Little Italy Celebrates 21st Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village with the Reveal of a New Tree Design!

Bundle up for some holiday fun at this year’s 21st Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village! On Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 8 p.m., the Little Italy Association (LIA) will kick off this year’s seasonal festivities with exciting enhancements to the event with the reveal of a new custom-designed Christmas tree, located in the center of the Piazza Basilone. Guests will experience a magical evening filled with festive décor, seasonal vendors, a tree lighting ceremony in the Piazza della Famiglia with a live Christmas tree over 25-feet tall, live music and entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, a surprise visit from Santa and more!

After years of bringing the community holiday joy, the new display will add another touch of Christmas magic to this historical neighborhood. The brand-new tree will stand tall in the Piazza Basilone, specially designed by California artist, Joshua Hubert. The display will feature two-inch plexiglass fringe generating colored rays that will dazzle at night and shimmer during the day. As you walk around the tree, the colors will change based on your perspective and view.

On this special evening, we will flip the switch and light the 25-foot live tree that sits at the entrance of the Piazza della Famiglia.  The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. as it is nestled in between an evening of spectacular entertainment.

Walk through a true winter wonderland as all of India Street will be decked out in sparkling white lights and 10-foot tall nutcrackers will stand on every street corner. Carolers will spread the sound of holiday cheer throughout this enchanting evening as you can shop for holiday goodies from seasonal vendors and select Little Italy Mercato vendors at the Christmas Village.

At 4 p.m., prepare for a special visit from the North Pole as Santa himself will make an appearance and take photos with the children in the community. For the perfect photo opportunity, stop by at “Santa’s Living Room,” where kids can share their Christmas wishes with Santa until 6 p.m. Right next-door kids can also participate in arts and crafts activities.

Spend the most wonderful time of the year in this urban neighborhood for an evening full of holiday fun and cheer. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture special Christmas photos, a surprise visit from Santa and last-minute stocking stuffers from local San Diego vendors. Create long-lasting memories with the family at this seasonal event!

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