December 4, 2025 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Jacumba Hot Springs, a scenic outpost in East County’s high desert region, hosts its monthly street bazaar this Saturday Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of its historic Old Bathhouse. About an hour’s drive from San Diego along I-8 and Old Highway 80, the oak and boulder-studded landscape attracts travelers to a region growing with activities and interest.
Since 2021, as part of a town revival project, the local vendors, artists, crafters and junk dealers gather monthly, offering herbal and mushroom products, woodcraft, paintings, garden plants, jewelry, handcrafted knives, clothing and collectibles.
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December 3, 2025 (Alpine)—Paul Nichols, aka Retro One-Man Band will provide lively entertainment on the patio at Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine this Friday, December 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
He performs on fingerstyle and slide guitar, vocals, harmonicas, and foot percussion as well as signing in a wide variety of styles, from blues, roots, and roadhouse boogie to Latin, classics and instrumental jazz. He’s performed at many venues, including East County Magazine events over the years.
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December 3, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove’s Community Garden will host a celebration this Saturday, December 6 at 9 a.m. to unveil a garden mural.
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December 1, 2025 (La Mesa) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—so East County Magazine is hosting a “feasting and merrymaking” holiday party this Sunday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a private Mt. Helix home.
The party is open to all subscribers—and subscriptions to our e-newsletter is free! Subscribe. Cost is just $20 and bring a dish to share.
The festivities include:
Holiday feasting! Bring a dish to share
Live music by Evans Kontopuls
Raffle, prizes and surprises
Holiday trivia game
Mix and mingle with local journalists and make new friends
To attend:
Subscribe to our free newsletter (2-4 issues per month) and/or our East County Widfire & Emergency Alerts
RSVP to receive address: editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Put “party RSVP” in subject line and include your guests and type of dish you’ll bring (appetizer, dessert, side dish, or main dish)
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Nov. 28, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The holiday spirit is already brightening up downtown El Cajon, with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and its Sophie’s Gallery again central to the vibe.
Next month, St. Madeleine Sophie's is inviting the community to meet and discover the creative talents of some of its artists while giving an opportunity to find unique, handmade gifts.
The Center is holding a "Wings & Snow" public reception from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12 at Sophie's Gallery. at 140 E. Main St. The free event will put artists from the Center in the spotlight and offer their artwork for sale. Guests will also get to enjoy complimentary snacks while browsing.
The show will also run through Jan. 31, 2026.
The gallery will also be open for "Downtown El Cajon Holiday Lights Shopping" from 4 to 8 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 29.
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Nov. 25, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The sounds of the holiday season will get a swinging upgrade next month, as the New City Sinfonia and the Downbeat Big Band team up for a special performance featuring Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker Suite.
Organizers of the Dec. 10 event at Grossmont College -- called "Swing into the Holidays" -- say the it will be an evening of festive music and community engagement.
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Nov. 19, 2025 (Poway) -- Sweater weather is upon us, and ugly sweaters are about to take a fashionable, functional turn on center stage in Poway.
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November 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The city of Lemon Grove will host its 29th annual community bonfire on Friday, December 5 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Park, 3200 Main Street.
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November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) -- "'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." But wait. A mouse is stirring - because Santa missed his house last year. Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa will present “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” featuring the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who visit the North Pole and just won't take no for an answer.
Performances run Nov. 29 through Dec. 14.
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November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Village Association's 10th annual Holiday in the Village event will take place on December 13 from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. It will feature a variety of enhanced holiday traditions including an ice rink, a winter wonderland, Mrs. Claus’ reading nook, selfies with Santa, holiday photo opportunities, mini golf, and an “elf yourself” activity.
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November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — ‘Tis the season to enjoy “Jingles and Jam” with Rebecca Jam, who was named Breakout Artist of Year by the Smooth Jazz Network and “Debut Artist of the Year” by JazzTrax, both in 2022. She earned a San Diego Music Award in 2023 “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Album” for her debut solo album, A Shade of Jade.
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November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Make a holiday treat such as a pumpkin spiced meatball, then watch as wolves at the California Wolf Center in Julian savor their pre-Thanksgiving feasts.
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November 17, 2025 (Pine Valley) – Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from Nov. 21 through Dec. 23, Pine Valley Camp Christmas provides enchanting family entertainment. Hundreds of thousands of lights bring the forest to life, timed to the beat of holiday music hourly from 6-9 p.m. including the finale, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” There’s also a dancing water show onthe half hour, plus many other activities to enjoy.
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November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) -- You’re invited to a free, family friendly evening filled with music, joy and holiday cheer—all for a good cause. On December 6, Jubilee festivities begin at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. in the Magnolia theater featuring Mayor Bill Wells and his 14-piece band performing Motown, R&B and holiday classics. St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Choir and Santa Claus will also put in special appearances.
Event sponsors are sought. Admission is free, but donations are welcome—all proceeds will benefit the San Diego Rescue Mission’s expansion into East County to provide shelter for homeless people.
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November 15, 2025 (El Cajon) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel and Hardy fan organization, invite you to close out their 47th year with some End of Year Film Fun in El Cajon on Saturday, December 6.
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November 11, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Parkway Plaza will light up the night with its belovedTree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival to kick off the holidays on Friday, November 21, followed by a series of events and activities through the holiday season. For the main event, a mischievous green Christmas thief will join Santa to light up the Parkway Plaza Christmas Tree and mark the start of the holiday season, followed by photo opportunities at the tree with the Grinch and visits with Santa, so make sure to bring a wish list.
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., guests can celebrate the holidays with a festive holiday craft station by El Cajon’s Parks & Recreation, balloon twisting, face painting, giveaways, and photo opportunities. Live entertainment will also be in full swing with a captivating circus performance from the critically acclaimed Marinelli’s Circus and festive show fromDance & Arts Studios.
