The city of San Diego is buzzing with holiday cheer as December Nights rolls into Balboa Park for its 47th iteration. Kicking off the celebration is the reopening of the historic Botanical Building, which, after a three-year hiatus and a facelift worth $30 million, has thrown open its doors in time for the festive weekend. "The Botanical Building is one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks," Mayor Todd Gloria said, as highlighted by Inside SanDiego, during the announcement made alongside city and community representatives.
According to the same source, the restoration project was partially funded by an $8 million state grant and honors the heritage of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. It included structural improvements, the reconstruction of window arcades, and an array of modern interventions. Though the building reopens its doors from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, it temporarily closes again on Sunday, December 8, before resuming its regular schedule from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, excluding holidays, on Monday.
Hoodline reports that the winter festival promises to be a hive of activity with over 1,600 performers, 200 food and retail booths, and complimentary museum access in the evening. City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and Assemblymember Chris Ward are expected to participate in the ceremonial tree lighting at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion Stage, a central event of the festival set for 6 p.m. tomorrow.
Getting to December Nights may be a task with a teeming crowd expected. Still, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has provisioned free shuttles, pre-paid parking, and heightened bus services to alleviate some of the strain. Additionally, bikers can utilize a valet service, showcasing the event's nod to eco-friendly transport solutions. Hoodline also notes that the festivities extend to the Family Zone, with attractions ranging from diaper changing stations to free Ferris wheel rides to delight families and children of all ages.
Katy McDonald, president and CEO of Forever Balboa Park, the organization in charge of Phase II of the Botanical Building's enhancement efforts, spoke on the landmark's future, “A gift to the people of San Diego, the reopening of the Botanical Building is a glimpse of what can be achieved through the partnership between Forever Balboa Park and the City of San Diego,” as per Inside SanDiego. With both the celebrations and the building's reopening, it seems like San Diego is gearing up for a holiday season that mixes an appreciation for its historical pride with an eagerness for communal festive joy.
