has gone mad.
The lion’s share of credit for the film’s enduring power belongs to the extraordinary performance of Alastair Sim. Sim “inhabits” the title role, playing the miserly scenes with perfect notes of sarcastic humbug. Sim’s Scrooge is a man utterly alone and satisfied to be so; a man who has no use for other people. Sim never suggests Scrooge is an evil man, but, rather, a man whose spirit has been gravely, though not irreparably, warped by the vagaries of a difficult life. It is the subtlety and restraint Sim brings to the role that make Scrooge’s redemption in the final act believable, moving, and memorable. The final scenes of Scrooge radiating humility, warmth and delight reuniting with his family at his nephew’s Christmas party, and finally, walking the streets of London as Tiny Tim leaps into his arms are images to carry in your heart throughout the Christmas season. The entire community is invited to join us for the perfect “table setter” for Advent. As Tiny Tim reminded us, “God bless us, everyone!”
The screening will be followed by the first public announcement of the 2026 “The Art of Adaptation” schedule, screening two Golden Age classics monthly from February through May 2026. The Student Classic Series is designed to expose High School and Middle School Students to the greatest motion pictures made by the masters of the craft during The Golden Age of Hollywood (mid-30s to early 1960s). It provides a unique opportunity for Coronado’s young people to learn about the history of Hollywood’s Studio Era and the cultural legacy it bequeathed to us all.

Coronado School of the Arts first annual Showcase Night
2025-12-09 18:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
CoSA Dance Conservatory. Photo by Kel Casey, courtesy of CUSD.
Enjoy an evening of free performances, films, animations, behind the scenes documentaries of the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) visual art studio, and technical theatre productions on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6 pm in the Coronado Performing Arts Center at 650 D Avenue.

Art lovers of all ages across San Diego are encouraged to attend this fun, family friendly, and free event. Information about 2026-2027 applications for prospective CoSA students will be available in the lobby as well as information for potential Board Members, Community Supporters and Patrons of the Arts.
Conservatory of Classical and Contemporary Dance senior, Eleanor McClelland shares that she “found a group of friends and immediately felt connected to the school.” Visual Arts junior, Wendy Alcaraz, who will be sharing one of her original fashion designs at the Showcase recalls, “All the artists learn from one another and in my first year, half of my time was invested in watching others create and learning from their strengths.” Guests will have an opportunity to meet student artists, CoSA Foundation Board Members and faculty of the Coronado School of the Arts.
See why CoSA is a Life Changer.
CoSA Visual Arts Conservatory.. Photo courtesy of CUSD.
About CoSA
Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) is San Diego County’s premier public school arts conservatory, home to 200 scholar artists grades 9 through 12, who attend the nationally ranked Coronado High School. CoSA provides an intense, pre-professional arts education to students from Coronado and from all over San Diego, who are admitted after a competitive application/audition process.
Each school day, CoSA offers approximately three hours of instruction, pairing young artists with educators who are also industry specialists. With a curriculum designed by professional artist/educators, students are immersed in their chosen specialty in one of six conservatories: Classical and Contemporary Dance, Digital Arts (Animation, Filmmaking and Graphic Design), Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre & Drama, Theatre Production, Design & Management and Visual Art. CoSA is a State of California-approved Career Technical Education program.

