Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

Experience the magic of the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village, transforming into a festive wonderland. Discover unique artisan gifts, enjoy live music, and savor seasonal treats. The highlight is the traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony, culminating in Santa's arrival. It's a perfect family-friendly event to embrace the holiday spirit.

What to Expect

Annual Italian tree lighting ceremony with Santa's arrival.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: Valet or self-parking options are available. Visit https://www.littleitalysd.com/parking for more details.
  • Pets: Service animals only

Other Christmas Events Near San Diego

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday shoppers

Vibe

Festive and joyful

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Santa is back for the annual event
  • Christmas Village featuring artisan vendors
  • Traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony

Tags

holiday marketChristmas marketSanta visitstree lightingfamily friendlyartisanal productsfestive foodholiday shoppingcommunity celebrationseasonal activities

Location

Little Italy
2210 Columbia Street
San Diego, CA
92101

Event Details

Duration

4 hours

Ages

Family-friendly

Neighborhood

Little Italy

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Little Italy Association of San Diego

Food & Drink

Festive food and warm beverages from vendors, plus local restaurants.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to find parking, especially if you plan to visit the Christmas Village before the main tree lighting ceremony.
  • Check the Little Italy Association's website for any updates on specific entertainment schedules or vendor lists.
  • Consider using public transportation like the Green Line trolley to avoid potential parking challenges.
  • Dress in layers as San Diego evenings can be cool, even in December.
  • Explore the various piazzas and streets to discover all the holiday decorations and unique artisan offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Christmas Village open?

The Christmas Village is open from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

When is the tree lighting ceremony?

The traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6:30 PM in Piazza della Famiglia.

Are there food and drinks available?

Yes, there will be festive food and warm beverages available from various vendors.

Can I bring my pet?

While pets are generally not allowed, service animals are welcome.

Where can I find holiday gifts?

The Christmas Village features local artisan vendors selling unique gifts, crafts, and stocking stuffers.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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