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November 9, 2025 (Ramona) – This is not a turkey trot. The Wild West Turkey Stampede returns November 15, 28, 29 and 30 at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona.
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"Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier" Comes to the Joan B. Kroc Theatre
East County News Service
Nov. 8, 2025 (San Diego) -- A fresh take on the magical holiday experience of The Nutcracker is coming to San Diego later this month.
Mission Hills-headquarterered BalletCenter Studios is presenting an enchanting new production, "Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier," for three performances at the end of November.
Clara & the Nutcracker is a warm-hearted tale offers a fresh perspective on the familiar holiday story, following the young orphan Clara on her journey to find the true meaning of family.
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Nov. 18, 2025 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s lone accredited animal sanctuary is getting ready for the winter holidays.
The nonprofit organization is holding Christmas with the Animals Fundraiser in December at its 142-acre site in Alpine.
The event will include gift-giving, holiday lights and music, and will support ongoing care for the more than 60 animals that live at Lions Tigers & Bears.
The Dec. 13 event is set for 2:30 to 7:30 p.m, with a special feeding of the animals to happen between 3 and 4 p.m.
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November 6, 2025 (El Cajon) – A brand new circus is coming to San Diego’s East County. The Marinelli Brothers Circusbrings its brand-new production titled “A New Experience”, bringing its signature mix of magic, heart-pounding excitement, and family fun to Parkway Plaza November 12 – December 5.
An entertaining outing for families, the Marinelli Bros Circus is not your average night under the Big Top. Blending classic circus tradition with fresh, modern energy, this show offers jaw-dropping acts, death-defying stunts, and laugh-out-loud comedy for all ages.
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Nov. 4, 2025 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa City Council member Laura Lothian and The Cohn Restaurant Group are partnering to transform a tree at a local downtown La Mesa restaurant into a Christmas tree with a special star on top.
Casa Gabriela will be the site of the towering 80-foot tall Christmas tree, with a white and blue four-foot star on top dedicated to fallen La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, who died in the line of duty last month.
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Last year's inaugural Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive hosted by the San Diego Blood Bank was in Mission Valley. This year's Nov. 5 drive will be at Grossmont Center, in Walton's hometown. Photo by Karen Pearlman
East County News Service
Oct. 30, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The San Diego Blood Bank is calling on the community to roll up a sleeve and honor a local legend at the Second Annual Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive.
This year's event will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Grossmont Center near Chuze Fitness on the west side of the shopping mall.
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October 29, 2025 (Pala) - The Pala Band of Mission Indians and Pala Veterans Program will honor the service and sacrifice of local veterans with a Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The event will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Presentation of Colors and remarks from guest speakers, followed by a community breakfast at 10:00 a.m.
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Goodwill San Diego's Little Black Dress (LBD) event is when stores in the region will showcase a wide selection of LBDs, shoes and accessories at competitive prices.
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
The Women in Leadership Luncheon, with more than 450 attendees at Sycuan Casino, honored seven women who excel professionally and as community leaders -- women who demonstrate exemplary character, integrity and leadership.
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Oct. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) -- At least three events are planned to honor fallen La Mesa Police officer Lauren Craven, one tomorrow night at Pink Rose Cafe in La Mesa and another Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Casa Gabriela in La Mesa.
The La Mesa Police Department is also having a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at LMPD headquarters at 8085 University Ave., La Mesa. A program is going to be held with brief remarks, a moment of silence and a closing. Candles will be provided.
Craven, 25. died while trying to save motorists involved in a car crash on eastbound Interstate 8 near Grantville. Craven was struck and killed the night of Oct. 20 after stopping to assist motorists involved in the multi-vehicle crash on I-8 East at Fairmount Avenue at 10:24 p.m.
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October 21, 2025 (Anza Borrego)—You’re invited to walk by the light of a full moon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s South Palm Canyon Wash on November 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The hike will be led by Mike McElhatton, education director at the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA).
“Experience the unique and serene beauty of moonlight on the canyon walls as we take a 1.5-mile walk through South Palm Wash,” the invitation states.
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October 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – November brings numerous noteworthy events to East County, including the Ramona Art and Wine Festival, an Antique and Craft Fair at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, the Wheel of Fortune live game show at Viejas in Alpine, the award-winning play Copenhagen at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, stargazing at Mission Trails, the Boots and Bells Fashion Show at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon,a Wild West Turkey Stampede at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, and a Chili Cookoff at Circle TLC Ranch in Lakeside.
There's also the brand new Marinelli Brothers Circus at Parkway Plaza in El Cajon, La Mesa historic homes tour, Santee’s holiday tree lighting, a concert at the Magnolia in El Cajon by original Beach Boys member Al Jardine, a Spring Valley 5K run, the Mt. Helix Park turkey trot, Bates Nut Farm’s Holiday Craft Fair in Valley Center, Julian’s Country Christmas, and Holiday Lights on Main in El Cajon.
Scroll down for all the fun and festive details.
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October 16, 2025 (San Diego) – Organizers are predicting that this Saturday’s “No Kings” demonstration against the “authoritarianism of the Trump regime” may be the largest yet, including over 2,500 sites in all 50 states as well as territories and other nations.
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October 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Town Films proudly presents the hometown premiere of Welcome Home to Lemon Grove, California, a new documentary by local filmmaker Michael Fanter. The film celebrates the community’s history, landmarks, and the people who have shaped “The Town with the Giant Lemon.”
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"Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier" Comes to the Joan B. Kroc Theatre
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Last year's inaugural Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive hosted by the San Diego Blood Bank was in Mission Valley. This year's Nov. 5 drive will be at Grossmont Center, in Walton's hometown. Photo by Karen Pearlman
Source: Pala Band of Mission Indians
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