Balboa Park December Nights is one of San Diego’s favorite holiday event and this one is the 32nd one and starts on Friday December 4, 2009 at 5-10 pm and continues on Saturday December 5th from noon to 10 pm. All museums opens their doors free of charge from 5 – 9 pm both nights. This event is the largest free community festival in San Diego and is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors.
Join the festivites and experience entertainment, holiday cheer, food from around the world, gift shopping, international choirs and musical and dans presentations. Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners, residents and visitors can use the free shuttle service that take less than 10 minutes and drops of at 6th and Laurel Street and the San Diego County Administration Building at 1600 Pacific Highway. You can also take San Diego Trolley and jump off at the City College Station, Balboa Park is just a short stroll away.
Some of the activies are listed below:
The Prado Holiday Spirits Lounge and Hospitality Tent
Executive Chef Jeff Thurston from The Prado offers a meny for adults 21 and up and also available outside for all ages. The menu includes Kobe beef burgers, crispy green beans with blue cheese dip, The Prado’s famous tortilla soup, and more. The Spirits Lounge offerings include The Prado’s Sangria, Eggnog and Jim Beam, Kahlua Drinks, and Svedka Vodka Cosmopolitans. They will be serving from 5-10pm Friday and 3-10pm Saturday.
San Diego Gas & Electric, a Sempra Energy utility
A dazzling and energy efficient canopy of LED holiday lights will illuminate the Park for the entire holiday season. With a focus on energy savings and increased safety, SDG&E is 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. This is SDG&E second time doing this, to read about their first time in Seaport Village, please visit Surfin Santa arrives to Seaport Village in the Marina District in Downtown San Diego.
The House of Pacific Relations Cottages
Visit The House of Pacific Relations Cottages for food from around the world, a long time tradition, go to Sweden for “Swedish meatballs”, Germany for “bratwurst”, Ireland for “Irish Coffee” and much much more. To see a full list of cottages to visit please click on House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
There will also be a Santa Lucia procession and the Museum of Man with traditional Swedish foods including meatballs, open-faced sandwiches, pea soup, rosettes pastries), hot chocolate and glögg (hot spiced wine). Annual Santa Lucia Procession is held at 6 and 8 pm.
The icon of December nights is the historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree that will be awash with colorful lights that you can see from Downtown San Diego and surrounding areas.
My Ancestor’s Village
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 is story telling on Friday at 6 and 8 p and on Saturday at 1, 3, 5 and 7 pm. The Little Hawk Dancers perform on Saturday at 2 and 4 pm.
The San Diego Zoo Zone featuring Santa’s Express Miniature Railroad & Skyfari
Enjoy spectacular views of Balboa Park December Nights and Downtown San Diego from the Zoo’s Skyfari Aerial Tram Ride. All tickets for the Skyfari are round trips only with no on or off privileges on the far side of the Zoo, $4. The Zoo will not be open except for access to and from the Skyfari Aerial Tram. Santa’s Express Miniature Railroad (near the Zoo exit) will take a 3 minute holiday ride, $2.
Art Studios @ Spanish Village Art Center
37 art studios and a courtyard full of regional artist display booths assure the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Handmade Christmas tree and photos with Santa on his throne. Artist-designed holiday wreaths and ornaments fundraiser sale. Kettle corn, hot cocoa and cider and live entertainment.
To see a full list of activities please click on activities.
92101 Urban Living has been a faithful visitor to the Balbo Park December Nights and it is just a great way to prepare and to get into the mood for the holiday celebrations. The Santa Lucia performance with its Swedish treats, is a big favorite!!
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