San Diego's favorite holiday kick-off event, December Nights, returns to Balboa Park. It's a holiday party for the whole county and it's all free.
Close to 100,000 people are expected to stroll the park, enjoy the lights, sip cocoa and listen to carols.
At the center of it all will be San Diego's Christmas tree in the park. Our city's unofficial "official" Christmas tree is really something Charlie Brown would understand and take pity on.
This year you can also skate on the rink or turn in a string of holiday lights for a free newer LED version.
Be sure to grab a coat, put on some comfortable walking shoes and print out a map of the festival. Leave the car far away from the park and take advantage of the free shuttle service. Coming from some old pros at this celebration, it's better to cram into a free shuttle than sit with your annoyed spouse in gridlock.
One of the fun spots of the festival is the train museum so be sure to get the kids there before it closes.
We want to see what fun you had so remember to send your images and video of December Nights to isee@nbcsandiego.com!
