The holiday season in Encinitas transforms this beachside town into a glowing celebration of lights, music, and community spirit. Whether you’re a local looking for festive activities or a visitor seeking coastal holiday magic, Encinitas offers incredible light displays that capture the joyful, laid-back energy this surf town is known for.
Walk Through a Million Twinkling Lights at Lightscape
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden returns for the 2025-26 season from November 14 through January 4, featuring over 20 brand-new illuminated displays across 37 acres. This isn’t your typical backyard setup. Think professional art installations produced by Sony Music and Lighthouse Immersive, the team behind major international light festivals.
The mile-long walking trail guides visitors through glowing floral canopies, the Cathedral of Light with towering illuminated pathways, and the signature California Poppy field where thousands of fiber-optic poppies bloom in brilliant orange. The Bamboo Forest transforms into an otherworldly tunnel, while water features throughout the gardens reflect and amplify the lighting effects.
Adult tickets start at $28, with children’s tickets at $18 (kids 2 and under are free). The experience includes mulled wine, hot chocolate, and seasonal treats available along the route. For a date night twist, check out the 21+ adult-only evenings that create a different atmosphere without the family crowds.
The Heritage Tree Takes Center Stage
One of Encinitas’ most beloved traditions, the 31st Annual Lighting of the Encinitas Heritage Tree kicks off the holiday season on Friday, December 5 from 4-6 PM at Moonlight Beach upper parking lot.
This isn’t just any tree. The 91-foot Norfolk Island Pine was planted in 1952 by brothers Peter and John Danforth and now stands as one of only two Heritage Trees in Encinitas. Decorated with 1,600 LED lights on 18 strands (each 110 feet long), the tree becomes a beacon visible from 40 miles out at sea.
The free event features performances by the San Diego North Coast Singers children’s choir and three local elementary school choirs, plus the band Free Verse playing holiday classics and surf songs. The highlight for kids? Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on an Encinitas fire truck with horns and lights blazing.
Holiday Parade Brings Creativity in Motion
The Encinitas Holiday Parade follows on the first Saturday in December with the 2025 theme “Peace by the Pacific.” This 67th annual parade celebrates the joyful, relaxed spirit of this beachside community with decorated floats, marching bands, and entries that showcase creativity, culture, and connection to coastal living.
Thousands of participants and spectators line Coast Highway 101 for this evening parade that starts at 5:30 PM. Before the parade, there’s a 5:00 PM tree lighting ceremony at the Lumberyard Shops courtyard with a special appearance by Santa.
Capturing the Perfect Holiday Light Photo
Want to snap Instagram-worthy shots of these displays? Photography pros suggest visiting at dusk when the lights pop against the twilight sky. At Lightscape, the Fire Garden’s warm tones and the Winter Light Garden’s cool blues create stunning contrast. The water features provide natural reflections that double the visual impact.
For the Heritage Tree, position yourself on 4th and C Streets to capture the full height of the towering pine against the ocean backdrop. Early arrivals get the best angles before the crowds gather.
The Community Spirit Behind the Scenes
These displays exist because of dedicated volunteers who spend countless hours making the magic happen. Luis Ortiz has led community volunteers in maintaining and lighting the Heritage Tree since 1994, raising funds and coordinating labor donations to keep this tradition alive. The Encinitas Historical Society raised $24,000 in 2017 for a permanent power supply, giving the tree its own address at 406 4th Street.
Local installation companies work year-round to help homeowners transform their properties into winter wonderlands, while the Encinitas Rotary Club and Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club provide essential event support.
Encinitas proves you don’t need snow to create holiday magic. With professional light installations, beloved community traditions, and that signature coastal vibe, this beach town knows how to celebrate the season in style. Whether you’re walking through botanical gardens transformed by light or watching a 91-foot tree glow above the Pacific, Encinitas delivers holiday memories worth making.
Sources: sandiegochristmasguide.com, patch.com, encinitasca.gov, encinitashistoricalsociety.org
Header Image Source: Zyanya BMO on Unsplash
