This might be Santa and Mrs. Claus walking happily through Balboa Park during 2016 December Nights. At least, there’s a good chance. Right?
I went to December Nights this afternoon hoping to photograph Santa Claus. December Nights is one of the largest festivals in the United States that celebrates the holiday season, so one would suppose Old Saint Nick might drop on by. This year I headed home before dark, before the glittering Christmas lights turned on, and before the really huge crowds!
Because I left before nightfall, I missed seeing jolly Bill “Santa” Swank spreading good cheer at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Check out his book Christmas in San Diego! It’s all about the history of Christmas in our fair city. I feel very honored that Cool San Diego Sights has a bunch of photos in it!
Now, did I have any success locating the real, actual, honest-to-goodness Santa Claus this afternoon at December Nights? You be the judge!
Over 300,000 people are attending December Nights this year. Surely good old Santa Claus is present somewhere in this crowd.Look! Over there! I think I see Santa wearing sunglasses! Oops. Just a vendor selling treats during December Nights.These fun (but sadly inanimate) Santas are made of beads!You guys aren’t Santa. You can’t fool me! You’re elves from the North Pole.With so many Santa ornaments and gifts everywhere, one might conclude that Old Saint Nick is actually a very astute businessman.Oh, goodness gracious! A “fan man” Santa Claus waving his arms like a silly goof! Nothing is sacred anymore.I see the image of Kris Kringle toting a sack of presents just about everywhere. So, logically, the actual guy has to be around here somewhere.I’ve seen this Santa before. He hangs out in Balboa Park every holiday season. But his sled doesn’t actually fly. It’s all a complete fake. Impostor!Tried to fool me again! That isn’t Father Christmas! It’s Snoopy!Now if Santa Claus actually looks like this, I’d really like to meet him. That would be quite an amazing experience!Multiple possible Santas! Oh, wait. They’re all cloggers, waiting to perform at December Nights. Santa only clogs chimneys.I might not spot the actual real Santa, but this December Nights is rather fun. These folks are singing their hearts out in front of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion’s annual Christmas tree. When the lights come on at night, Balboa Park becomes a magical wonderland!If Santa had a dog, it would probably dress like this. It gets chilly up north.Perhaps this is why I haven’t positively identified the real Santa Claus. He’s probably kicking back at a San Diego beach getting some sun.I’ll just have to make do with Santa Mouse.Wait! I found him! There he is! Santa!
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Youthful members of All About Music San Diego prepare to play instrumental music at 2016 Christmas on the Prado in Balboa Park.
Early this afternoon, before the threatened rain might begin, I headed up to Balboa Park to enjoy a bit of the 3rd Annual Christmas on the Prado. This celebration of Christmas is put on by the San Diego Children’s Coalition and the San Diego Community Christmas Committee; it shouldn’t be confused with December Nights, a more diverse holiday event in Balboa Park which used to be called “Christmas on the Prado”. December Nights will take place next week.
When I arrived, the event was just getting underway and many booths were still being erected. I caught a few early performances and some of the Christmas spirit. Here are a few photos!
The San Diego Community Christmas Center’s nativity display at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is viewed by families during Christmas on the Prado.The nativity display shows scenes from the Bible concerning the birth of Christ.Shepherds are visited by an angel.Children view a scene depicting the birth of Jesus in a humble manger.A shack magically transported from the North Pole provides treats at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during Christmas on the Prado.Christmas sweets include cookies!A brightly decorated tree and traditional Christmas music inside the House of Ireland at Balboa Park’s International Cottages.A small but cheerful Christmas tree inside the House of England.Inside the House of Norway, children make tiny paper Christmas baskets to hang on a tree among ornaments.Adding color to Christmas cookies inside the House of Norway.A youth ballet company practices before they take the stage at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.A children’s group sings joyful carols and other merry songs during Christmas on the Prado.Getting a Christmas tree ready where Santa will sit in the evening, after nightfall.
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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 turkey has been recently spotted lurking in San Diego.
A turkey has been discovered lurking in San Diego! I have photographic proof!
Perhaps the bird in question is Turkey Lurkey, because the lurking bird is an especially quirky turkey whose movements are murky! I’ve spotted the funny fowl everywhere! Either that, or Thanksgiving is fast approaching!
I spied a turkey drinking coffee as I walked down a sidewalk.This turkey likes to say gobble, gobble. A bird of few words.This happy turkey dressed like a Pilgrim has taken to the sky to welcome y’all!Is this Turkey Lurkey? Because I caught this beady-eyed turkey lurking, so that would make perfect sense. Right?This sneaky bird has grabbed a grilled cheese sandwich. Save some for the hungry food court customers!A funny turkey on a shop window wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
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Getting a balloon ready for today’s Holiday Bowl “Big Bay Balloon Parade” in San Diego!
The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade kicks off this morning at 10 o’clock on Harbor Drive near the County Administration Building!
