Christmas on Crystal Pier kicks off holiday fun in Pacific Beach

Discover Pacific Beach will hold this year’s holiday celebration starting Nov. 26 with Shop Small Saturday, and ending Saturday, Dec. 10 with the San Diego Santa Run and 40th annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade.

All events are planned and implemented by Discover PB. “These holiday events have an impact on the community because they are traditions in Pacific Beach and families who live here look forward to spending this time together,” said Sunny Lee, executive director of Discover PB, the beach community’s business improvement district. “As an organization, we love bringing this tradition back year after year.”

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

The Yuletide season kicks off Saturday, Nov. 26 with the 13th annual Small Business Saturday, a celebration of small businesses and the positive impact they have on communities across the country.

American Express, having created Small Business Saturday in 2010, works with organizations and independent businesses to provide solutions that support communities and uplift local economies. On average, two-thirds of every dollar ($0.67) spent at a small business in the U.S. stays in that community. That means shopping small could help bring things like better schools, smoother roads, and new jobs to neighborhoods.

Discover Pacific Beach will ring in the shopping season with Shop Local discount cards and specials promoted on social media. Follow @discoverpb to not miss out on any deals.

DISCOVER PB

The community’s business improvement district will sponsor holiday events throughout December including Christmas on Crystal Pier, the 42nd annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade, and San Diego Santa Run presented by San Diego Running Co. The parade’s theme this year is “Disco Holiday,” so build a float or decorate your business with retro disco flare. These events are sponsored by the San Diego Running Co., Woodstock’s Pizza, and Christmas Tree Country.

SHOP LOCAL

There will be something for everyone, the young, the young at heart, and even the four-legged members of your family to celebrate the holidays and everything local. Plan to spend the day participating in the events, or just spectating, and doing some holiday shopping at local businesses.

PB has it all from unique gifts, artwork, and personalized ideas (think gift card for a stylist or mechanic). Shop local for the holidays throughout PB finding local deals via the Shop Local card and follow social media for PB retailers and restaurants. Drink a hot chocolate while checking out decorative storefronts throughout the district.

CHRISTMAS ON CRYSTAL PIER

The annual Christmas on Crystal Pier celebration will take place Saturday, Dec. 3 from 3-5 p.m. on the pier at 4599 Ocean Blvd. The event kicks off with a tree lighting at sunset illuminating decorated wreaths hung along the pier. Listen to carolers, drink hot chocolate, and make it a night of giving. Bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots. The end of Crystal Pier will be closed to the general public until 5 p.m.

SANTA RUN

One of the most offbeat festivities of the holiday season is the colorful Santa Run on Saturday, Dec. 10 before the parade. The Santa Run 5K begins at 9 a.m. The Santa’s Elves Wave 1 Mile (for kids) is at 11 a.m., along with the Santa’s Little Helper Wave 1 Mile (for dogs) at 11:30 a.m. The starting line will be at 912 Garnet Ave. Go to sandiegorunningco.com to register. The Santa fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. All Santa Run participants receive a complimentary drink ticket to one of the three post-race partner bars – Mavericks Beach Club, 710 Beach Club, or Bub’s at the Beach.

PB HOLIDAY PARADE

The 42nd annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade starts at noon on Saturday, Dec. 10 beginning at Garnet Avenue and Haines Street and ending at Garnet Avenue and Bayard Street. For more information, visit pacificbeach.org or drop in at Discover Pacific Beach, 1503 Garnet Ave. For information on participating in events, contact Sunny Lee at Discover Pacific Beach, 858-273-3303, or sunny@pacificbeach.org.

SANTACON

Almost Nakey (@almostnakey) will present the “official” San Diego SantaCon from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Beach House at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. The event will include huge sound systems, lasers, and massive Santas; artist activations will deck the halls of Santa’s workshop for your gift-giving needs. The SantaCon Christmas tree will be lit after sunset. Christmas costume contest winners (two) will receive Almost Nakey special presents. VIP tables include a Santa Cabana, milk and cookies, and bottle service. To reserve, email vipbri@beachhousesd.com. Also, make sure to bring a toy for Toys 4 Tots. Tickets will sell out quickly.

CHRISTMAS TREES

PB Christmas Tree Country has been at 870 Garnet Ave. at Bayard Street for 28 years providing customers with fresh-cut Christmas trees imported from Oregon’s Cascade Mountain Range. Trees are cut, loaded onto trucks, and immediately shipped to San Diego. The company offers a wide selection of Noble Firs, Douglas Firs, Grand Firs, Fraser Firs, and Nordmann Firs. Tabletop trees and small trees are available for those with limited space. Wreaths, swags, natural cedar garland, and mistletoe are also available to enhance your home or business decor. When you purchase a Christmas tree, it will be loaded on your vehicle and tied down by the staff (ask about delivery service). PB Christmas Tree Country is open now through Dec. 25 Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN PB

Shop Local – Nov. 26 to Jan. 1.
Christmas on Crystal Pier – 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.
San Diego Santa Run – 9 a.m.-noon. Saturday, Dec. 14.
PB Holiday Parade – noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

SantaCon – 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.

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