This family-friendly event brings together thousands of people to enjoy dazzling lights, live music, attractions, and of course, an amazing selection of food. In addition, the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be accompanied by carols and festive performances.

You might also be interested in its Spanish version: December Nights regresa a San Diego

How to Get to December Nights: 

As one of San Diego’s most popular events, “December Nights” draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, resulting in significant traffic impacts. To make your trip easier, consider alternative transportation options such as biking, public transit, free parking with shuttle service, and more. Explore all the available options and get ready for an unforgettable experience!  

Here are some recommendations before attending:

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR. Please remember to respect our park neighbors — keep noise to a minimum, dispose of your trash and recyclables, practice good parking etiquette and remember, if you see something, say something!

LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME. The event welcomes those who require a trained service animal to assist them. For those animals not specifically trained to work in a dynamic, crowded and unpredictable environment, you will be putting your pet in a potentially hazardous and frightening situation. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to not bring your pet to the event.

BIKE, TROLLEY, CARPOOL OR RIDESHARE TO THE EVENT. Traffic can be difficult during December Nights, and there are many alternative ways to get to the event. There are free bike valets at the event, and bike lanes leading into the park; a free event shuttle stops at City College, 3rd and A Streets, and Beech St. at Kettner Blvd. to support offsite parking, trolley and bus riders; ridesharing will be difficult on Park Blvd. due to traffic congestion, so both sides of Sixth Avenue near the Cabrillo Bridge are dedicated drop-off and pick-up locations. For more information on shuttle locations and transportation options, visit the Getting to December Nights page for the complete guide to all transportation options. PARKING. Pack your patience – Park Blvd. will be crowded, and parking lots within Balboa Park and limited and fill up quickly. If you choose to drive into the park, limited free parking is available at the San Diego Zoo and City College (serviced with a free shuttle), and convenient paid parking is available in Lot A at Inspiration Point, Lot B on Presidents Way, at Roosevelt Middle School, and at San Diego High School. See your parking options.

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Parking for people with disabilities is available off Park Blvd at the Fleet Science Center on Space Theater Way, and at the Natural History Museum on Village Place. Learn more about these options on the Parking page. There are also tips for access to a variety of experiences on the Tips for People with Disabilities page.

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. You will be walking on concrete sidewalks, grass, dirt and asphalt. There may be some uneven ground, and 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 towards your comfort.

SAFETY FIRST. Strike a pose and snap a photo of everyone in your group and choose a meeting place in case you become separated. Take a picture of where you parked your car (especially in offsite areas) to help you find your way back.

RECYCLE. The City is providing trash, recycling, and organic waste containers throughout the event area. We need you to help us keep Balboa Park beautiful and ecologically responsible.