A skating rink and a mobile website are among the new features at this year’s December Nights, which takes place on Friday and Saturday.
A synthetic ice rink will be placed in the Plaza de Panama across from the San Diego Museum of Art. Guests can skate from 3 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday for $9.95 per person per 15-minute session. Skaters must wear long pants and socks, be at least 5 years old and sign a waiver.
Also new this year, the San Diego Floral Association will present holiday displays and trees representing traditions from around the world at the Festival of Trees at Casa del Prado, Room 101. These include a Diwali tree, Filipino-inspired Christmas wreath, Japanese paintings, a Kwanzaa display, Latinx tree, a tree celebrating Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem and an LGBTQ+ tree from Art of Pride and painter German Rojas.
The city has also introduced a mobile-friendly website called the December Nights Mobile Experience, which is designed to help visitors navigate the two-day event from a smartphone with information about attractions, food, museums, transportation, vendors and more.
“This new mobile feature is a way for visitors to plan for their own unique experience while visiting December Nights,” Natasha Collura, the city’s executive director of special events and filming, said in a statement.
December Nights takes place Friday starting at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m. and goes until 11 p.m. each night.
The annual family-friendly event turns Balboa Park into a holiday destination with more than 1,600 performers across five stages, over 200 food and vendor booths, a family zone, and special food dishes and beverages from around the world at the House of Pacific Relations’ international cottages. Museums will also be open and free to the public during the evening hours.
Free shuttle rides to Balboa Park from various locations in downtown and free bike valet are available courtesy of San Diego Community Power. The Metropolitan Transit System will also have shuttles to and from San Diego City College.
Event organizers are asking the public to bring a pair of socks to help support a San Diego Gas & Electric sock drive to aid unhoused individuals from PATH San Diego and Dreams for Change. There will also be a photo opportunity with a mini jet from the U.S. Air Force.
For the full event schedule, along with maps and parking information, visit decembernights.org.