December Nights at Balboa Park

San Diego's quintessential holiday event is back as December Nights returns for its 34th consecutive year. Taking over Balboa Park on Friday Dec. 2nd and Saturday Dec. 3rd, more than 300,000 visitors are expected to fill the space between museums and pristine park grounds, all in the spirit of the season.

As holiday joy is abundant, December Nights is encouraging families and friends, young and old to learn more about the origins and history of this timely tradition. For the tech-savvy, QR codes have been placed at various Balboa Park locations, highlighting the many historical aspects of Balboa Park December Nights. Guests can use a QR Code scanner app downloaded to their Smartphone and will have access to multimedia content about locations including the Botanical Building, the Organ Pavilion, the Old Globe Theatre, and more. Visit balboapark.org to download a QR Code Tour map.

Love is in the Air: Do you and your honey have a love story to make people swoon? If you’ve been fantasizing about the wedding of your dreams, you’re in luck this season as romance consumes the air at Balboa Park. One lucky San Diego couple has the opportunity to win the “Perfect Proposal” at this year’s December Nights. Sponsored by Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, the grand prize winner will wow his sweetheart with a $10,250 Hearts On Fire engagement ring (pictured) and the opportunity to propose on stage at the December Nights Opening Ceremony in front of thousands.

Entering your chance for a glam wedding is as easy as sharing your love story online.  If selected, the grand winner will propose to his girlfriend on the stage of the Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park right after the Mayor of San Diego lights the tree at the opening ceremony, Dec. 2nd. In front of lights and cameras, an awe-inspiring holiday engagement will take place. For all contest rules and to submit a story, visit leohamel.com/december-nights. All entries must be received by Nov. 25th.

Beyond the Leo Hamel engagement ring, the winner will also get a wedding package that includes an engagement photo shoot from Captured by Aimee, an engagement party cake from Sugarlump Cakery, teeth whitening for bride and groom from Donnelly Cosmetic and General Dentistry, and a wedding day hair styling for the bride, groom and wedding party by Jet Rhys Hair.

December Nights is one of the largest free community events in San Diego. The two days of festivities include free admission to museums and cultural attractions, international food, multi-cultural music and dance performances, Christmas carolers, bell-ringers, choirs and bands along with a variety of holiday-themed areas. The kids and adults will love gathering around for this year’s International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages and performances by San Diego Junior Theatre and San Diego Civic Youth Ballet. Participating museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9 pm both evenings. For more information, visit balboapark.org.

Discover more holiday entertainment ideas in our 2011 San Diego holiday guide