Little Italy Unveils Never Seen Before Christmas Tree Design

San Diego’s Little Italy is getting a brand new custom-designed Christmas tree for the 21st Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village this Friday.

Located in the Piazza Basilone, the display will elevate the Christmas magic of this historic neighborhood’s Christmas village, creating a winter wonderland for all to enjoy.

Not Your Traditional Christmas Tree!

California designer Joshua Hubert, known for his light and optics work in the San Francisco Bay Area Art, Burning Man and underground music communities, has created this one-of-a-kind 25-foot tree using rolled glass texture polycarbonate and dichroic glass-like material, providing an optical prismatic effect that is truly amazing.

The new and modern material is cut into over 2,000 panels and adorned on the tree by an individual hook on each panel, allowing them to swing like fringe on the tree. The display will be lit with almost 1,000 LED bulbs, creating a 3D effect with different light animations.

Based on the LED light color and sun, in relation to a viewer’s stance, the tree will strew colors like blue, magenta, gold, copper, yellow and green, and will be topped with a brightly lit Moravian star crafted by artist Rudy Brubaker.

Here’s a glimpse of what the tree could look like:

The second Christmas tree that the Little Italy neighborhood will come together to light on this special evening is an over 25-foot permanent tree located in the heart of the Little Italy neighborhood, the Piazza della Famiglia. Guests are encouraged to head to the Piazza della Famiglia for the tree lighting countdown at 6:30 p.m.

Tree Lighting and Christmas Village

The 21st Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village on Saturday, December 7th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Santa will make an appearance to chat and take photos with children starting at 4 p.m. In “Santa’s Living Room” little ones can share their Christmas wishes until 6 p.m. and get their picture taken with the man from the North Pole. Kids can also participate in arts and crafts activities next to “Santa’s Living Room.” 

Attendees can look forward to the Christmas Village, which will feature holiday goodies and perfect stocking stuffers from seasonal vendors and select Little Italy Mercato vendors on India Street, between W. Cedar and W. Fir Streets.

All of India Street will be decked out in sparkling white lights—making Little Italy a true winter wonderland. There will also be Christmas carolers, 10-foot tall nutcrackers on street corners and more seasonal surprises throughout the neighborhood!

Guests are encouraged to head to the Piazza della Famiglia for the tree lighting countdown at 6:30 p.m.

See you there!