San Diego, December 5, 2025
San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, December Nights, is returning to Balboa Park. Scheduled for December 5 and 6, the festival features numerous family-friendly activities, live performances, and over 200 food and retail vendors. With an estimated attendance of 350,000 visitors, this cherished tradition encourages community engagement and supports local businesses. Festivities kick off with an annual tree-lighting ceremony, showcasing San Diego’s vibrant spirit during the holiday season.
San Diego, CA
December Nights Returns to Balboa Park
San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, December Nights, is set to return to Balboa Park on December 5 and 6, 2025. The event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, live performances, and diverse food offerings, drawing an estimated 350,000 visitors. This annual celebration has been a cherished tradition for nearly five decades, bringing together families, neighbors, and visitors to share in the season’s joy.
Key Highlights of December Nights 2025
The 2025 edition of December Nights promises an exciting array of activities that highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of San Diego’s local vendors and performers. Celebrating small businesses, over 200 food and retail vendors will provide global flavors and unique handcrafted gifts. This commitment to local entrepreneurship not only enriches the community but also showcases the resilience and creativity of San Diego’s small business sector.
- Musical Performances: Over 1,600 performers from 70 groups will showcase their talents across five stages.
- Food and Retail Vendors: More than 200 vendors will offer global flavors and handcrafted gifts.
- Museum Access: Many museums will open their doors for free during the evening hours.
- Special Attractions: The Après Tavern, an adults-only holiday lounge, will offer craft cocktails and pub-style games. Additionally, a holiday light show will be projected onto the San Diego Museum of Art.
Event Schedule
December Nights will officially kick-off with a ceremonial tree lighting on Friday evening, fostering a sense of community and holiday cheer. The festival schedule is as follows:
- Friday, December 5: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The festivities will officially begin on Friday at 6 p.m. with the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, led by Mayor Todd Gloria and City Council President Joe LaCava.
Additional Holiday Events in San Diego
In addition to December Nights, several other holiday events in San Diego highlight the region’s vibrant community and commitment to celebrating the season:
- Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo: December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026. The zoo will be aglow with holiday decorations, music, and special food items.
- Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026. An immersive experience featuring over one million twinkling lights.
- Holidays at LEGOLAND: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026. The park will be bursting with holiday cheer and festive décor.
For more information on these events and other holiday festivities in San Diego, visit the official San Diego tourism website.
Conclusion
As we look forward to December Nights 2025, it is clear that San Diego’s rich tradition of community celebration continues to thrive. With local entrepreneurs playing a vital role in revitalizing public gatherings, the festival not only serves as entertainment but as an opportunity to support small businesses and stimulate economic growth throughout the region. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate in the festivities, embrace the holiday spirit, and cherish the unique offerings that San Diego has to offer.
FAQ
What is December Nights?
December Nights is San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, returning to Balboa Park on December 5 and 6, 2025. The event features family-friendly activities, live performances, and diverse food offerings, drawing an estimated 350,000 visitors. This annual celebration has been a cherished tradition for nearly five decades, bringing together families, neighbors, and visitors to share in the season’s joy.
What are the key highlights of December Nights 2025?
Key highlights of December Nights 2025 include:
- Musical Performances: Over 1,600 performers from 70 groups will showcase their talents across five stages.
- Food and Retail Vendors: More than 200 vendors will offer global flavors and handcrafted gifts.
- Museum Access: Many museums will open their doors for free during the evening hours.
- Special Attractions: The Après Tavern, an adults-only holiday lounge, will offer craft cocktails and pub-style games. Additionally, a holiday light show will be projected onto the San Diego Museum of Art.
What is the schedule for December Nights 2025?
The event will take place on:
- Friday, December 5: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The festivities will officially begin on Friday at 6 p.m. with the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, led by Mayor Todd Gloria and City Council President Joe LaCava.
What other holiday events are happening in San Diego?
Other holiday events in San Diego include:
- Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo: December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026. The zoo will be aglow with holiday decorations, music, and special food items.
- Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026. An immersive experience featuring over one million twinkling lights.
- Holidays at LEGOLAND: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026. The park will be bursting with holiday cheer and festive décor.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | December Nights |
| Location | Balboa Park, San Diego, CA |
| Dates | December 5 and 6, 2025 |
| Estimated Attendance | 350,000 visitors |
| Highlights | Musical performances, food and retail vendors, museum access, special attractions |
| Special Attractions | Après Tavern, holiday light show projected onto the San Diego Museum of Art |
| Event Schedule | Friday, December 5: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, December 6: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Official Opening | Friday at 6 p.m. with the annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
