60th Annual Starlight Parade to Take Over Chula Vista’s Third Avenue

The 60th annual Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival will return to Third Avenue at 3 p.m. Saturday, featuring a tree lighting, holiday movie screening and children’s play area.

The event returned in 2023 following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming more than 50,000 guests to the holiday festival and parade.

“We have been honored by the level of support we’ve gotten from parade participants, vendors, performers and sponsors this year,” said Mayor John McCann. “We had an amazing turnout last year, with over 50,000 attendees, showing the pent-up excitement for this holiday tradition.

“We have come a long way since I participated in the parade a kid as part of the Safety Patrol. It is a tradition I’m honored to pass down to my children, grandson and the entire Chula Vista community.”

A tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m., with a holiday tree standing more than 25 feet. The parade will begin immediately afterward at 6 p.m. and will feature 130 entrants, including festive floats, marching bands, dance teams and classic cars.

The city has taken steps to keep the large crowds safe, including expanding the parade route to give spectators more spots to stand and watch. The new route runs along Third Avenue starting one block south at I Street and running north to E Street.

Before the parade begins, guests can enjoy festivities such as the Holiday Market and free family photos with Santa beginning at 3 p.m. At the Holiday Market, guests can shop from among almost 50 vendors.

A DJ and three musical acts will entertain the crowd at Memorial Park, followed by a screening of “Elf” at the park’s bowl at 6 p.m.

–City News Service