Well hello, December! How did you get here so fast?
To close out another beautiful year, the month of December has arrived with all the sugar and spice needed for a proper celebration. In San Diego there are tons of activities to do, both free and paid. Below is a list of my top 5 December activities I’ll be taking part in, and hope you do too!
December Nights: December 1-2
December Nights runs the first weekend of December. Lighting up Balboa Park, December Nights features free museum admission to all museums, performances by local artists and dance troups, and multicultural displays of holiday traditions. In addition, a carnival is set up towards the back corner of the park with fair food and rides. All of the Balboa Park’s international houses are open and selling treats, and concerts are taking place at the Organ Pavilion. Personally, my favorite part of December Nights is the International Spirit Garden. The garden has at least 15 countries represented, bringing their signature spirits for you to try at a reasonable price! From Spanish spiked cider, to Russian vodka hot chocolate, to tequila shots from Mexico, you will be feeling very cheerful after a visit to the International Spirit Garden. A little tip: bring cash and come early. The lines for everything at Decemeber Nights can get long, but especially for the spirit Garden; also, vendors at the spirit garden do not take cards. If you’re feeling romantic, grab your loved one and jump on the sky rail for a ride overlooking the twinkling lights of the park! There is also plenty of shopping to do, and your gifts will be unique! A few years ago I purchased a “Viking Drinking Horn” for my boyfriend! Whatever activities you choose to take part in, you’re sure to have a good time and will feel blessed to be a San Diegan at December! And if you’ve been dying to show off a new winter coat or hat, this is the perfect opportunity!
For more information: https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
The Nutcracker Ballet: Various dates/locations
Seeing The Nutcracker ballet has become a Christmas tradition for me for the past few years. I usually gather a group of girls, get dressed up and have an elegant night out at the ballet, followed by dinner and cocktails. There are many places that you can see The Nutcracker around San Diego for various price ranges. Options listed below.
California Ballet (San Diego Civic Theatre)
City Ballet (Spreckels Theatre)
San Diego Ballet (Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD)
Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: December 10th and 17th
This event is completely free and will really get you in the holiday spirit. Choose any location along San Diego’s Bay, from Shelter Island rounding out to Seaport Village and you’ll be able to see local boat owners cruising along, masts and hulls aglow. For the coziest experience, I suggest grabbing some beach chairs, blankets, and hot cocoa while watching the boats go by. Parade starts at 5pm.
For more information: http://sdparadeoflights.org/parade-schedule-route/
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Various dates/times
Unfortunately, I have never been to this event, but have been dying to go! Tickets can be a little pricey and sell out quickly, but from what I’ve heard it’s worth it! Taking place at Balboa Park’s Old Globe Theatre, Dr. Seuss’ timeless classic is retold to audiences young and old. Outside the theatre stands a beautiful Grinchy Christmas tree that Dr. Seuss would be proud of, providing a prime photo opp! My suggestion is to plan and reserve tickets as soon as possible.
For more information: https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/17-18-season/dr.-seusss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas#?startDate=2017-12-01&%3FendDate=2017-12-31
Global Winter Wonderland: Various dates in December
This event takes place at Qualcomm Stadium. It features elaborate holiday light displays from countries around the world. This event is new to me, but I have tickets and am really looking forward to it! In addition to light displays, carnival rides and snacks are also part of the fun!
For more information: http://www.globalwonderland.com/public/san-diego/index.cfm
Of course, if you’re not able to participate in these extra Christmas activities, there is plenty of festive shopping to do around San Diego. Fashion Valley Mall and Westfield UTC are decorated beautifully, and will get you in the mood for the holidays as you shop for loved ones!
The Practical Priss 