FREE December Nights Balboa Park Dec. 7 & 8

Friday, December 7, (3:00 - 11:00 pm) and Saturday, December 8, 2018 (noon-11:00 pm) San Diego's 41st annual free holiday festival. December Nights will kick off the holiday season this Dec. 7 and 8, 2018, and feature light displays; inspirational choirs, bands and dancers, museums and shows are free and open late! Don't miss amazing food and attractions. For more information visit: https://www.balboapark.org/december-nights

FREE San Diego Bay Parade of Lights December 9 & 16 @ 5 pm

Whether a participant or spectator, the Parade of Lights is a festive and experience for all! Free for spectators, this annual tradition features a parade of boats bedazzled in holiday lights, cruising through San Diego Bay, as fireworks fill the sky. The parade includes 80 lavishly decorated boats. There is no cost to view the parade. This year, for the 3rd time, the parade will proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators another area to view the parade.The procession will start at 5:00 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade  route. This years theme is a Tropical Island Christmas. For more informaiton visit:    https://sdparadeoflights.org/ 

Nature & Me Story Time: Winter Animals Dec.13, 10:15am 

Free with museum admission. Recommended for ages 1-5. San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park. For More information visit: www.sdnat.org.

Polar Express Family Day Dec. 15 11 am- 3 pm

Come in your favorite pajamas and watch the holiday film, The Polar Express. After the movie, kids can make a special keepsake and enjoy a visit from a special guest. Sat. Dec.15, 11 am-3 pm; movie starts at 11:30 am. Included with admission. San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Balboa Park. www.sdmrm.org.

FREE Merry Activities at Eastlake Village Marketplace Dec. 15

See Santa arrive on the Holiday Express, and have fun with face painting, balloon sculptures and musical entertainment. Sat. Dec. 15, 1-4 pm. 2275 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista. www.shopeastlakemarketplace.com.

FREE Las Posadas Old Town State Park December 15 @ 5 pm

Fiesta de Reyes invites you to enjoy the holiday spirit with festive decorations throughout the park, entertainment, and holiday experiences for the whole family during the day. At 5:00 PM, the procession will begin. Based on the story of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem, this event has been part of Old Town San Diego's celebration of Christmas for 68 years. The day's festivities will wrap up with a campfire and s'mores in the Plaza. For more information visit: http://www.parks.ca.gov/Events/Details/9996

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade Dec. 16 12 pm - 5 pm

The San Diego Union-Tribune Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade is a one of a kind experience! Pet owners and their furry, feathered, and scaled companions are invited to don their favorite costumes for this jolly promenade and pet expo on Sunday, December 16, 2018, at MLK Promenade Park, adjacent to the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (401 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101). Advanced Registration: $15 per pet | Day-of Registration: $20 per pet | Holiday Pet Market and Parade Viewing are FREE for Spectators! Register your pet now at https://www.gaslamp.org/events/pet-parade/

FREE & Cheap Beachfront Holiday Fun at Belmont Park Now until Dec. 22

Come see Belmont Park’s first annual holiday celebration featuring Santa Saturdays – a free photo op with Santa from 1-4pm every Saturday through Dec. 22. Plus, help spread the holiday cheer by donating one unwrapped, new toy ($5 minimum) from Dec.1-16 and get one free ride in exchange. Visit www.belmontpark.com for special December park hours.

FREE Grossmont Center’s HolidayFestDec. 9, 15, 16

Merry fun includes crafts, face painting, Santa and his elves, costumed characters and more. Dec.9, Dec. 15 & 16, noon-3 pm. 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa. www.grossmontcenter.com/events.