Visit Lodi

2026 Downtown Lodi Holiday Guide — Events, Lights, Santa, and More

Downtown Lodi is preparing to shine throughout the 2026 holiday season. String lights will illuminate School Street, and Santa’s Village at Post Office Plaza will bring back its gingerbread house, holiday bakery, and 15-foot German candle.

The center of America’s Favorite Small Town will offer seasonal cheer through the Downtown Lighting Ceremony, Lodi Parade of Lights, complimentary carriage rides, Santa visits, holiday shopping, and additional festive activities.

2026 Downtown Lodi Holiday Calendar

Small Business Saturday — Saturday, November 28

Begin the holiday season by spending the day in Downtown Lodi, supporting local retailers, and enjoying festive programming.

Lodi Light Parade and City Hall Tree Lighting — Thursday, December 3

Downtown Lodi’s 31st Annual Lodi Parade of Lights, presented by Lodi Kiwanis, begins at 6:17 pm. Before the parade, the City of Lodi Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at City Hall at around 5:30 pm.

The evening combines glowing parade displays, a community tree lighting, and holiday cheer throughout downtown.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt and Decor Voting — Saturday, December 5

On Saturday, December 5, visitors can take part in a Holiday Scavenger Hunt and enjoy several ways to celebrate downtown:

After-Hours Shopping Stroll — Friday, December 18

The holiday schedule concludes with an After-Hours Shopping Stroll from 5-8 pm.

Holiday Lights and Santa’s Village

Downtown Lodi’s holiday installations return beginning in November. Overhead string lights will line School Street, while Santa’s Village at Post Office Plaza will feature the gingerbread house, holiday bakery, and 15-foot German candle.

Seasonal events, shopping, dining, and the welcoming atmosphere of Downtown Lodi will continue throughout the holidays. The community invites visitors to enjoy a season of joy, community spirit, and festive fun.

Parking in Downtown Lodi During the Holidays

From November 28 through December 24, the usual 90-minute street-parking limit will increase to four hours, giving visitors additional time to shop, dine, and take part in holiday activities.

Free all-day parking is available at the Lodi Station Parking Structure near Sacramento and Pine streets. Parking can become especially busy on event evenings, including the Parade of Lights, so visitors should arrive early and allow extra time to park.

Additional Holiday Events Around Lodi

The holiday season extends beyond Downtown Lodi. Throughout the Lodi area, visitors can find Lodi’s Magical Christmas, the Festival of Trees, seasonal winery events, live performances, and activities for families.

Event dates and schedules may change. Consult the Visit Lodi events calendar for the newest information when making holiday plans.

Make It a Holiday Getaway

Extend an evening of holiday activities into a seasonal visit to America’s Favorite Small Town. Spend time exploring Downtown Lodi, have dinner at a local restaurant, and choose a comfortable place to stay near the celebrations.

The Visit Lodi events calendar also includes winery events, live music, family activities, and holiday celebrations taking place throughout the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which holiday activities take place in Downtown Lodi each year?

Downtown Lodi presents a complete November and December holiday program. Recurring highlights include the Downtown Lighting Ceremony on Small Business Saturday, the Lodi Parade of Lights presented by Lodi Kiwanis, a prize-filled Holiday Scavenger Hunt, the Storefront Decorating Contest, Saturday carriage rides through downtown on November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19 from noon to 4:00 p.m., Photos with Santa at Post Office Plaza, and the After-Hours Shopping Stroll with extended retail hours. The current year's dates are available each fall through the Visit Lodi events calendar.

When does the Lodi Parade of Lights take place?

The annual Lodi Parade of Lights occurs in early December, generally on the first Thursday of December at approximately 6:17pm. The City of Lodi Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall is scheduled beforehand, around 5:30pm. Confirm the current year's date through the Visit Lodi events calendar.

Does Lodi hold a Christmas tree lighting?

Yes. In early December, the City of Lodi conducts its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall shortly before the Lodi Parade of Lights. This free event is suitable for families.

What free holiday activities are available in Downtown Lodi?

Many Downtown Lodi holiday activities do not charge admission. Free offerings include the Downtown Lighting Ceremony, Parade of Lights, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Scavenger Hunt, and Storefront Decorating Contest. Carriage rides are free during the After-Hours Shopping Stroll and on Saturdays from mid-November through Christmas Eve. Free transit is also offered on major event days.

Where can I see Santa Claus in Downtown Lodi?

Santa visits Post Office Plaza in Downtown Lodi during the holiday season. Santa and Mrs. Claus appear on Small Business Saturday, during the Holiday Scavenger Hunt weekend, and at the After-Hours Shopping Stroll. Each occasion includes opportunities for photos.

Is holiday-event parking free in Downtown Lodi?

Parking limits are extended during major Downtown Lodi holiday events, allowing visitors more time to shop and explore. Free transit is also available on select event days. The Lodi Station Parking Structure at Sacramento & Pine Streets provides free all-day parking year-round. From November 28 through December 24, the standard 90-minute street-parking limit becomes four hours.

More Holiday Events in Lodi

Lodi Parade of Lights — Dec 3rd

The parade begins at 6:17pm in Downtown Lodi. The holidays arrive in Lodi on Thursday, December 4, with the Lodi Parade of Lights, a sparkling tradition that draws nearly 30,000 spectators each year. This free, family-friendly celebration turns downtown Lodi into a winter wonderland filled with lights, music, and community cheer.

More than 80 illuminated floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and themed vehicles make up the procession, with each entry decorated in thousands of twinkling lights. Santa Claus makes a special appearance at the conclusion, arriving on a Lodi fire truck to share holiday joy.

The route passes through the heart of downtown Lodi and highlights the city’s festive spirit and small-town character. Arrive early to choose a viewing spot; many locals place chairs days in advance. Parking fills quickly, so carpooling is encouraged.

For residents and visitors alike, the Lodi Parade of Lights offers a popular way to begin the holiday season in California’s wine country.

About the Author

Wes Rhea is President & CEO @ Visit Lodi. As CEO of Visit Lodi, Wes Rhea focuses on helping people create memorable trips and enjoys traveling himself. He is a traveler at heart who appreciates wine tastings, unusual museums, and spontaneous country-road detours. After nearly two decades leading destination marketing in California, he remains most excited about what comes next. His current obsession is Lodi-grown Cinsault.

Related Downtown Lodi Information

Downtown Visitors Center

25 N School St,
Lodi, California 95240
(209) 365-1195

Lodi Wine Trolley

(209) 900-9463
PO Box 2732
Livermore, California 94551-2732

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