By Ashley Mackin | SDUN Editor

The “most wonderful time of the year” begins the holiday season with December Nights in Balboa Park. December Nights starts Dec. 2 from 5 – 10 p.m. and runs through Dec. 3 from noon – 10 p.m.

Alan Kidd, President of the San Diego Hall of Champions and co-producer of the event, said, “Balboa Park December Nights began as a way for San Diegans to celebrate the holiday season and has evolved into San Diego’s favorite community festival. There’s entertainment and food from countries all over the world and plenty of holiday cheer.”

Some of the long-standing traditions include the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California, shopping at the museum stores and the Spanish Village and musical and dance presentations.

Carolyn Wormser, Director of Special Events for the City of San Diego, said, “Every year, the event? showcases traditional favorites and adds new holiday surprises. For? example, this year, one of the new traditions is the lighting of the Lily Pond and Botanical Building.”

The International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages will feature international foods, including empanadas, egg rolls, baklava, paella and pie. The Prado Pub at the Square will feature a special drink for the occasion for those 21 and older, as well as garlic fries and fried green beans for visitors of all ages.

“Of course we will have all of the traditional favorites: the food at the International Cottages, the entertainment throughout the Park [and] the sparkling lights,” Wormser said, “and we will have some fun new activities like the interactive QR [Quick Response] code tour, where QR codes will be placed at various Balboa Park locations to highlight historical aspects of Balboa Park December Nights.”

The SDG&E Light Canopy will cover the Plaza de Panama with more than 20,000 lights for the celebration that will remain in Balboa Park throughout December. There will also be opportunities for holiday photos with Santa Claus, the Grinch from the Old Globe’s holiday production and the Community Christmas Tree. Participating Balboa Park museums will offer free admittance from 5 – 9 p.m. both evenings.

Kidd said, “Balboa Park December Nights is more than just a holiday celebration, it’s also a celebration of the history of Balboa Park and of our City. It’s wonderful that every year more than 300,000 San Diegans gather to celebrate both our past and our future.”

Organizers of December Nights encourage participants to check the website to plan the visit in advance or visit the information booths throughout the Park, as printed maps will not be available at the event. Additionally, there is an iPhone app for a complete listing of December Nights activities.

December Nights organizers also encourage participants to use public transportation to prevent traffic congestion. A free shuttle will be available at City College downtown and the Little Italy Blue Line Station.

Wormser said, “Generations of San Diegans have ?enjoyed the event for the past 34 years, and we look forward to creating fond memories for future generations.”

For more information, visit balboapark.org/decembernights