Jingle All The Way To This Year’s Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting And Christmas Village

Can you hear the jingle bells? The Little Italy Association is thrilled to join the community in ringing in the holiday season with the Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village on Saturday, December 2nd.

Nothing marks the start of winter quite like watching one of San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods go through a festive transformation with 10-foot-tall nutcrackers, kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, and twinkling Christmas light throughout the 48-square blocks.

A long-standing tradition

Take part the San Diego’s long-standing tradition with your loved ones through an evening filled with seasonal vendors, live music and entertainment, holiday treats, family photos with Santa, and above all, the traditional Italian countdown tree lighting ceremony for the Piazza della Famiglia 25’ live tree.

Holiday shoppers can also take advantage of the Christmas Village, located on India Street, to find unique stocking stuffers and other holiday goodies from seasonal vendors and select Little Italy Mercato vendors throughout the entirety of the event.

“With each holiday season that comes by, the energy of the Little Italy neighborhood only gets stronger. Family, friends, and loved ones are eager to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in a neighborhood as beautiful as Little Italy,” said Chris Gomez, District Manager of the Little Italy Association.

“This Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is not only near and dear to our hearts, but I know for many others that cherish this festive tradition. So go out there and spread the holiday cheer!”

Little Italy Tree Lighting Ceremony

As the crowds gather in excitement, the Little Italy Association will light up the night sky with a flip of the switch! Before the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Little Italy Association leadership will first address the community with some quick remarks.

Then, starting at 6:30PM, the community will come together around the permanent 25’ tree at the Piazza della Famiglia to start the Italian countdown to the holiday season by Father Joe Tabigue of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Little Italy will also feature Aurora: The Northern Lights of Downtown. Designed by California artist Joshua Hubert, the stained-glass 25’ tree in the Piazza Basilone is of remembrance of the water and strong heritage of the Italian tuna fishermen who built the neighborhood in the 1920’s.

Exploring the Christmas Village

While enjoying the winter wonderland, make sure to check out the Little Italy Christmas Village! There is no more delightful place to shop for locally crafted holiday gifts than wandering through the iconic streets of India, Fir and Date while enjoying music and holiday displays along with hot chocolate and festive food and drinks from the vendors.

Selected farmers will offer wreaths and Christmas trees, fruit and nuts, and California olive oil and honey. Choose gift-boxed cookies, confections, teas and hot sauces, and specialty foods for your holiday parties. Or find unique clothes, jewelry, art, toys and more as last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers!

See you there!

For more information about the Little Italy Association visit here. For more information about the Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village click here.

See you there, San Diego!