Pumpkin spice might perk up our tastebuds, but sonically speaking, it’s variety that enhances the season. San Diego is bursting with holiday concerts of many flavors this year. Here are some likely highlights.
Mariachi Los Camperos will perform today at Jacobs Music Center in downtown San Diego. (Mariachi Los Camperos)
San Diego Symphony presents Mariachi Los Camperos
The Grammy Award-winning mariachi ensemble and the Ballet Folclórico Chiquina Palafox will honor Mexican holiday traditions in the joyous program, “Fiesta Navidad.” The symphony will not perform at this event. 2 p.m. today, Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $35-$73. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
Members of the Vienna Boys Choir, which will perform at San Diego Symphony’s Jacobs Music Center on Friday, Nov. 21. (Lukas Beck)
San Diego Symphony presents Vienna Boys Choir: “Christmas in Vienna”
You don’t necessarily think of youngsters as “venerable.” But the Vienna Boys Choir certainly is, having sung beautifully around the world since 1498. The symphony will not perform at this event. 8 p.m. Friday, Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39-$94. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
Members of the Vienna Boys Choir, which will perform at San Diego Symphony’s Jacobs Music Center on Friday, Nov. 21. (Lukas Beck)
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus: “Joy! A Messiah Celebration”
This community sing-along of George Frideric Handel’s holiday oratorio Messiah will be led by LJS&C’s music and chorus director Arian Khaefi. Concertgoers are invited join in with these accomplished singers in the performance. 2 p.m. Nov. 29. San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $17-$22. 619-797-7175, ljsc.org
San Diego Opera presents “Making Merry”
As part of San Diego Central Library’s Opera Insights Series, the San Diego Opera presents a one-hour concert featuring soprano Lily Berthold, tenor Felipe Prado and pianist Bruce Stasyna for a lively mix of holiday songs. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Neil Morgan Auditorium, Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., downtown. Free. 619-236-5800, sandiego.gov/public-library/concertseries
Bach Collegium San Diego: Handel’s Messiah
Performing Messiah in the manner of Handel’s dramatic operas, Bach Collegium’s version of the famous oratorio is one of its crown jewels. 7 p.m. Dec. 6. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Faye Ave., La Jolla. $38-$73. 4 p.m. Dec. 7. First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio South, Mission Valley. $15-$70. 619-341-1726, bachcollegiumsd.org/messiah
Awaken Church presents “Night of Christmas”
The sixth annual Night of Christmas will feature well-known carols, a string orchestra, aerialists and fireworks. The evening includes a toy and gift drive for San Diego County foster children. 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 6. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $32-$80. awakenchurch.com/night-of-christmas
San Diego Master Chorale: 15th Annual Messiah Sing
Music Director John Russell will lead a communal sing-along of selections from Handel’s Messiah with Associate Music Director Martin Green at the organ. 4 p.m. Dec. 7. St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., Bankers Hill. $20.99-$40.99. 858-581-2203, sdmasterchorale.org
Camarada: “Winter’s Light”
Eschewing the high-volume energy that can dominate the season, four of Camarada’s excellent musicians will revel in the quiet wonders of winter. The concert includes the world premiere of “Ether” by talented composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer Oliviana Marie. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. $35-$75. 619-231-3702, camarada.org
La Jolla Music Society will present the Canadian Brass on Dec. 11 at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla.(Lucky Tang)
La Jolla Music Society presents “The Holidays with Canadian Brass”
This acclaimed quintet, which has released 130 albums, is well-known for its animated programs and top-notch musical quality. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Faye Ave., La Jolla. $60-$80. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org
San Diego Symphony: “The Holiday” in Concert
Hear the symphony, conducted by Thiago Tiberio, play the musical score to “The Holiday” as the movie plays. The 2006 romantic film comedy stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. It featured an original score and songs by Hans Zimmer and a variety of classic holiday and pop songs. 6 p.m. Dec. 12. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $95-$120. 619-235-0804, theshell.org
Sacra/Profana: “Immeasurably Bright: A Holiday Concert”
This intrepid choir shines a musical light in the darkest month of the year by creating uplifting sounds. 7 p.m. Dec. 12. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont. $15-$40. 619-432-2920, sacraprofana.org
North Coast Symphony: “Holiday Harmonies”
The ensemble will salute the season with works by Mendelssohn, Gershwin and Copland, alongside pieces by Mexican-born, U.S.-based José Elizondo and Los Angeles-based Ching-Shan Chang. The North Coast Singers youth choir will perform in both concerts. 7 p.m. Dec. 12; 2 p.m. Dec. 14. San Dieguito United Methodist, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $15-$18. northcoastsymphony.com
ArtPower presents Campana Sobre Campana: “Bells Upon Bells” on Dec. 13 at UC San Diego. (ArtPower)
ArtPower at UCSD presents Campana Sobre Campana: “Bells Upon Bells”
Subtitled “Christmas in Mexico,” this expansive program features Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande, tracing Mary and Joseph’s journey and that of the three kings. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Epstein Family Amphitheater, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. $20-$95. 858-534-1430, artpower.ucsd.edu
San Diego Festival Chorus: “Joy Peace Hope”
The first half of the concert will focus on classical music while the second will feature carols and songs. There will also be a bake sale and auction. 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Lincoln High School Performing Arts Center, 4777 Imperial Ave., Southeast San Diego. $7.18-$23.18. sandiegofestivalchorus.org
The San Diego Symphony’s Meet the Brass program for children returns with a holiday edition on Dec. 13. (Gary Payne)
San Diego Symphony: Meet the Brass
This Symphony Kids series concert is designed for children 5 and under. A brass ensemble will bring the famous poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to life for the little ones, along with many other holiday favorites in the 30-minute concert. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 13. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $15. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
San Diego Symphony: “Home Alone” in Concert
The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Thiago Tiberio, will accompany a screening of this entertaining 1990 film, which boasts a beloved John Williams’ score that will sound even better when performed by the symphony and the San Diego Master Chorale. 6 p.m. Dec. 13. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $58-$125. 619-235-0804, theshell.org
The San Diego Symphony’s annual Noel Noel holiday program at the festively illuminated Rady Shell returns Dec. 19-21. (Gary Payne)
San Diego Symphony: “Noel, Noel”
Conductor Christopher Dragon leads the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale, Children’s Choir and Musical Theatre Academy in this annual musical tale of Noel the Elf’s music-filled journey to find Santa. Jonathan Gilmer directs. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 6 p.m. Dec. 20; 5 p.m. Dec. 21. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $37-$125. 619-235-0804, theshell.org
Also noteworthy
Dec. 3: Irish Christmas in America, California Center for the Arts
Dec. 4: Mariachi Sol de Mexico “A Merry-achi Christmas,” Balboa Theatre
Dec 13,14: Jingle 40, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, Balboa Theatre
Dec. 19: Sounding Pinatas, Project [Blank]
Dec. 21: An Irish Christmas, Balboa Theatre