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December Nights | Balboa Park, San Diego

Friday, December 5 - Saturday, December 6

Friday-Saturday, December 5-6, 2025

Experience San Diego’s largest free holiday festival with lights, food, performances, and family activities throughout Balboa Park.
Guests can explore museums, enjoy cultural presentations, shop vendors, savor festive bites, and watch both a short version of Ice Age and a full screening of Frozen during the celebration.

Event is free.

Balboa Art Conservation Center
Create stamp art using cochineal dye inspired by the Poinsettia Tree.

Comic-Con Museum
Paint a miniature figurine to take home in a free sit-down craft.

Fleet Science Center
Explore 100+ interactive science exhibits free of charge.

Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Enjoy free access to the upper garden with crafts and festive drinks.

Marston House Museum
See the house decorated in early 20th-century holiday style.

Museum of Us
Reflect on global stories through human-experience exhibits with free admission hours.

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
Enjoy showings of Tiny Tim – A Christmas Carol Story throughout the evening.

San Diego Museum of Art
Explore galleries for free and visit food and drink offerings near Panama 66.

San Diego Air & Space Museum
Walk through a winter-themed pavilion decorated for the season.

San Diego Natural History Museum
Visit multiple exhibitions, holiday bars, and rooftop views with festive drinks.

San Diego Automotive Museum:
Take photos with Santa seated in a 1909 Harvester surrounded by holiday décor.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
See Toy Trains Through the Decades and holiday-themed galleries with Santa visits.

Mingei International Museum
Watch The Muppet Christmas Carol, make stamped gift bags, and enjoy live carols.

San Diego History Center
Celebrate local history with free evening access.

Timken Museum
View the dazzling Jewels of the Season holiday ornament collection.

San Diego Zoo
Explore festive food, gifts, Skyfari rides, and holiday activities in the Front Street area.

Village Arts Center
Visit artist studios open late for demonstrations and holiday inspiration.

World Beat Center
Experience a live taiko performance celebrating rhythm and cultural unity.

International Cottages
Enjoy global foods, drinks, and cultural performances in traditional attire.

Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego
Shop the annual ceramics sale surrounded by contemporary art.

Date & Time:

Friday, December 5 - Saturday, December 6

Venue

Balboa Park

2125 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

Disclaimer: The Kidsguide team does their best to keep event details accurate at the time of posting, but information can change without notice! Be sure to double-check with the event organizer before heading out. Kidsguide is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes on our calendar—we’re just here to help you find the fun!