Welcome in the Holidays with Local Business and Community in Downtown Chula Vista
Only true San Diegans know that weather doesn’t dictate what season we are in. Though sunny San Diego is still full effect, it is finally time to embrace the magic of the holiday season in Downtown Chula Vista! Dive into the festivities with fun community events, show some extra love to the small businesses, and welcome in new businesses in Downtown Chula Vista this November!
NEW BUSINESSES ON THE BLOCK
It’s time to say hi to your new neighbors! Moving to Chula Vista soon, Mujer Divina Coffee Shop and Tuétano Taqueria are thrilled to be bringing mouth-watering tacos and authentic Mexican coffee to the South Bay neighborhood. Owner and Chef, Priscilla Curiel is a powerhouse in the restaurant industry, growing a name for herself having worked for at her family’s restaurant, neighborhood favorite Talavera Azul and graduating from the culinary program at the Art Institute of San Diego.
With the relocation of Tuétano Taqueria and a new branch of her Mujer Divina Mexican Café, Chef Curiel is looking forward to bringing unique and tasty flavors to Downtown Chula Vista. Experience a grab-and-go style coffee shop where coffee lovers will be able to enjoy 21 coffee offerings while pairing it with a delicious burrito. The taqueria will offer counter service with room to sit where the menu will mostly highlight their Birria specialty along with other classics. Make sure to stop by and say hello soon!
SMALL BUSINESS SEASON
November marks the official start of all the fun things that the festive season brings, including the infamous holiday shopping list. Make this year’s holidays even more magical by participating in Small Business Season and gifting your loved one’s quality gifts, while also bringing a smile to your local businesses. Take the time to get to know the friendly faces behind the gifts you purchase when shopping around the various local shops around the South Bay neighborhood. With lots of places to shop from, you’ll find something for everyone on your shopping list this year!
Starting on Small Business Saturday, November 25, to the end of the year, the community is encouraged to stop by the local clothing, jewelry, and gift shops along with the Downtown Chula Vista Farmers’ Market taking place every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for more produce and artisan-made goodies.
From clothing and jewelry shops to unique specialty stores, Downtown Chula Vista has many places to purchase incredible finds such as Arts-Rec, Craft on Third, Eazy Toyz, and D’Via Art and Style. Gift quality made goods from iconic stores in the South Bay neighborhood like Urban Sk8, King Jewelers, Lupita’s Fashion, and Upright Citizen.
Some locally owned businesses will be offering in-store specials and discounts for shoppers to enjoy, including longer business hours to find those perfect gifts for everyone on the list on Saturday. If you’d rather skip shopping in person this year, online shopping is available from any of the Downtown Chula Vista shops as well as gift cards for future use.
A LOOK AHEAD
The moment that everyone has been waiting for has finally arrived! It’s time to grab your holiday gear and make your way down to Third Avenue for the return of the beloved Starlight Parade. After a brief hiatus, the well anticipated Starlight Parade is back and better than ever before! On Sunday, December 3rd Third Avenue, between H and E Streets will transform into a winter wonderland starting with the Starlight Festival kicking-off the festivities at 3:00 p.m., leading into the tree lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. and then the grand finale, the Starlight Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. The Parade will feature over 100 entrants ranging from festive floats and marching bands to dance teams and classic cars.
Make sure to arrive early to ensure you have a front-row seat for the extraordinary holiday spectacle.
Before the parade begins, enjoy the other festivities happening throughout the evening such as the Holiday Market, rides on the Chula Vista Express and free family photos with Santa beginning at 3:00pm, all while enjoying live music from the stage at Memorial Park. The Holiday Market, curated by the Downtown Chula Vista Market, will be the perfect place to shop from local artisanal vendors for holiday gifts and treats. And returning for its second year is the 25-foot-tall Christmas tree which will be lit during an official ceremony at 5:45 p.m. It’s a holiday celebration that you won’t want to miss!
Join Downtown Chula Vista in ringing in the holiday season with warmth and cheer by embracing the magic of community events and supporting the incredible local business in the area, both old and new.
For the latest updates on Downtown Chula Vista, please visit us at DowntownChulaVista.com or follow us on Instagram @DowntownChulaVista, TikTok @DowntownChulaVista, Facebook @DowntownChulaVista, and Twitter @DowntownChula.
Dominic Li Mandri is District Manager of the Downtown Chula Vista Association.