Threads of Resilience: Celebrating human resilience through dance
2025-12-12 19:00, 2025-12-13 19:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Photo courtesy CUSD
The Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) Conservatory of Classical and Contemporary Dance invites audiences to Threads of Resilience, a powerful showcase of original dance works that explore personal transformation and strength. The concert takes the stage Dec. 12 and 13 at 7pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center at 650 D Avenue. Tickets are available at www.cosafoundation.org/events.
“Adversity and resilience are innate to the human experience,” said Caryn Ipapo-Glass, COSA Dance Director. “In times of divisiveness and polarity it can be difficult to hold on to empathy, or to remember that we collectively have lived experiences that unify us. Our journeys may be vastly different, but joy, fear, love, and loss are universal; and the opportunity for personal growth is always present. Cathartic connection is one of the most powerful aspects of dance, and one of the things I love most about it. When artists are brave enough to share, and audiences are brave enough to be present and to feel, that is when powerful human connections are made.”
This remarkable concert features 10 original dance works, choreographed by both faculty and student artists, and will also include six innovative short dance films that push the boundaries of artistic expression; featuring “Resilience Poems” written by several of the COSA Dance students.
Each dance piece represents a deeply personal narrative, capturing moments of profound life experiences where individuals have confronted adversity and emerged transformed. The choreographers explore themes of resilience, personal growth, and the human spirit’s remarkable capacity to overcome challenges.

“This concert marks my first artistic endeavor with my COSA Dance students and colleagues. Transition in and of itself can be adverse. With it comes a great deal of uncertainty, vulnerability, and required trust. It has been an absolute honor to work within this collective of students and colleagues and I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity we were given to come together to thread and weave our lived experiences, and to witness the impact of our collective resilience,” said Ipapo-Glass.
For more information about this compelling evening of dance, visit CoSASanDiego.com.
About CoSA
Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) is San Diego County’s premier public school arts conservatory, home to 200 scholar artists grades 9 through 12, who attend the nationally ranked Coronado High School. CoSA provides an intense, pre-professional arts education to students from Coronado and from all over San Diego, who are admitted after a competitive application/audition process.
Each school day, CoSA offers approximately three hours of instruction, pairing young artists with educators who are also industry specialists. With a curriculum designed by professional artist/educators, students are immersed in their chosen specialty in one of six conservatories: Classical and Contemporary Dance, Digital Arts (Animation, Filmmaking and Graphic Design), Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre & Drama, Theatre Production, Design & Management and Visual Art. CoSA is a State of California-approved Career Technical Education program.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (1 of 2)
2025-12-14 17:30 - 19:45 | San Diego Bay, 200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will illuminate the bayfront on Dec. 14 and 21, 2025.
Photo: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community. Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during two December evenings: Dec. 14 & 21. Participants in this year’s holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme: An Out of This World Christmas 👽🛸
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats will dazzle and delight. There is no cost to view the parade.
This year, for the seventh time, the parade will proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators another area to view the parade.
The procession will start at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade route.
The APPROXIMATE arrival times of the parade at various locations are:

Shelter Island (start of parade) 5:30 p.m.
Harbor Island 5:45 – 6:15 p.m.
Seaport Village 6:20 – 6:45 p.m.
The Embarcadero 6:50 – 7:15 p.m.
The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park 7:20 – 7:30 p.m.
Ferry Landing on Coronado 7:40 p.m.

Musical storytime takeover with Nightingale Music
2025-12-16 11:00 - 11:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy a special storytime takeover by Nightingale Music. We’ll play with lollipop drums, rainbow scarves, tambourines, maracas and more. Marvin the Monkey will come by and teach us the major scale and we’ll learn to stomp and dance like the elephants in the jungle. We’ll pop bubbles to the beat and have a guitar time sing-a-long. Nightingale Music classes bring out your child’s natural ability for music and create a relaxed, playful environment for learning, so don’t miss the fun Tuesday, December 16 at 11 am.
Toddler storytime will resume as normal after this fun takeover.

