About December Nights

December Nights is San Diego’s premier kick-off to the holiday season and we will celebrate over 40 years of lights, music, dance, cultural experiences, food, and more!

Held the first Friday and Saturday each December, the event was originally founded when ten Balboa Park cultural organizations hosted the first celebration. That year, 3,000 San Diegans gathered to be a part of the occasion, and it has been a treasured event ever since.

Today, December Nights is San Diego’s largest free festival with more than 350,000 attendees. Guests enjoy entertaining performances, feast on tasty international culinary treats and experience Balboa Park museums.

We look forward to a wonderful celebration with you!

Location

Palm Stage on Recital Hall Lawn

Parking Lot Options & Parking Information

• Every effort has been made to distribute the appropriate number of parking passes for each lot. However, a parking pass DOES NOT GUARANTEE space availability. 

• Carpooling is encouraged. Due to capacity, not every single performer will have individual parking passes.

• Vehicles will be subject to ticketing and tow if trying to improperly use passes.

• I have the passes and am coordinating distribution.

Important Information for Non-Passholders

• Arrange to be dropped off at the park, along 6th Ave. at Laurel St.

• Limited free parking is available at the Zoo lot.

• Additional free parking is available San Diego City College parking garages, with a free shuttle from B St. and 16th during the event.

• General paid parking is available for $35 at Lot A - Inspiration Point; Preferred paid parking is available for $50 at Lot B - Federal lot. Save $5 and buy parking in advance at decembernights.org

• The Fleet Science Center and Natural History Museum lots are identified for ADA parking; a plate or placard is required, and the fee is $35.

• Public transit is encouraged. Visit decembernights.org for a complete list of ways to get to the event.