Andrew Younger
Alt-rock radio station 91X expands its annual year-end concert Wrex the Halls to two days this month just in time to distract students from finals week. This year’s event will be held on Dec. 10 and 11 at Valley View Casino Center (aka Sports Arena) and boasts a lineup of 13 bands specifically chosen to make the holidays more tolerable. Day one highlights include the beleaguered metaphors for unrequited love delivered by Death Cab for Cutie and the ornate Celtic / Baroque Pop stylings of Florence + the Machine. Day two offers an excuse to dust off the old studded belt and coif a new mohawk with crusty punk veterans Pennywise, Social Distortion and blink-182. Ticket prices range from $19.91 to $49.91 per day.
David Dixon
One of the greatest directors in history is releasing much-anticipated movies for the holidays. On Dec. 21, “The Adventures of Tintin” comes to theaters. A performance capture voyage based on the classic comic book series, it is about a Belgian journalist who goes on a suspenseful search for a sunken ship. In an early review, Leslie Felperin from Variety said, “Steven Spielberg has fashioned a whiz-bang thrill ride that’s largely faithful to the wholesome spirit of his source but still appealing to younger, Tintin-challenged auds.”
On Christmas day, Spielberg releases “War Horse,” adapted from a children’s novel and the Tony Award-winning play it inspired. Set during World War I, it is a drama about a young boy, Albert (Jeremy Irvine), who has a horse sent to the cavalry. The film then follows parallel journeys both Albert and his horse embark upon.
It has been more than three years since Spielberg released his last picture, so hopefully he makes up for lost time with these new potential crowd-pleasers.
Information about “The Adventures of Tintin” and “War Horse” can be found at us.movie.tintin.com and warhorsemovie.com.
Isabella Place
Didn’t have much fun on Halloween because midterms got in the way? Well, now there is a chance to literally “make up” for that loss. This month’s must-do is none other than the longest-running midnight movie of all time, The Rocky Horror Picture Show interactive movie experience.
The show is at midnight, Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Ken Cinema in Kensington, about a five-minute drive from campus. By the time this rolls around, finals will be done and the semester will be complete, giving everyone plenty of time to dress up as any of the characters from this cult classic. It’s harmless musical fun featuring a live cast that performs scenes during the movie. The audience is always welcome to participate.
Brooke Scyler
San Diego may be famous for its warm-weather activities but there is still plenty to do in the city during the winter season. Get ready to put on a warm jacket, a scarf and some gloves for ice-skating. Horton Plaza in the heart of downtown is offering ice-skating now until Jan. 8. General admission is $14 and children younger than 12 can skate for $12. Proceeds go toward the Peckham Center for Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital.
For those looking for a unique ice-skating experience, the Hotel Del Coronado offers outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The price range is a little more expensive at $15-25 but proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. Ice-skating at the Hotel Del goes on through New Year’s Day. For more information about ice-skating at Horton Plaza can be found at sdice.com and Hotel Del Coronado at hoteldel.com.
Cody Franklin
“Star Wars” fans are eagerly awaiting Dec. 20 when the new “Star Wars: The Old Republic” game from BioWare is released. The new online role-playing game will see players picking either a Republic or Sith Empire character and duking it out in the first full voice-over massively multiplayer online-role playing game.
Samantha Hirsch
Looking to experience a light show spectacular like no other? Come to watch this year’s annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. On Dec. 11 and 18 from 5:30-9 p.m. more than 100 boats covered in holiday lights will set sail for a 7.5 mile journey through the San Diego Bay. To coincide with the 40th anniversary of the light show, this year’s theme is “Back to the Future.” The best locations to view the show along the shore are along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Harbor Island and Coronado. For more information, visit sdparadeoflights.org.
Courtney Rogin
It’s almost time to ring in the new year, and watching the shiny disco ball drop on television is so last year. Get out this New Year’s Eve and shake it up at the Lafayette Hotel with The Silent Comedy and Transfer. Casbah Music managed to snag a fantastic collection of local bands including The Creepy Creeps, The Heavy Guilt and Low Volts. Other entertainment includes The Visual Underground, a unique and bizarre multimedia experience.
Hungry? Food will be provided by Tacos El Paisa, boasting some truly mouthwatering carne asada fries. As far as drinks, don’t worry, as Lafayette is also a hotel, the champagne can flow all night. The hotel is offering room and ticket packages starting at $169. Event tickets are $35. This is a 21 and older event. Check out lafayettehotelsd.com/nye2012 for tickets and more information.
