Not even uncertain and inclement weather could keep the masses away. Approximately 275,000 people from all points descended on Balboa Park over the past two days Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 to participate in the annual Balboa Park December Nights celebration.
San Diego’s largest free community festival marks the start to the holiday season with the traditional tree lighting on Friday known as The Christmas Tree Story held center stage at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion performed by Del Cerro Baptist Church.
Founded in 1978, December Nights started out as grass roots movement created by the seven museums along El Prado Way. The idea was for the museums to remain open free of charge to the public for two days occurring on the first Friday and Saturday of December and share Christmas decorations, gifts and joy. The event quickly expanded to include the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages celebrating International Christmas Festival with thirty-two countries participating selling ethnic food, traditional spirits and entertainment from around the world and is generally referred to as the major attraction of the festival.
Now in its 36th year, for many years December Nights was formerly known as Christmas on the Prado. Park officials changed the name in 2002 to encompass a wider range and include the whole park. And indeed it does. Approximately sixty vendors are spread throughout the park from far north reaches as the Spanish Village, down Village Way all the way to the Aerospace Museum to the south.
The Spanish Village, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and all the park museums were buzzing, brimming and welcoming visitors. There was certainly something for everyone as families rejoiced in the holiday spirit strolling casually along enjoying the sights, sounds, tastes and smells permeating throughout the park.
A staggering 125 performances occurred over the two days as entertainment, music and dance was performed nonstop over four different main sound stages and other venues. Musical performances could also be found in many of the museums.
Enhanced lighting was experienced throughout the park including a magnificent lightshow on the Botanical Building and the Lily Pond and the lighting of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree.
Santa and the Grinch were on hand for taking holiday family photos.
Due to the festival’s increasing popularity, December Nights changed its hours opening earlier this year. 3:00 PM on Friday and 12:00 PM on Saturday and remained in operation until 11:00 PM both nights.
Parking was limited with preferred parking lots charging $20 per vehicle at various lots around the park. Visitors were encouraged to take public transit, walk or to take a shuttle leaving from the Navy Hospital and City College parking lots.
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