A little European holiday magic is coming to Moonlight Beach! Imagine browsing artisan gifts, sipping hot chocolate and decorating gingerbread cookies as festive music plays with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
The first-ever Encinitas Holiday Village & Market joins the 32nd Annual Heritage Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 4, transforming the Moonlight Beach upper parking lot into a gathering place with twinkling lights, evergreen garlands and booths decorated for the season from 2-7 p.m.
Organized by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Encinitas, the seaside holiday village will bring the spirit of a European Christmas market to the coast. Local artisans and makers will offer distinctive gifts, while gingerbread-cookie decorating, hot chocolate and holiday photo backdrops invite families to linger and celebrate.
The tree-lighting program begins at 4 p.m., featuring Free Verse, Encinitas Union School District choirs and the San Diego North Coast Singers. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive courtesy of the Encinitas Fire Department before the tree lights up at 6 p.m.
For longtime Lighting of the Heritage Tree organizer Jim Filanc, the celebration represents decades of community dedication. Planted in 1952, the tree became an annual holiday tradition through Luis Ortiz’s efforts beginning in 1994. JR Filanc Construction has provided a lift and crew since 1999.
Filanc describes the tree as “a beacon of continuity promoting the spirit of the holidays without fail.” He sees the market as a natural next step for a gathering promoting “peace and unity for children of all ages.”
Encinitas Action is sponsoring the photo station, helping guests capture the occasion.
“A fun photo opportunity pulls people together, gets them laughing, and sends them home with proof they were part of a special community event,” said Allison Blackwell.
“When you share a night like this with your neighbors, Encinitas stops being a place you live and becomes a community you belong to,” she added.
The Rhoades School will provide hot chocolate, adding warmth to the festivities.
“Having been a part of Encinitas for more than 45 years, we wanted a cozy, warm way to give back to the neighbors who have supported us for decades,” said Head of School Joanne Pate.
For the school community, she said, “it is a privilege for us to help launch a new tradition that celebrates togetherness and fun.”
Come for the shopping, stay for the music and make an evening of coastal holiday cheer! For details, visit encinitaschamber.com or VisitEncinitasCA.com.
