Big Bay Balloon Parade: The scenic, bayside streets of downtown San Diego will come alive with the 2007 Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade. This year’s theme is “Groovin’ to the ‘70s” and spectators and participants alike will be dancin’ and jivin’ to the festivities. This exciting family event brings together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons. In fact, this parade has more balloons than any other parade in the United States! More than 100,000 street-side spectators will enjoy the parade along with a nationwide television audience. The 10 a.m. parade steps-off on N. Harbor Drive near W. Cedar Street and travels south. www.holidaybowl.com

Shiny Toy Guns: Supersonic overdrive! Ride the race car! The electronic indie-pop group that gained the appeal of mainstream pop audiences with its hit “Le Disko” will take the stage at the House of Blues San Diego. Datarock and Moving Units will also perform. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $15. Following the show, Jeremy of Shiny Toy Guns will perform an 11:45 p.m. DJ set at On Broadway Event Center. Tickets are $20 for the 21+ venue. House of Blues is located at 1055 Fifth Ave. and On Broadway is located at 615 Broadway in downtown. www.shinytoyguns.com

Tour the Historic Gaslamp Quarter: Back in the day, prostitutes, gamblers and street kids ruled the barren city streets of San Diego’s once-remote seaport. As you stroll through the quaint city street and gaze up at the burgeoning new skyline, learn about the city’s movers and shakers, deal makers and breakers, and how each of these charming buildings have been renovated and painted to maintain their classic charm. The tour begins at 11 a.m. The Gaslamp Quarter Museum is located at 413 Market St. Tickets are $10 with discounts for students, seniors and military. 619-944-9255, www.gaslampquarter.org/tours

Christmas Sing-A-Long: The beautiful Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park is home to weekly free organ concerts. Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego’s civic organist, will perform, along with host Johnny Hochgraefe. Enjoy a selection of Christmas and holiday favorites and sing along! The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is located in the heart of Balboa Park. The concert begins at 2 p.m. www.sosorgan.com

Monday Night Football: The San Diego Chargers take on the Denver Broncos for a Christmas Eve home game. Visit a local sports bar or restaurant and watch the game, or stay home and enjoy the game with your holiday guests. The game will be broadcast on ESPN TV and Rock 105.3 FM radio. To see the game live, tickets for the Qualcomm Stadium game range from $54-$290. Qualcomm Stadium is located at 9449 Friars Rd. in Mission Valley. www.chargers.com

Christmas Day Dinner Cruise: Join Hornblower Cruises & Events for a Christmas to remember! Experience a lavish, traditional holiday buffet aboard a luxurious yacht while enjoying the calm waters and beautiful scenery of the San Diego Bay. Santa will be making an appearance to hand out presents to all children on board. The cruise is perfect for entertaining out-of-town guests or for an intimate family affair. The cruise also includes a boarding glass of champagne and unlimited soda, juice, coffee and tea. Cruise times are 3:30-6 p.m. or 4-6:30 p.m., with boarding 30-minutes prior. The cruise and buffet is $69.95 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military and children. www.hornblower.com

Siren: Siren is a women’s open mic with a mission to provide a safe space for women to support and inspire one another via creative arts. All forms of expression on the mic are welcome including spoken word, music, dance, drag, comedy, and activism. Everyone is welcome to attend and support, although the mic is reserved for women. Sign-ups begin at 7:30 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. Siren is held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at The Rubber Rose. A $3-$5 donation is welcome. The Rubber Rose is located at 3812 Ray St. in North Park. www.myspace.com/sirensandiego

High School Musical: The High School Musical National Stage Tour hits San Diego! The production, based on the Disney Channel original hit movie High School Musical will be performed live on the stage of the San Diego Civic Theater for a five-day run. High School Musical will be performed from Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 30. Tickets range from $17-$100. The San Diego Civic Theater is located at Third and B Street in downtown San Diego. www.ticketmaster.com