
From a sea of Santas to Holiday Wreath Bingo to Christmas movie-inspired floats and bands, there will be more than enough holiday cheer to go around at the 44th annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade and associated festivities on Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Holiday Parade on Garnet Avenue kicks off at 1 p.m. This year’s theme, “A Holiday Movie Spectacular,” invites the community to relive the magic of classic holiday films while creating new traditions in the heart of Pacific Beach.
Join in a parade filled with creative floats, lively performers, and festive cheer that captures the spirit of holiday movies. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic favorites or modern holiday hits, this event promises cinematic fun for all ages.
Discover PB, the community’s business improvement district, has announced a lineup of Yuletide events that will bring the community together in celebration while supporting local businesses.
“The Holiday Parade and Holiday Wreath Bingo are significant events for Pacific Beach during the holiday season,” said DPB executive director Sunny Lee. “They showcase the unique charm of our community, encourage everyone to shop locally for the holidays, and create opportunities for families and neighbors to come together in celebration. These events highlight the spirit of PB while supporting the small businesses that make our neighborhood so special.”
HOLIDAY PARADE
What to expect from this year’s parade festivities? Spectacular movie theme-inspired floats, and live performances featuring local schools, bands, and community groups for starters. Planned is an afternoon of family fun with festive entertainment perfect for kids and adults – even pets.
“The Pacific Beach Holiday Parade is a cherished tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the joy and creativity of the holiday season,” said Lee. “We’re thrilled to transform Garnet Avenue into a holiday movie wonderland for our 44th year.”
While enjoying the parade, take part in other holiday festivities happening in Pacific Beach while exploring local businesses, collecting stamps, and winning prizes while shopping, eating, and drinking at local establishments.
HOLIDAY WREATH BINGO
Running through Dec. 31, DPB is holding Holiday Wreath Bingo, a month-long event combining holiday cheer with a fun way to explore and support local businesses while winning incredible prizes.
Get a Bingo Card – Available at Randall’s Sandals, Mr. Frostie, and the Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers Market. The cost is $5 per card or $15 for five cards.
Visita pagsarticipating businesses – Use your Bingo card to find businesses listed on the map. Match the map number to the number on your card. Collect a stamp or sticker from each business when you visit. Enjoy exclusive offers for Bingo participants while you shop, eat, and drink locally.
Complete your Card – Fill a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row, create a box pattern, form an “X” across the card, or fill every square on your card.
Submit your Card – Return completed cards to Randall’s Sandals (1033 Garnet Ave.) or Mr. Frostie (1470 Garnet Ave.). Each submission earns you a chance to win prizes from participating businesses.
Special bonus – The first 75 participants to return a completed card will receive a limited-edition PB holiday ornament (one per household).
“Holiday Wreath Bingo is the perfect way to celebrate the season while supporting our local businesses,” said Lee. “Support your neighbors, explore Pacific Beach, and make this holiday season unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the fun, get your bingo card and start playing today.”
SANTA RUN
Here comes Santa Clauses, and they are wearing some cool shades. The 12th annual San Diego Santa Run is returning to Pacific Beach on Saturday, Dec. 14, before the parade. Once again, Blenders Eyewear at 4683 Cass St., a lifestyle brand offering bold, color-forward sunglasses and snow goggles for active and lifestyle enthusiasts, is spreading the holiday cheer. The company is donating 7,000 pairs of their signature sunglasses to the event. Participants will receive a pair in their Santa kit, creating a sea of Santas rocking bold Blenders shades as they take over the beach community on Dec. 14.
This year’s race will feature two start times for the 5K – 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. – making it easier for more participants to join in the fun. Recognized as one of the largest Santa Runs in the United States, locals and visitors alike come together for a day of festive fitness and family fun, followed by the Holiday Parade.
“Not only has the event become one of San Diego’s favorite holiday traditions, it’s the best day of the year in Pacific Beach,” said Eric Marenburg, race director. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of thousands of Santas running along the coast – it captures the holiday spirit and Pacific Beach’s vibrant community.”
The Santa Run offers something for everyone, from serious runners eager to race in the 5K to families looking for a fun holiday experience at the “Santa’s Elves” Kids Run and “Santa’s Little Helper” Doggie Dash events.
Registration for the Santa Run includes a five-piece Santa suit complete with custom Blenders sunglasses, festive holiday snacks, and access to post-race entertainment where participants aged 21 and over can toast their run with Michelob Ultra. For those who want to cheer on participants, the event offers prime viewing along Garnet Avenue, where spectators can enjoy festive activities and the holiday parade immediately after the races.
With limited spots each year, interested participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure a spot at the starting line. This is the chance to be part of the biggest Santa Run yet and experience a day of holiday spirit, exercise, and community fun. For more information or to register, visit www.SanDiegoRunningCo.com.
CHRISTMAS ON THE PIER CANCELED
Leading up to the year-end holidays, DPB usually holds its annual Decorate Your Wreath program, offering local businesses the chance to promote themselves with a wreath placed on Crystal Pier for a $50 entry fee. However, due to the pier’s ongoing repairs, DPB has been forced to cancel those annual holiday traditions. Instead, DPB is holding the Holiday Wreath Bingo, designed to encourage everyone to shop locally during the holidays.
PACIFIC BEACH PARADE
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
Start: 1 p.m.
Route: Garnet Avenue from Haines to Bayard streets
Cost: Free for spectators.
About Discover Pacific Beach: As the community’s business improvement district, DPB is committed to enhancing the economic and social vitality of Pacific Beach through events, programs, and initiatives that foster a thriving and connected community.
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