The La Jolla Christmas Parade rang in the holidays with its 56th annual installment on Dec. 8. The parade was truly a beach-themed event, with appearances from locals like Izzy Tihanyi of Surf Diva and Windansea Surf Club’s Bird Huffman, far right.
The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival marched through the Village on Dec. 8, drawing throngs of spectators to the streets. Girl Scouts and Brownies alike were decked out in festive attire, while District 1 City Councilwoman Sherri?Lightner greeted her constituents along the parade route. Moonglow Design wowed viewers with a creative and humorous float, while Santa waved to the crowd and the ladies of Ooh La La Dance channeled the Rockettes. Even the Navy rang in the holidays with a float replicating the USS Midway. The parade was not without its non-human representatives, either, as horses, dogs and even camels made appearances. The festivities continued afterward with cookie-making booths at the La Jolla Presbyterian Church.
After the parade, the crowds flocked to the La Jolla Recreation Center for the Holiday Festival, where Holland M. Smith, festival coordinator, lit the Rec Center Christmas tree lights. The lights, furnished by GDC Construction Company, will be lit each night until New Year’s Day. Voice of La Jolla Ron Jones emceed the event, which included performances by music groups, including the Ukelele Bruddahs.