SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Across San Diego County, cities will soon raise and illuminate that all-important sign of Christmas.
Tree lighting ceremonies kick off this month, with several planned for residents no matter where in the county they live. Many of this year's tree lighting events will celebrate with holiday treats, shopping, rides and games, and, of course, appearances by Santa.
Check out where you can catch a tree lighting ceremony in San Diego this season:
Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting (Nov. 19): The South Bay will usher in the holidays at Otay Ranch Town Center, where their Christmas tree will light up at 7 p.m. Festivities, crafts, and delicious treats will be available starting at 5 p.m. and Santa will pay everyone a visit at the shops.
Santee Holiday Tree Lighting (Nov. 22): Santee starts the holiday season with crafts and games, carriage rides, photos with Santa, sledding, and more at Santee Trolley Square. Then at 6:30 p.m., the crowd will gather as the square's tree comes to life.
Liberty Station Tree Lighting (Nov. 29): The holiday fun gets started at 5 p.m. in Liberty Station before the district's 88-foot tree is switched on by a patient family of Rady Children's Hospital. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, shopping, and outdoor viewing of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
Lighting of The Forum in Carlsbad (Nov. 30): The Forum Carlsbad celebrates its 17th annual Lighting of The Forum from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a live holiday musical, grand arrival for Santa, light show, and snowfall around the ceremonial tree lighting.
Christmas on the Prado &Tree Lighting (Nov. 30): Christmas on the Prado brings tons of Christmas fun to Balboa Park from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Organ Pavilion and International Cottages, including holiday kids crafts, photos with Santa, music, delicious seasonal treats, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Oceanside Tree Lighting (Dec. 5): Celebrate the holidays in Oceanside, where their holiday tree will light up at 6 p.m. with the help of a "special guest." Live music, games and rides, and treats will be available starting at 5 p.m.
Fallbrook Tree Lighting (Dec. 6): Fallbrook will gather from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the holidays with their tree lighting, live music, face painting, games, balloons, food, and more for families.
San Marcos Tree Lighting & Santa's Village (Dec. 7): San Marcos flips the switch on their tree at 5:35 p.m., after photos with Santa from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests get to enjoy free crafts and activities, live entertainment, and "snow" after the tree lighting.
Encinitas Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (Dec. 7): Ahead of Encinitas' holiday parade, Santa will kick off the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Then, thousands of people will enjoy the sights and sounds as the season gets underway during the parade, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village (Dec. 7): Little Italy's tree lighting will set the Piazza della Famiglia aglow with live music, carriage rides, holiday snacks, and a visit from Santa. The tree lighting countdown hits at 6:30 p.m., but families can enjoy the holiday festivities starting at 4 p.m.
Pacific Beach Tree Lighting (Dec. 7): Pacific Beach's holiday season starts at 2 p.m., with pictures with Santa on Crystal Pier and a tree lighting ceremony at sunset.
Lakeside Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 7): Enjoy local school performances, photos with Santa, activities and games for kids, and a community tree lighting on Main Avenue at Lakeside's Spirit of Christmas event from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 7): Thousands are expected to celebrate the holidays on Ramona's Main Street, as shops stay open late, sleigh rides ferry locals around town, and Santa arrives to help light Ramona's tree at 6 p.m. But the fun starts at 5 p.m., with a classic car show, live music and carolers, and food.
Vista Village Winterfest & Tree Lighting (Dec. 8): Vista is hosting a "Winterfest" with live entertainment, holiday movies, a roaming Mariachi, and holiday contests during their tree lighting ceremony. Santa will be in attendance, and there will be plenty of crafts for kids starting at 2 p.m.
Del Mar Tree Lighting & Santa by the Sea (Dec. 8): Del Mar's annual tree lighting starts at 5 p.m. Families can enjoy Santa by the Sea festivities beginning at 3 p.m., including holiday treats, Santa hat crafts, photo opportunities, and live music.
Solana Beach Tree Lighting (Dec. 8): Solana Beach will light up their holiday tree at Fletcher Cove Park starting at 4:30 p.m. Families can enjoy live music, holiday eats and sips, and Santa arrives at 5:20 p.m. to meet with children.
Poway Tree Lighting & Festival (Dec. 14): Poway's tree lighting ceremony starts at 5:15 p.m., following by Santa's arrival at 5:30 p.m. at Old Poway Park. Families can enjoy horse-drawn hay and pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, train rides, holiday treats and live entertainment.
