ENCINITAS — The city of Encinitas is preparing to launch its holiday season with two cherished annual events: the 30th lighting of the Encinitas Heritage Tree and the 67th Encinitas Holiday Parade.
The festivities begin from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 with the lighting of the Encinitas Heritage Tree at Moonlight Beach’s upper parking lot. Hosted by the Encinitas Historical Society, in partnership with the City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Rotary Club, the event is free to the public and includes complimentary parking.
This year’s celebration will feature a performance by legendary songwriter Jack Tempchin, a 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee known for penning iconic Eagles hits such as “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone.”
Local music groups, including the San Diego North Coast Singers children’s choir and three elementary school choirs, will also perform. Returning for its fourth consecutive year, the local band Free Verse will open the event with holiday classics and join the choirs for a grand finale.
The lighting ceremony honors a 90-foot Norfolk pine planted in 1952 by Peter and John Danforth. Designated a protected Heritage Tree in 2011, it has been maintained and lit annually by volunteers led by long-time Encinitas resident Luis Ortiz.
After a long journey from the North Pole ahead of Christmas Eve, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance, arriving on an Encinitas fire engine.
The holiday celebrations continue Dec. 7 with the 67th annual Encinitas Holiday Parade, themed “Creativity in Motion.” Sponsored by Online Builders, a San Diego-based general contracting firm specializing in commercial construction services, the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. on Coast Highway 101, traveling south from D Street to J Street.
The parade at 5 p.m. will be preceded by a ceremonial tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus at the Lumberyard Shops courtyard.
This year’s Grand Marshal, mural artist Kevin Anderson, will lead the procession. Anderson, whose work adorns local landmarks, said he was grateful for the opportunity.
“I feel very honored to be nominated as Encinitas’ Grand Marshal,” Anderson said in a statement. “My wife just lit up when we heard the news [and] I look forward to seeing all the wonderful people during the holiday parade and shouting Merry Christmas!”
The event will feature a record 105 entries, with participants competing for awards such as Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Spirit, Best Performance, and Best Overall. The parade is the largest of its kind in North County, drawing more than 10,000 spectators annually.
Coast Highway 101 will close at 4 p.m., with free parking and shuttles available at San Dieguito Academy High School and Ecke Sports Park/YMCA, with ADA-accessible shuttles from San Dieguito Academy.
Billy Rendler, president of Online Builders, highlighted the company’s support for community events.
“Online Builders is proud to be the foundation of this year’s Encinitas Holiday Parade,” Rendler said in a statement. “We are committed to turning creativity into reality and making every moment of the parade as memorable as the spaces we build.”
