Winter Wonderland: A Guide to Festive Events at UC San Diego

“We look forward to welcoming audiences to this special series of holiday concerts at the Epstein Family Amphitheater at UC San Diego,” said Colleen Kollar Smith, executive director of UC San Diego Campus Performance and Events Office. “This December, ArtPower at UC San Diego proudly presents a lineup that not only celebrates the diversity of holiday traditions through the universal language of music, but also aims to foster a sense of community during this special season.”

Here is a guide of holiday happenings hosted at the Epstein Family Amphitheater: 

Nochebuena | A Christmas Spectacular

Saturday, Dec. 2

Experience the holiday traditions of Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater. This concert boasts an all-star cast of musicians and dancers, with the esteemed Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, celebrating the cherished traditions and customs of Christmas in Mexico. Praised by the Los Angeles Times as a "lively holiday spectacular," this event embodies the essence of the Christmas season in Mexico, blending Indigenous cultures, Spanish heritage and diverse cultural influences.
 

The Klezmatics | Happy Joyous Hanukkah

Saturday, Dec. 9

Enjoy a holiday performance from the Grammy-winning Klezmatics, featuring seasonal music from their acclaimed album “Happy Joyous Hanukkah” that set lyrics by the late Woody Guthrie to their delightful original compositions. For over three decades, the musical group has transcended genres, blending klezmer with shtetl melodies, raucous Latin stomps, wild jazz riffs, and provocative Arabic, African, American and Balkan rhythms. 

The Manhattan Transfer | 50th Anniversary & Final World Tour

Wednesday, Dec. 13

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of ten-time Grammy-winning vocal group the Manhattan Transfer, who will be making a tour stop at the Epstein Family Amphitheater for their penultimate concert. The Manhattan Transfer, renowned for sold-out world tours and millions in record sales, will bring their unique and extraordinary jazz-infused melodic vocals to campus at this lively concert. The legendary quartet will be joined by the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, an all-female ensemble of fifteen versatile, multi-generational musicians. 
 

The Midtown Men | Holiday Hits

Saturday, Dec. 16

The Midtown Men, reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, will ring in the Christmas season with a special “Holiday Hits'' show. This year also marks the musical’s 20th anniversary, which experienced a record-breaking run during its 2004 debut at the La Jolla Playhouse. This festive event performance will feature iconic classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as their signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll hits of the 1960s.