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 5 and 6.
It's hard to believe only a few years agao, this event was on the verge of being cancelled. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this must-attend family event, and once again features expanded hours: Friday, Dec. 5, 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6, noon to 10 p.m.
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.
New this year:
Balboa Park December Nights is all about lights this year as the historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree is illuminated with a custom and artistic holiday design provided by The Old Globe. The tree will be awash with merry and colorful lights, and will join the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and the California Tower as Balboa Park December Night’s holiday icons.The Palisades Midway is now the ultimate family zone with new kid-friendly experiences and family entertainment. Televisa brings a full-size ice-skating rink–inviting fun and laughter for kids and adults–and a new kid-friendly Taste of December Nights is being re-located to the Palisades also enhancing the family atmosphere.
Beautiful displays will light the gorgeous Spanish Revival architecture in the Plaza de Panama’s expanded entertainment area–where the new Plaza de Panama stage showcases some of San Diego’s best groups from the local music scene.
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.
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. The Kodak Inspiration Tour-in a massive 4,000-square-foot interactive exhibit area. Also visit The Spiderwick Chronicles Experience-a touring mobile interactive exhibit that teaches children how modern movies are made using Computer Generated Imagery (CGI).
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.
My Ancestor's Village Sponsored by Barona
The Barona Band of Mission Indians will contribute a unique cultural element to the events with My Ancestors' Village, the re-creation of a traditional Native American village within the heart of Balboa Park. Artistically recreated full-size tule boats will float in Balboa Park's historic Lily Pond.
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.
