Parkway Plaza Kicks Off Holiday Season With Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival

Parkway Plaza is launching its holiday programming with a Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival, and they’re going bigger than just flipping a switch and calling it festive. We’re talking live circus performances, face painting, balloon twisting, holiday crafts, and a mischievous green Christmas thief joining Santa to light the tree.

If you’re in El Cajon or looking for holiday activities that work for the whole family, this is a solid option that won’t cost you anything to attend.

The Main Event

Friday, November 21, 5 PM – 7 PM

The tree lighting features entertainment from Marinelli’s Circus (critically acclaimed, not just some random performers) and a festive show from Dance & Arts Studios. El Cajon’s Parks & Recreation is running a holiday craft station, and there are giveaways, balloon twisting, and face painting scattered throughout the evening.

The Grinch makes an appearance to help light the tree, which is a nice twist on the standard tree lighting format. After the ceremony, you can take photos at the tree with the Grinch and visit Santa if your kids want to get their wish lists in early.

Photos With Santa Run Through Christmas Eve

Santa’s Set in Center Court opens the same night as the tree lighting and runs through December 24. Visits require a $20 deposit, with photo packages available for purchase. Reservations are strongly encouraged – you can book ahead to avoid waiting in long lines with restless kids.

They’re also offering themed visits that make the Santa experience more inclusive. Pet Night on December 1 from 5-8 PM lets you bring your dog for a family photo. Sensory Friendly visits happen December 14 from 9-10 AM for kids who need a calmer environment. And PJ Night runs every Wednesday if you want to lean into the cozy holiday vibe.

📆 November 21 – December 24
🎟️ Book here to visit Santa

Cookies With Santa

This free event features crafts, playtime with puppies from The Animal Pad, storytime, and a cookie station. Santa, the Gingerbread Man, and other surprise guests will be there. It’s free, which makes it accessible for families who don’t want to drop money on every holiday activity.

📆 Saturday, December 13, 11 AM – 12:30 PM

12 Days of Giveaways

Parkway Plaza is running daily giveaways via Instagram – gift cards or presents from Plaza retailers. Winners are chosen randomly and announced the following Monday before 5 PM.

You’ve got 30 days to pick up your prize. To enter, you need to like the post, follow @visitparkwayplaza, tag two friends, and fill out a Google form. Extra entry if you share the post and tag them in your story.

📆 Starting Friday, December 12

Extended Holiday Hours and Shopping

Parkway Plaza has extended Black Friday hours from 9 AM to 9 PM, and you’re getting access to stores like Ulta Beauty, JC Penney, Burlington, and H&M for holiday shopping.

Marinelli Circus continues performances throughout the season through early December, so if you miss them at the tree lighting, you can catch them later.