Lauren DeRose: Pride 2004 main stage performer Lauren DeRose plays the Green Room at Twiggs Coffee & Tea, located at 4590 Park Blvd. Call (619) 296-0616 for more information.

Theater sports: San Diego TheatreSports presents The Improv Competition, where every scene and song is made up on the spot by two teams of improvisers taking suggestions from the audience, every Friday and Saturday from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. The fun takes place at The FunHouse, located at 6822 El Cajon Blvd. Tickets are $10-15. Call (619) 465-SHOW for more information.

Tai Chi: The WorldBeat Center in Balboa Park offers a Tai Chi class from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. taught by Master Asr Cordes. Admission per class is $12. Call (619) 230-1190 for more information.

Get Scrooged: A classic tradition for the holidays, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol plays at the San Diego REPertory Theatre at the Lyceum in Horton Plaza through Dec. 26. The most popular holiday story of the past 160 years, A Christmas Carol is a classic tale of regret, redemption, love and healing. Single tickets range from $18.50-$40.50 and can be purchased by calling the REP’s box office at (619) 544-1000. Call the box office for showtimes.

Free museum tours: The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park offers free public tours of the galleries on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Sundays at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. Call (619) 232-7931 for details.

Jersey Boys: The production of Jersey Boys, a world premiere musical about doo-wop sensation The Four Seasons, is so popular it’s been held over. Don’t miss the spot-on, high-energy performances showcasing The Four Season’s climb from the mean streets of New Jersey to “American Bandstand” and the world. Shows Sundays at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. at La Jolla Playhouse. Tickets are $39-$65. Call (858) 550-1010 for additional showtimes and to purchase tickets.

Ice-skating: Horton Plaza has decked itself out with holiday lights and its annual ice-skating rink. The rink is open throughout the holiday season from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. Sundays. Admission including skate rental is $10. Call (619) 234-1031 for more information.

Holiday of Lights: Usher in the official holiday season with a visit to the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Holiday of Lights display, which is open from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and until 11:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Admission is $11-$46. Call (619) 220-8497 for more information.

Media Schmedia: Join the Women’s Resource Center at The Center for an evening of political venting and discussion. Whether a CNN addict or a conscientious media objector, come discuss and plot with a group of intelligent women willing to ask questions. Media Schmedia takes place on the last Tuesday of every month at 8:00 p.m. in Room 2 at The Center. Call (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 for more information.

R.I.S.E. to the occasion: Held the first Tuesday of every month, R.I.S.E. – Real Individuals Seeking Expression – invites anyone interested to a free artist networking forum at the Abbey Café from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Whether you identify as a GLBT artist or just want to be exposed to those who do, come down to 127 University Ave. For more information, call (619) 692-0311.

World AIDS Day candlelight vigil in North County: A candlelight vigil will be held at Pilgrim Church of Carlsbad on Wednesday, Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, co-sponsored by Fraternity House, Being Alive, Vista Community Clinic and Pilgrim Church. Sixty-four panels from The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The candlelight vigil will commence at 6:30 p.m. with music, poetry and speakers. A light meal will be served afterwards. Participants are asked to bring a candle, and all ages are invited to join in. Pilgrim Church is located at 2020 Chestnut Ave. For more information, contact Being Alive at (760) 439 6908.

Stargazing: On the first Wednesday of every month, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center planetarium presents “The Sky Tonight” at 7:00 p.m. The show is geared towards backyard astronomers, children and anyone who wants to impress their date while stargazing. There will be free telescope viewing after the show, hosted by the San Diego Astronomy Association, weather permitting. Tickets are $6.75 for adults and $5.50 for children. Call (619) 238-1233 for further information.

That thing: San Diego’s Museum of Contemporary Art hosts TNT (Thursday Night Thing) the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at their downtown location, 1001 Kettner Blvd. The ongoing program features film and video in the galleries and live local music on the outdoor plaza. Admission is free, but a $3 donation is welcome. Call (619) 234-1001 for more information.

The Grinch is back: First staged in 1998, The Old Globe’s musical How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become a San Diego tradition. Following Dr. Seuss’ book down to the letter, the cast is comprised of local actors, with a children’s ensemble that rotates in every third performance. Tickets are $19-$59. Call (619) 231-1941 for showtimes and to purchase tickets.