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 ago, this event was on the verge of being canceled. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of this must-attend family event, and once again features expanded hours: Friday, Dec. 4, 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 5, 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.
With a focus on energy savings and increased safety, SDG&E is once again offering free LED holiday lights in exchange for old incandescent holiday light strands. Exchange up to three light strands for an equal number of multi-colored LED holiday light strands. Please bring a valid California ID or a copy of your recent SDG&E bill to participate.
New this year:
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 2009 December Nights Holiday Spirit Lounge. The Spirit Lounge will offer food stations as well alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The award-winning and locally owned Cohn Restaurant Group operates 12 restaurants in San Diego County and supports hundreds of non-profits throughout the region.Busy Santa can be found at Spanish Village Art Center, the Organ Pavilion, San Diego Art Institute (Museum of the Living Artist), and San Diego Automotive Museum in a classic car. Also enjoy photo opportunities with The Grinch at The Old Globe and take advantage of “dress up” photos with San Diego Junior Theatre’s costume department.
Special this year! Receive a free Home Energy & Water Savings Kit and a reusable shopping bag! The kit includes a low-flow showerhead and three faucet aerators. Click here for details.
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.
