San Diego’s Little Italy will transform into a winter wonderland with the reveal of a new Christmas tree in the Piazza Basilone and exciting holiday festivities for all to enjoy
San Diego CA— On Saturday, December 7, the Little Italy Association (LIA) will host its 21st Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village from 4-8 p.m. This year, Little Italy will make exciting enhancements to the event with the reveal of a new custom-designed Christmas tree, located in the center of Piazza Basilone. Guests will experience a magical evening filled with festive decor, seasonal vendors, a tree lighting ceremony in the Piazza della Famiglia with a live Christmas tree over 25-feet tall, live music and entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, a surprise visit from Santa and more!
“After years of bringing the community holiday joy, we’re excited to announce the reveal of a new Christmas tree at our annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village,” said Chris Gomez, Little Italy Association’s district manager. “This tree will add another touch of Christmas magic to the neighborhood, standing tall with beautiful colored rays of light shining bright for attendees to enjoy all evening long.”
All of India Street will be decked out in sparkling white lights—making Little Italy a true winter wonderland. There will also be Christmas carolers, 10-foot tall nutcrackers on street corners and more seasonal surprises throughout the neighborhood! The brand new 25-foot tall Christmas tree designed by California artist, Joshua Hubert, will be located in the Piazza Basilone. The tree will dazzle with two-inch plexiglass fringe, generating colored rays shining bright throughout the entire evening and shimmer during the day. As guests walk around the tree and see it from different angles in the neighborhood, they will see the colors change based on their perspective and view. The second Christmas tree the Little Italy neighborhood will light on this special evening will be a 25-foot permanent live tree located in the heart of the Little Italy neighborhood, the Piazza della Famiglia. Guests are encouraged to head to the Piazza della Famiglia for the tree lighting countdown at 6:30 p.m.
Santa will make an appearance to chat and take photos with children starting at 4 p.m. In “Santa’s Living Room” little ones can share their Christmas wishes until 6 p.m. and get their picture taken with the man from the North Pole. Kids can also participate in arts and crafts activities next to “Santa’s Living Room” with ArtReach, a nonprofit aimed at increasing equity in visual arts education. Attendees can look forward to the Christmas Village, which will feature holiday goodies and perfect stocking stuffers from seasonal vendors and select Little Italy Mercato vendors on India Street, between W. Cedar and W. Fir Streets.
For more information about the Little Italy Association or the Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village visit www.littleitalysd.com.