CHRISTMAS IN SAN DIEGO

BALBOA PARK DURING THE HOLIDAYS

There are several things to enjoy in Balboa Park during the holiday season.  The Timken museum features an annual display of handcrafted ornaments made back in the 1930s. 

  About 500 ornaments are hung on a Christmas Tree of all shapes and sizes: made of beads, sequins and gems. The ceiling showcases more of the hanging ornaments  along with some ornaments in cases.

Outdoors in back of the organ pavilion in Balboa Park there is a display of several Nativity scenes that were made more than 70 years ago and were recently restored.  On Sunday afternoon Christmas music was played on the organ and visitors could also join in singing carols.  The nearby International Houses featured holiday cookies and treats.  Santa’s sleigh and reindeer are also on display.

During the holidays Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach is decorated with Christmas wreaths,  a tree and lights.  The pier was opened in 1927 in hopes of encouraging investors to buy  property in Pacific Beach.   The pier was repaired after  serious storm damage in 1983.  It is the only pier on the California coast to have cottages for short term rental. 

Another popular holiday activity is to see one of the 3 Nutcracker productions in San Diego.  We saw the San Diego Ballet Dance Company version that features in international cast of dancers and also spotlights San Diego School of Ballet’s children from all over the county.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is another holiday tradition by the boating community.  This year the boats were decorated to fit this year’s theme “It Began with a Roar-San Diego Zoo celebrates 100 Years.”