Our December Night’s FUN Guide to celebrating San Diego’s beloved family friendly holiday tradition. This San Diego tradition draws more than 350,000 visitors to Balboa Park for festive, family-friendly fun, which includes live music, arts and crafts, drinks and food from across the globe and, of course, plenty of twinkling holiday lights.
- Entertainment line up of live music, dancing, choirs, puppetry and more.
- Free Museums
- Food Vendors
- Parking Information
- Map
- Gift Guide
December Nights is back for 2023!
San Diego is the place to be to celebrate the holidays. One of San Diego’s most beloved holiday traditions will once again take the spotlight at Balboa Park this season: December Nights. The free, festive event — returning for its 46th year — goes down from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Dec. 1 and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the heart of the landmark.
The two-day, multicultural celebration of the season is Balboa Park’s biggest event of the year and the city of San Diego’s largest free community event.
NEW! Make your holiday plans with our December Nights & Holiday Fun Guide here. We’ll give you the inside scoop on which museums are free this weekend and where to go for the best holiday light shows and events.
The Museums
The museums are FREE!! Yes, that’s right. On Friday and Saturday from 5 – 9 p.m. the museums in the Park offer free admission. Balboa Park contains 18 different museums, each of which are bursting with FUN entertaining displays of history, culture, and artistic works.
Participating Museums Include
- Comic-Con Museum (5- 9 p.m. Lobby & Gift shop only)
- Fleet Science Center (5-9 p.m.)
- ICA San Diego, Central (5-9 p.m.)
- Japanese Friendship Garden (3-7 p.m.)
- Mingei International Museum (5-9 p.m.)
- Museum of Us (5-9 p.m.)
- San Diego Museum of Art (5-9 p.m.)
- San Diego Air & Space Museum (3:30 to 10:30 p.m)
- San Diego Automotive Museum (5- 9 p.m. with Santa visits from 5:30-8:30 p.m.)
- San Diego History Center
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum (5- 9 p.m. with Santa visits from 5:30-8:30 p.m.)
- San Diego Natural History Museum (3-9 p.m.)
- Timken Museum of Art (5-9 p.m.)
Discover unique, inspired holiday gifts for everyone on your list at the museum stores in the Park or in our new Holiday Gift Guide. Shop local and support your favorite museum. Not sure what to get or need a last-minute gift? Museum memberships are the perfect choice. Download yours in the twinkling of an eye.
Winter Paradice Ice Rink
Lace up your skates for a glide session on a synthetic ice rink and get your jolly on with this unforgettable, immersive experience. Gather your family and friends in front the San Diego Museum of Art, as you don’t want to miss this festive adventure presented by San Diego Community Power.
The Entertainment
There’s a reason 350,000 people start their holidays with December Nights! You’ll find four stages featuring live music, dancing, choirs, puppetry and more. And don’t miss the tree lighting starting at 6 p.m. on Friday night. Scroll down for the full entertainment line-up.
December Nights is excited to host a Family Zone at December Nights in the Palisades area as a place for families to enjoy themselves with free activities!
- Photos with Santa
- Face Painting
- Holiday Hat Making
- Crafts
- Games
- Pro Skateboarding Demos
- Featuring: Dalton Dern, Bryce Wettstein, Reggie Kelly, Leandre Sanders, Christian Hosoi, Zach Doelling, Christopher Hiett, Magnus Magiar, Katelyn West, & Dave Bachisnky
- Milk and Cookies Sampling (while supplies last)
- Phone Charging Station
- Silent Disco
FIND THE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE HERE
Eat & Drink
Enjoy international delicacies, sample homemade treats, or sip on something to keep you warm.
The family-friendly event brings the community together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions, and of course, the amazing food of the holiday season. The food is kind of a big deal, many people come to December Nights specifically for the food.
