Give the Gift of Culture
Turn “We should go...” into “Remember when we went?”
Give a year of arts, science, history, and culture at Balboa Park Cultural District. One gift that brings you back to each other.
Give the Gift of Culture
Turn “We should go...” into “Remember when we went?”
Give a year of arts, science, history, and culture at Balboa Park Cultural District. One gift that brings you back to each other.
Restoration Project
Santa & Reindeer: Restoring a Holiday Icon
A San Diego tradition, restored for generations
For decades, families have looked up to see Santa and his nine reindeer soaring above Balboa Park. After years of sun, rain, and holiday crowds, the display has been expertly restored—bringing color, craft, and wonder back to the skyline. From archival photos to new fiberglass repairs and hand-painting - go behind the scenes with the team that brought Santa back to life.
Watch the story behind the work, then give the Gift of Culture to help keep traditions like this alive.
The Gift of Culture
The gift that keeps giving (to your family—and your city).
When you give a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, you do more than plan a perfect day. You support the cultural heart of San Diego - its museums, makers, and traditions. That includes the Santa & Reindeer Restoration, a beloved centerpiece of December Nights that brings joy to hundreds of thousands each year.
Why Gift an Explorer?
Why choose experiences over stuff?
- Unlimited Discovery: A year of admission to participating Balboa Park Cultural District museums.
- Make More “Remember Whens”: Shared stories outlast forgotten toys and things.
- Support the Museums You Love: Every scan supports 16 participating Explorer museums and projects like the Santa restoration.
- Perfect for Families & Grandparents: One gift, dozens of days together.
How the Gift Works
Simple to give. Easy to love. Steps (1–2–3):
- Choose the Gift Voucher type that's right for you and complete checkout.
- Mail the Gift Voucher directly to the recipient, or have it mailed to you for gifting.
- Redeem online or over the phone to activate your Balboa Park Explorer Pass and start enjoying museums, exhibits, and Explorer exclusive opportunities all year!
Gift Vouchers can be redeemed and activated at a later date. Pass validity begins upon Gift Voucher redemption date.
FAQ
What's included with the Balboa Park Gift Voucher?
The Balboa Park Gift Voucher allows your recipient to redeem at a time that is convenient for them. Once redeemed, they will have access to all the Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass benefits.
When will my Gift start?
The Gift Voucher must be redeemed by the recipient online or over the phone to activate. The recipient can activate whenever is most convenient for them. The associated Annual Pass will begin upon said redemption.
How will I receive the Gift Voucher?
The Gift Voucher is a physical voucher that will be sent via mail (USPS). You can choose to send the Gift Voucher directly to the recipient or to yourself for gifting. Please be mindful that the mail system may be impacted by the holiday season - be sure to order early to receive the physical voucher in time for the holidays.
Does my purchase support the museums?
Yes! Every purchase and scan supports our 16 participating Balboa Park Cultural District museums and enables projects like the Santa & Reindeer Restoration.
Are there blackout dates?
While the Explorer Pass does not have any blackout dates, the Pass is subject to the individual days and hours of operation of the museums. Be sure to check each museum's operating schedule before your visit to avoid any unexpected closures.
Where can I see the restored Santa and his reindeer?
Catch Santa and his trusty herd on display during the holiday season in the Balboa Park Cultural District; featured at December Nights.
Restoration Project
Santa & Reindeer: Restoring a Holiday Icon
A San Diego tradition, restored for generations
For decades, families have looked up to see Santa and his nine reindeer soaring above Balboa Park. After years of sun, rain, and holiday crowds, the display has been expertly restored—bringing color, craft, and wonder back to the skyline. From archival photos to new fiberglass repairs and hand-painting - go behind the scenes with the team that brought Santa back to life.
Watch the story behind the work, then give the Gift of Culture to help keep traditions like this alive.
The Gift of Culture
The gift that keeps giving (to your family—and your city).
When you give a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, you do more than plan a perfect day. You support the cultural heart of San Diego - its museums, makers, and traditions. That includes the Santa & Reindeer Restoration, a beloved centerpiece of December Nights that brings joy to hundreds of thousands each year.
Why Gift an Explorer?
Why choose experiences over stuff?
- Unlimited Discovery: A year of admission to participating Balboa Park Cultural District museums.
- Make More “Remember Whens”: Shared stories outlast forgotten toys and things.
- Support the Museums You Love: Every scan supports 16 participating Explorer museums and projects like the Santa restoration.
- Perfect for Families & Grandparents: One gift, dozens of days together.
How the Gift Works
Simple to give. Easy to love. Steps (1–2–3):
- Choose the Gift Voucher type that's right for you and complete checkout.
- Mail the Gift Voucher directly to the recipient, or have it mailed to you for gifting.
- Redeem online or over the phone to activate your Balboa Park Explorer Pass and start enjoying museums, exhibits, and Explorer exclusive opportunities all year!
Gift Vouchers can be redeemed and activated at a later date. Pass validity begins upon Gift Voucher redemption date.
FAQ
What's included with the Balboa Park Gift Voucher?
The Balboa Park Gift Voucher allows your recipient to redeem at a time that is convenient for them. Once redeemed, they will have access to all the Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass benefits.
When will my Gift start?
The Gift Voucher must be redeemed by the recipient online or over the phone to activate. The recipient can activate whenever is most convenient for them. The associated Annual Pass will begin upon said redemption.
How will I receive the Gift Voucher?
The Gift Voucher is a physical voucher that will be sent via mail (USPS). You can choose to send the Gift Voucher directly to the recipient or to yourself for gifting. Please be mindful that the mail system may be impacted by the holiday season - be sure to order early to receive the physical voucher in time for the holidays.
Does my purchase support the museums?
Yes! Every purchase and scan supports our 16 participating Balboa Park Cultural District museums and enables projects like the Santa & Reindeer Restoration.
Are there blackout dates?
While the Explorer Pass does not have any blackout dates, the Pass is subject to the individual days and hours of operation of the museums. Be sure to check each museum's operating schedule before your visit to avoid any unexpected closures.
Where can I see the restored Santa and his reindeer?
Catch Santa and his trusty herd on display during the holiday season in the Balboa Park Cultural District; featured at December Nights.