At this very moment, folks are busily inflating the many fun balloons that will be parading down the Embarcadero to the delight of thousands of onlookers.
I can’t make it to the Big Bay Balloon Parade this year because I have to work. But I did get some cool photos that you all might enjoy!
People were out early this morning filling balloons with helium in the parking lot north of the County Administration Center.A truck hauling helium. Numerous big balloons await, ready to be filled.This fun-looking one is inflating!Looks to me like Humpty Dumpty. With all that gas inside, I think he’ll bounce should he fall.A balloon has been wheeled on a platform across the parking lot, waiting its turn to be inflated.Meanwhile, on Pacific Highway next to the County Administration Building, marching bands have begun to arrive for the parade! Highland High School came all the way from Ewing, Missouri!Band members get off the bus with instruments.The balloon-filling had just begun when I walked by. Then I had to rush home to share my pics!It’s a happy Gingerbread Man rising in the blue San Diego sky!
In the newsletter, they are calling for donations to the Friends of Balboa Park Endowment Fund. One generous donor has offered to match gifts made to the endowment during 2015, up to $500,000. That means every dollar you give before the end of this year will likely be doubled.
If you’ve ever been to Balboa Park, you know how special it is. Please consider giving a donation. To do so, click here.
Over the past hundred years, countless millions of people from around the world have enjoyed visiting the park. They have experienced so much joy. Let’s make sure the next hundred years are just as wonderful.
Plaque at east end of Cabrillo Bridge. To commemorate the foresight and civic wisdom of the founders of Balboa Park this tablet is erected by the people of San Diego.View of the Natural History Museum from a point near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.History comes alive in one small section of the Casa del Prado’s fantastic facade.People enjoy the grass near the Botanical Building.Exploring life and beauty in Balboa Park’s reflecting pool.More natural beauty along Sixth Avenue, the west edge of immense Balboa Park.A view of the Alcazar Garden from above.An artistic face in a fountain by the Old Globe Theatre.The House of Charm and California Tower in silhouette as day ends.It’s the holiday season. Make a donation to the Friends of Balboa Park, and it will be an enduring gift to the entire world.
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Ordinary people from San Diego and around the world gather in Balboa Park to sing Christmas carols at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Today a special event was held in Balboa Park–at the outdoor Spreckels Organ Pavilion, to be exact. The public was invited to get up on the stage and participate in the singing of traditional Christmas carols! Along with San Diego’s world-famous organ, of course!
Carols included White Christmas, What Child Is This, Silent Night, Joy To The World, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Deck the Halls, The Twelve Days of Christmas, O Holy Night, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, Silver Bells, and many more.
Young and old sang their hearts out. Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego’s official Civic Organist, was outstanding as usual. The Spreckels Organ Society’s energetic Ross Porter dashed about the stage as he led the singing. It’s feeling a lot like Christmas!
Halfway through Sunday’s free two o’clock concert, audience members were invited onto the stage to sing along with the Spreckels Organ.A good crowd was enjoying a nice day in December, the weekend before Christmas.Lots of singers have filed onto the stage in front of the pipe organ. Now it’s time to sing lots of joyful carols like musical superstars!Dr. Carol Williams is one of the world’s finest concert organists, and a great composer. Originally from Great Britain, she now makes San Diego her home.Ross Porter leads everybody in song. What a ham!Folks at the rear of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion relax and listen. A few people check out the manger scenes left over from December Nights.Lots of people had Santa hats and festive holiday clothing. Some dogs did, too.Members of the audience head up toward the stage. It was just too much fun!Even the Spreckels Organ Society volunteers were singing along!
Santa and a happy kid enjoy a special Deck the Halls neighborhood block party in downtown San Diego!
I was walking home from the Fifth Avenue trolley station this evening when I stumbled upon downtown San Diego’s fun Deck the Halls holiday block party! I’d forgotten it was taking place today!
Lots of folks were out among bright Christmas lights, greeting one another, tasting food served up by various local eateries, and listening to holiday music provided by the San Diego Symphony. The special event, I learned, was put together by Clean and Safe, which is a service of the Downtown San Diego Partnership.
It appeared to me that everyone was having a great time!
It’s the Deck the Halls Brass Quintet performing holiday music! Good times were had by local residents and businesses on one block of B Street in San Diego’s financial district.A number of nearby restaurants were serving up yummy treats for all comers. Christmas lights lit up the night!These smiling folks told me the event was put together by Clean and Safe, a service of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Thank you guys!
A group of old-fashioned Christmas carolers in Victorian costumes brings holiday cheer to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Look what I stumbled upon yesterday during an afternoon walk through San Diego’s history-filled Old Town. Folks in Victorian costumes were roaming about, singing Christmas carols!
I learned this group is composed of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park staff and volunteers. They were having a great time spreading Christmas cheer, pausing to sing at the various museums, restaurants and shops around old San Diego’s picturesque central plaza.
