Christmas on the Prado

We're full steam into the Christmas Season. The trees are up, the lights are lit, and there's a magical crispness to the air. The tree I call my own has a "Star" theme. but not the stars you see in the sky. The 152 year old sailing bark, Star of India is the theme of my tree. She is one of the iconic pieces of the San Diego community and has played as a major role in global history, so she gets to be the theme of my mini tree. If you're interested in learning more about our Star, I recommend reading the most recent letter from the Maritime Museum's President/CEO: Year End Letter.

Every city has fun Christmas and Holiday traditions. In my home town, we have a few. One in particular is fairly well known. Well, it's more than a tradition. It's a part of life. A part of our home, memories, history. This isn't so much a ritual, it's a place. A place that you've likely heard about, and it is called Balboa Park.

Every year, Balboa Park hosts Christmas on the Prado, although it is known now as December Nights.....I'll let you decide which one you prefer. Christmas on the Prado is a magical celebration where all of the almost thirty museums are open for free to the public. The park is decorated beautifully with every Christmas wonder imaginable. There is a decorated tree display room, the Youth Ballet puts on abbreviated free performances of The Nutcracker. There is food gallor! (I enjoyed a lobster roll this year - yum!). There's carolers and musical performances at the soon to be 101 year old Spreckles' Organ Pavilion. "Magical" truly does not quite begin to cover how wonderful the festivities are.

This year, I attended with my bestie Victoria, her sisters, brother-in-law, and one very un-chihuahua chihuahua. We had a blast! From enjoying the music in the Prado, to possibly smuggling in a Chihuahua into a venue or two, it was a great night. Yes, the crowds were a tad overwhelming, but even that was something spectacular to be seen. With all of the crazy happenings in the world, it was a joy to see so many splendor-filled faces in a great big public place. Troubles of the world dissipated the second we crossed the Cabrillo Bridge and entered the land made famous by the 1915 World's Fair. I could go on and on about that and perhaps someday I will, you'll just have to keep tuning in to see if it becomes a Weekly Read.

Your Christmas'd out Author,
S. Faxon