21st annual · Free · Snow hill new this year
Fletcher Cove Holiday Tree Lighting
Santa by fire truck, hot cocoa at sunset and — for the first time — real snow for sledding at Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach.
Sunday
Dec
6
2026
From 4:30pm · Santa at 5:20pm
21 days to go
- When
Sunday, Dec 6
From 4:30pm · Santa at 5:20pm
- Where
Fletcher Cove Park
111 S Sierra Ave
- Cost
Free
Open to the public
- For
Families and all ages
Presented by the City of Solana Beach
The night the town lights up
Every December Solana Beach gathers on the bluff at Fletcher Cove to switch on the town's holiday tree, and 2026 is the 21st year. The city and its Parks and Recreation Commission host it, it's free, and it starts at 4:30pm, right around sunset over the ocean.
This year is bigger than usual: for the first time there's a snow hill for sledding and a snow play area. Mayor Lesa Heebner and the City Council flip the switch on the tree, Santa rolls in with a fire-truck escort at 5:20pm to hear wish lists, and there are sweets, hot cocoa and cider to keep everyone warm.
What's happening
Lights, Santa and snow at the beach
The tree lighting
Mayor Lesa Heebner and the City Council switch on the Fletcher Cove tree.
Santa by fire truck
Santa arrives with a fire-truck escort at 5:20pm, ready to hear what the kids are wishing for.
Snow hill sledding
New for 2026: a snow hill for sledding, a few steps from the sand.
Snow play area
A separate snow play area for little ones who'd rather build than sled.
Hot cocoa & cider
Hot cocoa and cider to warm up once the sun goes down.
Sweets & treats
Holiday sweets and treats for the kids (and everyone else).
Plan your visit
- Date
- Sunday, Dec 6, 2026
- Time
- From 4:30pm · Santa at 5:20pm
- Place
- Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S Sierra Ave
- Admission
- Free — all ages welcome
Make an evening of it
Fletcher Cove sits at the bottom of Plaza Street, a short walk from Highway 101's restaurants and the Cedros Design District.
Good to know
Get there for 4:30
Festivities start at 4:30pm and Santa arrives at 5:20pm, so arriving early gets you time on the snow before the crowd.
Bring a jacket
It starts around sunset on the bluff, and it gets chilly by the water once the sun is down.
Questions
The city's Parks & Recreation Department runs the event: (858) 720-2454.
Fletcher Cove Holiday Tree Lighting: questions people ask
When is the Fletcher Cove tree lighting in 2026?
Sunday, December 6, 2026. Festivities start at 4:30pm and Santa arrives by fire truck at 5:20pm.
Where is it?
At Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S Sierra Ave in Solana Beach, at the bottom of Plaza Street above the beach.
Does it cost anything?
No. The tree lighting is free and open to the public.
Is there really snow?
Yes, for 2026 the city is adding a snow hill for sledding and a snow play area — the first time the tree lighting has had them.
When does Santa arrive?
Santa arrives with a fire-truck escort after the tree is lit; in 2026 that's scheduled for 5:20pm.
Who puts on the tree lighting?
The City of Solana Beach and its Parks and Recreation Commission. Questions go to the Parks & Recreation Department at (858) 720-2454.
More annual events in Solana Beach
Full events calendar →- Saturday, Dec 12, 2026Candyland on the CoastSanta, bounce houses, live music and a whole lot of candy at The Boardwalk on the 101 in Solana Beach.Free · The Boardwalk →
- Sat & Sun, Jun 5–6, 2027Fiesta del SolTwo free days of live music, art, food and family fun beside the beach at Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach.Free · Fletcher Cove Park →