Places I've Been: December Nights is December 7-8

Next weekend marks the start of the San Diego Holiday Season (in my humble opinion). Balboa Park's December nights (presented by Barona) is a combination of all those cozy Holiday feelings you get when you watch a movie like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (or, you know, spending time with your family or something). Not only are they're vendors, artists, choirs, little children singing, stage acts, food, food, food, but the Museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 - 9:00pm BOTH evenings.

It's crowded, so plan on searching for parking, driving around and eventually parking about as far away as you ever imagined you would to get to Balboa Park. You might get lucky in the Zoo parking lot, but don't be afraid to head to the Navy Hospital just down the street and jump on the shuttle. Also prepare for the crowds, most gather around the carnival rides, but there are people every where you go. Get yourself some hot chocolate and kettle corn and settle in for a slow, meandering stroll around the park.

The main stage features acts from square dancing classes to budding ballet stars to accordion players and bands. And the smells of the food reaches all over the event, from the typical (corn dogs, popcorn) to the interesting (ethnic, hot, warm, yummy).

It's Christmas all over, there's no way you can resist the season. From people actually wearing a hat, scarf and gloves to others smiling and sharing kisses or hugs.

Since it's sponsored by Barona there is also "My Ancestor's Village" which features a display of local Native American history and culture.

Stop on by The Artist's Village and check out local art work, Santa Claus, some music and a ton of Christmas lights.

It is the start of something warm and fuzzy and IT'S FREE.

Speaking of Parading Your Holiday Booty Off

You can check out the La Jolla Christmas Parade AND Holiday Festival this weekend as well.

Sunday December 2, 2007

On Sunday, December 2, La Jolla's Holiday Festival will celebrate the season with all sorts of family entertainment. Silverado Street is the venue for the YMCA Crafts Faire 9 am-4 pm
Herschel Avenue Stage will host singers, dancers and athletes from La Jolla and Miramar areas9 am-1:30 pm The La Jolla Christmas Parade -- Begins Girard Avenue in downtown La Jolla and finishes at Prospect and Silverado. 1:30 pm The 2007 theme is "Legends of the Season" and the parade will include floats, marching bands and equestrians.

I just got done putting up a million billion white Christmas lights in the lame attempt to go all Clark Griswold on my neighborhood. And then half of them blew out (seriously), back to the drawing board tomorrow... WOO for upcoming Holiday Events.

I keep seeing this fruitcake chucking thing all over the damn place

Never heard of it, but apparently it's coming up so brace yourselves and keep your eyes open for any stray fruit cakes. From Canadian Press:

In California on Dec. 2, the Fruitcake Chuck-n-Hurl takes place in San Diego, where locals will toss their cakes into trash cans to raise money for charity. It's part of Deck the Palms, a warm-weather holiday celebration at Seaport Village, part of the San Diego waterfront, that includes a Santa with a surfboard, sand sculptures and decorations on palm trees instead of evergreens.

Some more information via the Seaport Village Website:

All monetary donations plus proceeds from the Fruitcake Chuck-n-Hurl will benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation and its efforts to break the cycle of child abuse, through prevention, education, advocacy and funding. For more information on the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, visit www.capfsd.org.

The Fruit Cake Chuck is part of the annual Deck The Palms, and event that celebrates the holidays "San Diego Style."

Deck the Palms will also feature an award-winning sand sculptor team creating an exclusive scene with SoCal Santa and his elves, and a professional chalk artist, who will not only create her own piece but help participants add drawings too. And in this year's craft corner, kids will again get to decorate sand dollar ornaments as well as participate in new San Diego-style crafts including sun paper art and candle decorating. Festive lights and decorations, along with more live upbeat holiday music and entertainment will spice up the ambiance at Seaport. Deck the Palms runs Sunday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Organizers expect Santa to arrive with a splash around noon, and he will be available for photos (not supplied by Seaport Village) until 4 p.m. All shops, restaurants and eateries will be open for holiday shopping and dining from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.