SAN DIEGO, CA- ArtPower at UC San Diego is bringing the holiday cheer and cultural flair this December with a series of curated celebrations and productions at the Epstein Family Amphitheater that are uniquely San Diego.
“Whether you’re looking for laughs, a cultural holiday celebration, or just want to soak in the seasonal vibes, our team has curated a trio of performances that celebrate the diversity of our community,” says Colleen Kollar Smith, executive director of the Campus Performances and Events Office at UC San Diego. “Each brings its own festive spin to our commitment to thoughtful, adventurous performing arts—ringing in the holiday season with joy and connection.”
Celebrate the Holidays with Music, Laughter, and Traditions from Around the World
The holiday fun begins with a special two-night presentation of Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday. Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. This festive drag holiday extravaganza stars Ru Paul’s Drag Race’s Ginger Minj, decking the halls with sass, sparkle, and holiday cheer. Alongside some special guests, Ginger will deliver a night of non-denominational, all-inclusive festive cheer. Forget a silent night– expect a high-energy romp filled with campy classics, hilarious seasonal tales, and dazzling costumes that shine brighter than the star on top of the tree.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m., the Soweto Gospel Choir will take the stage at the Epstein Family Amphitheater as a part of their 60-city tour “Peace”, giving visitors a joyful evening celebrating peace and the unique power of African gospel music. The Grammy-winning South African choir will perform traditional African gospel songs and spirited covers of Aretha Franklin, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, and more. Beloved by civil leaders like Nelson Mandela and pop-culture icons like Oprah Winfrey. Celebrated around the world and praised by audiences from Johannesburg to New York, Soweto Gospel Choir’s earthy rhythms and brilliant costumes will wow the whole family.
ArtPower invites attendees to experience a taste of Christmas in Mexico at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. with the return of Campana Sobre Campana. Featuring both Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande, this vibrant Christmas performance weaves cherished Mexican holiday traditions into a magical story brought to life through colorful Mexican dance and traditional Mexican music. Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico takes its name from the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol and is a heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to deliver baby Jesus to the world.
Tickets for Ginger Minj’s Christmas Spectacular and Soweto Gospel Choir start at $30, while Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico tickets start at $20. To purchase tickets, learn more about ArtPower, or check out the slate of performances already scheduled for 2026, head to artpower.ucsd.edu.
ArtPower at UC San Diego Holiday Performances
Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular
Holiday | Friday–Saturday, Dec. 5 & 6, 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater | $30–$80
Move over, Mariah—the true Queen of the Holidays is coming to town! Join RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 Winner Ginger Minj for a holiday extravaganza that is sure to get your bells jingling. Known for her quick wit, powerhouse vocals, and undeniable Southern charm, Ginger is trading her spotlight for a sleigh to deliver a night of non-denominational, all-inclusive festive cheer.
Soweto Gospel Choir: PEACE
Holiday | Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater | $30–$55
The multi-Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir will perform a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals, and holiday classics.
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico!
Holiday | Saturday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater | $20–$95
Join Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande for an unforgettable program where every note and dance step embodies the rich cultural tapestry of Christmas in Mexico!
ABOUT ARTPOWER AT UC SAN DIEGO
ArtPower at UC San Diego presents performing arts that engage, energize, and transform the diverse cultural life of the university and San Diego. Through vibrant, challenging, multi-disciplinary performances, ArtPower seeks to develop more empathetic students and community members who are better prepared to engage in the world around them through their participation in high-quality artistic, educational, and engagement programs that broaden thinking and awareness, deepen understanding, and encourage new dialogues across UC San Diego and the community. ArtPower is proud to be part of Chancellor Pradeep Khosla’s arts initiative, ArtsConnect and operates under the Campus Performances and Events Office. For more information, visit artpower.ucsd.edu.