The holiday season in Encinitas brings together the best of California coastal living and authentic community spirit. This beach town celebrates with its own blend of unique Christmas traditions that honor both time-tested customs and creative new ways to gather. From surfing Santas catching waves to festive parades lighting up historic Highway 101, the celebrations here feel personal and genuine.
A Coastal Twist on Santa’s Arrival
While most towns wait for Santa to arrive by sleigh, Encinitas does things differently. Surfing Santa makes his annual appearance at Moonlight Beach, trading reindeer for a surfboard and riding the Pacific waves in full holiday gear. This beloved tradition captures the town’s beachside personality perfectly, proving that holiday cheer works just as well in boardshorts as it does in snowsuits. Families gather along the shore to watch this playful spectacle, creating memories that blend California sunshine with seasonal joy.
Community Celebrations That Bring Everyone Together
The Encinitas Holiday Parade recently lit up South Coast Highway 101 once again, drawing thousands of spectators who lined the streets to enjoy over 100 parade entries featuring colorful floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles, and local groups showcasing their creativity. This free community event kicked off with a tree lighting ceremony at the Lumberyard Shops and a special visit from Santa Claus, followed by the parade at 5:30 PM.
Back in November, the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair transformed downtown into a bustling marketplace. This cherished tradition since 1984 took place the Sunday before Thanksgiving and brought more than 450 unique vendors selling handmade crafts, artisan goods, and seasonal treats along a six-block stretch of Coast Highway 101.
Four entertainment stages featured live music throughout the day, while families enjoyed children’s rides and a dog-friendly beer garden. Local artisans displayed their talents with handmade jewelry, festive décor, and one-of-a-kind treasures that made perfect gifts.
Where Old Traditions Meet New Celebrations
What makes Encinitas holiday events special is how they honor both established customs and fresh approaches to celebration. The San Diego Botanic Garden is currently hosting its annual light display, where thousands of twinkling lights wind through tropical pathways, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls. Meanwhile, neighborhood light competitions continue inspiring residents to outdo each other with creative displays, particularly in the Leucadia area, where homes glow with musical light shows through the end of the month.
Local restaurants are joining the festivities by offering special holiday menus and hosting live music nights, while community groups organize charity events that give back to the area. The annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning brought families together to combine fitness with community connection before the feast began.
Experience the Holiday Spirit in Encinitas
These celebrations show how traditions bring people together in meaningful ways. Whether you watched the parade with neighbors, shopped from local makers at the street fair, or caught a glimpse of Surfing Santa, Encinitas offers family-friendly holiday experiences that feel authentic and welcoming. Ready to discover more about the neighborhoods where these celebrations come alive? Explore Encinitas communities where holiday traditions thrive year after year and find the perfect place to create your own seasonal memories.
Sources: encinitasca.gov, carlsbadfoodtours.com, encinitas101.com, visitencinitasca.com, sandiego.org, kmcoastal.com, kpbs.org, innatmoonlightbeach.com, katestantoninn.com
Header Image Source: Marco Tjokro on Unsplash
