How to park at December Nights in San Diego

SAN DIEGO – December Nights is one of San Diego’s largest two-day events and is full of colorful lights, beautiful decorations, music, Santas and delicious food and drinks from around the world.

Balboa Park’s holiday festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6th, with festivities continuing until 11:00 p.m. and beginning on Saturday, December 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m

Information about buses and trolleybuses:
This is possible from the City College transport hub on foot or by bike 1.5 miles to the event or attend one of the free December evenings Shuttles. The City College transportation hub is served by the Blue and Orange trolley lines and several bus routes. Click Here to plan your bus or trolley trip. In addition, MTS will provide free shuttle service between the City College transportation hub and the event. Also free are rides on the 7 and 215 buses from the City College interchange to Balboa Park.

Please note: Buses that normally run southbound to Park Blvd. is redirected. MTS Route 7 and 215 riders traveling from Mid-City to the park have the option to walk from the park/college or take the rerouted Route 7 or 215 to City College and then take the 7 , 215 or the shuttle back north.

Shuttle service:
There is a free shuttle for the event and ADA-enabled shuttles are available as part of all shuttle services. The shuttle service includes pickup and drop-off at the following locations:

• City College Parking Garages (Free Parking) – 16th and B Streets
• Downtown Core – 3rd Avenue at A Street
• The December Nights stop for these shuttles is located on 6th Avenue at Laurel Street.

In addition, MTS will provide free shuttle service between the City College transportation hub and the event. Trips from the City College Transit Hub to Balboa Park on the 7 and 215 buses are also free.

For return trips to the interchange, use the bus stops on the east side (northbound) of Park Blvd.

Bicycles and scooters:
If you’re biking to December Nights, note that there are new bike lanes along Park Boulevard and 6th Avenue. While bicycles and scooters are not permitted inside the event and must be parked outside the event, free bicycle service and a bicycle rack are available at the Cabrillo Bridge entrance at El Prado. Click here for more information.

Carpool:
If you rideshare to the event, a location along 6th Avenue at Laurel Street will be designated for drop-off and pickup only.

• San Diego Zoo parking lot, Balboa Park
• Zoo Place will only be vacated during the event; Use Zoo Drive to get to the parking lot. Recommended access – from Park Blvd heading south. to Zoo Drive. Parking is on a first come, first served basis. Get directions.

Paid options in Balboa Park:

• LOT A, General Paid Parking – $27.95 in advance, $30 at the event – ​​debit/credit only, no cash. Located at Inspiration pointThe general pay parking lot will be open to the public on Friday, December 6th at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 7th at 9:00 a.m. We recommend accessing the parking lot via Park Blvd heading north. Buy a parking space now.
• LOT B, Preferred Paid Parking – $42.95 in advance, $45 at the event – ​​debit/credit only, no cash. Is on Federal property“The preferred paid parking lot will be open to the public on Friday, December 6th at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 7th at 9:00 a.m. We recommend accessing this parking lot via Park Boulevard heading north. Buy a parking space now.
• Parking for people with disabilities – $27.95 in advance, $30 at the event – ​​debit/credit only, no cash
  For those with a state-issued disabled parking permit, two parking spaces are available at the Fleet Science Center on Space Theater Way and the Natural History Museum on Village Place, both adjacent to the El Prado event area. Spaces are limited and the principle is first come, first served. To access the parking lot you must show a valid hang tag or license plate. The parking spaces only accept debit and credit cards, not cash.
• Roosevelt Middle School parking lot – $30 at the event only, first come, first served. The Friends of Roosevelt will provide a limited number of parking spaces at the school for December Nights attendees. The Roosevelt parking lot will be open Friday, December 6th from 3:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Access to Parking Lot 1 is from Upas Street and Parking Lot 2 is accessed from Park Blvd. to Zoo Drive. Proceeds from parking lot sales will benefit Roosevelt Middle School. Get directions.

Paid options near the event:

• ACE parking spaces – 3rd Avenue and San Diego Civic Center Parkade. These properties are easy to access and offer good connections to the city center. You can travel to December Nights for free with the nearby free event shuttle stop at 3rd Avenue and A Street. View options and purchase parking spaces.
• San Diego High School Parking – $25 First come, first served. The San Diego High School PTSA will provide limited parking at the school for December Nights attendees. Two parking lots at SDHS will be open Friday, December 6th from 3:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. You can access our small parking lot via Park Blvd. or via our main parking lot off 16th Street. Proceeds from parking lot sales benefit SDHS athletics and school clubs.

City College Parking Garages (nearby, served by free December night event Commute)
Take advantage of free parking in one of City College’s three parking garages. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. You can find the parking garages here:

• 16th Street and Russ Blvd. (Entrance on 16th Street)
• 16th Street and Broadway (entrance on 16th Street)
• 17th Street and C Street (entrance on 17th Street)

You will run on sidewalks made of concrete, grass, dirt and asphalt. The floor may be uneven. Caution is advised.

Dress in layers. Although winters in San Diego are typically mild, the ability to add or take away a layer adds significantly to your comfort.

Click here for the latest forecast for San Diego County.

There are many food options and over 21 beverage options, including a Holiday Cheer Garden and the International Spirits Garden. More than 200 food and retail vendors will be present throughout the event. Click here for more information.

December Nights also give you the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, hear live music, visit the museums in Balboa Park, and more. Click here for a full overview.