Chula Vista – As the holiday season unfolds, residents of San Diego are finding a unique blend of festive spirit and community warmth in Downtown Chula Vista. Recently, the district hosted its remarkable Starlight Parade and Festival in collaboration with the City of Chula Vista, marking a spectacular return after a four-year hiatus since 2019. The event surpassed expectations with an estimated attendance of around 60,000, doubling the initial projections.
Dominic Li Mandri, District Manager of the Downtown Chula Vista Association, invites shoppers to embrace the festive spirit by exploring the charm of Third Avenue. “Chula Vista welcomes shoppers this holiday season to come down and stroll down Third Avenue and find some hidden gems as well as presents for your loved ones,” shares Li Mandri. The district is adorned with festive decorations, including holiday lights on street lamps, icicles on tree poles, and a sparkling holiday tree at Memorial Park, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors throughout December.
Li Mandri also shares his excitement about the diverse retail landscape on Third Avenue, which includes classic establishments like D’Via Art and Style Eazy Toyz and Standlee’s. “Each one of those establishments carries unique presents and gifts for family members or for neighbors in Chula Vista that are really quintessentially Chula Vista” adds Li Mandri. He also encourages shoppers to explore newer businesses like Paw Pleasers, El Cholo’s Kid, and Craft on Third. But it’s not just about finding great gifts; it’s about supporting the local community “When shoppers come down and support local businesses, they have reverberating effects through not only the local community but the regional economy,” emphasizes Li Mandri.
In the coming months, the Downtown Chula Vista Association is set to enhance the atmosphere along Third Avenue by introducing a fresh set of tables and chairs. As Li Mandri puts it, “This will offer more comfortable seating for people to come down, hang out, do their shopping, and enjoy their lunch or meet a friend and catch up.”. This move aligns with the association’s continuous efforts to elevate the overall experience and foster a vibrant community ambiance on Third Avenue.
Whether strolling through the festive aisles for holiday gifts or quietly supporting local businesses, Downtown Chula Vista remains a haven of community spirit—an inviting destination for San Diegans in search of genuine connections amid the holiday cheer.
Article by Hispanos Unidos Editorial Team