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KPBS Staff picks for where to hike, camp, birdwatch, bike and make the most of San Diego's sunshine and open spaces.

Stop in and pick up a small gift for the holidays—art, jewelry, cards, ornaments, and more—at the North Coastal Art Gallery in Carlsbad. In the spirit of the season, come see our fabulous holiday decorations and discover something special for everyone on your list. Located in the Carlsbad Village Faire Plaza, the place is jingliing with Holidays spirit. Open: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A new docuseries highlights Black cowboy history and culture. Plus, a La Jolla bookstore is recognized for playing an active role in the community. Then, your weekend arts preview.

The San Diego Watercolor Society proudly presents the free Opening Reception for “Classical Inspiration” on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at our Gallery in The Arts District Liberty Station, with over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings plus refreshments and the fellowship of other art enthusiasts. The water-based media exhibition runs Dec. 28, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026. Gallery hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The paintings can also be viewed and purchased online. Please visit www.sdws.org for more information. San Diego Watercolor Society on Facebook / Instagram

The San Diego Watercolor Society proudly presents “Classical Inspiration,” juried by award-winning artist, Keiko Tenabe. The water-based media exhibition runs Dec. 28, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026 at our Gallery in The Arts District Liberty Station. The free Opening Reception is Friday, Jan. 2, 5-8 p.m. with over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings plus refreshments and the fellowship of other art enthusiasts. The Gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The paintings can also be viewed and purchased online. Please visit www.sdws.org for more information. San Diego Watercolor Society on Facebook / Instagram

From indie films and documentaries to animation, musicals and superhero movies.

San Diego Civic Dance Arts invites you to their critically acclaimed dance Collage in the beautiful and historic Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park. Collage, the winner of the Bravo Award for Best Dance Show in San Diego three years in a row, has a theme this year of "Powerful" and features 66 dancers in a two-hour infusion of color, beauty and joy that showcases the power of dance to uplift and touch lives. Featuring styles such as tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and more. Join us as we return to the stage for another visually stunning production that will be one of the years can't miss performances! Featuring new work by Kevin and Dea Nguyen (BTS, Justin Bieber, Marques Houston, Disney, Daddy Yankee), Elijah Gibson (San Diego native and Founder/Artistic Director of Social Movement Contemporary Dance in Houston, TX), MaryAnn Chavez (Three-time Capezio A.C.E. Awards finalist and Artist in Residence at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University), San Diego Dance Legend Donna Flournoy, and the talented dance staff of San Diego Civic Dance Arts. Along with breathtaking costumes, imaginative set pieces and gorgeous theatrical lighting, our professionally trained dancers deliver a show that is certain to impress. Suitable for all ages. Please note: There is not a performance on Sunday, February 8. San Diego Civic Dance Arts on YouTube / Instagram

KPBS has compiled a list of local gifts celebrating San Diego's art, food, culture and the outdoors. We talk about some of the greatest picks. Plus, a new book with 100 things to do in San Diego.

Snip, Stitch & Sparkle at the Pacific View Arts Center and kick off the holiday season with creativity and cheer! Bring the family to enjoy kids holiday crafts, participate in mini workshops, and explore our art studios to see all the possibilities waiting for you in the new year. Meet our talented instructors, discover upcoming classes, and soak in the atmosphere with live music throughout the event. Whether you're looking to get inspired, try something new, or simply enjoy a cozy seasonal afternoon, we invite you to celebrate the arts with us! Free and open to all—come create a little holiday magic! Visit: https://www.encinitasca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-cultural-arts/cultural-arts/pacific-view

Meet Vivi Anderson, a member of the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League, North Coastal Art Gallery. Vivi will share her passions, inspirations and world of talents from a book author to her art. It is always interesting to know what makes these artist tic and what keeps their clocks running. Vivi has been an artist for most of her life and loves to put beauty on canvas, with vibrant colors, to inspire everyone that sees her work. The ocean has been one of her most inspiring subjects to paint, as well as colorful flowers in open fields and neighborhood gardens. Having studied under various art instructors has helped her to develop her very own style to create a variety of artwork. Many of her paintings come from local beaches as well as the rugged coast of the Carmel area, including the Asilomar Coast. She studied for four years under Ron DiCianni, a very well-known artist. She learned to paint portraits under Ron because his philosophy is that “If you can paint faces, you can paint anything.” She enjoys painting people’s pets which gives her a freedom to enjoy a variety of subjects on which to apply her artwork.