The most wonderful time of the year is finally upon us, and Little Italy San Diego has saved the best for last! Dressed in festive finery, the historic neighborhood of Little Italy has transformed into a winter wonderland, bringing the magic and joy of the holidays to locals and visitors alike. So, hitch a ride on Santa’s sleigh and make your way down to Little Italy for a month brimming with holiday cheer!

Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village

Little Italy’s annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village officially marks the countdown to Christmas has begun. On December 2nd from 4-8 p.m., the neighborhood will come alive with twinkling lights, joyful carols, and the warmth of the holiday season. Witness the traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony of the permanent 25-foot tree at Piazza della Famiglia at 6:30p.m., an event that has become a beloved tradition for families and friends.

In addition, Joshua Hubert’s ‘Aurora’ tree at Piazza Basilone will light up the night sky, serving as a beacon of holiday spirit and drawing crowds of all ages. This towering faux stained-glass tree incorporates a Venetian faux-glass appearance symbolizing the San Diego Bay and the strong heritage of the Italian tuna fishermen who built the neighborhood in the 1920s.

But that’s just the beginning of the fun! Be sure to explore the Christmas Village, a charming setting decorated with festive touches, where you’ll find an array of vendors offering locally crafted holiday gifts and decor. From handcrafted ornaments to cozy knitwear, there’s something for everyone.

Take a walk down India St. with hot cocoa in hand and satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious treats and traditional holiday foods. It’s the perfect place to put the finishing touches on your holiday shopping list, with treasures and unique finds from local vendors and artisans that will delight everyone on your list.

And of course, what’s a holiday event without a visit from Jolly ol’ Saint Nick? Capture magical moments with Santa Clause at the event, creating family memories that will last a lifetime. Children and adults alike will be filled with holiday joy as they share their wishes and pose for photos with the big man in the red suit that guests of Santa can download for free after the event.

Gio the Elf takes over Little Italy

The rumors are true – Gio the Elf has returned from the North Pole to spread holiday cheer throughout Little Italy! Starting December 1st, Gio will be making surprise appearances in different corners of the neighborhood to spread joy and laughter to everyone he encounters.

Follow Gio’s journey on Facebook and Instagram to guess where he’ll pop up next. His mischievous adventures are sure to keep everyone entertained and guessing. From posing with shopkeepers to popping up in local eateries, Gio brings an extra layer of magic to Little Italy’s holiday season.

But, as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Gio will be heading back to the North Pole on December 25th to help Santa with his final preparations for the big night. So, be sure to catch him in action before he takes his leave.

Letters to Santa

How on earth will Santa know exactly what you want for Christmas if you don’t tell him? Little ones can put pen to paper and write their Christmas wishes with Letters to Santa. Open for drop-offs the weekend following Thanksgiving, place your letters in the special mailbox at Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy by December 10th to receive a response from Santa himself. He’s making his list and checking it twice, so don’t miss this chance to get the attention of the big guy!

Little Italy Toy Drive

In the spirit of giving, the Little Italy Association is hosting its annual Little Italy Toy Drive in partnership with New Alternatives, Inc. until December 18th. Make a difference by donating a new, unwrapped toys at participating Little Italy businesses. With over 6,000 toys collected in previous years, the Little Italy Association aims to make this season even brighter for those in need!

The Little Italy Toy Drive is a wonderful opportunity to spread joy and make a positive impact on the lives of children in the community. By donating a new, unwrapped toys, you can help ensure that every child experiences the magic of the holiday season. The spirit of giving is alive and well in Little Italy, and your generosity can make a world of difference.

Donation boxes also now feature new QR codes, allowing you to easily pick a special gift from one of the New Alternative’s children’s wishlist. This modern twist on giving makes it easy for everyone to participate. If they can’t make it to the physical drop-off location, visit LittleItalySDToyDrive.com. Every donation, whether a toy or a monetary contribution, brings smiles and happiness to those in need during the holidays.

The spirit of the season is alive in Little Italy, and with Gio the Elf’s antics, Letters to Santa, and the Toy Drive, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday groove all month long. So, mark your calendars for December 2nd, and we’ll see you at the Tree Lighting and Christmas Village to kick off a month-long celebration to remember. Let the festivities begin!

For more information, please visit us at LittleItalySD.com or follow us on Instagram @LittleItalySD, Twitter @LittleItalySD and Facebook @LittleItalySD.