Decked Out in Christmas Cheer: 8th Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

Christmas appears to have arrived early at Gaslamp in San Diego! Two days ago, more than 250 pets in creative holiday-themed costumes strutted their stuff down Fouth and Fifth Avenues. Read on to find out how the adorable day went.
Pets Team 15 December 2015

Last Sunday, the Gaslamp district of San Diego was painted red and green, with a topping of fluff and cuteness. There were four hours of adorable sights and festive cheer, as the 8th annual Gaslamp Holiday Holiday Pet Parade was held from 1pm to 5pm. Organized by Downtown Ace Hardware and VCA Market Street, this eighth instalment of the parade attracted about 275 well-dressed pets. Together with their humans, they walked down a mile-long parade route to the cheers and cooing of the spectators that lined the street.

Those in costumes had a chance to win prizes in nine categories, noteworthy ones being the “Cutest Critter”, “Best Ugly Holiday Sweater”, and “Best Costume Made Out of Duct Tape”. The “Best of Show” winner would also get the opportunity to be the Grand Marshal at next year's event, an honour given only to one special furry friend. Here is an honour roll of some of the cutest winners:


(Image credit: www.timesofsandiego.com)

Best Pet Costume: This pup shared the spotlight and space in his wagon with fellow animal pals that do not usually get a life as fortunate as his. Advocating a vegetarian message, “Friends not Food”, he walked away with the Best Pet Costume title.



(Image credit: www.timesofsandiego.com)

Best Costume (Duo): With those puppy eyes, who can resist kissing this pooch under the mistletoe? Fitting for the holiday theme of the parade, it is no wonder that he walked away with the title of “Best Costume (Duo)” together with his human.


(Image credit: www.timesofsandiego.com)

Best Ugly Holiday Sweater: A sweater more colourful than a Christmas tree, it would undoubtedly have been a fashion faux pas if seen on a human. We think this pooch was quite successful in pulling this look off though—he looks far from ugly!


(Image credit: www.timesofsandiego.com)

Cutest Critter: Would you like some ‘pupcorn’ for the movie? Way too adorable to be eaten, this pup rolled away in a popcorn-decorated wagon with the “Cutest Critter” title, leaving us feeling like no other popcorn we purchase at the cinemas will ever meet the same standard.

While only nine titles were up for grabs, each and every pet that walked down the “runway” definitely added to the festivities and Christmas cheer of the parade.


(Image credit: www.timesofsandiego.com)

Santa was twelve days early with his appearance, giving out candy to the people along the sidewalk. He wasn't seen with Rudolph this time though. Taking the place as Santa's favourite reindeer was a Great Dane who we think did the job just as well (if not better)!


(Image credit: www.timesofsandiego.com)

With a strong surfing culture in San Diego, of course there had to be a surfing dog at the parade. Standing on a surf board and being pulled along by his human, this pooch was the epitome of “cool”. He was calm and collected, and sported a pair of super cute doggy shades.


(Image credit: www.sandiegouniontribune.com)

Attracting many kids was a 12-year-old pug Cosmo, dubbed “Santa Cos”. This is his first time attending the annual pet parade and he was pulled along in a toy plane by a fellow pug, Betty, who was dressed as a reindeer.