I was even given a cool little book filled with Christmas carol lyrics. Thank you guys!
Merry Christmas!
Carolers smile, laugh and enjoy the day in front of a reconstructed building at Old Town San Diego’s central plaza.I was given this Caroling Lyrics Booklet. Songs include Jingle Bells, The First Noel, We Three Kings, The 12 Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls and Silent Night.The colorful group of Old Town roving carolers heads to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is decked out with festive wreaths.After entertaining some surprised diners, the group heads through the Cosmopolitan Hotel, much to the delight of one server!Singing traditional Christmas carols around the old fountain in the outdoor courtyard of Casa de Estudillo.Now the Christmas carolers are in the Wells Fargo History Museum next to the original 1867 Concord stagecoach! Several people listened outside the nearby door and applauded.A crowd gathered as Christmas carols were heard outside the Threads of the Past Living History Activity Center. One quilter joined in the public singing!Joyful, uplifting Christmas carols are sung as customers leave Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.
Everyone has a great time at the 2015 December Nights celebration in San Diego’s glorious Balboa Park!
Saturday was the second day of the December Nights holiday event in Balboa Park. (It’s 2015, and we’re coming to the end of Balboa Park’s centennial year. It has been a real blast!)
I walked around randomly and took a bunch of photos during the afternoon, while it was still light outside. This year December Nights was just as wonderful as ever! At night, the lights came on and the scene was pure magic!
Tens of thousands stream into Balboa Park from across the Cabrillo Bridge. December Nights is one of the largest holiday festivals in the United States.This nice lady in an information tent usually works at the Balboa Park Visitors Center.Folks in Santa hats enjoy dancing at the Gator by the Bay stage in the Plaza de Panama.Lots of unique Christmas gifts were out on display for purchase throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.Of course, you can buy mistletoe from this guy near the Natural History Museum!One of many fun images near the Old Globe Theatre that celebrate local author Dr. Seuss’ classic book How The Grinch Stole Christmas!Kids by the Botanical Building paint a huge community canvas during December Nights.A close-up photo of colorful holiday-themed artwork painted by creative kids!Poinsettias of many colors fill the amazing Botanical Building.Mother duck and ducklings are a bit wary of all the excited humans crowding about the reflecting pool.One of the several Santas in Balboa Park will be stationed here at the Casa del Prado once night falls.Children file onto a stage on the Casa del Prado patio. Joyful dancing could be seen here throughout the day.Another Santa Claus will be stationed here in the evening near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.Some fun holiday decorations next to an artist studio in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.Christmas presents dangle from a tree in festive Spanish Village during December Nights.Many glittery, colorful Christmas trees could be seen throughout Spanish Village.A funny Jungle Bells banner near the entrance to the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.The one and only light up cotton candy! Just wait until it’s dark!Folks are buying goodies at the cookie shack near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during December Nights.Another Santa will be seated in the colonnade at the organ pavilion, welcoming many kids.In mid-afternoon, the Peninsula Singers community choir was performing on stage beneath the giant Christmas tree.These folks enjoying a December Nights concert are dressed for the season.Deep friend bacon, cheesecake, candy bars, candy and cookies! Yikes! This stand is by the ride-filled fun zone, in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.These guys preparing food are in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden.Performers in folk costume wait behind the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages stage during December Nights in Balboa Park.Traditional costumes, holiday food from many nations and cultures, and cheerful crafts were found around the International Cottages!
Santa Claus is ready to leap from a helicopter onto the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum on San Diego Bay!
Santa has been known to make some pretty grand entrances. But this one takes the cake!
Jolly old Saint Nick paid a visit to San Diego today, and arrived by air as usual. He dropped in by parachute, landing atop an aircraft carrier!
A Toys for Tots toy drive is being held on Navy Pier next to the USS Midway Museum. Bring two new toys and you’ll receive free admission to the very popular museum. The Marines have a huge truck they need to fill up! Santa will be performing a whole bunch of parachute jumps throughout the day. Bring the kids!
Look! Here comes Santa Claus! I guess Rudolph and the other reindeer are getting lazy. Or maybe they’re just resting up for Christmas.
Old Saint Nick nimbly descends from the blue sky in order to greet the nice boys and girls of San Diego. Beats using a sooty chimney.Santa doesn’t need a tailhook when landing atop a huge aircraft carrier. Just a sturdy parachute!The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the USS Midway Museum are collecting toys today at Navy Pier. And Santa will be parachuting several more times! Just for fun!A guy checks out an ejection seat during the Toys for Tots toy drive on Navy Pier. I wonder if Santa has one of those on his sleigh?Marines collect toys to help spread holiday cheer, with downtown San Diego’s skyline in the background.Here’s smiling Santa, with Mrs. Claus! Spectacular entrance! They wished me a Merry Christmas! And the same to you!
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