Where can you see the Christmas tree lights this year?

  • There are plenty of community tree-lighting celebrations around the county, like this one in Oceanside, each with a character all its own.

Beyond tonight’s celebrated Christmas tree lighting during December Nights, there are plenty of community tree-lighting celebrations around the county. They may not attract as many people as the Balboa Park event, but each has a character all its own.
The following are free and open to the public, unless noted. (Some communities, including El Cajon, Oceanside, Santee and Eastlake, already held their ceremonies.)
SOUTH BAY
Chula Vista: The yearly Starlight celebration begins with the Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. The parade follows at 6 p.m. along Third Avenue between E and H streets. (619) 422-1982 or thirdavenuevillage.com.
National City: Mariachis and performances will be part of this tree-lighting ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at Morgan Square, between Ninth Street and National City Boulevard. (619) 336-4290.
SAN DIEGO
Ocean Beach: The 31st Annual Ocean Beach Holiday Parade begins at 5:05 p.m. Saturday along with a tree lighting on Newport Avenue. obtowncouncil.org.
Little Italy: The Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. at Piazza Natale, Date and India streets. (619) 233-3898 or littleitalysd.com.
La Jolla: The La Jolla Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday at Girard Avenue and Kline Street, followed by a tree lighting at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. (858) 922-4046 or ljparade.com.
Pacific Beach: Christmas on Crystal Pier begins at 2 p.m. Sunday with Santa, food and entertainment followed by the lighting of the pier tree. pbtowncouncil.org.
Point Loma: Liberty Station’s Holiday Station is a daylong celebration from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 11 that concludes with a tree-lighting ceremony. libertystation.com.
Coronado: After the annual holiday parade, which begins at 6 tonight, the tree at Rotary Park will be lit at 7 p.m. followed by music at 7:15 p.m. coronadochamber.com.
EAST
Alpine: The Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights and Snow Festival begins at 6:30 tonight along Alpine Boulevard and ends with Santa lighting the tree at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. (619) 445-2722 or alpinechamber.com.
Lemon Grove: A bonfire, not a tree, will be lit at a festival in Lemon Grove that features horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, crafts and more from 6 to 8 tonight at Civic Center Park, Olive and Church streets. (619) 825-3815.
La Mesa: Christmas in the Village, which transforms downtown La Mesa into a Victorian village, will be celebrated from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. (619) 462-3000 or lmvma.com.
NORTH INLAND
San Elijo Hills: The San Elijo Hills Foodie Fest and Tree Lighting features treats from gourmet food trucks and happens from 5 to 8:30 tonight at the San Elijo Hills Town Square in San Marcos. sanelijohills.com or (760) 798-1765.
Vista: A tree lighting ceremony at Vista’s Main Street Gazebo happens from 5 to 8 tonight. vistachamber.org.
Escondido: The annual Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Festivities include Santa, carolers, children’s crafts and snow. artcenter.org.
San Marcos: The two-day Santa’s Magical Village festival features a tree lighting at 6:45 p.m. Saturday at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive. san-marcos.net.
Poway: Poway’s Christmas in the Park celebration will have a community tree lighting at 5:20 p.m. Dec. 11 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. poway.org.
NORTH COAST
Encinitas: Santa will light the Encinitas Christmas tree at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Lumberyard courtyard, 937 S. Highway 101. A holiday parade down the 101 follows. (760) 633-2740.
Carlsbad: The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying LC Lane, has a tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. Saturday. followed by a family festival. Tickets: $8 at the door, free for ages 3 and under. (760) 434-2843.
Del Mar: A holiday bazaar goes from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday throughout downtown Del Mar, followed by a 5 p.m. tree lighting at L’Auberge Del Mar Amphitheater. Cost: $25 for book of 30 tickets; $30 day of event. delmarmainstreet.com.
Solana Beach: Live music, visits with Santa and the annual tree lighting happen at 5 p.m. Sunday at Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave. (858) 720-2453.

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