The International Cottage Christmas Festival is a foodie favorite with authentic cuisine, music and holiday traditions from more than 30 countries. You’ll find empanadas from Argentina, bratwurst from Germany, palak paneer from India, Viking pea soup from Norway, pancit from the Philippines and borscht from the Ukraine. There will also be kebabs, tacos, hot dogs, pizza and more. Plus all your favorite food trucks will be lined up near the Spanish Village Art Center.
FIND THE FOOD GUIDE HERE
Transportation and Parking
With an expected crowd of more than 350,000 people, this family-friendly event is know for heavy traffic and parking issues. In order to make your December Nights experience more enjoyable, find the Parking & Transportation Tips page here with a list to help you get to Balboa Park and enjoy the festivities without losing your mind.
Parking in Balboa Park during December Nights is available. You can save money by purchasing your parking pass ahead of time. There is limited free parking, free ADA parking and pre-paid as well as drive-up paid vehicle parking. All other areas require a permit. Find the parking details here.
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
- Alcazar Lot – Closed to Public Access Nov 30 at 6AM (Staging for Equipment)
- Village Place – Closed to Public Parking Access Nov 30 at 6AM
- The Palisades Lot – Closed to Public Access Nov 30 at 10PM (Signs being updated which currently say 3PM)
Paid Parking Options in Balboa Park
LOT A, General Paid Parking – $25 in advance, $30 at the event
Located at Inspiration Point, the General Paid Parking lot will be open to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. We recommend accessing the lot from northbound Park Blvd. Buy parking now.
LOT B, Preferred Paid Parking – $40 in advance, $45 at the event
Located at the Federal Lot,, the Preferred Paid Parking lot will be open to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec.1 and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 We recommend accessing this lot from northbound Park Boulvard. Buy parking now.
Roosevelt Middle School Parking – $30 at the event only, first-come, first-served
The Friends of Roosevelt will provide limited parking at the school for December Nights attendees. The Roosevelt parking area will be open between 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 and between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Access lot 1 from Upas Street, and lot 2 from Park Blvd. to Zoo Drive. Proceeds from parking sales support Roosevelt Middle School. Get directions.
Paid Parking Options nearby, serviced by free December Nights Event Shuttle
ACE Parking lots, 3rd Avenue and San Diego Civic Center Parkade
These lots are easily accessed and convenient to the downtown core, and with the nearby free event shuttle stop at 3rd Avenue and A Street you can catch a free ride to December Nights.
- Fleet Science Center Lot (Free ADA for Public)
- Federal Lot (Limited Free ADA for Public)
- Organ Pavilion Lot (Limited ADA with designated permit)
Free Parking Options
San Diego Zoo Parking Lot, Balboa Park
Zoo Place will be exit only during the event; use Zoo Drive to access the parking lot. We recommend access from southbound Park Blvd. to Zoo Drive. Parking is first-come, first-served. Get directions.
City College Parking Garages (nearby, serviced by free December Nights Event Shuttle)
Access free parking at one of three City College parking garages. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Find the parking garages here:
- 16th Street and Russ Blvd. (Enter on 16th Street)
- 16th Street and Broadway (Enter on 16th Street)
- 17th Street and C Street (Enter on 17th Street)
The free December Nights shuttle picks up at the corner of 16th Street and B Street.
December Nights Entertainment Line-Up
Saturday, December 2
Canyon Hills High School Music Department
Plaza de Panama Stage
11 a.m.
La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego
Plaza de Panama Stage
12:15 p.m.
La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego
Plaza de Panama Stage
12:15 p.m.
San Diego Suzuki Strings
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
12:20 p.m.
HPR Queens
International Cottages Stage
1 p.m.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
1 p.m.
Raylin Cloggers
Plaza de Panama Stage
1:10 p.m.
Let’s Dance for Fun
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
1:10 p.m.
U3zub
International Cottages Stage
1:30 p.m.
The San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
1:35 p.m.
Ballet Forkprico El Tapatio de San Dieguito
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
2 p.m.
