A pirate ship, provided by the San Diego Maritime Museum, will fire its cannons as it delivers Santa Claus to Seaport Village for a Southern California-themed holiday kick-off celebration at 1 p.m. on Nov. 28. Santa, dressed in board shorts, will pose for surf photos with park visitors following his arrival until 5 p.m. Youngsters can have their faces painted for free during the event as well as make their own ornaments to place on Seaport Village’s environmentally-friendly Christmas tree. The kids can also play in sand pits and a live band will play rock ’n’ roll holiday music, said Megan Capizzi, Seaport Village marketing manager. Meanwhile, SDG&E will sponsor an LED light exchange at the park. Anyone can bring up to three old strands of holiday lights and receive an equal number of energy saving LED strands, Capizzi said. Those participating in the exchange will also receive a free Home Energy & Water Savings Kit with a low flow shower head. The annual tree lighting is set for 5 p.m. that afternoon, sponsored by the Port of San Diego. The tree will be adorned with LED holiday lights and ornaments made of recycled material. The first 75 people at the tree lighting will receive free fudge and coffee, Capizzi said. Santa’s arrival and the tree lighting signal the beginning of a holiday season at Seaport Village filled with decorated stores, live entertainment in the park and a few other events. Capizzi said the park management is contacting local schools to schedule their choirs and bands to play at the park during the season. Seaport Village is a good location to view the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights on Dec. 13 and 20, Capizzi said. Fireworks precede the nautical light parade each day at 5:30 p.m. The parade, which begins at Shelter Island, should reach Seaport Village at 7 p.m., according to the parade Website. Breakfast with Santa is another of the holiday events in December. Santa Claus will join visitors for breakfast at the Harbor House Restaurant on Dec. 19 and 20. Cost is $25 per person and reservations are required. Call (619) 235-4014, ext. 3.
