Join us Dec. 6 and 7 in beautiful Balboa Park for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival. The family-friendly December Nights celebration brings visitors and locals together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and, of course, the amazing food.

Enjoy magical Christmas lighting displays, visit with Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday characters, and go shopping for the perfect stocking stuffers and handcrafted holiday gifts! Indulge in your holiday cravings by sipping cider and mulled wine or tasting delicious shortbread and other seasonal treats.

Inside the market, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland! Take a ride on a carousel and kids Christmas Train, walk through the wintery light displays with nightly snow fall, soak in the beautifully decorated 40-foot Christmas Tree, and listen to live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage in Gallagher Square during select nights of the market. Plus, kids can come ready to tell Santa their Christmas wish, all included in the price of admission.

Join us for Live Music on the Piazza with awesome local artists! Grab food and cocktails from our stations and enjoy it on our outdoor patio or the Piazza della Famiglia.
Order Food and drinks from select stations through online ordering!
Dog-Friendly Patio! Free to attend.

September Summer Series:

Fri 9/6: 6-9 pm Dakota Ringer

Sat 9/7: 6-9pm Blu Gruv

Fri 9/13: 6-9 pm Blaise Guld

Sat 9/14: 6-9pm Steve Antti

Sat 9/21: 6-9pm Dominic Pizarro & Band

Fri 9/27: 6-9pm Steve Antti

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is the only attraction to offer this popular day sail adventure experience aboard San Salvador, a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. These 4-hour Sailing Adventures are for people who love history and sailing. Few 21st Century people have sailed aboard a 16th Century galleon. You can become one of them. No sailing experience is required. An invaluable addition to your experience is the onboard historian who will explain how the San Salvador was sailed, navigated and defended. 

In addition to learning about the exploration of the West Coast, guests can assist the sail crew, enhancing their back-in-time experience.

Your tickets include general admission to visit the Museum fleet of ships and exhibits before your sail!