East County News Service

December 23, 2021 (Santee) – Each year, residents in an area dubbed “Starlight Circle” decorate their homes elaborately for the holidays, drawing thousands of visitors.

By Kiki Skagen Munshi

December 11, 2021 (Julian) – ‘Tis the season to bundle up and head to Julian, East County’s charming and historic mountain town. Among the shopping options to discover are five new retail outlets that opened during 2020 and 2021 – offering delightful gift items such as locally made goat soaps, pet products, sports memorabilia, gems, jewelry and geodes. 

Supporting local businesses also helps keep your tax dollars in our region – as well as providing unique holiday gifts for those on your list. 

East County News Service

December 10, 2021 (Santee) – The new Santee TV station now has a video posted of the city’s tree-lighting ceremony, which included many other activities such as snow sledding and live music. View the Santee Tree Lighting recap video at: https://reflect-cityofsantee.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/show/210?channel=1

Santee TV has many more videos including videos of recent city council meetings, parks and recs activities, the Santee Fire Department awards ceremony, kids disc golf, and adoptable pets from the Santee Humane Society.  

By Robin Norris Kendall

Photo, left by Travis Russell

December 6, 2021 (Pine Valley, Calif.) – On select nights this month you can visit San Diego County’s own North Pole, as presented by Pine Valley Camp Christmas. Families will enjoy hundreds of thousands of lights, live entertainment, hayrides, laser tag, bounce houses, face painting, kid’s crafts, and one of Southern California’s largest Nativity scenes.

East County News Service 

November 28, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – Help bring joy to families in need by donating a new, unwrapped toy (or several) to the Lemon Grove Toy Drive from Nov. 23 through Dec. 16.  The toy drive is sponsored by Kids Fashion Week Network So-Cal along with Lemon Grove Lions Club and Improving Lemon Grove. 

East County News Service

November 23, 2021 (Julian) – Julian’s Country Christmas will be held on November 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pioneer Park. 

By Miriam Raftery

November 9, 2021 (El Cajon) – Downtown El Cajon will host its annual Holiday Lights on Main on Saturday, November 27 from 12 noon to 8 p.m.  The event features a tree lighting at 6 p.m. and free musical entertainment by the Original Starfires Band from 2-4 p.m., followed by the Siers Brothers Band.

There will also be a Santa Village with ice skating, carnival rides, live holiday music and Santa Claus!



The merchants group also invites the public to help support local business on this “Shop Small” occasion to keep revenues in the community.

By Miriam Raftery

November 2, 2021 (El Cajon) - The Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular Tour is coming to El Cajon’s The Magnolia on Wednesday, November 17 at 8 p.m. This all-new production will feature favorite holiday songs of all time performed with the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica.

East County News Service

October 27, 2021 (Julian) – You’re invited to an old-fashioned Christmas Market at the Julian Mining Company (4444 Highway 78, Julian) on Saturday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.