67th Annual Holiday Parade Marching Into Encinitas This Weekend

ENCINITAS, CA — The city's 67th annual Holiday Parade is marching into Encinitas on Saturday.

Nearly 100 parade entries will cruise, cycle, march, roll and scoot down Coast Highway 101. The community celebration will include a ceremonial tree lighting and a special visit from Santa Claus.

The theme of this year's parade, "Creativity in Motion," celebrates the vibrant spirit of innovation and imagination that flows through the Encinitas community, according to the city. From colorful floats to dynamic performances, participants are invited to bring their creative ideas to life in a moving display of art, culture and festive cheer.

The Encinitas Holiday Parade is the largest of its kind in North County, attracting more than 10,000 spectators, according to the city. This year's event includes a record number of participants with 105 parade entries. Entries will be judged and awards will be given in a variety of categories, including Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Spirit, Best Performance and Best Overall.

Santa Claus will kick off the festivities at 5 p.m. at the Lumberyard Shops courtyard between H and I streets. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. and travel south from D Street to J Street.

Coast Highway 101 will close at 4 p.m. Free parking will be available at San Dieguito Academy High School on the corner of Nardo and Melba roads, and Ecke Sports Park/YMCA on Saxony Road.

Free shuttle service will run from both lots to the parade area beginning at 4 p.m. and make the last downtown pickups at 8:30 p.m. Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes and will drop off and pick up at the NCTD bus station on Vulcan Avenue, just a half block from the parade route. ADA-accessible shuttles will be available from the San Dieguito Academy location. Limited street parking is available near the route, with traffic codes enforced.