BALBOA PARK - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

December Nights in Balboa Park kicks off the holiday season with a two-day festival that features food, lights and lots of holiday cheer.  It is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and bigger than ever.  Delicious food, tons of lights and plenty of sights and sounds to experience are what makes this FREE event one not to miss.

GETTING TO DECEMBER NIGHTS IN BALBOA PARK

This event is bigger each year and 2017 was no exception.  Even though I would highly recommend using Lyft (event sponsor) or Uber or another ride share resource, I decided to brave the traffic.  The 350,000+ people that attended the event made finding parking tough.  Most of the lots, if they have availability, around the park charge $20 to park.  I was able to find a spot near the Air & Space Museum and that made it a quick walk into the event.  Be patient and don't be in a hurry as I spent at least an hour finding a spot.

ARTISTS OF DECEMBER NIGHTS

There are many stages located around the park with numerous types of performances.  I was able to see some small local bands perform as well as a dancing school putting on a performance in one of the courtyards.  My favorite performance was on the main stage at the end of the night.  The stage was filled with a choir and an orchestra performing Christmas carols.  There are so many sights and sounds to take in, make sure you have a plan.

FOOD FROM AROUND THE WORLD

In addition to all of your regular fair foods, each of the countries has a booth serving dishes from their culture.  From the popular to the obscure, there is something for everyone to try.  One of my favorites was something called Dragon's Breathe.  It is corn puffs frozen in liquid nitrogen and served cold.  As you eat them, you can blow vapor out of your mouth, resembling a dragon.

Even if you may have missed December Nights 2017, there is always next year.  I would make sure to mark your calendars now so that you don't forget.  If you made it to the event, I would love to hear what you think.  Either leave a comment down below or visit me on Instagram.  As always, stay tuned to see what adventure I'm off to next time...