Traditionally, San Diego ushers in the Christmas holiday season with a grand community celebration in Balboa Park. Balboa Park December Nights is a two-day gift to the community that brings out the holiday spirit in all. The 2012 edition takes place Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8.

It's hard to believe only a few years ago, this event was on the verge of being canceled. This year marks the 35th anniversary of this must-attend family event, and once again features expanded hours: Friday, Dec. 7, 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 8, noon to 10 p.m.

Whether you call it Christmas on the Prado or the more politically correct December Nights, the beloved San Diego event features sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, and exotic Food/Spirits throughout the Park. The largest free community festival in San Diego, December Nights is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors over two days.

For more information about 2012 December Nights in Balboa Park, read my article here.

Spending the Christmas holiday season in San Diego has its benefits: the weather is usually mild - in fact December is one of the sunniest months of the year. Which means unlike other parts of the country, we miss out on rituals like shoveling snow - although the nights can get pretty darn chilly this time of year. But that doesn't mean San Diegans lose out on traditional holiday activities...San Diego has plenty of traditional things to do.

Read my article for my top holiday season activities in San Diego.

Unwrap some magic this holiday season with the festive fun of the 49th Annual North Park Toyland Parade & Holiday Fair. On Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, starting at 11 a.m., the historic neighborhood of North Park will warm up and delight with San Diego's most joyful parade.

Taking place in the middle of North Park on University Avenue between Utah and Iowa Streets, the Toyland Parade has marching bands, upbeat dance groups, cool vintage cars, beauty queens, city officials and more to get you into the holiday mood. And, of course, Santa Claus will be riding atop his merry red sleigh with bells ringing, to the excitement of the kids.

Read more about the 2012 North Park Toyland Parade here.

Read about the neighborhood of North Park in my article here.

Thanksgiving is over so now that we have that out of the way, it's time to get to the real business at hand - shopping. Because we are officially entering the Christmas Holiday Shopping Season, and whether you are exhilarated or you dread this time of year, chances are you are going to have to venture out to do some shopping.

But shopping doesn't always mean heading out to one of San Diego's regional malls, though it is highly likely you'll make your way to one. Instead, shopping can mean checking out your local neighborhood's business district, hitting a weekly farmers market, or even venturing to the swap meet.

Here is my roundup of some of San Diego's best and most interesting places to go shopping.