Illustration of a winter festival with a lit Ferris wheel, a snow slide, a snowman and booths (La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival)
Other Christmas Activities

La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival

Spectators can watch a holiday procession featuring marching bands, floats, canine units, equestrians, and specialty vehicles. Following the parade, visitors can enjoy the festival grounds featuring live entertainment, a Christmas market, and visits with Santa. Family activities throughout the event include pony rides, games, bouncy houses, face painting, and educational booths.

Sun, Dec 6, 2026 Free admission.

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

Parade: kicks off at 1 PM; the FAQ also says 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM. Holiday Festival: 1 PM–5 PM. The parade lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Food & Drink

Food trucks are available at the event.

Parking

Park outside the event perimeter and refer to the No Parking Map. ADA parking is available in the Wells Fargo Parking Lot at 7714 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037; a parking pass is required to clear the barricades. The page gives directions to the lot and says to request a pass by phone or email.

Accessibility

Streets comply with ADA regulations, with a designated ADA viewing area and reserved ADA parking available with an advance pass.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Park outside the event perimeter and consult the No Parking Map to avoid tow-away zones and traffic restrictions.
  • Request an ADA parking pass by phone or email; it is required to clear the barricades at the Wells Fargo parking lot.
  • Check the event map for restroom locations and festival features such as food trucks, Santa visits, and the entertainment stage.
  • Consider MTS public transportation to the village; the event map marks a temporary bus stop, and traffic detours affect nearby streets.
  • The event follows a rain-or-shine policy unless extreme weather prompts City direction, so dress for outdoor conditions and bring rain protection if needed.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Admission to the parade and Holiday Festival is free.
  • Santa visits are scheduled post-parade on December 6; visits can be reserved.
  • The 2026 event celebrates the parade’s 70th anniversary.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can families do at the Holiday Festival?

The festival includes a Christmas market, live entertainment, visits with Santa, pony rides, games, bouncy houses, face painting, and educational activities.

Is the celebration suitable for everyone?

Everyone is welcome to participate or spectate. The parade lasts about 90 minutes, and festival activities run through the afternoon.

Where can I park, including if I need ADA parking?

Park outside the event perimeter and refer to the No Parking Map. ADA parking is at the Wells Fargo lot and requires a pass to clear the barricades.

Are the parade and festival separate events?

No. They are part of one community celebration; the parade route begins at Kline and Girard and ends at the La Jolla Recreation Center.

Is food available, and where can I find restrooms?

Restaurants, cafes, and snack bars are in the commercial district. Restroom locations are shown on the event map.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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