5 things to know about December nights in Balboa Park this weekend

San Diego’s beloved holiday tradition, December Nights, returns to Balboa Park this weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or new to the festivities, here are five things you should know before heading to this legendary event.

1. The important details

The event will take place on Friday, December 6th, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free, but with hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, consider using public transportation and arriving early to beat the crowds.

2. What’s new for 2024?

This year’s December Nights marks the grand reopening of the Botanical Building, newly renovated following a three-year, $30 million restoration. Stop by on Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. to admire the building in all its glory

Get a bird’s-eye view of Balboa Park by taking a free Ferris wheel ride.

3. Parking and transportation tips

Parking, oh the parking. If you’ve ever tried to watch “December Nights,” you know that parking can be brutal. Plan ahead! Parking in Balboa Park is extremely limited. Instead, use the free MTS shuttle from:

• City College Parking Garages: 16th and B streets
• Downtown, near the town hall: 3rd Avenue and A Street
• Little Italy: Green Line light rail station and county parking garages at Beech Street and Kettner Boulevard.

For more information about bus stops and schedules, see the MTS “December Nights” guide. Here.

There are also two free bicycle and scooter valets at the corner of Park Boulevard and Village Place and at the west entrance of the Cabrillo Bridge. The free bike service hours are Friday, December 6th from 3pm to 9pm and Saturday, December 7th from 11am to 9pm

4. Food, performances and family fun

Enjoy a world of flavors with more than 200 food and retail stalls and sample cultural dishes at House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. There’s entertainment for all ages, from performances by more than 70 groups on six stages to screenings of “Elf” and “Home Alone” near the Comic-Con Museum.

This year, the Family Zone has been expanded to include the aforementioned Ferris wheel, arts and crafts, and visits with Santa Claus and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

From the San Diego Air & Space Museum to the Mingei International Museum, many museums in Balboa Park offer free admission at certain times during December Nights. Check out the full list and opening times Here.

5. Tips for people with disabilities

Accessible parking is available on Park Boulevard at the Fleet Science Center on Space Theater Way and the Natural History Museum on Village Place. American Sign Language interpretation will be available on the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage on Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visit Here A full list of accessible locations and participating museums can be found here.

For more winter holiday events in San Diego, visit KPBS Events Calendar.