San Diego, California · December 4 to 5, 2026
Balboa Park December Nights
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Balboa Park December Nights
When is Balboa Park December Nights 2026?
Balboa Park December Nights 2026 runs December 4 to 5, 2026.
2026December 4 to 5, 2026Confirmed
2027December 3 to 4, 2027By the calendar
How the dates are set: Held on a Friday and Saturday in the first full weekend of December.
See every event in December 2026
Source: thesandiegolist.com
Balboa Park December Nights schedule
- Friday, December 4, 2026: Day one ran 4 to 10 pm.
- Saturday, December 5, 2026: Day two ran noon to 10 pm, with free performances, food, holiday lights and participating museums.
Source: thesandiegolist.com
Getting to Balboa Park December Nights
- Crowds and road closures are substantial. Use the City transportation plan when it is published.
Source: thesandiegolist.com
Tickets and cost
Free. The City of San Diego calls it its largest free holiday festival.
Source: sandiego.gov
Balboa Park December Nights: questions people ask
When is Balboa Park December Nights in 2026?
December 4 and 5, 2026. Friday runs 4 to 10 pm and Saturday noon to 10 pm.
Is December Nights in Balboa Park free?
Yes. It is the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival.
How do vendors apply for December Nights?
Vendors must submit the official interest form through the verified portal at DecemberNights.org. The City warned of a fraudulent account soliciting payment.
Sources: thesandiegolist.com, sandiego.gov
About Balboa Park December Nights
San Diego's largest free holiday festival: lights, stages, food and open museums in Balboa Park on two December nights.
Balboa Park fills with holiday lights, live performances, food and attractions on a Friday and Saturday in early December. In 2023 more than 1,600 performers took part. It is free, but crowds and road closures are substantial, so check the City's transportation plan.
Know before you go
- Crowds and road closures are substantial, so use the City transportation plan when it is published.
- Vendors apply only through the verified portal at DecemberNights.org.
- San Diego International (SAN) is the main airport, and Balboa Park is in the city.
Planning the trip
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