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Holiday parades: Festive San Diego parades to catch this season

Posted at 1:24 PM, Nov 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-19 18:51:44-05

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The holiday season will be bright and alive with the sounds of bands and cheers this season.

Several parades will return to San Diego in the next month, from the traditional Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon to the seasonal wrap-up with the Holiday Bowl Parade.

And in between, even more festive entertainment across the county, as floats, marching bands, vintage cars, and performers get communities excited for the holidays.

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Nov. 24

73rd annual Mother Goose Parade: El Cajon's annual Mother Goose Parade hits the streets at 1 p.m., following Main Street from El Cajon Blvd. to 1st Ave. Each "Chapter" of the parade brings several floats and bands down the parade route for onlookers, all leading up to Santa's arrival.

Dec. 6

Coronado Holiday Parade: Coronado rings in the holidays with their annual parade at 6 p.m., with festival floats and performers making their way down Orange Ave., bringing Santa to the town's Christmas tree for a special lighting ceremony.

Dec. 7

Chula Vista Starlight Parade: Chula Vista's Starlight Parade begins at 5 p.m., as Third Avenue hosts vintage cars, marching bands, dancers, and more to kick off the holiday season in the South Bay.

Encinitas Holiday Parade: For the 62nd year, Encinitas will see thousands gather to watch cars, floats, and marching bands head down Coast Highway 101 during the Encinitas Holiday Parade at 5:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Encinitas on the Move!"

Ocean Beach Holiday Parade: OB's holiday parade kicks off at 5:05 p.m. on Newport Ave. under this year's theme of "Miracle on Newport Ave.!" Floats will also compete in categories for best lights, unusual float, and OB spirit!

Dec. 8

North Park Toyland Parade: Holiday magic comes alive at 11 a.m. in North Park as their annual Toyland Parade brings a display of festival bands, floats, and cars down University Ave., between Utah and Iowa Streets.

La Jolla Christmas Parade: La Jolla celebrates the magic of Christmas starting at 11 a.m. during their annual Christmas Parade, this year under the theme "Christmas on the Moon." The parade will travel down Girard Ave. and Prospect St.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Boats dressed in lights and colorful decorations will glide along the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights before thousands of onlookers beginning at 5 p.m. each night. This year’s theme will be Comic-Con on the Bay.

Dec. 14

Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights: Dozens of boats in their best holiday decor will hit the waters of Mission Bay for their own special parade beginning at 6 p.m., traveling between Vacation and Fiesta Islands.

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights: Oceanside has its own celebration of the holidays on the water, as their Parade of Lights brings boats dressed in colorful lights and decorations to the harbor beginning at 7 p.m.

Dec. 15

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade: Pooches and felines will deck the paws in the Gaslamp District, as the annual Holiday Pet Parade makes its way down Fifth Ave. under the Gaslamp archway starting at 2 p.m.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: (Second running) Boats dressed in lights and colorful decorations will glide along the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights before thousands of onlookers beginning at 5 p.m. each night. This year’s theme will be Comic-Con on the Bay.

Dec. 26

San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade: America's largest balloon parade returns to San Diego, as the Holiday Bowl Parade invites more than 100,000 out to watch marching bands, floats, drill teams, and, of course, balloons starting at 10 a.m.