December Nights 2011 – Free, Family Friendly Festival in Balboa Park
November 30th, 2011
December 2 & 3, 2011 – Free Community Festival & Free Museum Admission
San Diego’s favorite kick-off to the holiday season, December Nights 2011 takes places this year on Friday, December 2, 2011 and Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Balboa Park. Celebrating its 34th consecutive year, this 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.”
The more than 300,000 visitors who are expected to attend San Diego’s largest free community festival can look forward to a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and 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 International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages, the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California, unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village, musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
And once again this year, in the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums will open their doors to the public free of charge from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm both evenings.
With so much to do and see, be sure to arrive early and plan to stay late – this one of a kind free event is a family favorite and should not be missed!
Parking During December Nights 2011 –
Wondering where to park when attending December Nights in Balboa Park?
Park for free at the Zoo Parking Lot in Balboa Park, the County Administration Building North Lot (1600 Pacific Highway, at the corner of Grape Street) or the City College Parking Lots (between 16th and B Streets) and take a free shuttle to the Event. Or, you can park at one of 2,000 parking spots at Petco Park’s Tailgate Park (Imperial Avenue and 13th Street) for $3.00 per vehicle and take a free shuttle to the Event.
The December Nights Free Shuttle runs on Friday from 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm and on Saturday from noon until 11:00 pm in all locations. The last shuttle leaves all sites at 8:45 pm and the last shuttle from the Park is at 10:45 pm.
Other Parking Options:
Only the Zoo Lot will be available for free parking. Historically, this lot will be filled by 6:00 pm on Friday and by 4:00 pm on Saturday. If you plan on arriving after these times, you should:
- Look for parking on the West side (6th Avenue side);
- Go directly to the shuttle stops; or
- Take public transportation.
All of the other lots along Park Boulevard are designated as follows:
- $20.00 Preferred Parking – on the East side of the Park (at Park Boulevard and Village Place adjacent to the Cascades Holiday Marketplace and the San Diego Natural History Museum)
- $10.00 Parking – in the Inspiration Point parking lot at Park Boulevard and President’s Way.
- Handicap Designated Parking - available at: Park Boulevard and Space Theatre Way; Park Boulevard and President’s Way; and, Laurel Street and Balboa Drive. These areas have limited space, so plan on arriving early. Vehicles entering these areas must have a valid placard and identification card. Handicap parking is also available in the Zoo Lot.
- By permit only – spots designated for event permit holders only.
Balboa Park’s December Nights 2011 takes place on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday, December 3, 2011 from noon to 10:00 pm. Admission to this family friendly event is free. Free admission to the Balboa Park Museums is offered on both nights from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Enjoy, San Diego!
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