Balboa Park's December Nights

December Nights is absolutely a family-friendly event that has plenty of activities for guests both young and old.

Family Having Fun at December Nights

The Family Zone and STEAM Activities

Even on Winter break, kids can still learn and play at the same time!

Head to the Family Zone at December Nights to check out educational STEAM activities and displays. These are great for younger kids, but visitors of all ages are encouraged to get in on the fun.

The Family Zone is also where your child can sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas, plus take a free photo that’s perfect for your Christmas cards.

Birdrock Coffee Vendor at December Nights

Global Delights at the International Cottages

One of the most beloved parts of December Nights is visiting the House of Pacific Relations (HPR) International Cottages. There are 33 different houses, some dating back to the 1935 exposition when this part of the park opened, and each representing a different ethnic or cultural group.

These houses are open on weekends year-round as cultural centers, but during December Nights, it’s extra special to visit because they each serve food from their country. You can tour the houses and try dishes from all over during the International Cottages Christmas festival.

This is one of my favorite parts of the event because my wife and I get to eat, and my kids get to learn a bit at the same time.

A Diverse Way to Ring in the Holidays

One thing I love about living in San Diego is its diversity of culture.

From the incredible Mexican taquerias around Old Town San Diego to the Italian restaurants that have made Little Italy famous (and which feature heavily on our list of the best things to do in the neighborhood), there’s no shortage of opportunities to familiarize yourself with cultures from all corners of the world.

This event extends to celebrating the holidays in San Diego, with Old Town’s Día de los Muertos celebrations in October and into the first few days of November being some of my favorite events of the year. Heading into the Christmas season, December Nights also brings cultural diversity to the forefront!

Celebrate Together

In addition to food, there are cultural dances and musical performances, further highlighting and celebrating unique traditions and backgrounds. You can also visit the International Spirit Garden to “drink around the world” on Friday from 5:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday from 3:00pm-10:00pm.

I actually missed out on these last year, so don’t make the same mistake! You can find them from Spreckels Organ Pavilion, just across the small street Pan American East Road. I’ve been told the food at the German house is especially tasty, so I’m looking forward to it this year.

These tips will help you focus on the fun when you attend December Nights.

December Nights Vendors

Making the Most of Your Visit

You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so I’d suggest wearing comfortable shoes and clothes.

Service animals are allowed at the event, but due to heavy crowds and lots of noise, attendees are discouraged from bringing their pets.

Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the park. They may only be purchased and consumed in designated zones, like at the Spirit Garden and Specialty Bar.

Inside the Circuit Electric Shuttles

Transportation and Parking

Parking is very limited at the event, with a few free spots in the lots at the San Diego Zoo and City College. All other lots are paid parking ranging from $25-45. These include two lots at Inspiration Point and the Federal Lot, plus the Roosevelt Middle School.

Either way, you’ll likely be waiting in long lines both entering and exiting the event. I strongly suggest skipping the hassle and using public transit, whether you catch the FRED Shuttle or take the MTS bus or trolley to the City College transit hub.

Free shuttles are provided at the San Diego City College lot, as well as from Downtown San Diego near City Hall and from Little Italy by the Green Line trolley stop.

Paid lots at the Fleet Science Center and Natural History Museum are available for people with disabilities. Parking is $25 in advance and $30 at the event.

Posing in Front of the Christmas Tree at How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe

Other Awesome Things to Do in Balboa Park

Balboa Park is one of my favorite locations in all of San Diego!

Why not visit the Balboa Park museums or the world-famous San Diego Zoo while you’re here - plus, you can swing by the Old Globe Theatre to catch a performance of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! during the holiday season.

It’s one of our most recommended areas for taking advantage of attraction and museum admission discounts through the Go City San Diego pass, especially when you use our discount code GVSD5OFF.

For a cultural experience, I’d recommend the Timken Museum of Art and for an educational experience for kids of all ages, my family loves the San Diego Museum of Us.

California Tower During December Nights in Balboa Park

A Night to Remember

December Nights is a San Diego holiday event that fosters community like few others. It’s one that I would recommend to San Diegans and out-of-towners alike. And did I mention it’s free!

When you attend, you’ll make memories for you and your family, whether you’re trying something new or kicking off a new tradition of celebrating the holidays in Balboa Park.