Santa’s trading in the red suit for board shorts and sailing into Seaport Village on November 28 for his highly-anticipated return to San Diego. Cannon fire will announce Santa’s arrival on a pirate ship courtesy of the Maritime Museum, after which he’ll head to shore for a variety of holiday festivities throughout the afternoon. Complete with rockin’ holiday music and live entertainment, visitors can kick off the holiday season by perusing unique gift shops and taking in the best that the Big Bay has to offer. “We’re expanding our San Diego holiday tradition by adding a free LED holiday light exchange and a green tree lighting,” says Seaport Village general manager Terry Hall. “Santa will still celebrate in true San Diego style, while also demonstrating environmentally friendly options available for festive activities and encouraging us to think green for the winter season.”
Daytime events and activities include:
• Surfing Santa at Seaport Village
Kids and adults will greet San Diego’s board short-wearing Santa with a lively parade after his ship arrives at Seaport Village around 1pm. Santa will be available for surfing photos all afternoon, leaving time to enjoy the craft tables, strolling entertainers, and delectable dining.
• LED Light Exchange, sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric
’Tis the season to be green! Bring up to three old strands of holiday lights, along with a current SDG&E bill or California identification, to the East Gazebo from 1-5pm and exchange them for an equal number of LED strands. Also receive a free reusable shopping bag and one free Home Energy & Water Savings Kit, which includes a low flow showerhead. LED lights can save 90 percent in energy costs and last longer than conventional holiday lights. The old strands that are turned in will be recycled.
• The Port of San Diego’s Green Holiday Tree Lighting
Seaport Village and the Port of San Diego will hold their first-ever green tree lighting ceremony at 5pm. This event will be complete with a locally-grown tree to be turned into mulch after the holidays, LED holiday lights provided by SDG&E, and ornaments made from recycled materials. Compliments of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, kids can make their own recycled ornaments for the tree that afternoon and watch them light up after the sun goes down.
The fun doesn’t stop there, locals and their out-of-town guests can visit Seaport Village every day in December for a truly San Diego holiday experience, complemented with free live musical entertainment and more than 50 local retailers. Also, Seaport Village hosts Breakfast with Santa at the Harbor House Restaurant on December 19-20. Reservations can be made by calling Megan Capizzi at 619-235-4014.
Seaport Village is open daily from 10am-9pm. Stores will observe special holiday hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will be open from 10am-6pm. Seaport Village is located at West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, adjacent to Embarcadero Park North. Visitors receive two hours of free validated parking with any purchase. (619/235-4014, www.seaportvillage.com)
