This Weekend! - December Nights at Balboa Park

Birdrock Coffee Vendor at December Nights

Whether you drive in or use San Diego's public transportation, be prepared for the crowds! But trust me, it will all be worth it!

Where is the Best Place to Park?

I'll be honest and say that parking for December Nights can be quite challenging. There are a few free spots in the lots at the San Diego Zoo and City College. All other lots are paid parking ranging from $25-45. You can check out a complete parking list on the event page.

My local tip – park a bit further out and walk in. I always take this approach with my family as it gives us the chance to take in the lights and music from afar before we're right in the middle of the action!

Is There Handicapped Accessible Parking Nearby?

If you need a handicapped parking spot, know that they will be available spots in paid lots at the Fleet Science Center and Natural History Museum.

My Public Transportation Suggestions

If you don't want to worry about parking, you can take the FRED Shuttle from Downtown San Diego or the MTS Bus which has many stops along Park Boulevard.

The San Diego Trolley is another option the most savvy locals know to take. Just get off at the City College transit hub and you'll be less than a mile away.

And one last smart option for you, don't forget about considering a San Diego rideshare which can pick you up or drop you off right near the action!

California Tower During December Nights in Balboa Park

With the big holiday event in just a few days, here are a few more things I think would be good to know before you go!

Event Map

There is an event map on the official site that was just released a few days ago.

It has a handy QR code you can use to see daily shows and schedule info. I would definitely suggest using this so you have the last minute 2025 information at your fingertips directly from the organizers.

Looking for Even More December Nights 2025 Information?

We wrote a full length guide about the 2025 edition of Balboa Park December Nights holiday event where we went into more detail about everything from the main events to the how to get there and parking, plus we shared more answers to FAQs and gave even more local tips to help our readers.

So if you want to learn more about this incredibly festive San Diego holiday event, be sure to check that article out!

Don't Forget to…

• Attend when the sun goes down for the best views of all the lights.
• Leave pets at home due to the large crowds (service animals are always welcome).
• Wear comfy shoes so you can do plenty of walking.
• Dress in layers for the cool evening San Diego fall weather.
• Check event social media pages for the latest info. A mobile version of the site will be up close to the event as well.

Hey last but not least, gather your friends and family and go have lots of holiday fun! Balboa Park December Nights is a uniquely San Diego event that will surely get you into the holiday spirit.