The Blennies – Band
Spanish Village
2 p.m.
San Diego Civic Dance Arts
Casa del Prado Center Courtyard
2 p.m.
Flamenco Sur
Plaza de Panama Stage
2:15 p.m.
House of Peru Youth Program
International Cottages Stage
2:30 p.m.
Raúl Prieto Ramirez Spreckels Organ Society
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
2:40 p.m.
Karicka
International Cottages Stage
3 p.m.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
3 p.m.
Makani Kai Polynesian Dance Troupe
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
3:20 p.m.
Creative Dancers 78
Spanish Village
3:30 p.m.
Podkovicka
International Cottages Stage
3:30 p.m.
Belles
Plaza de Panama Stage
3:45 p.m.
Kayros Comunidad Cristiana
Plaza de Panama Stage
3:55 p.m.
Les Allen
Museum of Us Quadrangle Plaza
4 p.m.
Uno Hit Chamoru Dance Group
International Cottages Stage
4 p.m.
San Diego Civic Dance Arts
Casa del Prado Center Courtyard
4 p.m.
Culture Shock San Diego
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
4:10 p.m.
A New High
Spanish Village
4:15 p.m.
Naruwan Taiko
Plaza de Panama Stage
4:30 p.m.
House of Korea QP & YA
International Cottages Stage
4:30 p.m.
Motu Nehenehe Polynesian Dancers
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
4:45 p.m.
Mochi cafe – Dance
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
4:50 p.m.
Zaytouna Dance Troupe
International Cottages Stage
5 p.m.
Saturday, December 2
Grinch
The Old Globe
5 p.m.
Musician’s Club of san Diego
Plaza de Panama Stage
5:30 p.m.
House of Scotland Pipe Band
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
5:30 p.m.
AmeriCal Youth Model Team
International Cottages Stage
5:30 p.m.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
5:30 p.m.
Ballet Folklorico Amanecer
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
5:35 p.m.
Eva Mather – Singer
Museum of Us Quadrangle Plaza
6 p.m.
San Diego Junior Theatre
Spanish Village
6 p.m.
Juanita Franco Dance Academy
International Cottages Stage
3:30 p.m.
San Diego Civic Dance Arts
Casa del Prado Center Courtyard
6:15 p.m.
Eva Mather – Singer
Museum of Us Quadrangle Plaza
6:30 p.m.
SWITCHFOOT
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
4:45 p.m.
House of India
International Cottages Stage
4:30 p.m.
San Diego Junior Theatre
Spanish Village
6:30 p.m.
San Diego Women’s Chorus
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
6:40 p.m.
Ebenezer Scrooge
Old Globe
6 p.m.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
7 p.m.
San Diego Junior Theatre
Spanish Village
7 p.m.
San Diego Civic Dance Arts
Casa del Prado Center Courtyard
7:15 p.m.
Legendary Lion Dance Association
Plaza de Panama Stage
7:30 p.m.
Branded
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
7:30 p.m.
WINLOVE
Museum of Us Quadrangle Plaza
7:30 p.m.
San Diego Junior Theatre
Spanish Village
8 p.m.
Sax Diego
Plaza de Panama Stage
8:05 p.m.
San Diego Civic Dance Arts
Casa del Prado Center Courtyard
8:15 p.m.
The Microphone Doctors
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
8:30 p.m.
Christmas Story Tree – Choir
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
8:30 p.m.
Santa Lucia Performance, House of Sweden
International Cottages Stage
8:30 p.m.
San Diego Junior Theatre
Spanish Village
8:30 p.m.
San Diego Balboa Park Puppet Guild
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre
9 p.m.
San Diego Civic Dance Arts
Casa del Prado Center Courtyard
9:15 p.m.
The RUED
Palms Stage on Recital Hall Lawn
9:30 p.m.
Brendan Prout Band
Plaza de Panama Stage
9:35 p.m.
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