It was not Central Park but Balboa Park.

It did not snow, but baby it was cold outside.

On the road from Mayan Hall the Chamber Singers and the Jazz Vocal Ensemble of Southwestern College dazzled at December Nights.

SWC’s stars lit the Organ Pavilion Stage like Orion in a clear winter sky.

Opening with “Winter Wonderland,” the Jazz Vocal Ensemble won over the audience at “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?” A chilly fall evening was never so warm.

On Santa’s nice list is Jon Anthony, who scored the best solo performance of the night with “Merry Christmas Baby.”

He danced.

He rocked.

He moved like Jagger.

He enraptured the audience.

Roman Rodriguez was also nice as the nasty “Grinch.” His heart was just the right size, large and generous.

Alejandro Vargas and Sara Martinez earn the award for most emotional performance by a duo. Singing “Believe” from the movie “The Polar Express,” they were one heartbeat, two voices and infinite Christmas spirit. Vargas, bass gave grounding to the performance while Martinez soared.

Christmas got a breather when the Chamber Singers surprised the crowd with an African interpretation  “Bonse.” Out of place, maybe, but also the best performance of any group that evening.

“Broadway” BJ Robinson took the audience to the North Pole with his performance of “Polar Express.” Robinson, as always, was the package. He danced, sang and entertained like a young Sammy Davis.

December Nights felt warm as August.