San Diego listeners, if you’re wondering what to do this week, you’ve picked the perfect time to explore the city.
The big centerpiece is Balboa Park December Nights, back and brighter than ever. According to the City of San Diego, this is the city’s largest free holiday festival, taking over the entire park with lights, live music, and international food from more than 30 cultural cottages. Balboa Park and San Diego Tourism Authority both note that museums like the San Diego Museum of Art, the Fleet Science Center, the Natural History Museum, and the Air & Space Museum are opening their doors for free in the evenings, with extended hours, holiday exhibits, crafts for kids, and even specialty holiday cocktails in some spots. KPBS reports there are more than 1,600 performers across multiple stages, plus a new Apres Tavern lounge in Plaza de Panama where adults can sip seasonal drinks while watching a projected holiday light show on the Museum of Art facade.
If you’re bringing family, December Nights has a dedicated Family Zone with a Ferris wheel, DIY art projects, skateboarding demos, movie screenings of Frozen and other favorites on the lawn, and of course, a chance to say hi to Santa. The House of Pacific Relations’ International Christmas Festival adds a global flavor with traditional song and dance and a Spirit Garden serving unique holiday drinks from around the world.
Earlier in the day, you can ease into the weekend at the Little Italy Mercato. The City of San Diego’s event listing describes it as a bustling farmers market with fresh produce, local seafood, breads, pastries, coffee, and handmade goods from local artists and makers, all set along the charming streets of Little Italy. Later, Little Italy transforms again for the Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village, which the San Diego Tourism Authority says turns the neighborhood into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, giant nutcrackers, holiday vendors, live music, and a big tree lighting ceremony in Piazza della Famiglia.
If markets are your thing, the City’s calendar also highlights the Gaslamp Artisan Market downtown and the Harney Street Market in Old Town, both offering handmade art, jewelry, and gifts in walkable historic districts, perfect for picking up local holiday presents while soaking in the atmosphere.
For something a bit different, the 18th Annual San Diego Pottery Tour, covered by East County Magazine, opens seven local studios for an open-house style tour, where you can meet artists, see workspaces, and shop for one-of-a-kind ceramics. And families with younger kids can head to The New Children’s Museum, which is hosting holiday-themed art making in its Artopia space, giving little ones a hands-on creative holiday outlet.
If you’re up for a short drive, San Diego Moms highlights the Christmas Light Show Spectacular in Oceanside, where you can stroll or drive through over 10,000 synchronized lights set to music by tuning in on your car radio, makin
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