2019 Encinitas Holiday Parade to be held Dec. 7

For the 62nd year, Encinitas will welcome the holiday season at the 2019 Encinitas Holiday Parade, presented by California Coast Credit Union on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thousands of people will be on floats, on foot, in cars, and marching in bands while thousands cheer them at the parade route along Coast Highway 101.

Parade spectators will be able claim a good spot to watch the parade as soon as Coast Highway closes at 4 p.m. Followed by a countdown and ceremonial tree lighting, Santa will make a brief appearance to kick things off at 5 p.m. at the Lumberyard shops courtyard (near Starbucks). The parade starts promptly at 5:30 p.m. The 2019 parade theme is “Encinitas on the Move!”, highlighting the fact that Encinitas celebrates active lifestyles, encourages alternative transportation, loves bikes, boards and all modes of getting around in fun ways. Prizes will be awarded to parade entries in various judged categories.

Free parking shuttles will run from San Dieguito Academy High School (parking lot located on the corner of Melba Road and Nardo Road) and from the YMCA/Ecke Sports Park parking lot on Saxony Road. Both shuttles start running at 4 p.m. and go until 8:30 p.m. Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes and will drop riders off at the NCTD bus station on Vulcan Avenue, just a half block from the parade route.

Find parade information at www.EncinitasParksandRec.com or call the City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department at (760) 633-2740. — City calendar report