Illustration of a tree lighting scene (San Marcos Tree Lighting Ceremony)
Other Christmas Activities

San Marcos Tree Lighting Ceremony

Guests can explore a variety of local craft and food vendors throughout the community center. Children can make crafts and take a commemorative photo with Santa. The celebration concludes with an official council greeting and the lighting of the holiday tree.

What to Expect

Holiday market with free Santa photos, crafts, and tree lighting.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

City of San Marcos

Food & Drink

Food vendors sell food on-site.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

San Marcos Community Center
3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069
San Marcos, CA
92069

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: Event: 1-7 p.m.; Free Photo with Santa: 1-5 p.m.; Craft & Food Vendors: 1-7 p.m.; Free Children's Crafts: 1-7 p.m.; Council Greeting: 5:45 p.m.; Tree Lighting: 6 p.m.

Tips & Advice

  • Get your free Santa photo in the afternoon, because Santa photos end before the evening council greeting and tree lighting.
  • Stay through the evening for the council greeting, which comes right before the tree lighting closes out the day.
  • Let kids stop at the free craft tables anytime, since children's crafts run for the whole event, not just part of it.
  • Come hungry and with gift money in mind, since local craft and food vendors are open for the entire event.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free photos with Santa run in the afternoon only and end before the evening program.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there for kids?

Kids can make free crafts throughout the event and get a free photo with Santa during the afternoon.

Is there food?

Yes. Food vendors set up alongside the craft vendors for the whole event.

What happens at the end of the day?

The City Council gives a greeting, and then the holiday tree is lit.

How can I take part as a vendor or performer?

The City of San Marcos takes applications from artisan vendors, food vendors and performers.

Tags

tree lightingcommunity celebrationfamily friendlyholiday traditionseasonal activities

More Christmas Events Near San Marcos

More Christmas Events near San Marcos

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team