The holiday season is here, and the City of San Diego is inviting kids and adults of all ages to enjoy festive and free events taking place throughout the City. These winter celebrations are planned at multiple recreation centers and parks and include food, entertainment, snow days, crafts, jumpers, cookies with Santa and more.

Events kick off this weekend during December Nights as dancers from San Diego Civic Dance Arts (SDCDA) take the stage on Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, at the interior courtyard of the Casa del Prado Building in Balboa Park. SDCDA will present festive dance performances, magical lights, hot drinks, pastries and free photos with Santa.

While at December Nights, visitors are also encouraged to stop by the Botanical Building for the annual holiday decoration and poinsettia display, featuring over 500 poinsettia plants. Admission to both the SDCDA dance performances and the Botanical Building is free. Holiday decorations and the Botanical Building poinsettia display will be open for public viewing through Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Dozens more events are being held throughout the season, and a small sampling of activities is listed below:

• La Jolla Recreation Center’s Santa’s Workshop: Gingerbread House Building on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 4-6 p.m.
• Allied Gardens Recreation Center’s Winter Holiday Celebration on Friday, Dec. 12, from 4-7 p.m.
• South Bay Recreation Center’s Merry Grinchmas Event on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Standley Recreation Center’s Dinner with Santa on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5-7 p.m.
• Scripps Ranch Recreation Center’s Winter Movie in the Gym on Friday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m.
• Skyline Hills Recreation Center’s The Grinch Ugly Sweater Party on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9-11 a.m.
• Stockton Recreation Center’s Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9-11 a.m.
• Azalea Recreation Center’s Winter Wonderland on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 2-5 p.m.
• Cadman Recreation Center’s Holiday Cheers on Friday, Dec. 19, from 4-6 p.m.
• North Park Recreation Center’s Breakfast for Dinner with Santa on Friday, Dec. 19, from 5-7 p.m.

Additionally, there is plenty of fun to be had at City swimming pools, even in the winter! Bud Kearns Pool will host a Winter Wonderland swim night on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6-8 p.m. and Swanson/Standley Aquatic Center will host a Polar Bear Plunge/Sun Bear Splash on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 1-4 p.m. Visit the Parks and Recreation schedule to view the full list of winter events.

“We are excited to welcome families from all over San Diego this holiday season to join in the wide variety of festive activities our Parks and Recreation Department team has planned,” said Andy Field, Director of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We believe that these events will help get everyone into the holiday spirit, while providing safe, family-friendly venues to celebrate the season.”

To find an event near you, visit the Parks and Recreation Department’s event calendar which includes an extensive listing of seasonal events, as well as other activities for community members to participate in across San Diego. Residents can also visit their local recreation center for more information.