Pacific Beach will officially welcome the holiday season with a community tree and pier lighting event at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Christmas at Crystal Pier, sponsored by the Crystal Pier Hotel and area merchants, will feature Santa’s arrival by fire truck at 2 p.m., musical caroling by school groups and a variety of seasonal refreshments provided by local Pacific Beach businesses. “The holidays are a special time in PB and we’re excited to launch the season in such a festive way,” said Andy Hanshaw, executive director of Discover Pacific Beach. “Community groups and merchants have really rallied behind this and we’re so grateful for their spirited support.” The tree lighting event will take the place of the annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade, which fell victim to a lack of sponsorship funds due mainly to the faltering economic times, Hanshaw said previously. Highlighting the free public event is the lighting of the tree provided by XMAS Tree Country, which has a seasonal tree lot at 870 Garnet Ave. In addition to the large tree, which will be located at the west end of Crystal Pier, twinkling lights will decorate the perimeter of the wooden pier. Local businesses and community groups are decorating wreaths that will be hung along the inside of Crystal Pier and local school children are decorating stockings that will hang around the base of the tree. Wreaths are still available for a $20 contribution through Discover Pacific Beach until Dec. 8. Characters scheduled to appear at the tree lighting include Shamu, the Grinch, Santa’s elves and Rudolph. The Full Measure Carolers will perform prior to the tree lighting. Groups from Pacific Beach Elementary School and Pacific Beach Middle School are also scheduled to perform. “We hope folks from all around the county will visit Pacific Beach throughout the season,” Hanshaw said. “Events like this bring people together and into the unique business district to shop, dine and experience the holidays PB-style.” Other activities planned include a retail storefront window-decorating contest sponsored by Beach & Bay Press. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entrants and winners will be announced at the Dec. 13 tree lighting event. Later in the week, a special evening of shopping is set for Thursday, Dec. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. Store discounts, seasonal refreshments and street-side entertainment will be featured throughout the Pacific Beach business district. “It will be a great night for deals in a very festive holiday atmosphere,” Hanshaw said. For more information on holiday activities and events, contact Discover Pacific Beach at (858) 273-3303 or [email protected].