East County News Service

December 18, 2022 (El Cajon) – Chabad of East County will present a Chanukah Celebration  at the Grossmont High School football field (Jack Moshin Stadium) starting at 4:30 pm. today. Highlights of the event will include a grand Menorah lighting with community leaders and guests, as well as a drone gelt drop and magic show.

The event will also feature music, hot latkes, jelly donuts, Chanukah crafts and prizes.

East County News Service

November 21, 2022 (Lakeside) -- Santa and his elves at the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce are hard at work, getting ready for the 25^th annual Spirit of Christmas on Maine Avenue in Lakeside on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p m.

East County News Service

November 20, 2022 (Alpine) – You’re invited to watch rescued big cats and bears enjoy their Thanksgiving feast during the annual Turkey Bash at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine. Reserve in advance for Friday or Saturday, Nov. 25 or 26.

East County News Service

November 15, 2022 (Crest) – The Crest Community Association invites you to a Christmas “Crestival” on December 3^rd and 4th. You’re invited to enjoy food, vendors, kids stuff and a visit from Santa Claus.

The hours for the festival, which is free and open to the public, will be Sat, Dec 3 from 10-6 and on Sun Dec 4 from 10-5.  Santa will arrive via firetruck at 2 p.m. on Sunday. 

November 14, 2022 (La Mesa) -- The 7th annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will once again be ringing in holiday cheer for everyone far and near on Saturday, December 3 from 12 to 9 p.m. The event takes place along La Mesa Blvd. between Spring Street and 4^th Street in the heart of downtown La Mesa.

La Mesa Village friends and family will have the chance to take part in free, festive fun with live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, holiday photo opportunities including selfies with Santa, and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop.

Wild Holidays festivities begin Nov. 25 on select nights through Jan. 1

Source: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

November 11, 2022 (Escondido) -- ‘Tis the season! Wild Holidays returns to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido on select dates beginning Nov. 25, 2022 ,through New Year’s Day. The annual celebration invites guests to experience the wonders of the Safari Park, with a special holiday twist.

Giraffes, rhinos and wildlife safari truck represent Safari Park’s ability to connect people to wildlife

East County News Service 

November 7, 2022 (San Diego) – “Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation” will be the theme of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s float on Monday January 2, 2023 in the 134^th annual Rose Parade® presented by Honda.  (The Rose Parade, customariliy held on New Year's Day, is never held on Sundays.)

The SDZWA is an international conservation organization that partners with the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

East County News Service

November 2, 2022 (Rancho San Diego) – The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego invites you to its Fall Garden Festival and annual plant sale on Saturday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

East County News Service

October 31, 2022 (El Cajon) -- Organizers of one of San Diego County's longest-running and most beloved holiday events have announced cancellation of the 2022 event, but pledge that the annual tradition will be back bigger and better than ever in 2023.

East County News Service

October 25, 2022 (Warner Springs) – You’re invited to head to the beautiful North Mountain Wine Trail of San Diego County for the 2022 "Taste of the Summit."  Four wineries (Emerald Creek Winery, Hawk Watch Winery, Shadow Mountain Winery and Sierra Roble Winery), all located in Warner Springs are teaming up for what promises to be a fantastic fall wine and food experience.  

East County News Service

October 11, 2022 (Lakeside) -- Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church (9908 Channel Road, Lakeside)  will hold a Fall Festival Nov. 5th from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will raise funds through a silent auction and raffle tickets for Feeding San Diego and The Magic Horse, both non-profit organizations.

By Christianne McCormick

October 2, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- Many family-friendly Halloween events are popping up throughout East County and will be available all throughout the month of October. 

Festivities include a spooky campover, costume contests for people and pets, a haunted train ride, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, a haunted amusement park, a fall celebration, safe trick-or-treating for children at a local shopping mall, and Haunt Fest, a family-friendly Halloween festival. 

By Susan Taylor

September 28, 2022 (Normal Heights) - The Adams Avenue Street Fair was back in Normal Heights on September 24 and September 25. This was the 40^th year of the annual event and featured 65 musical acts.  The Fair is Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival and is held every year in September.  Included in the fun were carnival rides, beer gardens and beer tastings, arts and crafts and plenty of tasty food.