Overview: December Nights
Bring your festive cheer as you kick off the holiday season at the largest free holiday festival in California. The event will light up Balboa Park from 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
The December Nights tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. (Photo Credit: City of San Diego) Credit: City of San Diego
Ever wanted to meet a real-life reindeer?
Head on down to December Nights this year. You’ll find Murphy the reindeer next to the Palms Stage, courtesy of SeaWorld.
Bring your festive cheer as you kick off the holiday season at the largest free holiday festival in California. The event will light up Balboa Park from 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Of course, no reindeer is complete without Santa and his newly refurbished sleigh.
Along with snow, carol singers, and hot cocoa, you’d be forgiven if you mistook Balboa Park for the North Pole over the course of the two days.
“You really feel like you’re kind of transported somewhere,” said Perette Godwin, communications program coordinator with the City of San Diego.
Now in its 48th year, the event will take over the entirety of Balboa Park. With five entertainment stages, 200 food and retail vendors, and 70 performance groups, there’s something for everyone.
On Friday, watch the giant tree at Spreckles Organ Pavilion light up at the tree lighting ceremony with City Council President Joe LaCava at 6 p.m.
The holiday magic doesn’t stop there, though. Every hour, the Museum of Art will be illuminated with a dazzling light show (pro tip: that’s where you’ll find the snow!).
“There are so many things going on, it’s almost mind-boggling,” said Godwin.
This year, there is a new Food Truck Alley at Village Place where you can peruse the many different food options all in one place. And for those hoping to be transported, don’t forget to swing by the International Cottages where you can taste cuisines from all around the globe.
If you have kids, be sure to make your way to the Family Zone at the Municipal Gym. Little ones can dive into holiday crafting, face painting and festive hat-making, and of course meet Santa. For the bigger kids, the half-pipe for skateboarding is once again returning this year at Palisades Plaza.
For family fun, make your way to the Comic-Con Lawn to watch Ice Age from 6:15 p.m. and Frozen at 8 p.m each night. Bring your blankets, wrap up, and get comfy!
For the adults, a new Après Tavern at Plaza de Panama offers a spirits lounge. Enjoy a tipple while watching the Grammy-nominated artist Frankie J on Saturday night at 7 p.m.
The many performance groups include youth groups that practice year-round at Balboa Park. You can catch theater groups, dance troupes, ballet, and more. For a full list of performers visit the webpage.
“Balboa Park really is, I think, a centerpiece for and of San Diego,” said Godwin. “I think that December Nights really shows that.”
There’s even an opportunity to give back at December Nights. Bring a pack of new socks or underwear to donate. San Diego Gas & Electric and San Diego County Toyota dealers are collecting the items to distribute to people through Jewish Family Service and San Diego Rescue Mission, respectively.
The holiday spirit will continue after the weekend. This year, thanks to a generous donation from Prebys Foundation, the holiday lights around the park will twinkle on past the event throughout the entire holiday season for all to enjoy.
Visit the December Nights website for “Know Before You” go information, including information on parking, shuttles, and free bus services.
You can download the December Nights Mobile Experience app 48 hours prior to the event.
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