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  Balboa Park December Nights presented by Barona

Date: 12/2 - 12/3/05

Balboa Park December Nights presented by Barona 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 San Diego Holiday Highlights:
San Diego Restaurant Week, Holiday Lights Around Town, Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Game & Parade

The Facts

Balboa Park December Nights 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. Please note that all festival activities are subject to change without notice.


Festival Highlights

Festival Highlights Balboa Park Carousel - rides ($1.75) on authentic 1900s carousel with hand-carved animals

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater - Holiday with Puppets, 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 The Swing of Things 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 - No-host wine bar on El Mirador rooftop, movies for $3 and holiday tunes by the Tuba4s

San Diego Zoo Zone at the Miniature Railroad - enjoy a ride ($1.75) on "Santa's Express" from 4-9pm Friday & 11am-9pm Saturday. Catch Zoo-costumed characters and photos with Santa

Spanish Village Art Center Spanish Village Art Center - music, food and unique creations from more than 70 artisans

Spreckels Organ Pavillion - holiday carols by local choirs

WorldBeat Center - Kwanza celebration with African drummers and dancers and activities

New to the Festival! - The Barona Band of Mission Indians will re-create a traditional Native American village within the heart of the Park which will feature fun, educational activities for children.

Food, Shopping & Entertainment

Food, Shopping & Entertainment Cabrillo Bridge Food Tasting - culinary adventures from some of San Diego's finest restaurants along the park entrance off Laurel St.

Cascades Holiday Marketplace -ethnic crafts, foods and entertainment from around the world near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Palisades Midway - carnival rides, games and more in the Palisades parking lot below the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages

Photo Ops with Santa

Photo Ops with Santa San Diego Automotive Museum - photos with Santa in a vintage auto

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 with Santa on his surfboard throne

The San Diego Art Institute - enjoy roasted chestnuts and a photo with Santa

Great Hotel Offerings

Days Inn Downtown/Convention Center - rates from $69 based on availability
InnSuites Lafayette Hotel & Suites - rates from $71.82 based on availability
Best Western Bayside Inn - rates from $89 based on availability
Radisson Hotel Harbor View - rates from $109 based on availability
Bristol Hotel - rates from $119 based on availability
Holiday Inn on the Bay - rates from $119 based on availability
Sheraton Suites San Diego - rates from $129 based on availability
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter - rates from $135 based on availability
Gaslamp Plaza Suites - rates from $149 based on availability


Hot Tip

Balboa Park December Nights 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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