The Ocean Beach holiday season kicks off on Dec. 1 with one of the most beloved traditions in San Diego, the lighting of the Christmas tree on the beach at the foot of Newport Avenue. Now in its 39th year, the tree lighting at 5:05 p.m. is followed by the annual Ocean Beach Holiday Parade, with more than 10,000 attendees expected to partake in the festivities, themed this year after the classic film, “It’s A Wonderful Life. ”
The 35-foot tree was put in place on Nov. 27 in advance of the parade and lighting ceremony, with decorations, including dozens of beach balls, placed later in the week. “It’s a beautiful tree,” said Claudia Jack of the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association. “We’re also very happy that the tree was sourced locally, from right here in 92107,” she added. Youngsters will be able to visit with Santa next to the tree each Saturday in December, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. According to Holiday Parade co-chair Corey Bruins, more than 100 staff and volunteers will work together to make the event happen. “We have more than 100 entries this year,” he said “Floats will be judged in seven categories including; Best Use of Lights, Best OB Spirit, Most Unusual, Best Kids Group, Best Performance, Best Live Music and Best Overall Float.” There will be plenty of music during the parade with appearances from marching bands, a disco Christmas float, The Supersonic Samba School and local country-rock favorites, The Country Rockin Rebels. One parade float sure to draw extra attention will feature the unveiling of a new “Mermaid,” set to replace the one that disappeared in June from Ross Rock at Sunset Cliffs. Beyond the parade and tree lighting, Ocean Beach vendors and merchants will be hosting activities surrounding the main events. In what has also become an annual tradition, Winston’s will feature free live music during and after the parade, with two sets of classic rock and the odd holiday tune from Domkatz. “I grew up in Denver so my favorite thing about Christmas in San Diego is that it will not be a white Christmas and nobody will get hurt falling on the ice,” said singer/bassist Lisa Domkat. ‘On Dec. 1, I’m looking forward to being on stage at Winston’s, looking out the big window, seeing people dancing out on the sidewalk and a minute later seeing them on the dancefloor dancing in front of the band. Nothing makes me happier than getting people to dance,” she remarked. “Winston’s is a great place to come after the parade and wait out the traffic.”
Meanwhile, before the parade, there will be a craft fair at Veterans Plaza, adjacent to the tree’s location, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with 25 vendors on hand. “We have a little bit of something for everybody,” said Jack, who curated the fair. “I searched out interesting artisans to showcase, so this is the perfect spot to start your Christmas shopping early.” Bruins considers the parade and its surrounding events to be his favorite time of year. “It’s the one time of year that we can bring OBcians and people from throughout San Diego together over one thing and the special kinds of joy in the season,” he said. “We can show what it means to have a wonderful life in Ocean Beach,” he said. OB Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting: 5:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. along Newport Avenue. www.oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/ob-holiday-parade