Encinitas Holiday Parade

December 2, 2023, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

2023 theme is: Traditions of Encinitas

Parade route: from D St. on the Coast Highway to J St.
Find Parade information at www.EncinitasParksandRec.com or call the City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department at (760) 633-2740.
encinitasca.gov

The City of Encinitas annual Encinitas Holiday Parade launches with the Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Lumberyard. Free shuttle service will be offered at locations near I-5. To avoid congestion, come early and stay late, enjoying nearby shops and restaurants.

 The Encinitas Holiday Parade - presented by Ting Internet  showcases great music across different genres and generations with the 2021 theme, Encinitas Rocks. 

Grand Marshal is usually selected as an Encinitas icon or well known figure in local culture. Earl Flores is the 2021 Parade Grand Marshal.

 FREE Holiday Parade Shuttle. Shuttle buses will take Parade spectators to and from the Parade from two convenient shuttle locations: Ecke Sports Park/YMCA and San Dieguito Academy High School (parking lot at corner of Melba Road/Nardo Road). Both shuttles start running at 4pm with last pick-ups from the parade stop until 8:30pm. The ADA accessible buses run from the San Dieguito Academy location. Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes and will drop you off at the NCTD bus station on Vulcan Avenue, just a half block from the Parade route.

Parade spectators claim a good spot to watch the parade as soon as Coast Highway closes at 4 pm. Followed by a countdown and ceremonial tree lighting, Santa kicks things off at 5 p.m. at the Lumberyard shops courtyard (near Starbucks). The Parade starts promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on as the Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101. 100 entries reflect the annual theme of the event. Categories for competition include: Best Representation of Community --New Encinitas, Old Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, Olivenhain-- and Best Representation of the Year 1986.

Other events throughout the year in Encinitas include the annual sports festival in May and the summer concerts in the park. Other events throughout the year in Encinitas include the popular Easter Egg Hunt held in the spring.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.