San Diego Christmas Parades

San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade - Big Bay Balloon Parade

December 28, 2022, 10 a.m.

holidaybowl.com/events/parade/

The country's largest balloon parade features over 100,000 spectators! If that's not big enough, get ready to feel like you're floating on air with spectacular floats, marching bands, and gigantic, helium-filled balloons that bounce up and down as volunteers tether them with their hands as they march down the parade route. These are just few of the offerings in this colorful holiday parade that takes place along San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego. This holiday tradition is part of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl game and celebration which also includes a marching band display.

Some balloons seen in this Holiday Bowl Parade have been cartoon characters such as Betty Boop, Popeye, Snoopy, Planes, Cars and Mother Goose.

Pacific Beach Holiday Parade 

December 10, 2022, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Pacific Beach 42nd annual Holiday Parade is a wonderful holiday parade for all ages.Come early to find a place along the street so you can see floats, marching bands, color guards, community groups, marching groups of children, clowns, and of course - Santa Claus! Parade follows the San Diego Santa Run, the most festive 5K! Location: Garnet Avenue between Haines St. & Bayard Street, San Diego, CA
pacificbeach.org /event/pb-holiday-parade/ 

La Jolla Christmas Parade
December 4, 2022
Parade & Holiday Festival in downtown La Jolla includes marching bands, floats, equestrian groups, vintage automobiles and an appearance by Santa Claus.

Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
December 11 & 18, 2022, 5-8:30 p.m.
Attracts massive crowds who love to see the sparkling lots. Admire them and approx. 80 private boats decorated with holiday lights reflecting an assigned theme. Great views are available on land from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Marina Park and Coronado Ferry Landing.

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
December 19, 2021, 1 p.m. 2022 tba
gaslamp.org
Register your pet for a small fee to be in the parade
Owners and their dressed-up pets march down the decorated streets of San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. The event concludes with a Pet Expo featuring an awards ceremony honoring best pet holiday costume and ugliest holiday sweater.

Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
December 10, 2022, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
is a delight! 100 brightly illuminated powerboats and sailboats parade along Mission Bay.  discovermissionbay.org 

Seaport Village Surfin' Santa event invites visitors to Hang ten with San Diego's board short-wearing Santa. A lively parade down the Seaport Village boardwalk, along with music, kids' crafts and photo opportunities with Surfin' Santa dude are all included, free.
 

San Diego County

Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon
No parade in 2023
Is a tradition that began as a gift to the children of San Diego in 1947. In San Diego's East County the largest parade in the county features floats, clowns, Santa Claus, marching bands, equestrian units and celebrity appearances.

Coronado Christmas Parade
December 2, 2022, 6-8 p.m.
Is a grand Holiday Celebration with a festive parade along Orange Avenue, the lighting of a 75-foot Christmas tree, holiday music and a fireworks show over Glorietta Bay.

Escondido Jaycees Christmas Parade
December 10, 2022, 2-5 p.m.
2022 theme is Miracle on Grand Avenue
This an annual tradition brings the spirit of the season to one and all.  Route: The parade starts at Escondido High School and proceeds south on Broadway down to Grape Day Park. One of the best places to view the Parade is at Lincoln School. facebook.com/ EscondidoJayceesAnnualChristmasParade/

Encinitas Holiday Parade
December 3, 2022, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Rolls along the historic 101 Coast Highway in San Diego's North County. Marching bands, children's groups and nearly 100 floats, plus a tree lighting ceremony at the Lumberyard Shopping Center precedes the parade.

Chula Vista Third Avenue Starlight Parade

December 3, 2023, 6 p.m. festivities start at 3 p.m.
Third Avenue between H and E streets
25-foot-tall Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m., and the Starlight Parade beginning at 6 p.m. The parade and festival is a joint event organized between the City of Chula Vista and the Downtown Chula Vista Association.  Billed as one of the largest nighttime parades and festivals in the United States, more than 100 entries include ar clubs, community groups, floats, Santa, bands and holiday merriment. Before the parade a Holiday Market takes place, plus rides on the Chula Vista Express and free family photos with Santa beginning at 3 p.m. In Memorial Park there's live music.  starlightparade.com

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