This year marks the 50th year of Coronado’s annual Christmas tree lighting and holiday parade.
On the first Friday of December, the island lights up for the season by bringing the 120-foot-tall pine tree at the center of the Rotary Plaza to life.
This year, the event will fall on Dec. 5.
Led by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce, Discover Coronado and the city, this half-a-century tradition comes right after the parade concludes. The event brought over 17,000 people and 50 local entrants last year.
“The parade features over 1,400 enthusiastic participants and thousands of spectators lining the streets,” the city said in a statement.
The tree itself will have 18,175 twinkling lights on two miles of wiring.
“The holiday parade and lighting of the Christmas tree and menorah is one of my favorite events in Coronado, as everyone is always so happy,” John Duncan, Coronado’s mayor, said. “We need to ensure this special night continues forever as a celebrated tradition in Coronado.”
The parade route will begin on Orange Avenue and will loop at RH Dana and Adella Lane.
“It is so rewarding as mayor to look out over the crowd filling Orange Avenue and see all the smiles and excitement right before lighting the tree,” Duncan said.
