Traditionally, the holiday season kicks off with a grand celebration in Balboa Park. Balboa Park December Nights is a two-day gift to the community that brings out the holiday spirit in all, this year taking place December 2 and 3, 2011.
It's hard to believe only a few years ago, this event was on the verge of being canceled. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of this must-attend family event, and once again features expanded hours: Friday, Dec. 2, 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3, noon to 10 p.m. In the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. both evenings.
The beloved San Diego event features sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, and exotic Food/Spirits throughout the Park. “My Ancestor’s Village,” sponsored by Barona, shares the rich culture of San Diego’s Native American community with December Nights visitors. The largest free community festival in San Diego, December Nights is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors over two days.
Entertainment, wonderful food and holiday cheer are all part of this classic and elaborate San Diego celebration. Long-standing traditions—including food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the charming Santa Lucia Procession at the San Diego Museum of Man; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree and more—fill the heart of Balboa Park.
In addition, the varied museums open for free from 5:00-9:00pm both nights feature a wide variety of exhibitions and entertainment–from the Timken Museum’s annual Christmas Tree displaying the exquisite Schlappi Collection of Hord and Schlappi Christmas ornaments–to the Reuben H. Fleet’s kid-friendly and interactive Kid City-to the San Diego Natural History Museum’s Fossil Mysteries set to holiday music in the atrium.
December Nights Activities
: Christmas on the PradoPolitcally correct or not, this is what most San Diegans still refer the event as, and it is why they come in droves. The long-standing traditions of Christmas on the Prado-including food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the Santa Lucia procession at the Museum of Man; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist's Christmas Story Tree and more-fill the heart of Balboa Park.
International Cottage Christmas Festival
To me, this is the best part of December Nights. The International Cottage Christmas Festival features authentic music, crafts, dance and other holiday traditions from more than 30 countries. Highlighting the Christmas Festival are food samplings from around the world, including Paella from Spain, hummus and falafel from Palestine, fried plantains from Panama, and bratwurst from Austria and Germany. Traditional holiday dance, music, and costumes can been seen on the half-hour at the Cottage Stage.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion Stage
Balboa Park December Night’s main stage features performances by groups from around San Diego. Highlights include House of Scotland Pipe Band, San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines, and of course the Del Cerro Baptist Church Christmas Story Tree.
Lily Pond Stage
New This Year. The Lily Pond Stage brings performing groups on the Prado.
Cascades Holiday Marketplace
The Cascades Holiday Marketplace brings crafts, foods and entertainment from around the world and is located at Fountain Plaza, adjacent to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum
Palisades Midway-The Ultimate Family Zone!
There is a special area of the park just for family fun. The Palisades Midway has carnival rides and games geared for younger children.
Museums & Cultural Organizations
In the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. both evenings. Also enjoy musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, and San Diego Civic Dance; floral displays by the San Diego Floral Association and members; music and docent tours at The Old Globe; and puppet shows at Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre.
Plaza De Panama
Beautiful displays will light the gorgeous Spanish Revival architecture in the Plaza de Panama’s expanded entertainment area–where the Cohn Restaurant Group and The Prado at Balboa Park are pleased to partner with Balboa Park December Nights as sponsors and operators of the 2010 December Nights Holiday Spirit Lounge. The Spirit Lounge will offer food stations as well alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Chances are pretty good that there won't be a single snowflake falling upon those at Balboa Park December Nights, but chances are even better that you'll certainly be in the holiday spirit when it's over. And there might even be enough chill in the air to throw on those little used ski cap, muffler and mittens.
