Balboa Park December Nights

Friday
December 4, 2026
4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday
December 5, 2026
Noon to 10 p.m.

December Nights is back for 2026!

Join us on December 4 and 5 for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.

Interested in participating in December Nights 2026?

Apply to Be an Entertainer
Thank you for your interest in Balboa Park December Nights 2026. The event draws more than 350,000 people over two days to Balboa Park. Entertainment is scheduled on multiple public stages and features a wide variety of community talent
Apply to Be a Food/Retail Vendor
Please note that this form is the first step in our selection process. Vendors who are selected to move forward will receive a formal application link via email. If you are not initially selected for a space, you will be placed on our waitlist for future consideration as opportunities arise.

The City has been made aware of a fraudulent online account impersonating contracted personnel and inappropriately soliciting payment to participate in the City’s annual December Nights event. All vendors interested in participating in December Nights must submit an official interest application form through a verified portal at DecemberNights.org.

After clicking “Apply to Be a Food/Retail Vendor,” vendors are directed to the correct JotForm link.

Once a vendor’s interest form is reviewed and approved, an event representative will send an official registration link directly from their verified JotForm system.
At no point does the City or its contractor request payment through Zelle, personal money transfers, or any other peer‑to‑peer platforms.

What Our Partners Are Saying

"December Nights is a cherished San Diego tradition, and it’s heartwarming to see our community come together to kick off the holiday season in beautiful Balboa Park. I want to thank those who every year help make this event so special—our dedicated City staff, sponsors and the thousands of San Diegans who attend each year."
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, Council District 3
"SDG&E invites the community to join us in supporting unsheltered San Diegans in collaboration with our nonprofit partner - PATH San Diego. By donating a new pair of socks at December Nights, we can provide warmth, comfort, and hope to those who need it most this holiday season.”
Kazeem Omidiji, Director of Community Relations, San Diego Gas & Electric
"We're excited to introduce Throne's smart, clean bathrooms at December Nights as we explore partnering with San Diego to meaningfully expand access to bathrooms and create a more welcoming, accessible city for everyone."
Jessica Heinzelman, Co-founder & COO
"XEWT Channel 12, your Local Spanish TV Station, and Energy Communications Corp. their exclusive representative in the US, have been supporting December Nights for over 20 years. It’s wonderful to bring happiness and the spirit of the season to our community; and this year, we invite everyone to stop by the “Canal 12” booth to meet TEBEO, the adorable mascot, and participate in our activities for a chance to win prizes, even family-pack tickets to Disneyland. Let’s celebrate together at Balboa Park December Nights."
XEWT Channel 12
"We’re thrilled to be participating in December Nights for the first time, where we can share the wonders of the ocean and highlight SeaWorld's commitment to marine animal rescue. Through engaging educational presentations on the Palm Stage presented by SeaWorld San Diego, to fun family activities and festive photo moments with our SeaWorld Rescue truck decked out for the holidays, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for the ocean and its amazing creatures. It’s an honor to be part of this special community event, and we look forward to educating guests about our rescue efforts and conservation work while celebrating the holiday season together."
Tyler Carter, President of SeaWorld San Diego

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Balboa Park December Nights

December Nights is back for 2026!

Bring holiday cheer and a new pair of socks to this year’s December Nights!

Interested in participating in December Nights 2026?

Thank you to our 2025 Balboa Park December Nights Sponsors!

What Our Partners Are Saying

Balboa Park December Nights

Free Wi-Fi!

December Nights is back for 2026!

Bring holiday cheer and a new pair of socks to this year’s December Nights!

Interested in participating in December Nights 2026?

Thank you to our 2025 Balboa Park December Nights Sponsors!

What Our Partners Are Saying