The Christmas Season is sweeping over the Imperial Valley. Brawley starts things with a Thursday night event at Plaza Park with Santa Claus, the Grinch and lots of fun.
On Friday the City of El Centro will host "Rockin' Santa" Christmas tree lighting and street fair. The event runs from 5 - 9 p.m. at Fire Station #3 on Waterman Avenue. There will be entertainment, food vendors, cookie decoration, music, and free photos with Santa.
The NAF El Centro "Holiday Parade of Lights" is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. on the Navy Base. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the public is invited.
Saturday will feature the 78th Annual El Centro Christmas parade. The theme this year id "Christmas Traditions Around the World. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in the area of 12th and Main Streets, then east on Main to 8th and south on 8th to Bucklin Park. The El Centro Christmas Festival will run from 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Bucklin Park with vendors and family fun.
Pioneers' Museum will present their annual "Holiday Tour". An evening of holiday customs, cuisine, and entertainment from around the world. The event starts at 5 p.m. with food tasting from 6 - 8 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. The Holiday Tour is at the Museum on Aten Road.
Calipatria will celebrate "Christmas in the Dark" at Radamacher Park. There will be vendors, food, beer, entertainment and even a toy giveaway. The fun starts at 4 p.m. Saturday and the parade starts at 5.
The Imperial Irrigation District will showcase a "Festival of Lights" at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds. It's a dynamic drive-through light show with a holiday theme. According to the IID, this is an immersive experience with colorful light displays that are designed to ignite joy, spread cheer, and elevate the spirit of the holiday season. The premiere of the "Festival of Lights" is at 6 p.m. Saturday and will run till 10 p.m. The "Festival of Lights" will continue of December 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23. Enter the Fairgrounds from the north and continue in your vehicle for the show. It's free.
