The annual holiday celebration begins in Balboa Park

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – San Diegans can expect a Ferris wheel and the grand reopening of the Botanical Building on December Nights Friday, the city’s biggest holiday celebration.

The free two-day event at Balboa Park begins Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The city is expecting more than 300,000 people over the two days.

“December Nights is a treasured tradition that brings San Diegans and visitors together to usher in the holiday season in the heart of our city,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This year’s event is even more special with the unveiling of the newly renovated Botanical Building. I invite everyone to join us this weekend and enjoy the Christmas lights and festivities that make this event so magical every year.”

According to the city, Phase I of the $30 million Botanical Building Project restored the building to its original design from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Work included restoration and structural improvements, redwood lath replacement, window arcade reconstruction, planter modernization, accessibility improvements, and more.

Phase II of the project, overseen by nonprofit Forever Balboa Park, will include exterior landscaping and irrigation improvements and pergola reconstruction.

The building will reopen to the public for the first time in three years on Friday at 1 p.m. before December Nights. It is also open on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m

More than 1,600 artists in 70 groups will delight on six stages throughout Balboa Park. More than 200 food, beverage and retail vendors will be spread throughout the park.

On Friday at 6 p.m., city officials will light a Christmas tree on the stage of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

“December Nights is a treasured tradition in San Diego, and it is heartwarming to see our community come together to kick off the holiday season in beautiful Balboa Park,” said Councilman Stephen Whitburn, who co-chaired the state with Rep. Chris Ward, D-San Diego will light the tree. “I want to thank those who help make this event so special each year – our dedicated city staff, sponsors and the thousands of San Diegans who attend each year.”

To facilitate travel to and from Balboa Park, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System offers free special event shuttle service between the ceremonies and City College. The dedicated shuttle service utilizes the southbound bus priority lane on Park Boulevard and serves all southbound stops between Zoo Drive and Broadway to provide a faster ride.

Additional free event shuttles take visitors from various parking lots in the city center directly to the entrance at El Prado and the Cabrillo Bridge. Cyclists can find a bike service at the west entrance of the Laurel Street Bridge and another on the east side of Village Place near the San Diego Natural History Museum parking lot.

December nights

“We are excited to once again invite visitors to one of the most unique and family-friendly events San Diego has to offer,” said Christina Chadwick, executive director of the city’s Special Events and Filming Office. “There is so much to do and see that wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors and community partners. There’s something for everyone.”

The museums will be open to the public and free of charge. The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages will be open and offering international treats during the celebrations.

For those with small children, the Family Zone features the aforementioned Ferris Wheel, sponsored by San Diego Community Power. Take photos with Santa and the Sugar Plum Fairy, watch free screenings of “Elf” and “Home Alone” on the lawn next to the Comic-Con Museum, do crafts in the Disney tent, watch skateboarding -attend demonstrations and have your face painted as part of family celebrations.

Finally, San Diego Gas & Electric is partnering with PATH on a sock drive to help the homeless.

Attendees can download the December Nights Mobile Experience, which allows them to navigate Balboa Park from a smartphone and receive information about parking, entertainment, dining and more.

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