For the 36th year, the quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach will host one of the most unique and colorful holiday parades in San Diego, rain or shine, on Saturday, Dec. 5 starting at 5:05 p.m. “OB Time” on Newport Avenue from Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to Abbott Street. People of all ages are invited to this fantastic and free event. Renowned Newport Avenue will be lined with awe-inspiring floats, vintage cars, Santa Claus, an off-key choir and marching bands including the acclaimed Point Loma High School band. No other parade comes close. From a band of children on unicycles to Celtic bagpipers, there is something to entertain everyone.
The best parade entries are open to interpretation. For some, it’s the excitement of seeing the Point Loma Marching Band strut its way down the street or the SD Roller Derby Dolls in their eye-catching costumes. For others, it’s watching the VW Beetle club and classic Woodies roll down Newport Avenue. Some prefer the motorcycles, bright-lit floats and countless bands that fill the beach with live music. Whatever your pleasure, OB has it all in its Holiday Parade. And, of course, the big man himself, Santa Claus, will be making his appearance.
This year’s parade theme is Joy to the Sea – 36 Years Celebrating OB.
“Our famous Ocean Beach nighttime parade includes 100 eclectic entries that will bring joy, mirth and merriment to 92107,” said Gretchen Newsom, president of Ocean Beach Town Council, which sponsors the annual yuletide extravaganza. “We’ve got something for everyone – illuminated vintage Volkswagens, giddy gymnasts, ukulele serenades, Chopper the Biker Dog, extravagant floats and, of course, Santa Claus.”
Newsom noted the OB parade is organized and facilitated by more than 100 volunteers in “a true OB grassroots fashion, and it enlivens our community with the holiday spirit. We look forward to seeing you on Newport Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 5.”
The parade headlines a daylong schedule of events and activities geared toward the whole family that features a community Christmas tree and a food and toy drive benefiting local families and seniors.
After the festivities, the nightlife of OB takes off as locals and visitors celebrate and spread even more holiday cheer in one of OB’s many local shops, bars and eateries. People of all ages are invited join in at this fun-filled family event – costumes, cheering and laughter are not only welcomed; they are encouraged.
OB’s eclectic take on Christmas was brainstormed more than 35 years ago by a band of five brothers, called the James Gang, who wanted to bring a Christmas tree to town. They came up with the wild idea of taking ownership of this beachside community by bringing together brotherhood, love, peace and cohesion. The whimsical tradition that started so simply with a community holiday tree and a tiny parade has since turned into a massive community event cherished by thousands of Obecians annually.
Come find out what the locals have known for more than 30 years – Santa would rather be in OB. For more information, visit oceanbeachsandiego.com.