LA JOLLA — It’s time for the kids to get their lists ready. For his 25th year as the jolly star of the La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, Santa’s once again headlining Sunday’s parade, a spectacle that attracts thousands to the village’s sidewalks each year. More than 1,200 will participate in the parade, from marching bands to drill teams to Scout troops. There will be youth marshals and lifeguards, floats and street cars. The Old Globe Theatre’s “Grinch” will also make an appearance. La Jolla Town Council parade organizer Ann Kerr Bache, who has steered the event for 13 years, said there are 12 equestrians registered to participate, as well as possibly two camels — one named “Alibaba” — as part of the La Jolla Presbyterian Church’s live nativity. The church is also hosting a free cookie-baking event in its courtyard after the parade. Annette Buis, a La Jollan who has been helping with the parade for 20 years, crafted the ocean-themed artwork that can be seen on parade posters all around the village. Street closures are huge on the day of the parade. Last year Bache said at least 34 cars were towed. For a complete list of closures, participants, events and a map, see the La Jolla Town Council’s parade program inside.
