Saturday morning the streets in Pacific Beach will run red with … thousands of Santas jogging down Garnet Avenue for the always-popular Santa Run. Then after all the St. Nicks huff and puff their way off the avenue, about noon, the annual Holiday Parade takes over Garnet heading east to west. Stick around after sunset to watch the Parade of Lights on Mission Bay, another popular annual tradition.
SANTA RUN
You can be part of San Diego’s most festive 5K of the year joining a “sea of Santas” in the 11th annual San Diego Santa Run on Saturday, Dec. 9. The 5K Run starts at 8:30 a.m. at 912 Garnet Ave., followed by the kids 1 mile run at 10:30 a.m. and the dog 1 mile kicking-off at 11 a.m. The run precedes the annual PB Holiday Parade at noon. Registration cost is $45 for the 5K and $30 for both the kids and dog miles. All 5K runners will receive a sunny Santa suit, sunglasses, chip timing, a custom bib, and a complimentary drink ticket for use at participating post-race partner bars in PB. Additional purchase items include a Santa suit and run T-shirt for $20, and candy cane socks for $12. Go to sandiegorunningco.com to register.
PB HOLIDAY PARADE
The 43rd annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade goes from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 beginning at Garnet Avenue and Haines Street and ending at Garnet Avenue and Bayard Street. This year’s parade is turning up the holiday fun with its Ugly Sweater theme. Don your most outrageous, sparkly, and downright ugly holiday sweaters. Watch dazzling floats decorated with holiday spirit, from traditional to the uniquely quirky. Enjoy the beats and melodies of local bands, dance troupes, and performers. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus himself as he makes a grand entrance to the delight of kids of all ages. Bring the whole family for a day of community celebration.
PARADE OF LIGHTS
Another cherished holiday tradition, the annual Parade of Lights returns to Mission Bay on Dec. 9. Visitors to the Catamaran Resort can cozy up bayside on the north lawn from 6-9 p.m. for a perfect vantage point to view the dazzling boat parade, featuring dozens of vessels festooned with lights and decorations. This family-friendly event also features holiday treats for sale such as cake pops and peppermint bark, hot cocoa, and warm winter cocktails.
HOTELS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Bahia Resort in Mission Beach and Catamaran Resort in Pacific Beach are celebrating the season with sparkling décor, culinary delights, and festivities, including Jingle Belle Cruises. The hotels will have gingerbread house displays in their lobbies, created by the resorts’ team members. The Catamaran puts its spin on classic gingerbread houses with decorated Hula Huts, reflecting the resort’s island vibe, which includes a Polynesian-style Christmas tree in the lobby adorned with parrots, Tikis, and tropical flower leis. The Bahia brings a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to its lobby with mid-century holiday décor including a retro-style TV set, vintage 1950s aluminum Christmas tree, and a leg lamp from the cult classic holiday movie, “A Christmas Story.”
BAY JINGLE BELLS
Gather with friends, family, and Santa Claus aboard the William D. Evans sternwheeler for Jingle Belle Family Cruises on Mission Bay. Guests can enjoy joyful carolers, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, a balloon artist, a face painter, and tasty holiday treats and libations including hot cocoa and an espresso coffee bar. Cruises depart from the Bahia and Catamaran resorts, Dec. 21-25. Reservations are required. The cost is $45 per person, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Mama’s Kitchen aiding individuals and families at risk of malnutrition due to critical illnesses.
MINGLE WITH KRIS KRINGLE
Santa Claus journeys from the North Pole to the Catamaran Resort on Saturdays (3-5 p.m.) through December, to meet guests and hear their holiday wishes and to have holiday family photos taken. Throughout the season, Santa’s Letter Stations will be set up in the lobby of the Catamaran and Bahia resorts, complete with a festive oversized mailbox, so children can send Santa their wish lists and good deeds for the year.
PB CHRISTMAS TREES
Need a festive tree? Look no further than PB Christmas Tree Country at 870 Garnet Ave. (at Bayard Street), which has served the community for 31 years providing premium, fresh-cut Christmas trees imported from Oregon. The business offers a wide selection of Noble Firs, Douglas Firs, Grand Firs, Fraser Firs, and Nordmann Firs. Tabletop trees and small trees are available for those with limited space. Wreaths, swags, natural cedar garland, and mistletoe are available to enhance your home or business decor. When you purchase a Christmas tree, it will be loaded on your vehicle and tied down. Be sure to ask about the delivery service. Come on down, grab a free cup of hot cider, and pick out your favorite Christmas tree.
PHOTO BY THOMAS MELVILLE
