Step inside the Steam Ferry Berkeley of the Maritime Museum of San Diego and you’ll see nautical Christmas decorations in the Model Shop!
A bright Christmas tree is ornamented with ships, boats, signal flags and lighthouses. It even appears that Santa Claus has been repairing and cleaning one model ship in the small workshop. I guess his elf helpers are busy making toys up at the North Pole!
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I spotted a Santa Claus with a beard made of white yarn at 2018 December Nights!
Another year, another wonderful December Nights in Balboa Park!
I headed across the Cabrillo Bridge at noon today, just as the second day of San Diego’s big annual holiday event got underway.
I prefer to wander through December Nights in the early afternoon. The sun is out, the air is warm, and the feeling is unhurried and carefree. I miss the magical Christmas lights after dark, but I also avoid the hectic press of huge crowds.
I’ve blogged December Nights for so many years now, I thought I’d try for a new angle in 2018 and focus on all the holiday art and crafts one can see while walking around. As usual, however, I ended up taking photos of anything fun that happened to catch my eye.
Many fun holiday crafts and decorations can be enjoyed throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.Jeff, the super cool Spanish Village Art Center historian, holds a drum and greets visitors with a huge smile!I was taking a photo of glass Christmas ornaments in Spanish Village when I got photobombed!A happy elf was lurking near one of the Spanish Village artist studios.Some of the carved wooden animals of the historic Balboa Park Carousel were wearing elf and Santa hats.I learned Santa Claus would be hanging out in front of the Starlight Bowl.I noticed The Old Globe Theatre’s gift shop was well stocked with vile, nasty Grinches, and his adorable dog Max, too!People take a break during December Nights by sitting near cheerful red poinsettias in the Botanical Building.A big Santa hangs from the Point Loma Garden Club’s candy and cookie bedecked tree, one of many fantastic Christmas trees inside the Casa del Prado.Another Christmas tree at the annual Festival of Trees was decorated by the Friends of Balboa Park with many happy dreams.The San Diego Womens Chorus sings holiday music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during 2018 December Nights.A group of children called Let’s Dance for Fun! performs at the small December Nights stage near the Botanical Building.Santa, a guest of the House of Finland, was checking his list to see if children have been naughty or nice at Balboa Park’s International Cottages.Holiday traditions and music from around the world are celebrated at the International Cottages during December Nights.The House of Sweden always has lots of Christmas crafts and fun holiday stuff on display.I headed over to the Starlight Bowl and spotted a happy snowman atop the outdoor amphitheater’s box office roof.These friendly folks with Save Starlight are looking for people to help support the restoration of a cherished San Diego performance venue, Balboa Park’s Starlight Bowl.
If you love Balboa Park, and would like to help restore the beloved Starlight Bowl, please take a moment to visit the Save Starlight website here!
I poked my nose inside the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater and noticed there’s going to be a fun Merry Christmas Show coming up!I discovered lots of holiday art, crafts and fun at another wonderful December Nights!
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You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Lots of fun holiday wreaths have appeared throughout Old Town!
A period of rainy weather is coming to San Diego, so I left home this morning earlier than usual, to enjoy a nice, long walk before the first storm arrives.
After I got off the trolley at the Old Town station, crossed Congress Street, and entered Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, my eyes began searching for holiday decorations.
My eyes were not disappointed!
More wreaths, made colorful with bits of Mexican culture, at the entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.A simple but delightful little Christmas tree near the entrance of Seeley Stable.I discovered traditional green and red wreaths at every turn as I walked about Old Town.Looks like three Christmas carolers up on the balcony of La Paloma!Old Town Trolley Tours wishes everyone Joy with their bright banners.Looks like Frosty the Snowman is hanging out with a happy friend at the Specialty Shops of Old Town Market.Poinsettias on an old-fashioned cart, and a window decorated with a wreath. A beautiful holiday display at Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.The annual Christmas tree has appeared near the flagpole at the center of Old Town’s historic plaza.Celebrating the holiday season with a little Mexican flavor in Old Town!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
A bright, happy Christmas tree has appeared inside the Donut Bar.
Many colorful Christmas trees have suddenly popped up all around downtown San Diego!
Step into the lobby of any elegant hotel or large office tower and you’re sure to be dazzled!
This morning and evening I walked through downtown searching for Christmas trees to photograph. A couple of my photos turned out a bit grainy due to dim lighting, but hopefully you get the sense of how amazingly beautiful many of these trees are!
I also got pics of some fun ornaments in shop windows!
