ACTIVITIES

Balboa Park is filled with holiday cheer at December Nights. We've highlighted the major Activities, Museums and Performing Arts venues, and all of the Entertainment and the Food that makes December Nights San Diego's favorite kick-off to the season.

Major Activities

Plaza de Panama

Beautiful displays will light the gorgeous Spanish Revival architecture in the Plaza de Panama's expanded entertainment area-where The Prado Holiday Spirits Lounge and Hospitality Tent operated by the Cohn Restaurant Group. Executive Chef Jeff Thurston of The Prado has created a menu that will be offered inside Spirits Lounge for adults 21 and up and also available outside for all ages. Menu items include Kobe beef burgers, crispy green beans with blue cheese dip, The Prado's famous tortilla soup, and more. The Spirits Lounge offerings include The Prado's Sangria, Eggnog and Jim Beam, Kahlua Drinks, and Svedka Vodka Cosmopolitans. The Prado Spirits Lounge and Hospitality tent will be serving from 4-10pm Friday and 3-10pm Saturday.

The Bon Temps Social Club Dance Pavilion Stage located in the Plaza de Panama features Americana sounds of the Louisiana Bayou. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

San Diego Gas & Electric, a Sempra Energy utility, covers the center of the Plaza de Panama with a dazzling and energy efficient canopy of LED holiday lights that will illuminate the Park for the entire holiday season. With a focus on energy savings and increased safety, SDG&E is once again offering free LED holiday lights in exchange for old incandescent holiday light strands. Exchange up to three light strands for an equal number of multi-colored LED holiday light strands. Please bring a valid California ID or a copy of your recent SDG&E bill to participate.

• Special this year! Receive a free Home Energy & Water Savings Kit and a reusable shopping bag! The kit includes a low-flow showerhead and three faucet aerators. http://www.sdge.com/residential/energyefficiencykit/

New to the Plaza de Panama, SeaWorld's holiday booth features a special animal meet and greet, unique photo opportunities and information about the park's Year Full of Fun seasonal events, including SeaWorld's Holiday Celebration.

Christmas on the Prado

The long-standing traditions of Christmas on the Prado-including food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the Santa Lucia procession at the Museum of Man; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist's Christmas Story Tree and more-fill the heart of Balboa Park. The historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree will be awash with merry and colorful lights, and will join the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and the California Tower as Balboa Park December Night's holiday icons.

Cascades Holiday Marketplace

The Cascades Holiday Marketplace brings crafts, foods and entertainment from around the world and is located at Fountain Plaza, adjacent to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum

Palisades Midway

The Palisades Midway is now the ultimate family zone with kid-friendly experiences and family entertainment.

Museums & Cultural Organizations

In the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. both evenings. Also enjoy musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, and San Diego Civic Dance; floral displays by the San Diego Floral Association and members; music and docent tours at The Old Globe; and puppet shows at Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre.

International Cottage Christmas Festival

The International Cottage Christmas Festival features authentic music, crafts, dance and other holiday traditions from more than 30 countries. Highlighting the Christmas Festival are food samplings from around the world, including Paella from Spain, hummus and falafel from Palestine, fried plantains from Panama, and bratwurst from Austria and Germany. Traditional holiday dance, music, and costumes can been seen on the half-hour at the Cottage Stage.

My Ancestor's Village Sponsored by Barona

The Barona Band of Mission Indians will contribute a unique cultural element to the events with My Ancestors' Village, the re-creation of a traditional Native American village within the heart of Balboa Park. Produced by the Barona Cultural Center & Museum, this tribute will bring to life the food, culture, and lifestyle that is unique Indians indigenous to the local region. New this year Storytelling and Entertainment! Enjoy traditional Native American Storytelling Friday at 6 & 8pm; Saturday at 1, 3, 5 & 7pm. The Little Hawk Dancers perform on Saturday at 2 & 4pm. Rock and gourd painting on Friday and Saturday during event hours (rocks free, gourds $2) - and free sample tastes of Indian Frybread.