Weekend things to do in San Diego | Dec. 1-3

Holiday parades and festivals

🎅 Enjoy the festive floats, tree lighting ceremony and an appearance by Santa at the "Traditions of Encinitas Holiday Parade" cruising down the Coast Highway 101.

When and where: The parade is 5:30-7:30pm from D Street to J Street in downtown Encinitas on Saturday, Dec. 2.

• The tree lighting with Santa will be at The Lumberyard shops courtyard at 5pm.
• Free parking shuttles will run from San Dieguito Academy High School and the YMCA/Ecke Sports Park parking lot starting at 4pm and ending at 8:30pm.

Of note: Christmas parades are also happening in Vista, Coronado, La Jolla and San Marcos this weekend.

🚶 Stroll through the South Park community during the Holiday Walkabout, with free refreshments, festive spirits, live music and complimentary trolley rides.

When and where: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5-9pm in Grape St. Square.

🌟Celebrate the season during the Starlight Parade and Festival in downtown Chula Vista, after the event took a three-year, pandemic-induced hiatus.

When and where: Festivities start at 3pm and the parade kicks off at 5:45pm on Sunday, Dec. 3 on Third Avenue.

🎄Light the tree in Little Italy's Piazza della Famiglia and stroll through a pop-up Christmas Village along India Street with artisan vendors.

When and where: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 4-8pm at the Piazza della Famiglia on 523 West Date St. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30pm

🪩 Groove at "Santa's Disco Luau" for the 44th annual Ocean Beach holiday parade at sunset.

When and where: Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5pm along Newport Avenue.

Chili cook-off

🥣 Gorge on chili from 24 restaurants at SoNo Fest 2023, benefitting McKinley Elementary. Don't miss kids activities, craft beer, vendors and live music (including the Night Carrots!!).

When and where: Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11am – 5pm in South Park/North Park at Thorn St. and 32nd St.

Cost: Tickets are $25 for a bowl and five tastings.