December Events at Liberty Station
Liberty Station is one of those places that could really only happen in “America’s Finest City.” Located on the site of the former San Diego Naval Training Center, Liberty Station was envisioned as a place where locals and visitors could convene to meet, shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment. Once completed, it became a “town square” of sorts for the city, drawing millions of visitors every year.
The area really comes alive during the holiday season. Liberty Station’s “Salute the Season” celebration offers visitors a wide range of events and occasions where they can mix and mingle, and enjoy the yuletide spirit. Here’s an overview of what you can expect when you go.
Liberty Public Market
The Public Market at Liberty Station is open year-round, but it truly puts its best foot forward during the holidays. A true public bazaar with a rustic aesthetic, the market is open seven days a week, offering visitors dining, produce, fresh fish, meats, desserts, baked goods, wine, beer, liquor, and more. Fans of arts and crafts will also find a lot to love among the browsable offerings. There’s always something new and interesting happening here.
First Friday (December 4)
Liberty Station’s artisan community puts on a stellar show of force the first Friday of every new month. The stops are truly pulled out during the holidays, when these talented folks offer their best creations. This year, expect a blend of virtual and safely distanced events on Friday, December 4 from 5-9pm. The arts community in San Diego is absolutely world-class, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself.
Poetry Classes (December 5 and 12)
There’s a reason why that which is elegant and enlightening is often metaphorically referred to as being “poetry.” There’s just something about a finely tuned turn of phrase that awakens the mind and enriches the soul. Master poet Ron Salisbury is offering a series of focused workshops in order to help aspiring poets of all levels get in touch with their inner Emily Dickinson or Robert Frost. Join him to become better-versed.
Military Mondays (December 7, 14, 21, and 28)
San Diego has always had a special relationship with the armed services. As mentioned earlier, Liberty Station itself is built on the former site of a Naval training facility. The Market honors all active military service members every Monday, offering deals, discounts, and special offers throughout the entire property. So bring your service ID and enjoy the benefits as you make your way through the market. Don’t miss the $5 happy hour!
Reigning Cats and Dogs (ongoing)
Animal lovers will enjoy this ongoing art and photography exhibit hosted at Liberty Station. Local artists and photographers will be displaying and selling their works here, all of which celebrate “felines and canines both wild and domestic” — from happy housecats and lapdogs all the way up to majestic wolves and the big cats of the African savanna. Proceeds from sales of these artists’ works will go toward benefitting the San Diego Humane Society and Feral Cat Coalition.
Tree Lighting
There’s no putting a damper on the holiday spirit! Liberty Station’s annual tree-lighting ceremony is a highlight of Christmas in San Diego each year. Although this year may look a little different and there will not be a giant celebration of the tree lighting like in years previous, the tree will be lit and a welcoming holiday embrace for those who visit this season.