Travel calendar
SAN DIEGO
December Nights
When, where: Dec. 3 and 4, Balboa Park
Highlights: More than 300,000 people are expected for this annual event, during which admission to all museums will be free. Holiday-themed offerings include live entertainment, rides for children, a Native American village and food from around the world.
Cost: Free
Info: (619) 239-0512, https://www.balboapark.org/decembernights
SANTA BARBARA
Snow Leopard Festival and Sledding at the Zoo
When, where: Dec. 5, Santa Barbara Zoo
Highlights: The zoo celebrates two things foreign to the Southland: snow and the endangered leopard. The zoo’s two snow leopards will be there as well as arts, crafts, educational displays and sledding runs made possible by 75 tons of snow.
Cost: $12; $10 for ages 2 through 12 and 60 and older; parking is $5; sledding is $3.
Info: (805) 962-5339, https://www.sbzoo.org
PALM SPRINGS
Walk of the Inns
When, where: Dec. 9, departs from the Palm Springs Art Museum
Highlights: Stroll through more than a century of Palm Springs history via a walking tour of its vintage lodgings. The self-guided evening excursion (maps and flashlights provided) is in its 15th year of showcasing the city’s hotel and inn architecture.
Cost: Free
Info: (800) 347-7746, https://www.walkingtouroftheinns.com
VANCOUVER, CANADA
Winter Solstice Lantern Procession
When, where: Dec. 21, East Vancouver, Yaletown, Granville Island, Strathcona and Chinatown
Highlights: The year’s longest night is enlivened with lanterns, drumming, singing and dancing. Each celebration reflects the distinctive neighborhood in which it takes place.
Cost: Free, though donations are accepted,
Info: https://www.secretlantern.org
SOLVANG, CALIF.
Julefest
When, where: Through Jan. 2, throughout Solvang
Highlights: Plenty of live entertainment, including concerts and carolers, enlivens America’s Danish capital with holiday spirit. Dec. 3 and 4 will be particularly festive, with a tree-lighting ceremony and a parade.
Cost: Free
Info: (800) 468-6765, https://www.solvangusa.com
—Avital Binshtock
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