Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting: A Holiday Tradition Returns!
Get ready, Chula Vista! The holidays are almost here, and all our favorite events are back. One event we look forward to every year is the Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting. I have to say, I still miss the old parade, but the tree lighting is always a great time—especially since it happens during the Farmers Market!
18th Annual Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting
Mark your calendars! Otay Ranch Town Center will host its 18th annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Farmers Market on Tuesday, November 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa will make his grand entrance to light the huge Christmas tree with over 17,000 twinkling lights. This will be the highlight of a festive evening filled with family activities, entertainment, and a magical snowfall at Santa’s house right after the tree lighting at 7 p.m.
What to Expect Before the Tree Lighting
Before the tree lighting, the fun starts early! From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be entertainment and community performances from local schools, dance groups, and musical acts.
“We encourage all of our neighbors to join us for this great kick-off to the holiday season—full of options for all family members,” said Otay Ranch Town Center General Manager Tim Kilcourse.
Alongside the holiday fun, you can explore the weekly Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market, featuring certified farm stands, unique street foods, and handmade items. The market has a special charm at night, especially during the holidays when it’s all lit up with decorations. Plus, there are some great holiday vendors—and you won’t want to miss all the amazing food, so come hungry!
Fun Activities and Special Guests
The evening will include:
- Free holiday crafts for kids
- Free face painting
- Free cookies and hot chocolate (while supplies last)
- Magical snowfall at Santa’s house (after the tree lighting)
- Roaming carolers
- Holiday-themed merchants and unique gift stands
- Local entertainment throughout the evening
Santa will arrive in grand style to light the Christmas tree on Main Street at 7 p.m. sharp! We aren’t sure yet if a special guest will join Santa this year, but last year, the center had Xavier the X-Man from 92.5 radio—so stay tuned!
The Christmas Tree: A Bright Holiday Display
Otay Ranch Town Center’s Christmas tree is something to see. Towering nearly 50 feet over Main Street, it’s decorated with over 17,000 lights, more than 1,000 ornaments, and an illuminating color-changing base with snowflakes. Topping it all off is an LED Grand Star—it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
So bring your family, enjoy the performances, grab some treats, and get ready to kick off the holiday season in style. Don’t forget, there are so many more holiday events happening this month and next. Stay tuned to our social media accounts, or better yet, sign up for our newsletter. We will be sharing so many of them, and you just might see Mr. Chula Vista out there taking photos.
About Otay Ranch Town Center
With nearly 100 of the country’s top specialty stores, fitness and health options, and a full-service Barons Market, Otay Ranch Town Center is one of San Diego’s most exciting outdoor lifestyle destinations. Eclectic tastes are served by Macy’s, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Lululemon, Road Runner Sports, Madison Reed, DSW, H&M, and Sephora, to name just a few. On the center’s east side is a specialty fashion and service village featuring Best Buy, Gila Rut Salon, San Diego Gymnastics, and other unique fashions and services.
This bustling, open-air center features a wide variety of amenities including grand fountains, a pet-friendly setting with an adjacent dog park, a branch of the Chula Vista Library, a food pavilion, party space, a fireplace, and a popper fountain for children. Otay Ranch Town Center truly has something for everyone.
