December Nights, Balboa Park’s largest event of the year, is a San Diego tradition signaling the beginning of the holiday season. This year’s version will be held Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 10 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 5 from noon to 10 p.m. Live entertainment will keep the spirits high as will the sparkling lights and decorations. Visitors will get a sample of what Balboa Park has to offer as many of the park’s museums will be open for free from 5 to 9 p.m. both nights. Visitors will also be able to sample a wide selection of food throughout the park. The International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages offers a variety of food from around the world, along with live music, crafts and dance performances. This year the Cohn Restaurant Group and The Prado at Balboa Park will operate the Holiday Spirit Lounge with food stations and drinks available. Santa will be appearing at Spanish Village Art Center, the Organ Pavilion, San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist and the San Diego Automotive Museum. Photo opportunities include a picture with The Grinch at The old Globe and a chance to play dress up for photos with San Diego Junior Theatre’s costume department. Here are some of the other highlights: • The Organ Pavilion stage features the Del Cerro Baptist Christmas Story Tree Friday at 7:40 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and a third performance will be held Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. this year, said park spokeswoman Debbie Petruzzelli. • The Bon Temps Social Club Dance Pavilion Stage located in the Plaza de Panama features sounds of the Louisiana Bayou. • The Santa Lucia procession at the Museum of Man. • Gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village. • Musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet and others. • Cascades Holiday Marketplace brings crafts, foods and entertainment from around the world; located at Fountain Plaza, adjacent to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum. • The Palisades Midway offers a family zone with kid-friendly experiences and family entertainment. • Puppet shows at Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre. • The Barona Band of Mission Indians will contribute a unique cultural element with My Ancestors’ Village, the re-creation of a traditional Native American village within the heart of Balboa Park. • SDG&E is offering free LED holiday lights in exchange for old incandescent holiday light strands. Exchange up to three light strands for an equal number of multi-colored LED holiday light strands. Bring a valid California ID or a copy of your recent SDG&E bill to participate. PARKING • Park off-site • Free parking lots with free shuttle: San Diego City College and San Diego County Administration Building. • Park at Petco Park for $3 per vehicle, free shuttle • Avoid SR-163 if possible QUICK FACTS • More than 20,000 LED lights in SDG&E light canopy in center of the park • More than 50 live performances • Christmas Story Tree is more than 35 feet tall and has more than 20,000 lights