DECEMBER NIGHTS (CHRISTMAS ON THE PRADO) 2023
BALBOA PARK
Jim Parrish, Chair
(email Jim Parrish)
Friday, December 1, 3–11 PM
Saturday, December 2, Noon – 11 PM

This annual holiday celebration is the largest free community festival in San Diego. SDMG will be open to the public for people to walk in and have a look around. For the members who volunteer, it's an opportunity for free class time, and we have our own potluck dinner and snack area where we share goodies among the volunteers. SDMG has exhibit cases, demonstrations, plus it's a great time to educate visitors about rocks and introduce new enthusiasts to the Society.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Get in the holiday spirit – visit Balboa Park and all its festivities, and be sure to take part in YOUR club's annual Open House:
Be a Tour Guide
show the public our museum and classrooms
Work in the Selling Booth
give people the opportunity to buy a wonderful treasure
Demonstrate in the Shop if you're a current student
show what beautiful things we can make
Want to join in the fun? The rules are very simple:
- If you can work in the selling booth, email Jim Parrish ASAP.
- Come EARLY. Official start time is 3:00 PM, but plan on traffic, so try to come by 2:30 PM on Friday, or noon on Saturday.)
- Park in the ZOO Parking Lot. (Remember your animal.)
- Bring goodies: cookies, chili, veggies & dip, deviled eggs, pie…
- Share your enthusiasm for the hobby.
As in years past, refreshments will be laid out in the SDMG Library for participants. The Society will provide paper plates, cups, plastic cutlery, napkins, punch, coffee, tea and hot chocolate – members are asked to supply the rest!
There is room for everyone:
– rock carvers – bead stringers –
– cab makers – silversmiths –
– faceters – chain makers –
– collectors, with their favorite rocks –
– sphere makers –
The general public is fascinated by everything we do, and (almost) everyone loves rocks and has a great story to share about their granddad or mom or son who did something amazing: mined for gold in Alaska, collected rocks from the ocean bottom or discovered a new fossil species. Come be surprised, delighted and enjoy life!