Clay Aiken Heads 49th December Nights

Balboa Park will host its 49th December Nights festival this winter.

The event runs Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5. City officials estimate that 350,000 people will attend over the two days. It is described as the largest free holiday festival in California.

Singer Clay Aiken will headline the entertainment lineup. He is scheduled to perform on the Organ Pavilion stage at 7:25 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. His set will feature classic Christmas songs and tracks from his recent album, Rewind. The festival will feature more than 1,600 performers across 70 groups. These acts will play on five stages throughout the park.

The park will operate with extended hours to accommodate the crowds. Friday activities run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday runs from noon to 10 p.m. More than 200 booths will sell food and retail goods. Balboa Park museums will be open to the public for free during evening hours. The International Cottages will host open houses with cultural offerings. San Diego Community Power will provide free rides on a Ferris wheel. The San Diego Museum of Art and Disney will present an art show and family activities.

The holiday season officially begins with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday. The ceremony takes place on the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage. City Council President Joe LaCava will lead the event. Emcees from KUSI News, FOX 5 San Diego, and the city leadership team will also participate. LaCava called the tradition a unique opportunity for residents to come together to start the holiday season.

Mayor Todd Gloria said the event represents the best of San Diego. He noted that the community uses the festival to share traditions and create experiences for everyone. Gloria added that the free admission helps welcome hundreds of thousands of people who might otherwise find the celebration out of reach. The city encourages attendees to use the free shuttle service to avoid traffic and limited parking.

Free shuttles will run from three locations: City College at 16th Avenue and B Street, downtown at Third Avenue and A Street, and Little Italy at Beech Street and Kettner Boulevard. Passengers can drop off and pick up at Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street in Balboa Park. The city asks attendees to take public transit or share rides. Visitors should leave non-service animals at home and keep close watch on children and valuables.