Balboa Park December Nights
Getting There
Transportation
There’s no holiday stress here. You’ll get to December Nights in good cheer using one of these methods:
All aboard, the free shuttle will pick-up and drop-off downtown at Ash St. between 5th and 6th Ave only. Sorry, no pets allowed with the exception of service animals.
There is no shuttle service from City College.
Hours of Operation
Friday, Dec. 6
3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7
11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Last shuttle to the park leaves at 8:30 p.m. on both nights.
The Metropolitan Transit System will provide nearby service to December Nights via MTS Trolley to 5th and C for service on Routes 3 or 120 to Laurel Street or various MTS bus services to Park and University Avenue. Routes 7 and 215 will bypass Park Blvd during the event, therefore, MTS will not provide direct bus service along Park Blvd from City College to Hillcrest. For more information, visit www.sdmts.com.
If you prefer to be dropped off and avoid parking altogether, the RideShare Zone is for you! The rideshare area for both commercial and personal rides is located along 6th Avenue. Whether you use commercial rideshare or if a family member or friend has chauffeur duty, the festivities are just a stunning stroll across the Laurel Street Bridge from this convenient drop-off area.
Scooters and bikes are fun, but not inside a crowded event. Park your wheels in the designated areas near the Laurel Street Bridge, Fig Tree, and Federal Lawn.
No dockless vehicles are allowed within the event perimeter.
Leave the car at home. It’s a short walk from the Smart Corner transit hub, Hillcrest, North Park, Little Italy and East Village. Please remember to be respectful as you stroll through the surrounding neighborhoods.
Parking
Parking in Balboa Park during December Nights is available. There is limited free parking, free ADA parking and paid vehicle parking. All other areas require a permit.
If you’re driving to December Nights, be prepared, lots fill up quickly. Limited free parking is available at the following lots.
San Diego Zoo lot
City College lot
Walk across the well-lit City College bridge to get to the big event.
There are two lots available for persons with a valid ADA placard or license plate:
Fleet Science Center lot
156 spaces
Federal lot
33 spaces
Paid parking is available at the following parking lots.
Cash and/or credit cards are accepted.
Inspiration Point parking lot
$20/space
Natural History Museum lot
$25/space
South Carousel lot
$25/space
Ace Parking lots
$5/space