La Jolla Music Society is closing out December with a solid lineup that spans Latin GRAMMY winners, cutting-edge modern dance, rising classical stars, and their annual free Holiday Open House.

Mireya Ramos Brings Powerhouse Vocals

Latin GRAMMY winner Mireya Ramos brings her six-piece band to the cabaret space for a one-night-only performance featuring original rancheras that blend traditional Mexican folk music with jazz and cumbia.

Through heartfelt storytelling, soul-stirring ballads, and uplifting anthems, the evening celebrates music that honors joy, love, strength, and resilience.

This groundbreaking vocalist and violinist is redefining mariachi for a new generation, which means you’re getting tradition with a contemporary edge.

📆 Friday, December 5, Concerts @ The JAI
🎟️ Buy tickets here

MOMIX: Alice Takes Over Civic Theatre

MOMIX brings Alice, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to the Civic Theatre. Artistic Director Moses Pendleton’s dancers extend themselves using props, ropes, and other dancers as Alice’s body grows and shrinks through the story.

It’s magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric, and designed to push boundaries of what dance performance can be. Broadway World calls it “as close to perfection as anything I could imagine in my wildest dreams,” which is the kind of review that suggests this is worth seeing.

📆 Saturday, December 6, Dance Series
📍 1100 Third Ave, San Diego
🎟️ Buy tickets here

Free Holiday Open House

This is the big one if you’re looking for free, family-friendly holiday activities.

The Wu Tsai QRT.yrd transforms into a Winter Wonderland with cider, classic hot cocoa, cocktail specials by Giuseppe Fine Catering, photos with Santa, an instrument petting zoo, crafts for kids, a dog adoption event with Born Again Animal Rescue, and holiday shopping with local artisans.

Bertrand’s Instrument Petting Zoo (4-6 PM) gives you a chance to try out real instruments – strings and winds – getting a feel for embouchure, hold, and sound.

Arts & crafts, DJ Marquessa, and the holiday market with vendors like Swell Candle Co., Tea Bazaar, Olive Wood Crafts, Solana Beach Pottery, and Studio Trident Art run from 4-7:30 PM. Photos with Santa happen from 6-7 PM.

It’s genuinely free, which makes it accessible for families who don’t want to drop money on every holiday event. The combination of activities means different age groups can engage at their own pace.

📆 Thursday, December 11, 4 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla
🎟️ Free

The Holidays With Canadian Brass

The internationally acclaimed Canadian Brass brings virtuosic musicianship and heartwarming arrangements of festive tunes, including “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Christmastime is Here.”

Their signature brilliance and joyous stage presence create the kind of holiday concert that works whether you’re deeply into classical music or just want quality entertainment. This is a paid event, separate from the free Holiday Open House happening the same day.

📆 Thursday, December 11,
📍 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla
🎟️ Buy tickets here

Award-Winning Performers Make Their Conrad Debuts

Cellist Benett Tsai (top prizewinner at the 2022 Grand Prix Emanuel Feuermann) and pianist Rodolfo Leone (first-prize winner of the 2017 International Beethoven Piano Competition Vienna) are making their Conrad debuts.

Their program includes works by Gershwin, Schnittke, and Rachmaninoff – a mix that shows range beyond just standard classical repertoire.

📆 Sunday, December 14, Discovery Series
📍 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla
🎟️ Buy tickets here

See you there!

Pick your events based on what speaks to you – powerhouse Mexican vocals, experimental dance, free holiday fun, or rising classical talent – and experience December programming that goes beyond the usual seasonal offerings.

🎟️ Full season and tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!