SAN DIEGO, CA — December Nights will return to Balboa Park on Dec. 4-5, with "American Idol" star Clay Aiken headlining the 49th annual holiday festival.
Aiken will perform Christmas classics and songs from his latest album, "Rewind," at 7:25 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
The free two-day event, billed as California's largest free holiday festival, is expected to draw about 350,000 visitors. Festivities will include more than 1,600 performers in 70 performance groups across five stages, more than 200 food and retail booths, and free evening admission to Balboa Park museums.
The celebration will also feature free Ferris wheel rides, a holiday light show, children's activities, arts and crafts, and visits with Santa.
The festival will run from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Free shuttles will operate from City College at 16th Avenue and B Street, downtown San Diego at 3rd Avenue and A Street, and Little Italy at Beech Street and Kettner Boulevard, with drop-off and pick-up at Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street in Balboa Park.
Free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at City College parking garages. Parking at Balboa Park will be limited.
For a full schedule of events, parking information and transportation options, visit DecemberNights.org.
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