One of the slender Christmas trees adding holiday cheer to the north entrance to the 701 B Street office building.A large Christmas tree has appeared in the lobby of the Wells Fargo building. When I dropped by in the morning it hadn’t been decorated yet.A beautiful, shining Christmas tree in the grand lobby of One America Plaza.One of several creative, very elegant Christmas trees in the lobby of The Sofia Hotel.San Diego sand dollar and disco ball ornaments inside the window of Best of Gaslamp.One of the dazzling Christmas trees in the posh lobby of the historic US Grant Hotel.A simply magnificent Christmas tree in the lobby of Symphony Towers.A gorgeous Christmas tree inside the luxurious Westgate Hotel.A snowy Christmas tree inside the west entrance of the 101 W. Broadway office building.A funny surfing Santa ornament in the window of San Diego Trading Company!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Holiday ribbons among flowers in front of a residence in Little Italy.
The holidays have ended. It’s January 2nd.
Early this morning I walked through Little Italy on my way to catch the trolley for work.
What did I see?
The holiday season is over in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Leaves are falling. Time to head back to work.A community Christmas tree is still lit, but abandoned. It stands behind a fence that surrounds the Piazza Famiglia construction site.Classic beauty is always abundant in Little Italy, no matter the season.Little Italy is famous for its restaurants and excellent dining. Even during winter, this establishment on India Street offers locally grown food.The poinsettias might be fading, but other greenery in planters along the sidewalk is bright and fresh.More lingering Christmas lights among colorful leaves.A funny sight in a shop window. The holidays are over! Now we must go back to work! Scream!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Rotary Plaza in Coronado includes several interesting features, including a clock, fountain and community Christmas tree.
During my recent walk through Coronado, I paused for a bit at Rotary Plaza to check out the old clock, pleasant fountain and community Christmas tree. I read a few plaques near each of these features and learned a little about the history of the place. I’ve never seen the very tall star pine lit at night during the holidays, but I bet it’s quite a sight!
Coronado Rotary Plaza (sometimes called Rotary Park) is located on Orange Avenue at Isabella Avenue.
A handsome Rotary International clock and peaceful bench await passersby in Coronado Rotary Park.Plaque on the Electric Time clock reads Presented to Coronado by the Rotary Club of Coronado for Rotary International’s Centennial, February 23, 2005.The bubbling Jim Vernetti Fountain in Coronado’s Rotary Plaza, dedicated 2009.A Hanukkah menorah stands in Rotary Plaza during the holiday season. (The trunk of the large Coronado star pine Christmas tree is in the background.)Walking along Orange Avenue toward Rotary Plaza and the high Coronado Rotary Club Christmas Tree, which is lit at night.In May, 1936, the Rotary Club planted this starpine for the citizens of Coronado. This tree given by Emily T. Thompson in memory of her husband Charles.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
The Dickens Carolers sing during the annual Las Posadas event in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
This afternoon I headed to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to experience the annual Las Posadas Celebration. There were many families in the park enjoying all sorts of holiday activities, gazing at beautiful decorations, and preparing to witness the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus.
Las Posadas is a Christmas tradition cherished by many Latinos and Spaniards. A candlelight procession after nightfall by members of the community symbolizes the Nativity. Angels and shepherds join along the way. Mary rides a live donkey. There is much joyful singing.
My camera is inadequate after dark. To see (and hear) tonight’s procession in Old Town, you’ll have to use your imagination.
The 67th Annual Las Posadas Celebration in Old Town celebrated a rich holiday tradition. A candlelight procession after dark reenacted the journey of Mary and Joseph in search of shelter before the birth of Jesus.As evening approaches, paper bag luminaries containing candles are placed around the central Plaza de las Armas.A big festive Christmas tree stands near the plaza’s center, beside the tall flagpole.Looking out the front door of the Casa de Estudillo at Old Town San Diego’s big Christmas tree.A shiny star-like pinata hangs in front of the Colorado House. This is where the holiday celebration would reach its joyful climax.Santa wishes everyone a Merry little Christmas inside Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.A colorful holiday wagon containing red poinsettias is parked outside Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.Kids activities during Las Posadas included making Christmas tree ornaments.This holiday wreath is decorated with spools of thread! It hangs on a door at Threads of the Past.A big wreath adds holiday cheer to the sunlit Seeley Stable Museum barn.As daylight wanes, families congregate around a campfire and roast marshmallows for s’mores.A special display inside the Robinson-Rose Visitor Center describes the life of Louis Rose, the first Jewish person to settle in San Diego.Reenacting a Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessing inside the historic Robinson-Rose Visitor Center.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
