‘WOW!’ — Wednesday at the Timken Museum in Balboa Park

By Colleen O’Connor

Beat the crowd. No need to be a celebrity. Just get to Balboa Park today. Wednesday.

Parking will be better. Trams are available. And you can admire the “Jewels of the Season” exhibition at the Timken Museum in enviable surroundings.

And it is free. Thanks to the generosity of two old San Diego families. The Putnam sisters who “were rich and reclusive and changed San Diego’s art world forever” and the Timken family.

Hurry. If ever there was an opportunity to cast your eyes on gorgeous ornaments and great Master’s paintings, this is the day.

As of Friday, December 6, the annual “December Nights” featuring Santa Claus in his sleigh, the official “Lighting of the Christmas Tree” in the Organ Pavilion and a host of other attractions, including a Ferris Wheel near the Aerospace Museum, guarantee a massive crowd and limited parking.

The City of San Diego invites everyone to:

“Join us on December 6 and 7 for the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.”

Avoid the rush and go early. Feast your eyes on some of the Timken decorations ceiling to floor. Bring the whole family and friends. And then decorate your own house, tree, or door. Or just savor the moment.

See these:

To learn more about the Timken click here

And more about the mysterious Putnam sisters: click here .

It is a journey worth taking, not just for the holidays, but for a greater appreciation of young San Diego’s finest history and talents.

Go early. Go often. It is free. A “WOW” adventure.

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