San Diego Balboa Park December Nights 2009
Balboa Park December Nights 2005
Price:
Free
Address:
Balboa Park
San Diego
Phone Numbers
619-239-0512
12/04/09 – 12/05/09
San Diego's favorite kick-off to the holiday season, takes place over two days in Balboa Park. 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 largest free community festival in San Diego, December Nights is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors over two days.
Balboa Park is filled with holiday cheer at December Nights. We've highlighted the major Activities, Museums and Performing Arts venues, and all of the Entertainment and the Food that makes December Nights San Diego's favorite kick-off to the season.
Major Activities
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 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.
The Bon Temps Social Club Dance Pavilion Stage located in the Plaza de Panama features Americana sounds of the Louisiana Bayou. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!
San Diego Gas & Electric, a Sempra Energy utility, covers the center of the Plaza de Panama with a dazzling and energy efficient canopy of LED holiday lights that will illuminate the Park for the entire holiday season. 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 to the Plaza de Panama, SeaWorld's holiday booth features a special animal meet and greet, unique photo opportunities and information about the park's Year Full of Fun seasonal events, including SeaWorld's Holiday Celebration.
Christmas on the Prado
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. The historic Moreton Bay Fig 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.
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 Palisades Midway is now the ultimate family zone with kid-friendly experiences and family entertainment.
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.
International Cottage Christmas Festival
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.
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. Produced by the Barona Cultural Center & Museum, this tribute will bring to life the food, culture, and lifestyle that is unique Indians indigenous to the local region. New this year Storytelling and Entertainment! Enjoy traditional Native American Storytelling Friday at 6 & 8pm; Saturday at 1, 3, 5 & 7pm. The Little Hawk Dancers perform on Saturday at 2 & 4pm. Rock and gourd painting on Friday and Saturday during event hours (rocks free, gourds $2) - and free sample tastes of Indian Frybread.
Balboa Park December Nights Hotel Deals
Transportation Information
With more than 300,000 people attending December Nights and extremely limited parking at Balboa Park we encourage visitors to use the FREE off-site shuttles or take public transportation. Why drive around wasting gas looking for a parking space when the free shuttle or public transportation is quick and easy?!
AVOID State Route 163 and Park Blvd. due to heavy congestion!
Free Shuttle Service
PETCO Park and Lots around Park Blvd. and Imperial Ave. - Parking is only $3.00/vehicle and there are more than 2,000 parking spaces in this area. Shuttle takes less than 10 minutes and drops off at 6th and Laurel Streets.
County Administration Building North Lot at 1600 Pacific Highway (corner of Grape St.)- Parking is free in the North Lot.
City College Lots between 16th and "B" Street. Parking is free.
4:30 until 11:00pm Friday
noon until 11:00pm Saturday
last shuttle leaves 9:00pm
FINAL RETURN shuttle from the park is at 10:45pm
If You Drive
Parking is extremely limited! The Inspiration Pt. and Zoo Lots are free but fill quickly so plan on arriving early. Ample free Handicap parking is available at the Space Theatre Lot, Federal Lot and at Balboa Dr. and Laurel St. These spaces also fill up early. $20 is available in the Preferred Lots which are located at Park Bl. and Village Pl. See Parking Map for detailed information.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION -MTS TROLLEY & BUS
Blue or Orange Line trolley to the City College Station in downtown San Diego and transfer to the #7 bus.
Blue Line trolley to the County Center/Little Italy Station and walk west to the County Administration's north lot and board the FREE SHUTTLE
Take any bus to University Avenue and Park Blvd and transfer to a special Route 7 shuttle heading to Park Blvd.
