The 17th annual Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party took over the historic Gaslamp Quarter downtown on Dec. 13.
Pet owners and their furry companions arrived dressed in coordinated costumes for this family-friendly celebration, with pets of all sizes in festive holiday looks for a chance to win the Pet Parade Awards.
The event also featured free photos with Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty, along with complimentary caricatures of attendees’ pets.
The Gaslamp welcome party kicked off at Nason’s Beer Hall at the Pendry Hotel, where attendees enjoyed Santa Paws photo opportunities and complimentary Puppuccinos for the pups.
The parade began beneath the Gaslamp Quarter archway with participants marching down Fifth Avenue to a street lined with cheering fans and onlookers. Leading the procession was the 2024 Best in Show winner, Foxy.
The Holiday Parade included floats, local San Diego high school marching bands, and plenty of tail-wagging cuteness. Festivities continued at the Hilton Gaslamp during the Pups in the Pub Party, where Pet Parade awards were announced.
The 2025 Pet Parade winners are:
- Stella Award: This year’s recipient is Labs & More, represented by adoptable Belize and her foster mom, Teresa. The award honors the memory of Taylor Kahle and recognizes pets who embody joy and love.
- The Best Parade Float: Ruffelina Delicious Von Vicious (Jan Savage).
- Best Holiday Spirit: Bruno, Meeka, and Paula (Ayala).
- Best Matching Costume: Bear (Mary Salinas Caraway).
- Cutest Pet: Linus and Lucy (Kate Pura).
- Most Outrageous: Beverly (Jenna).
- Best Group Costume: Charle (Asia).
- Best in Show: Maisey (Caitlan Bricker) becomes Grand Marshal of the 2026 Pet Parade.
If you would like to attend or participate in next year’s parade, stay tuned to gaslamp.org.
Stella Award. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
Maisey (Best in Show), Bear (Best Matching Costume), and Ruffelina Delicious Von Vicious (Best Parade Float). (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
Sophie, 17 year old participant. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
Kitty joined the festivities. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
Super cute dog. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
More cuteness! (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
Lynn and Sean Guerrero with Mochi. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
Kate Pura with Linus and Lucy, winner of cutest pet. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
Kissing booth, Best Group Costume. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro/Special for Times of San Diego)
Upcoming events
Now through Jan. 31: Artwear at Visions Museum of Textile Art in Liberty Station. Works created with fiber and textile materials. Admission is free.
Tuesday, Dec. 16: A Holiday Celebration by Fashionphile from 3-6 p.m. at 6359 Paseo Del Lago, Carlsbad. Sarah Davis will host a special book signing of “Assouline, The Book of Iconic Bags.” RSVP at fashionphile@jbc-pr.com.
Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and podcaster at dianacavagnaro.com.
