Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown Lodi!
Every holiday season, Downtown Lodi transforms into one of California's most charming winter destinations. School Street glows with lights, carriage rides roll through town, Santa sets up at Post Office Plaza, and the community gathers for a full season of festive events. Here's your guide to everything happening in Downtown Lodi this holiday season.
Downtown Lodi's Winter Wonderland is packed with festive events for the whole family each holiday season. From Small Business Saturday and the Parade of Lights to the Holiday Scavenger Hunt and After-Hours Shopping Stroll, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Small Business Saturday – Saturday, November 28, All Day
Kick off the holiday season with Small Business Saturday! Join us downtown to support our local shops and enjoy festive activities:
- 5:15pm: Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Gingerbread House in Santa’s Village (Post Office Plaza) and indulge in a hot chocolate from the cozy stand. Santa arrives at 5:15pm, photos from 6pm to 8pm.
- 5:30 pm: Downtown Lighting Ceremony: Watch as Downtown Lodi lights up to officially begin the holiday season!
- Live Music will fill the air, creating a joyful ambiance as you shop.
- Carriage Rides are back! Enjoy a classic holiday ride through Downtown Lodi from 12-4 pm every Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Lodi Light Parade & Tree Lighting – Thursday, December 3, 6:17 pm
Nothing says holiday magic like a parade of lights! Gather downtown for the 31st Annual Lodi Parade of Lights, presented by Lodi Kiwanis, starting at 6:17 pm. Don’t miss the City of Lodi Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall just before the parade at around 5:30 pm. It’s a night full of dazzling lights and holiday cheer.
Scavenger Hunt & Decor Voting – Saturday, December 5, 12-5 pm
Bring your holiday spirit to the Holiday Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, December 5, enjoy:
- Holiday Shopping: Stroll through Downtown Lodi’s charming shops, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts.
- Photos with Santa (2pm to 6pm): Stop by Post Office Plaza to capture a special holiday memory with Santa Claus.
- Storefront Decorating Contest: Cast your vote for the most festive storefront display in downtown! Voting open at DowntownLodi.org from December 1-17.
- Scavenger Hunt: Explore downtown Lodi businesses and find the hidden “Archie the Bear” for a chance to win some amazing gift baskets!
After-Hours Shopping Stroll – Thursday, December 17, 5-8 pm
Wrap up the holiday festivities with our After-Hours Shopping Stroll. On this special night:
- Late-Night Shopping: Downtown Lodi businesses will stay open until 8 pm, offering specials and deals to encourage local shopping.
- Live Music and Santa: Enjoy live music and hot chocolate in Post Office Plaza, where Santa at Santa’s Village will make a final appearance for visits and photos.
- Free Carriage Rides for the Thursday Shopping Stroll.
Plus, More Holiday Fun!
Throughout the Holiday’s in Downtown Lodi, you can enjoy carriage rides, caroling, live music, a hot chocolate stand, and festive holiday displays. Free transit is available on event days, and parking limits have been extended to make your holiday shopping even easier.
Join us in Downtown Lodi for a holiday season filled with joy, community spirit, and festive fun. See you there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What holiday events happen in Downtown Lodi each year?
Downtown Lodi hosts a full season of holiday events each November and December. Annual highlights include the Downtown Lighting Ceremony on Small Business Saturday, the Lodi Parade of Lights presented by Lodi Kiwanis, a Holiday Scavenger Hunt with prizes, the Storefront Decorating Contest, weekly Saturday carriage rides through downtown, Photos with Santa at Post Office Plaza, and the After-Hours Shopping Stroll with late-night retail hours. Check the Visit Lodi events calendar each fall for the current year's dates.
When is the Lodi Parade of Lights?
The Lodi Parade of Lights is held annually in early December, typically on the first Thursday of December at approximately 6:17pm. The City of Lodi Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall takes place just before the parade around 5:30pm. Check the Visit Lodi events calendar for the current year's confirmed date.
Is there a Christmas tree lighting in Lodi?
Yes. The City of Lodi hosts an annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall in early December, held just before the Lodi Parade of Lights. The event is free and family-friendly.
Are there free things to do during the holidays in Downtown Lodi?
Yes. Many of the Downtown Lodi holiday events are free to attend. The Downtown Lighting Ceremony, Parade of Lights, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Scavenger Hunt, and Storefront Decorating Contest are all free. Carriage rides are free during the After-Hours Shopping Stroll and available for purchase on Saturdays from mid-November through Christmas Eve. Free transit is also available on major event days.
Can I visit Santa Claus in Downtown Lodi?
Yes. Santa visits Downtown Lodi at Post Office Plaza during the holiday season. Santa and Mrs. Claus appear on Small Business Saturday, the Holiday Scavenger Hunt weekend, and the After-Hours Shopping Stroll, with photo opportunities available at each event.
Is parking free during Downtown Lodi holiday events?
Parking limits are extended during major holiday events in Downtown Lodi, making it easier to shop and explore without rushing. Free transit is also available on select event days. The Lodi Station Parking Structure (Sacramento & Pine Streets) offers free all-day parking year-round.
More Holiday Events in Lodi!
Parade begins at 6:17pm in Downtown Lodi.
The holidays arrive in Lodi on Thursday, December 4, with the beloved Lodi Parade of Lights, a sparkling tradition that draws nearly 30,000 spectators each year. This free, family-friendly event transforms downtown Lodi into a winter wonderland of lights, music, and community cheer.
Marvel at more than 80 dazzling floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and themed vehicles—each decked out in thousands of twinkling lights. The evening culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus, who arrives to spread holiday joy from a Lodi fire truck.
The parade winds through the heart of downtown Lodi, showcasing the city’s festive spirit and small-town charm. Arrive early to secure your spot—many locals set out chairs days in advance! Parking fills up quickly, so carpooling is encouraged.
Bring your family, your friends, and your holiday spirit for one of Lodi’s most popular annual events. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Lodi Parade of Lights is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in California’s wine country.
Parade Route:
If you want to participate in the Lodi Light Parade contact the Kiwanis of Greater Lodi by filling out this form.
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125 S Hutchins St, Lodi, California 95240-1978 (209) 333-6782
25 N School St, Lodi, California 95240 (209) 365-1195
