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Tree Lightings & Parades in San Diego
Tree lighting ceremonies are a quintessential part of the holiday season, creating a magical atmosphere that brings communities together. San Diego, with its unique blend of cultural diversity and festive spirit, offers a variety of tree lighting events that cater to everyone's tastes. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here's a guide to some of the most enchanting tree lightings in San Diego this holiday season.
Wherever you live in San Diego there is a tree lighting event near you! Check out the list below!
December 2nd
Little Italy
SANTA IS BACK for our annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village 4:00pm-8:00pm
Transforming into a winter wonderland with Christmas twinkle lights down all the streets, our beautiful urban neighborhood will be adorned with 10-foot tall nutcrackers and kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, Christmas songs and more. Family, friends, and neighbors are invited to come together to experience true holiday joy at this family-friendly event and enjoy the neighborhood’s festive décor—including two Christmas trees, Joshua Hubert’s Aurora tree at Piazza Basilone and the permanent 25-foot tree at Piazza della Famiglia, seasonal vendors, live music and entertainment, holiday treats, a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony, and this year SANTA IS BACK to grant everyone’s Christmas wishes!
You can also enjoy our Christmas Village, located on India Street between W. Cedar and W. Grape Streets, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers and other holiday gift and artisan vendors and select Little Italy Mercato vendors.
The festivities start at 4:00pm, with the Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place in the Piazza della Famiglia at 6:30pm.
Carlsbad
Explore Leo Carrillo Ranch lit up with holiday lights, decorations, and a backdrop of classic holiday musical performance. Watch the holiday tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. on the sand near the pool. Decorate holiday cookies, create crafts, participate in the ‘plush’ snowball fight, and enjoy festive entertainment. Face painting, train rides, an outdoor movie and a special visit by Santa are also included. A holiday film will be featured on the outdoor movie screen starting at 6 p.m.
Join us for the 65th Annual Vista Christmas Parade in the heart of Downtown Vista! To commemorate the Vista Chamber s 100th anniversary the theme this year will be Viva Vista
5:00pm-9:00pm
The Ramona Chamber of Commerce organizes the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Enjoy the holiday decorations, late shopping and dining, classic cars, live music, vendors, kids crafts, dancing, carolers, photos with Santa, and much more!
December 3rd
Del Mar
On Sunday, December 3 at 5 p.m. L’Auberge Del Mar is kicking off the holiday season at L’Auberge Del Mar with a big Christmas tree lighting!
Bring out the jolly for letters to Santa and other children’s activities at Del Mar Plaza, a toy drive, live holiday music, see the Grinch and Santa, plus drink specials for adults and hot chocolate for kids.
The 38th annual Holiday Tree Lighting is Sunday, December 3rd in Carlsbad Village.
The Holiday Tree Lighting is at the front entrance to the Carlsbad Village Faire at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. Furthermore, if by some chance you haven’t been there it’s just west of the railroad tracks.
Encinitas
The City of Encinitas is happy to announce that the Encinitas Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, December 2 on Coast Highway 101 from D Street to J Street. Festivities begin at 5:00 PM...Read more on City of Encinita
December 6th
Join The Del for our annual Holiday Festival with the local community. Festivities include Skating by the Sea®, photos with St. Nick, and performances by Coronado school children. This year will also include a skydiving Santa who parachutes in to join the festivities – a spectacular start to the holiday season.
December 9th
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is set for Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.
The Holiday Festival is located on Wall Street (between Girard & the alley by the Athenaeum).
The Christmas Parade kicks off at Kline & Girard, and ends at the La Jolla Recreation Center at the junction of Draper and Prospect Streets. Refer to "Parade Map" (PDF file)
Make your spirits bright with the East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market! Come together with your jolly community on Saturday, December 9th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Quartyard and 13th Street for a very festive evening. Featuring a curated holiday market by San Diego Markets, live music, delicious foods, fun activities for the kids, a tree lighting ceremony and above all, photos with Santa, East Village will be lighting up the evening with stunning décor and bright smiles!
At 5:45 p.m., families and friends can experience the joy of the Christmas tree lighting led by the East Village Association and San Diego’s elected officials. Holiday vendors will offer a delightful selection of wonderful hand-crafted gifts, giving the community the perfect chance to check off their holiday shopping list while enjoying live music and the festive spirit.
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jaycees Christmas Parade in our lovely city. The parade leads everyone to the heart of the celebration, Grape Day Park, where the festivities continue. As the parade wraps up, you’ll find yourself immersed in a winter wonderland of fun and merriment at Grape Day Park.
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