Holiday Magic in Carlsbad Village: Santa Photos & the 40th Annual Tree Lighting

Carlsbad Village is kicking off the holiday season with two heartwarming community traditions on Sunday, December 7th. Enjoy free Photos with Santa at Village Faire along with the 40th Annual Rotary Holiday Tree Lighting. It will be an afternoon filled with festive entertainment, treats, crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.

Free Photos with Santa at Village Faire

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm • Carlsbad Village Faire Courtyard

Santa will arrive in style courtesy of the Carlsbad Fire Department and will begin taking free photos with families at 2:00 pm. Bring your phones or cameras and Santa’s cheerful elves will help you capture the perfect holiday moment.

While you wait, enjoy:

• Holiday crafts for the kids

• Hot cocoa and candy canes

• Storytelling and crafts hosted by the Carlsbad Library’s Learning Center

• Cookies, coffee, and hot cider provided by the Carlsbad Rotary Club

No reservations are needed. Arriving early is encouraged to avoid long lines and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

40th Annual Rotary Holiday Tree Lighting

2:00 pm to 4:30 pm • Carlsbad Village Faire Entrance, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive

A beloved Carlsbad Village tradition returns as the Rotary Club of Carlsbad hosts the 40th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The celebration begins at 2:00 pm with entertainment, crafts, treats, and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and an elf in a vintage fire truck.

Tentative Schedule:

• 12:00 to 2:00 pm Holiday Music in the Courtyard with Adrienne Nims

• 2:15 pm Santa Arrives

• 2:15 to 4:30 pm Holiday Entertainment

• Renaissance Institute of Music Orchestra

• Christmas Carol Sing A Long

• Carlsbad High School Lancer Dancers and XCalibur Dance Team

• Cookies, coffee, and cider

• Storytelling and crafts with the Carlsbad Library’s Learning Center

• 4:30 pm Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn lights the Holiday Tree

As dusk settles, the community gathers for the magical moment when the holiday tree is officially lit which marks the start of the season in downtown Carlsbad.

A Full Afternoon of Holiday Cheer

With Santa photos, live holiday performances, kid friendly activities, and the iconic tree lighting, the Village Faire will be full of holiday spirit. These cherished Carlsbad Village traditions are free, family friendly, and a perfect way to welcome the season. We hope to see you there for a festive and joy filled afternoon in Carlsbad Village.