New to the site: the Ocean Beach Holiday Parade is a long-running neighborhood tradition, kicking off its 47th year on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. along Newport Avenue, starting at Newport Avenue and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.
Hosted by the OB Community Foundation in partnership with Love Thy Neighborhood, and supported by the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, the parade traces its roots to the 1980s, when the founders of James Gang Printing were inspired by the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and put up Ocean Beach’s own “Christmas tree in the sand.” A Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place just before the parade begins, and the tree stays up through early January.
The parade follows an “any float counts” policy, drawing a mix of local bands, business owners, families, and neighbors with everything from golf carts and classic cars to marching bands and costumed pets. Past editions have featured more than 100 floats, the Point Loma High School Marching Band, and plenty of local flavor along Newport Avenue, with many OB businesses hosting pre- and post-parade parties.
The event is free to attend and family-friendly. Volunteers are welcome to help with set-up, float staging, and crowd support.
For more information visit the OB Community Foundation’s event page
