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Balboa Park December Nights

Date: 12/3 - 12/4/04

Come celebrate the many joyous holiday traditions of the season at the largest free community festival in San Diego. The two-day event will feature carolers, choral productions on three stages, food, crafts, music, shopping, theater, dance, and free admission to many park museums and cultural organizations. Be sure to stop by the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages to sample traditional and seasonal ethnic food and beverages from 29 nations. The 35 ft. Christmas Story Tree, decorated with 20,000 lights and accompanied by over 100 carolers, is sure to be one of the highlights of the evening. For a complete listing of arts and culture events, visit the San Diego Art + Sol calendar.

Other Holiday Highlights:
Holiday Lights Around Town, Legend of the Ice Princess, Pacific Life Holiday Bowl

The Facts

Balboa Park
1549 El Prado
Admission: free
Hours: 5-10pm, Friday; noon to 10pm, Saturday. Participating museums are open free of charge from 5-9pm both days.
Information: 619-239-0512 or www.balboapark.org.
The Balboa Park Visitors Center will be open to provide festival information.

Festival Highlights

Balboa Park Carousel - rides ($1.25) on authentic 1900s carousel with hand-carved animals
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater - Puppets' Holiday Review, 20-minute shows featuring puppets and performers at 6, 7 & 8pm
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center -free gallery admission to explore more than 100 hands-on exhibits including ExploraZone and Kid City; IMAX films discounted
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet - 20-minute excerpts from The Nutcracker at 6, 7 & 8pm on the Casa del Prado stage.
San Diego Junior Theatre - students perform seasonal selections every half hour beginning at 5pm on the outdoor stage
San Diego Model Railroad Museum - see more than 28,000 sq. ft. of operating model trains and a LEGOLAND® city with six operating trains
San Diego Museum of Art - classic instrumental & vocal music in the Rotunda
San Diego Museum of Man - traditional Swedish Christmas celebration featuring food, crafts, dance, costumes and a Santa Lucia Procession at 6 & 8pm
San Diego Museum of Natural History - movies for $3, performances by Ms. Frizzle and holiday tunes by the Tuba4s
San Diego Zoo Zone at the Miniature Railroad - enjoy a ride ($1.25) on "Santa's Express" from 4-9pm Friday & 11am-9pm Saturday. Catch Dr. Zoolittle and his gross bug show, Zoo-costumed characters and close-up encounters with Zoo animals
Spanish Village Art Center - music, food and unique creations from more than 70 artisans
Spreckels Organ Pavillion - holiday carols by local choirs
Starlight Theatre - hourly entertainment featuring musical theatre cast members
WorldBeat Center - Kwanza celebration with African drummers and dancers and activities

New to the Festival!

Cabrillo Bridge Food Tasting - culinary adventures from some of San Diego's finest restaurants along the park entrance off Laurel St.
Cascades International Holiday Marketplace - ethnic crafts, foods and entertainment from around the world near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Palisades Midway - carnival rides, games, jugglers, clowns, a petting zoo and more in the Palisades parking lot below the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.

Please note that all festival activities are subject to change without notice.

Photo Ops with Santa

San Diego Junior Theatre - photos with Santa on lawn in front of the Casa del Prado building from 5-10pm
San Diego Zoo Zone at the Miniature Railroad - photos with Santa or Zoo-costumed characters from 5-7pm & 7:30-9:30pm
Spanish Village Art Center - entertainment and photos at Santa's Giving Tree at kiosk entrance
The San Diego Art Institute - enjoy roasted chestnuts and a photo with Santa

Great Hotel Offerings

Best Western Bayside Inn - Rates starting from $86.00 based on availability
Holiday Inn Harbor View - Rates starting from $99.00 based on availability
Bristol Hotel - Rates starting from $100.00 based on availability
Wyndham San Diego Emerald Plaza - Rates starting from $117.00 based on availability
Hilton San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter - Rates starting from $149.00 based on availability
Mission Valley Resort San Diego is Zooper Package - Rates starting from $99.00 based on availability
Holiday Inn on the Bay Zoo Explorer Package - Rates starting from $180.00 based on availability

Hot Tip

Balboa Park December Nights is expected to attract thousands of visitors. Arrive early or take advantage of one of the public transportation or shuttle options. Visitors are urged to park at the San Diego Country Administration Building North Lot or City College and take a free shuttle. Shuttle service runs from 4:30 - 11:00pm Friday; 11am-11pm Saturday in both locations. Parking (no shuttle service) is also available at the San Diego Zoo, Inspiration Point or the Reuben H. Fleet. Valet service is also available. For more information, call 619-239-0512 or visit www.balboapark.org.


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