December Nights

• No Food
• No Drinks
• No Strollers

Kick off the holiday season with December Nights at Comic-Con Museum featuring a holiday-themed Paint & Take miniatures activity in the Museum lobby. This painting activity is fun and free! Painting supplies and one miniature figure per person will be provided. Supplies are limited. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. For ages 5+, painting sessions are approximately 15–30 minutes.

EVENT HOURS

While our exhibits will be closed during December Nights, our Museum Gift Shop will be open for holiday shopping and more fun holiday-themed surprises.

Join us for the ICA’s annual Ceramics Sale inside our gallery surrounded by the NextGen 2025 exhibition. From delicate vases to intricately designed mugs and plates, our collection showcases a variety of styles and techniques. Whether you’re drawn to earthy tones and rustic textures or vibrant, modern designs, there’s something here to adorn every space.

• Free exhibition access
• ICA is dedicating the gallery to selling ceramics and ICA merchandise, no food and beverage for sale.
• Stock up on this year’s holiday gifts, or just find a treasure for yourself, ceramics include functional pottery, jewelry, and sculpture designed by local artists from the ICA’s Ceramics Studio.
• Other gift ideas include discounts on classes/camps, ICA Membership, and art class gift cards. 10% off camps and classes during December Nights weekend.
• Debit or credit card sales only.
• Restroom closed to the public.
• The ICA gallery is accessible by elevator.
• Please note: The ICA San Diego will be closed from 12-5pm and only open in the evening from 5-9pm. The ICA San Diego is free all year long, so if you miss us at December Nights, come back Thursday-Sunday from 12-5pm.
• The ICA will be open 12-5 on Sunday, December 7.
• For more information, please visit Balboa Park’s December Nights website.

The Museum is closed during the day, but open and free to the public from 5:00–9:00 p.m. Enjoy the Museum at night as we celebrate December Nights in Balboa Park. Last entry into the Museum is at 8:45 p.m.

Please note, the Eduardo Chillida virtual reality experience will be closed during December Nights.

This December 6th, WorldBeat Center’s San Diego Taiko group will be participating in the annual December Nights weekend celebration.  Join us for a heart-pounding celebration of rhythm, culture, and community.

Catch their electrifying live performance at the Spanish Village Stage on Saturday, December 6, 2025  from 1:30PM – 2:00PM

Since 2004, this dynamic group has brought the power of Japanese drumming statewide through vibrant performances and workshops. As WorldBeat Center’s longest-running class, they’ve inspired audiences for over 20 years. San Diego Taiko has performed at the Japanese Gardens in Balboa Park, and other festivals throughout California. They are a major influence of the Taiko Palooza, which brings several taiko groups from Southern California together for sold out concerts at the WorldBeat Center. Taiko drumming is a powerful and dynamic form of Japanese percussion, combining music, and culture.

https://www.sandiegotaiko.org/

Join us for December Nights, San Diego’s largest holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park on December 5 & 6, 2025!

This free, family-friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy all of the lights, sounds, attractions, and amazing food that Balboa Park has to offer. At the Fleet, guests can experience over 100+ interactive exhibits and discover the power of science free of cost from 3 p.m.-9 p.m. 

Check the City of San Diego’s December Nights webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding this event.

Please note that the Fleet will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on each day. The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater and the Ball Pool will be closed during the event. Admission to the galleries is free.

Visit the international cottages during December Nights for delicious foods and beverages from the many cultures represented by the HPR. Enjoy music and dance on the international cottages stage. The houses will be serving food from the cottages, from food tents or from both. Visit our International Spirit Garden for beverages from around the world. This is the HPR’s 90th anniversary in Balboa Park, so be sure to stop by and celebrate with us.

Location: 2294 Pan American Plaza, 92101, HPR Cottages, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Time (Food): Friday from 3:00 – 11:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Time (Spirit Garden): Friday from 3:00 – 10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 2:00 – 10:30 p.m.

HPR Food Menus
HPR Spirit Garden Menus
HPR Entertainment Schedule
Balboa Park December Nights Page (info on parking, etc.)

Celebrate the magic of the holidays in the heart of Balboa Park. Join us for December Nights at the San Diego Air & Space Museum and explore our world-class galleries after dark while enjoying a night filled with festive activities for all ages.

Event Highlights:

• Full bar with specialty holiday cocktails
• Live DJ both nights from 6:00–10:00 pm
• Concession stand with great food options
• Dessert vendor: Doughboii
• Fun crafts for the whole family hosted by our Education Department

Whether you’re enjoying a seasonal cocktail beneath historic aircraft or creating holiday crafts with the kids, December Nights at the San Diego Air & Space Museum is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Located in Balboa Park – don’t miss one of San Diego’s most beloved holiday traditions.

We look forward to celebrating with you.

San Diego History Center

Don’t miss The San Diego History Center’s transformation into a winter wonderland with Poinsettia! San Diego’s Connection to the World’s Favorite Holiday Flower.

Standing 18 feet tall and built from nearly 400 vibrant, living poinsettias, this spectacular tree is the heart of our holiday exhibition. Discover the rich history of this beloved winter bloom and its deep roots in San Diego while enjoying the perfect backdrop for family photos and festive memories.

Beer from AleSmith Brewing Company and a selection of wines will be available for purchase.

We look forward to seeing you this year for December Nights!