It’s going to be a sweet holiday season in Pacific Beach

Traditional community holiday favorites are back at Crystal Pier, as well as some new surprises coming to the Pacific Beach holiday celebration lineup.

Pacific Beach is ready to unwrap its sweetest holiday season yet, with two blockbuster Saturdays this month that will turn the coastal neighborhood into a living snow globe of lights, laughter and beach cheer.

Thanks to Discover Pacific Beach — the second-largest business improvement district in San Diego, representing more than 1,400 member businesses — these beloved traditions are bigger, brighter, and more deliciously “candy-coated” than ever, according to officials. There is family fun, photo-ops and local traditions that Discover PB representatives said they hope will continue to bring the community together.

First, an exciting new addition to the lineup. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 6 when Christmas on Crystal Pier returns alongside a brand new Holiday Market featuring local businesses.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6, the Diamond Parking Lot at 828 Hornblend Street will be transformed into a curated wonderland of local artists, crafters and makers. While pursuing the offerings, attendees can enjoy hot cocoa and listen to live holiday tunes.

For those who want to shop locally this year, this is their chance to find unique gifts and support small businesses.

Then, from 2 p.m. until sunset Crystal Pier at 4500 Ocean Blvd. will be the venue for another favorite PB holiday event — when locals will gather to take photos with Santa, enjoy family-friendly activities and listen to carolers with a perfect ocean backdrop adding to the ambiance.

At sunset, Pacific Beach’s annual Tree Lighting will mark the official arrival of the holiday season.

One week later, on Saturday, Dec. 13, Garnet Avenue will be the spot for lots of seasonal cheer due to the 13th annual Santa Run and 45th annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade.

The Santa Run was voted the best Fun Run by USA Today. It will start with the 5K race — two are scheduled, at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. to accommodate the thousands of participants. These will be followed by the Kids 1 mile at 11:30 a.m. and the Dog 1 mile at noon. Participants will start their events in front of Bank of America, 912 Garnet Ave.

Registration is open at sandiegorunningco.com, with entry fees being $54.99 for the 5K and $34.99 each for the kids and dog races.

For their entry fee the 5k runners will receive a “sunny Santa suit,” Santa Run sunglasses, chip timing, a custom bib and complimentary drink ticket for after the event. There is also an option to purchase a T-shirt, beanie and socks.

The Kids 1 mile participants will receive a race bib, T-shirt, Santa hat, sunglasses, chip timed results and a finisher medal. As for the Dog 1 mile human participants, they will receive a race bib, Santa hat and sunglasses. Dogs are not allowed in the 5K races due to safety concerns.

For those who are more of a watcher than a runner, they are encouraged to line Garnet Avenue. Parking will be difficult in the area, so getting a ride and arriving early are among tips from organizers.

Whether people participate in the run or just come out to support runners on the sidelines, they won’t want to leave when the last person crosses the finish line. Instead, they will want to stake out or keep their spot along Garnet Avenue to enjoy the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade, which starts at 1 p.m. on Dec. 13.

This year’s parade theme “Candy Coated Holiday” promises the sweetest lineup yet: colorful floats dripping with peppermint stripes, marching bands, dance troupes, classic cars decked out like gingerbread houses, local businesses, school groups and community organizations bringing pure joy on wheels.

The parade route along Garnet Avenue will go from Haines to Bayard streets.

“Pacific Beach has so much heart,” said Sunny Lee, executive director of Discover Pacific Beach.

She said that after an unforgettable Pacific BeachFest and the smash debut of the Zombie Walk & Trick-or-Treat on Garnet earlier this year, the community’s energy and feedback have inspired an even bigger holiday season

“There’s no place quite like PB and no community I’d rather celebrate with,” she said.