San Diego Community Christmas Center

Who We Are...

The Community Christmas Center is a committee with a desire to present a single, totally non-commercial celebration of the true “Spirit of Christmas.”  We are a non-profit committee dedicated to keeping “Christ” in Christmas in Balboa Park.

The Chamber of Commerce first initiated the project after World War II. Horton Plaza was first to display the Biblical figures. The next home for the Nativity Scene was the Civic Center on Pacific Highway. Finally, in 1953, the location was moved to its present home in the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park where various programs could be conducted
throughout December.

The Nativity Project continues today, but is solely undertaken by our Committee, with assistance of generous volunteers from the community. Additional projects, including our nine reindeer and Gingerbread house, are made possible by voluntary financial contributions and fundraising.

When the community Christmas Center was established in Balboa Park, there was only one nearly life-size Biblical Scene, “The Birth of Christ,” It was displayed, but through the years, as funds were available the other scenes were added and all were created by the late celebrated sculptor, Rudolph Vargas. He was first commissioned in 1951 to
make the first figures for the San Diego tableau. He once said, “Art for the sake of inspiring the hearts of men to the greater honor and glory of God.”

In the year 2016, local San Diego artist, Barbara Jacobsen, spent countless hours refurbishing and beautifying the entire collection of figurines to authenticate the time period of Christ. She and her husband Mark Jacobsen are faithful committee members.

There are eight scenes:

The Annunciation


No Room at the Inn

The Angel comes to the Shepherds


The Nativity


The Wise Men


Fleeing Egypt


Jesus in the Temple


Jesus with the little children

Along with the Nativity scenes that are displayed in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the committee also decorates “Santa and his Reindeer,” located on the dividing grassy area
as you approach the Organ Pavillion. In past years, we also were responsible for decorating and lighting the 20-foot pine tree planted near the Pavillion, (which has since been removed). For over 65 years this committee has been committed to keeping these symbols represented in the public square for the community to enjoy.

Please join the tens of thousands of San Diegans who have  made a tradition of enjoying the beautiful Nativity scenes over the years.   Come say Hi to us and support the Display by purchasing cookies or cocoa from us at the December Nights event  which is held the first weekend in December.  (We will be located next to the display.)

We hope to see you this Christmas Season! 

Paul Schmidt
Chairman Emeritus (1932-2022)

  SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY
CHRISTMAS CENTER

Paul Schmidt was chairman of the San Diego Community Christmas Center & was a respected leader in the history of Christmas in San Diego for nearly 50 years.  He will be dearly missed!

• J. Clark Chamberlain - Chairman Emeritus (1895-1978)
• Lori Boucher - Chairman - Secretary
• Kim Sullivan - Treasurer - Event coordinator
• Mark Jacobson - Security and construction
• Barbara Jacobson - Artistic design and figurine restoration
• Brad Sullivan - Music and events coordinator
• Anastasia Tofflemire - Public relations
• Tony Concotta - Display support, committee member
• Chris and Nancy Haralson - Display support, committee members

The community Christmas Center would like to thank the following for their
generous contributions:

• Teen Challenge
• The Rock church & C4C gals
• Journey Community Church
• Horizon North Park
• Fletcher Hills Presbyterian
• Garron and Tina Edgington
• Santa and Mrs Claus
• Larry Robles

And all the MANY volunteers who have come and served to help put up the display thru the years and also those who have served in the Gingerbread house to be able to keep the display up for all to enjoy!

Blessings and Joy to all.