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FINEST TRADITIONS Luxury Lifestyle LivingBALBOA PARK DECEMBER NIGHTSFinest TraditionsBy Suzanne BroylesSan Diego’s holiday festivitiesare not to be missed.Other cities may have their traditions, but America’sFinest City has mastered the art of holiday cheer. Itsweeps into this town like a dance troupe, spreadingjoy and nostalgia through traditions that locals have enjoyedfor decades.An American treasure dear to the heart of San Diego is theHotel Del Coronado (hoteldel.com). Setting the stage of holidayenchantment since 1888, it has been providing a gorgeousholiday display and host of activities not to be missed.New York’s Rockefeller Center has nothing on Skating by theSea, a picturesque ice-skating rink set up just steps from thewaves on the Windsor Lawn. Through Jan. 1, skaters can enjoythe unique experience of spinning on the ice while enjoying abreathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Even better, a portionof the proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation.And reserve your seats now for Hotel Del’s spectacularproduction of “An American Christmas,” an interactive dinnerdecked with all the trimmings that whisks you away to Christmaspast. The Marshall family—portrayed by 25 performers whonever miss a beat—welcome guests to a lavish yuletide feast setin the year 1911. Held from Dec. 17 to 24, this performance ispresented by the Lamb’s Players Theatre, whose playhouse isjust down the street from the hotel.Head over to Balboa Park (balboapark.org) for DecemberNights, an event that attracts nearly 300,000 visitors each year.Held on Dec. 7 and 8 from 5 to 10 p.m., this free event is one ofSan Diego’s greatest legacies. Experience an elaborate holidayfestival of music, arts and entertainment in the crisp night air.Participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free ofcharge. Guests can taste scrumptious foods from around theworld and experience international traditions such as the SantaLucia Procession at the San Diego Museum of Man. Visit theCasa del Prado Theatre to see excerpts from “The Nutcracker,”performed by the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, or feast youreyes on the exquisite Christmas tree displays of SchlappiChristmas ornaments at the Timken Museum. Or simply strollthrough the grounds, visiting the charming gift shops at themuseum stores and the talented artisans of the Spanish Village.Balboa Park is also home to the renowned Old Globe theater(theoldglobe.org), which brings the whimsical Christmas story[ Continued on page 52 ]50 FINEsd.com | facebook.com/FINEmagazines