This Friday and Saturday…
Will good weather stick around this weekend as masses head to the heart of the park for the 34th annual city holiday party? December Nights will pack Balboa Park on Friday (from 5-10pm) and Saturday (from noon-10pm) for San Diego’s largest free community festival featuring complimentary admission to museums and the best people watching in Uptown. The event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year.” Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9pm both evenings. More than 300,000 visitors are expected to be part of the two-day crowd wanting to experience the joy of the holidays. Those who attend will participate in a multicultural experience, food vendors, music and entertainment from around the world. The Palisades Midway will again feature cotton candy, carnival rides and games geared for younger children.
Decorate your home for the holidays? SDG&E is once again offering no-cost LED holiday lights in exchange for your old incandescent holiday light strands. Just bring your old lights to their booth in the Plaza de Panama and exchange up to three incandescent strands for free…and get a free bag.
Revelers may also watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the House of 
Pacific Relations Cottages; the Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores & with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical & dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree and more. Entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion features local groups including the House of Scotland Pipe Band and the Sweet Adelines.
Hint: go early…with an empty bladder…and stay away from Park Boulevard and Highway 163 (which will become parking lots). The park will fill up quickly as will the side streets in Marston Hills and west of Sixth Avenue. Driving anywhere close Friday and Saturday nights will be a hassle, so leave your cars at home. Ride a bike or walk to Balboa Park if possible.
