The days are getting shorter and holiday movies are starting to infiltrate the airwaves which can only mean one thing: the holidays are coming! So, finalize those Christmas lists, fill up on egg nog, grab your Santa hats and head over to Little Italy for the long awaited return of the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village.
On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Little Italy will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with every inch decorated by twinkling Christmas lights, nutcrackers, holiday décor and fabulous tree displays. Sing along to holiday songs and hum the rhythmic hymns of everyone’s favorite Christmas tunes as you take in the breathtaking Christmas decorations that adorn the Little Italy neighborhood.
Ten-foot-tall nutcrackers and kinetic holiday tree displays are only some of the exciting ornamental features that will liven up Little Italy’s street corners. In addition, guests will have the chance to gaze upon Joshua Hubert’s Aurora tree in the Piazza Basilone and the permanent live 25-foot tree in the Piazza della Famiglia. Stick around for the long-awaited traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony held in the Piazza della Famiglia, with opening remarks starting at 6:30 p.m. to see the entire Piazza come to life with light and cheer.
After, head over to one of the vendors booths on India, W. Date and W. Fir Streets for sweet holiday treats and delicious warm favorites to snack on as you soak up the holiday cheer. Be sure to take a stroll through Christmas Village with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, as you browse through a wide array of hand-made gifts from local vendors and artisans. Attendees will get the chance to finish up all their holiday shopping since the Christmas Village market offers an abundance local favorites and unique goodies for everyone on your list!
Finally, remember to stick around for the special guest we’ve all been waiting for! That’s right, Santa is back this year to take the cutest holiday pictures with the entire family! See Santa right before your own eyes and get the opportunity to leave him a letter in the Big Red Mailbox. Kids of all ages can tell him what they’ve been up to, what’s on their Christmas list this year, and even draw him a picture at the Letters to Santa Booth.
There is truly something for everyone this holiday season in Little Italy and you certainly won’t want to miss the 24th Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village on Saturday, Dec. 3! Until then, the neighborhood is wishing everyone peace, love and joy this holiday season. Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!
For more information, please visit us at LittleItalySD.com or follow us on Instagram @LittleItalySD, Twitter @LittleItalySD and Facebook @LittleItalySD.