EL CAJON Mother Goose Parade

November 20, 2022, 1 p.m.

76th annual parade, "A Celebration of Children," first began in 1947

Route: East on Main Street between El Cajon Blvd. & First Street

mothergooseparade.org

The Mother Goose Parade is the largest parade in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi. The parade attracts thousands of spectators on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers who work all year to bring this tradition to life.

• Squadron of vintage fighter planes flies over every year to launch the parade
• 100+ exciting parade entries
• Entries from cities throughout the United States
• Spectacular motorized floats
• Popular marching bands and drill units
• Equestrians clip clop to entertain and wow youth
• Animated clowns, special characters
• Notable guests with some celebs
• Performing artists
• Giant helium balloons
• Classic to cool vehicles
• Santa Claus!

Macy's has the famed Thanksgiving Day Parade but a lesser known tradition is the Mother Goose Parade always held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Witness an annual event that began as a gift to the children of San Diego in 1947.  The largest parade in San Diego County features floats, clowns, Santa Claus, marching bands, equestrian teams and celebrity appearances.  It takes place in the East County city of El Cajon. 

A tree lighting follows at dusk on Main and Magnolia.

Here is a list of free things to do this holiday season in San Diego.