From local dignitaries to iconic characters, La Jolla rolled out holiday flair for thousands.
For crowds of thousands lined up over several Village blocks, the 68th annual La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival spread California-style joy as it rolled through Dec 8.
This year’s parade was the largest ever, with 150 entrants including floats from local organizations, marching bands from around the region, dancers, equestrian groups, pageant winners, local dignitaries and community leaders and more.
As neighbors hosted snack tables along the route, carolers belted out holiday tunes at St. James by-the-Sea and families showed up in holiday outfits with decorated wagons and strollers along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street, the parade celebrated several marshals: Grand Marshal Kiwanis Club of La Jolla; Civic Marshal San Diego police Chief SDPD Chief Scott Wahl; Traditional Marshal Brenda Fake, founder and President of Friends of Coast Walk; Cultural Marshal Victoria Diaz, vice chair of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians; Education Marshal The Preuss School; and Founders’ Circle Marshal the Manchester family.
Themed “Palm Trees & Poinsettias: A California Christmas,” this year’s parade also included local leadership: San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego City Council President pro Tem Joe LaCava and more.
Throughout the day, parade operations volunteer Eric Fletcher shared content to the parade’s Instagram page.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “There’s all these people … so happy and making memories with their friends and family. It’s so special to see the community come together to put on this event.”
Several of the parade entrants won prizes. “Santa’s Favorite” went to All Hallows Academy; “Most Holiday Spirit” went to Rancho Coastal Humane Society; The Dan McKinney YMCA won “Most Creative”; Ooh La La dance studio took “Most Colorful”; and “Most Original” went to philanthropy group Las Patronas.
The award for “Best Overall” went to Stella Maris Academy.
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