Christmas Elf Adventures Holiday Workshop
2025-12-18 15:30 - 17:00 | Club Room, 1985 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Elf Adventures Holiday Workshop is here. Young elves ages 6-11 are invited to join in for a festive day filled with winter crafts, holiday baking, reindeer games, and loads of holiday fun. It’s happening Thursday, Dec. 18, from 3:30 to 5 pm in the Club Room in Glorietta Bay Park.
Dress in your favorite holiday attire and come ready for adventure. Sign up by calling 619-522-7342 or visiting coronado.ca.us/register. Let’s make this the jolliest holiday yet.
Direct Link: https://bit.ly/ChristmasElfAdventures

Tween Dungeons and Dragons Club
2025-12-19 15:30 - 17:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Tween Dungeons and Dragons Club is for students aged 8-13. Beginners are welcome and Dungeon Masters are provided by The Goblin Guild.
Registration is required as we have a very limited number of seats. Walk-ins may not be accommodated.
This program is made possible by the Friends of Coronado Library.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (2 of 2)
2025-12-21 17:30 - 19:45 | San Diego Bay, 200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States

Musical storytime takeover with Ralph's World
2025-12-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready for a fun filled morning of music with Ralph’s World at this special Baby Storytime takeover. Perfect for littles (and their bigger siblings) to enjoy musical favorites and interactive fun.
Baby storytime will resume as normal the following week.

Family Feud: Snowy Showdown
2025-12-30 12:30 - 13:30 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Wrap Up the Season with a Festive Family Feud: Snowy Showdown at the Spreckels Center

As the holiday season comes to a close, the John D. Spreckels Center invites the community to join in one last burst of festive fun at our Family Feud: Snowy Showdown on Tuesday, December 30, from 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Four teams will be formed to face off in a friendly, fast-paced competition to guess the most popular answers to holiday-themed survey questions. Expect plenty of laughter, lighthearted rivalry, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for the season’s grand finale. While the grand prize may be “small but mighty,” the bragging rights are huge—and the fun even bigger.
This event is offered at a cheerful, budget-friendly rate, with prices ranging from $5–$9, depending on senior discount and residency.
Whether you’re competing or cheering from the audience, this snowy showdown promises a delightful hour of entertainment and community spirit.
To learn more about this event or other seasonal activities, visit www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the John D. Spreckels Center at 1019 Seventh Street in Coronado. Let the holiday games begin!

Teen "Lord of the Rings" cosplay watch party
2025-12-30 13:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Watch The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (rated pg-13) on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Come cozy or dressed as your favorite LOTR or fantasy character. Snacks provided. Costumes are encouraged, but no masks that completely cover your face, or weapons, fake or otherwise. Adults are welcome, only if accompanied by a teen.
For students entering or finishing 6th-12th grade.

Noon Year
2025-12-31 11:00 - 12:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
It’s time to say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026, but midnight is way too late! Celebrate the new year with a 2026 headband, streamers, and a balloon drop at noon sharp.

Holiday Bowl Parade & Game Day 5K Run/Walk
2026-01-02 10:00 | CA
Port of San Diego welcomes you to enjoy the annual Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade and Game Day 5K
Photo courtesy of David Frerker for Sports San Diego.
The Port of San Diego welcomes visitors to the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente on Friday, January 2 at 10 a.m. along the San Diego Bay waterfront.
“The parade is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and mark the start of a new year with marching bands, colorful balloons, festive floats, and more,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Whether you’re in town for the game or a local resident, this family-fun and free event welcomes visitors near and far to experience and enjoy our beautiful San Diego Bay waterfront.”
This year’s parade is expected to draw more than 100,000 street-side spectators and a nationwide television audience. The parade is free to attend and watch, and the public can also choose to buy Grandstand Seating Tickets. In addition to enjoying a procession of giant balloons and local performers, parade spectators will be greeted by special guests including Port of San Diego Board Commissioner Sid Voorakkara.
The parade will be live streamed on CBS 8, and it can be viewed at holidaybowl.com. The website also has more information on the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, including parking, parade route, grandstand tickets, volunteering, and all Holiday Bowl events.
Before the parade, thousands will also participate in the annual Game Day 5K Run/Walk taking place along the waterfront. The Port is title sponsor of the Holiday Bowl Parade and Game Day 5K Run/Walk through its Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP). TAP is an annual grant program through which the Port supports events of all sizes that engage and inspire visitors to enjoy San Diego Bay.
