Del Mar Fair in December? Balboa Park’s Holiday Nights Evoke Midway Delights

You could sample alligator bites from Louisiana and Palestinian stuffed grape leaves — chased by Kettle Corn ($9 a small bag) and chocolate milk (free) from Hollandia Dairy.

The Del Mar Fair in June?

Try December Nights at Balboa Park.

Tens of thousands packed the lit-up Prado, Organ Pavilion and every indoor venue as San Diego turned out in force to see Santa (at least two in different locales). After proving their drinking age, hundreds toasted the season at the International Spirits Garden featuring the alcoholic specialties of dozens of countries.

At one booth, a man blew a whistle to draw people to his plate of Turkish raki — a 90-proof fruity brandy. With a showman’s flourish, he poured bottled water into half-filled transparent cups to reveal a milky transformation.

Only a few teenage midriffs were spotted, with temps falling from the 60s to the 50s, but the county fair ambience prevailed. Many brought dogs — despite a city warning against non-service animals because of the “dynamic, crowded and unpredictable environment” where pets could face “a potentially hazardous and frightening situation.”

More than 1,500 performers — dancers, singers, storytellers and Fleet Science Center reps — were set to entrance the throngs, many still arriving from the San Diego Zoo lot at 8 p.m. — three hours before closing.

Parking there was free. Other lots charged as much as $45 off Presidents Way.

The newly rebuilt 1915 Botanical Building, a $26 million project, saw its Stage 1 debut with a constant stream filing counterclockwise. But the iconic landmark featured a limited set of succulents and native flora (but lots of red and white poinsettias).

The Botanical Building —with its redwood lath frame and light green window and doors — will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday as December Nights ends its two-day run at 11 p.m.

Hundreds of vendors, including food trucks, added to the county fair feel — far from the days of the original Christmas on the Prado, with its old-world charm and Swedish meatballs.

Popular with children was the Municipal Gym, its basketball courts covered by gray plastic. A 20-foot high clear ornament evoked a “snow globe” but with dozens of small balloons. Families waited patiently for free photo shoots with Santa. Nearby was an inflated display of Santa’s reindeer.

At the House of Hospitality near the Prado Restaurant, a deejay gave all ages a reason to dance. Fake snow nearby — landing like tiny bubbles — was blown from a color-shifting fan onto delighted visitors. Selfies galore.

But the true Kid Zone was the plaza in front of the San Diego Air & Space Museum, where a 12-gondola Ferris wheel made its debut and skateboard riders put on a show near the Hollandia tents — staffed by fourth generation DeJongs of the historic county dairy.

Inside the museum: a craft called  Santa One, “which has been lovingly restored in the museum’s world-famous restoration shop and includes bright red paint and gold trim and lettering,” says the museum’s website. 

“Santa One’s placement in the museum’s Golden Age of Flight perfectly fits its historic aircraft collection,” organizers said, adding that it will remain on display throughout the holidays. 

Also potentially on display: your picture in promotional videos.

“By your presence within the event premises and related areas you release the event organizers, their officers, directors, staff, partners, sponsors, representatives and agents and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing or publication and use of interviews, photographs, images, video and/or sound recordings,” says the event website.

A tradition ended, however, as Bill “Santa” Swank hung up his red suit after volunteering at the event since 2002, when “Christmas on the Prado” became “December Nights.”

“I’m 84 now — can barely walk, but I wanted to honor the Schmidt family that has maintained the Christmas Story in the Park since 1969,” Swank said of the Holy Family scenes. (The free festival dates to 1978, though.)

“It is a beautiful tradition. I took my kids to see the nativity scenes every year,” he said. “It was a simpler time. When offered the opportunity to be their Santa, I couldn’t refuse. It has been an honor and privilege.”