Santa Is Back For This Year’s Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting And Christmas Village

Begin your holiday season with Little Italy Association as they welcome back the Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village on Saturday, December 3rd.

Little Italy Tree Lighting

Little Italy transforms into a Winter Wonderland

Watch as your favorite downtown neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas twinkle lights along the 48-square blocks, 10-foot tall nutcrackers and kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, and holiday performances.

Experience some of San Diego’s best holiday spirit with loved ones at this family-friendly event when you immerse yourself into the holiday festivities—including a traditional Italian countdown tree lighting ceremony for their Piazza della Famiglia 25’ live tree, seasonal vendors, live music and entertainment, holiday treats, and family photos with Santa himself.

santa and mrs claus

The Christmas Village

We can’t forget about the Christmas Village which showcases local artisans and vendors with their very best items, just in time for attendees to start their holiday shopping!

Attendees can find unique stocking stuffers and other holiday goodies from seasonal vendors and select Little Italy Mercato vendors during the entire event starting at 4PM.

“It’s truly magical to see the whole community gather together to ring in the holiday season,” said Chris Gomez, District Manager of the Little Italy Association. “Nothing can compare to the feeling of everyone getting into the holiday spirit and witnessing the twinkle in their eyes as they see our tree light up. It’s something I look forward to every year.”.

Little Italy Christmas Village

Two Christmas trees to light up the night sky

Ready to light the night sky up, Little Italy will feature two Christmas Trees, located at the Piazza Basilone and the Piazza della Famiglia.

The Aurora

Designed by California artist Joshua Hubert, Aurora: The Northern Lights of Downtown is a stained-glass 25’ tree in the Piazza Basilone.  The iridescent “glass” tiles symbolize the water and the strong heritage of the Italian tuna fishermen who built the neighborhood in the 1920’s.

The Aurora Christmas Tree

Piazza della Famiglia Christmas Tree

Along with the Aurora, the classic Piazza della Famiglia Christmas Tree is making its appearance as well. The permanent 30’ live tree, strung with Christmas lights and ornaments, is the one that is lit annually to kick-off the holiday season in Little Italy.

Piazza della Famiglia Christmas Tree

More info

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!

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Event Details
  • Start Date
    December 3, 2022 4:00 pm
  • End Date
    December 3, 2022 8:00 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • Piazza della Famiglia
  • Address
    523 W Date St
  • More Info
The Latest
Event Details
  • Start Date
    December 3, 2022 4:00 pm
  • End Date
    December 3, 2022 8:00 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • Piazza della Famiglia
  • Address
    523 W Date St
  • More Info
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