December Nights is back: a free two-day festival in Balboa Park, Dec 4 and 5
Posted November 11, 2026
December Nights, the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, is set for Friday, December 4, from 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, December 5, from noon to 10 p.m. It is free to attend, and it fills Balboa Park with lights, stages, food, and vendors.
Several museums also open free in the evening, with their own hours. The Japanese Friendship Garden’s Upper Garden is free from 3 to 9 p.m. The San Diego Museum of Art is closed during the day, then free from 5 to 9 p.m., last entry 8:45 p.m. Mingei has free gallery admission from 5 to 9 p.m. The Fleet Science Center is free from 3 to 9 p.m., but closed 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and its IMAX theater, ball pool, and cafe will be closed. The Museum of Us is closed during the day and free from 5 to 9 p.m.
Check the source for terms. Offers are set by the business and can change or end early, so confirm the details on the official page before you go. Diego Deals isn't paid for this post.
Surf Day collection
Change, lock up, paddle out.
