December Nights in Balboa Park

San Diego’s Largest Free Holiday Festival in Balboa Park, CA

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When?

Friday, December 4, 2026
4 PM – 10 PM

Saturday, December 5, 2026
12 PM – 10 PM

Every year
First weekend of December

Free Entry

About December Nights

December Nights is the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, drawing more than 350,000 visitors to Balboa Park over two evenings. The park’s Spanish Colonial Revival buildings glow with holiday lights, several outdoor stages host music and dance performances, and food booths along El Prado serve treats inspired by cuisines from around the world.

For art lovers it is a wonderful way to experience Balboa Park’s museums, galleries and the artist studios of Spanish Village in a festive setting, as many venues around the park join the celebration with evening hours and special programming; check each venue’s website for details. Parking inside the park is very limited during the festival, so plan to use the City’s shuttles from nearby lots or public transit. Bring a pair of new socks for the annual sock drive benefiting PATH San Diego.

December Nights in Balboa Park, San Diego

Recurring Art Walks & Events in San Diego County

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Art-in-the-Park
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December Nights
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Holiday Festival
Dec 4 – 5, 2026
First Friday Open Studios
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Contemporary Art Fair
Next: October 2027 (TBA)
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