The 68th annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival invites the community to celebrate this year combining a unique blend of traditional festivities with a distinct California twist on Sunday, Dec. 8 starting at 1:30 p.m.

This year’s festive theme of “Palm Trees & Poinsettias – A California Christmas,” will bring vibrant colors and styles of California’s landscapes to the parade.

CHRISTMAS PARADE

The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a beloved annual tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. The parade and holiday festival draws up to 20,000 people a year to downtown La Jolla.

This year’s parade is shaping up to be the best, including floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams beauty queens in vintage vehicles, a dozen bands, equestrians, and several thousand kids marching in various groups (Girl Scouts, Brownies, gymnastics, Boy and Cub Scouts, school marching bands, and color guards), horses, Santa Claus, and even a camel. The parade starts at Girard Avenue and Kline Street and heads toward the beach. Church bells peal with a fly-over.

Parade organizer Ann Kerr Bache has been performing her role tirelessly and adroitly since 1998 when she answered a La Jolla Town Council ad seeking parade volunteers. “It’s been downhill ever since,” she joked noting the parade has grown substantially.

Kerr Bache noted La Jolla Robotics, Kids Gym, and Santa will return this year to the parade and festival. Regarding what to expect, she noted: “We will have even more Packards leading off the parade and going down the route. We will have eight or nine floats, 14 bands, and 25 marching units.”

Special recognition is going out this year to La Jolla Kiwanis Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. UC San Diego’s Preuss School, a coeducational college-preparatory charter day school, is also being recognized for helping students be the first in their families to go on to higher education. New SDPD Chief Scott Wahl will also be honored as well as “Papa” Doug Manchester and Brenda Fake who heads Friends of Coast Walk Trail.

Kerr Bache pointed out the cost of staging the parade continues to go up every year. “Our police bill (for security) on parade day was over $11,000, Porta Potties cost close to $4,000, and it was close to $3,000 for signage,” she said adding, “We’re still looking for donations.”

This year, parade announcing duties will be shared by Cynthia Chasen and Ron Jones, the “voice of La Jolla.”

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

The annual Christmas parade always ends with a family festival called Santa’s Village featuring Santa visits for children, arts and crafts, games, music, and face painting. This year’s festival is on Wall Street. It is a lively festival with entertainment, arts and crafts, and educational experiences. Community spirit: Join thousands of community members and visitors to celebrate the season together. Family-friendly: Fun activities and attractions for children of all ages, including a special Kids Zone. Live entertainment: Local performers and musicians will provide festive tunes throughout the day. Santa’s arrival: Witness Santa’s grand arrival to La Jolla and capture the moment with your family.

SPONSORSHIPS

A limited number of sponsorship booths are available at the festival, offering local businesses and organizations a unique chance to showcase their services and engage with the community. Those interested in sponsoring a booth should inquire through ljparade.com. The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is made possible through generous donations from the community. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support this cherished event. Contributions of any size can make a difference in ensuring its success. For more information on the event, sponsorship, and donation opportunities, visit ljparade.com.

PINK LADY HOLIDAYS

The Pink Lady, La Jolla’s iconic La Valencia Hotel at 1132 Prospect St., kicked off holiday festivities with the hotel’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4. Guests enjoyed warm holiday beverages, housemade treats, live music, carolers, and children’s crafts while counting down to the tree lighting. From the historic property’s festive annual tree lighting to Brunch with Santa, and (new this year) Paws & Claus Poolside Cinema, there are plenty of opportunities to make merry with family and friends.

Holiday High Tea Series – 11 a.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, and 27. Experience the magic of the season with Holiday High Tea. Enjoy fine, French Dammann Frères teas, freshly baked scones, delicate tea sandwiches, and assorted mini pastries, all enhanced by a welcome glass of champagne. In the spirit of giving, 10% of proceeds will directly benefit Rady Children’s Hospital.

Paws & Claus Poolside Cinema – Wednesday, Dec. 11. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and movie begins at 5:30 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with your furry friends at La Valencia’s dog-friendly Holiday Poolside Movie Night. Cozy up under blankets with poolside fare and themed cocktails (available for purchase) as you enjoy the holiday favorite “Elf.” Pups are welcome to join in on the festive fun with a $5 pup-pass. All pup-pass proceeds will be donated directly to the San Diego Humane Society.

Santa’s Storytime Brunch – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15 with storytime at noon. Join jolly ol’ Saint Nick for storytime and the Mediterranean Room’s decadent weekend brunch, featuring the signature La V Cinnamon Roll, Chorizo Benedict, Belgian Waffles, and more. Little ones are invited to delight in a special storytime session with Santa, share their holiday wishes, and snap cherished photos to capture the memory.

CHRISTMAS PARADE & HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

Holiday Festival: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parade: Starts at 1:30 p.m.

Photos with Santa: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2:30-4 p.m.

Social media: @LJPARADE

Event organizers: Ann Kerr Bache – event chair, Mike Carlin – parade director, Brooke Baginski – holiday festival director.

PARADE – This year’s event will feature a vibrant showcase of diverse participants, including marching bands from local schools and community ensembles; creatively decorated floats representing various organizations and themes; graceful horses and riders adding a classic touch to the parade; classic cars and antique automobiles showcasing automotive history; adorable canines parading in festive attire; community leaders and marshals honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the community; Schools and community service organizations highlighting the efforts and spirit of local groups.

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL – Opportunities for children to visit Santa Claus. Visit the website to sign up for a timeslot. Arts and crafts for all ages. Games and engaging entertainment throughout the festival. Face-painting fun designs for children and the young at heart.

Photo by Don Balch