The City of Escondido, together with the Escondido Downtown Business Association (EDBA) and Visit Escondido, is proud to bring a variety of holiday events to “Discover the Zest of Escondido.” From Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, on Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido to the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, now on Friday evening, Dec. 5, which will also kick-off the temporary Ups & Downs Roller Rink, plus Holiday Markets and much more!
Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29: Zest up your gift list this holiday season and support Escondido’s small businesses. Shop, eat, and explore downtown Escondido (Grand Avenue) to discover special treats, sales, and discounts, while collecting stamps in the EDBA’s popular Bingo Game. Bingo cards, and a map of participating businesses, can be picked up at Heritage Garden at the corner of North Juniper Street and Grand Avenue between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. where a host of activities will take place. The Holiday Trolley is also back this year (noon to 5:00 p.m.) to get shoppers around! A Tree Lighting will take place at the end of the day (approximately 5:15 p.m.) in Maple Street Plaza.
This season’s Shop Small campaign will run from Small Business Saturday through the end of the year; its theme celebrates Escondido’s rich agricultural roots and citrus heritage, so add a little zest to your holidays — shop, dine, and celebrate local.
Community in Unity, Thursday, Dec. 4: The Escondido Chamber of Commerce presents the 15th Annual community event, from 5:31 to 8:00 p.m. at the Escondido City Hall Rotunda. Local restaurants, cafes, breweries and wineries offer holiday bites and sips, alongside festive entertainment, choirs and Santa. This 21+ event is $50 at the door, with tickets $40 in advance. Two collection drives will take in – 1) new, unused pajamas of all sizes to benefit Solutions for Change, and 2) new, unwrapped toys for both boys and girls, ages 4-12 years old, to benefit P.A.L. (Escondido Police Athletic League).
Ups & Downs Roller Rink and Holiday Markets, Dec. 5 – Jan. 3, 2026: Celebrate the season with markets, music and skating in the heart of downtown Escondido.
The popular temporary Ups & Downs Roller Rink returns, “skating off” on Friday, Dec. 5 and running through Jan. 3, at Maple Street Plaza, near Grand Avenue. Lace up those skates and roll into the fun – open Thursdays and Fridays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5; skaters can bring their own skates or rent a pair on-site for $5.
The Market on the Plaza – Dec. 5-7, 12-14 & 19-21 – brings together local makers and artists for three festive weekends of holiday shopping and celebration, also kicking off on Friday, Dec. 5. Located at Maple Street Plaza, shoppers explore handmade goods, homemade treats, and original art. Holiday markets will take place Fridays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., with musical guests setting the holiday mood.
Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, Friday, Dec. 5: The popular annual holiday parade has moved to Friday evening, to kick off the opening weekend festivities. The Roller Rink’s Tree Lighting will take place at 5:15 p.m. with the holiday parade taking place at 7:00 p.m. The parade route is along Grand Avenue.
Winter Wonderland Festival, Dec. 6 & 7: California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation transforms downtown into a magical Winter Wonderland from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. both days. Families can play in real snow, make festive crafts, and visit Santa while enjoying seasonal food, drinks, and holiday shopping. This free community event brings the magic of the North Pole to the heart of Escondido – a cherished tradition and the perfect way to welcome the holiday season!
The Great MAGEC Bake Off, now to Dec. 13: In collaboration with the EDBA, MAGEC (Museums & Arts: Growing Escondido Culture), and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido will host a festive Gingerbread House-Making Competition. The “Gingerbread Dreams: A Sweet Showcase of Community Creativity” competition will foster local engagement, spark creativity, and encourage foot traffic to participating locations. Community members and businesses create edible masterpieces, share their creations with the public, and compete for the coveted title of “Gingerbread Champion of Escondido 2025.” To enter ($15) and vote, visit artcenter.org.
Additionally, the City of Escondido is rolling out a Yiftee gift card program where you can purchase gift cards that can be redeemed at a variety of Escondido businesses.
For more information on events, visit www.VisitEscondido.com.
For more information on Small Business Saturday and participating Escondido businesses, please reach out to the Escondido Downtown Business Association at (760) 715-4958.
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