SAN DIEGO — December Nights is one of San Diego’s largest two-day events and it’s filled with colorful lights, beautiful decorations, music, Santa and delicious food and drinks from around the world.
The holiday celebration in Balboa Park starts Friday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m. with festivities lasting until 11:00 p.m. and starts again Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
How to get to December Nights
Bus and trolley information:
From the City College transit hub you can walk or bike 1.5 miles to the event, or hop on one of the free December Nights event shuttles. The City College transit hub is serviced by the Blue and Orange trolley lines, as well as several bus routes. Click here to plan your bus or trolley trip. In addition, MTS will run shuttles between the City College transit hub and the event for free. Also free will be rides from the City College transit hub to Balboa Park on the 7 and 215 buses.
Please note: Buses that normally run southbound Park Blvd. will be redirected. For MTS Route 7 and 215 riders going to the park from Mid-City, options are to walk from Park/University, or ride the detoured Route 7 or 215 into City College, then ride back north on 7, 215, or the shuttle.
Shuttle service:
There is a free shuttle for the event and there are ADA capable shuttles as part of all shuttle services. Shuttle service includes pick up and drop off at the following locations:
- City College Parking Garages (free parking) – 16th and B Streets
- Downtown Core – 3rd Avenue at A Street
- The December Nights stop for these shuttles is located on 6th Avenue at Laurel Street.
In addition, MTS will run shuttles between the City College transit hub and the event for free. Rides from the City College transit hub to Balboa Park on the 7 and 215 buses are also free.
For return trips to the transit hub, use the bus stops on the east (northbound) side of Park Blvd.
Bikes and scooters:
If you’re cycling to December Nights, be aware that there are new bike lanes along Park Boulevard and 6th Avenue. While bikes and scooters are not allowed inside the event and will need to be parked outside of the event, there will be a free bike valet service available and a bike rack at the Cabrillo Bridge entrance on el Prado. Click here for more information.
Rideshare:
If you are taking a rideshare to the event, a location along 6th Avenue at Laurel Street is designated for drop off and pick up only.
Parking information
Free options:
- San Diego Zoo Parking Lot, Balboa Park
- Zoo Place will be exit only during the event; use Zoo Drive to access the parking lot. Recommended access - from southbound Park Blvd. to Zoo Drive. Parking is first-come, first-served. Get directions.
Paid options in Balboa Park:
- LOT A, General Paid Parking - $27.95 in advance, $30 at the event - debit/credit only, no cash. Located at Inspiration Point, the General Paid Parking lot will be open to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. We recommend accessing the lot from northbound Park Blvd. Buy parking now.
- LOT B, Preferred Paid Parking - $42.95 in advance, $45 at the event - debit/credit only, no cash. Located at the Federal Lot,, the Preferred Paid Parking lot will be open to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec.6 and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 We recommend accessing this lot from northbound Park Boulevard. Buy parking now.
- Parking for People with Disabilities - $27.95 in advance, $30 at the event - debit/credit only, no cash
For people who have state-issued disabled parking credentials, two parking lots are available at the Fleet Science Center on Space Theater Way, and at the Natural History Museum on Village Place, both of which are adjacent to the El Prado event area. Spaces are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. You must display a valid hanging placard or license plate to access the parking area. The lots will accept debit and credit cards only, no cash. - Roosevelt Middle School Parking - $30 at the event only, first-come, first-served. The Friends of Roosevelt will provide limited parking at the school for December Nights attendees. The Roosevelt parking area will be open between 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 and between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. Access lot 1 from Upas Street, and lot 2 from Park Blvd. to Zoo Drive. Proceeds from parking sales support Roosevelt Middle School. Get directions.
Paid options near the event:
- ACE Parking lots - 3rd Avenue and San Diego Civic Center Parkade. These lots are easily accessed and convenient to the downtown core, and with the nearby free event shuttle stop at 3rd Avenue and A Street you can catch a free ride to December Nights. See options and buy parking.
- San Diego High School Parking - $25 First come, first served. The San Diego High School PTSA will provide limited parking at the school for December Nights attendees. Two parking lots at SDHS will be open between 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 and between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. Access our small parking lot from Park Blvd., or our main parking lot from 16th Street. Proceeds from parking sales support SDHS Athletics and School Clubs.
City College parking garages (nearby, serviced by free December Nights Event Shuttle)
Access free parking at one of three City College parking garages. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Find the parking garages here:
- 16th Street and Russ Blvd. (Enter on 16th Street)
- 16th Street and Broadway (Enter on 16th Street)
- 17th Street and C Street (Enter on 17th Street)
Prepare for the terrain & weather
You will walk on concrete sidewalks, grass, dirt, and asphalt. There may be some uneven ground; caution is recommended.
Dress in layers. Though San Diego winters are usually mild, the ability to add or subtract a layer will go a long way toward your comfort.
Click here for the latest San Diego County forecast.
Food and spirit gardens
There are many options for food and 21+ drinks, including a Holiday Cheer Garden and the International Spirits Garden. There will be more than 200 food and retail vendors throughout the event. Click here for more information.
More event information
December Nights will also have the opportunity to meet Santa, listen to live music, visit Balboa Park's Museums and more.. For a complete look, click here.