STEP BACK IN TIME AT CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE DEC. 11-12

La Mesa’s historic shopping district offers a Victorian-style holiday celebration, rides, bonfires, specialty boutiques and unique gifts

December 4, 2009 (La Mesa) – For two days and nights, La Mesa’s historic downtown village transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland complete with strolling minstrels, carolers, street entertainers and several stages. Bonfires will fill La Mesa Boulevard, where you can roast chestnuts over an open fire or delight in a horse-drawn carriage ride. You’ll also find carnival rides, puppet shows, and Santa Claus.

The Village dates back to 1912, when La Mesa was incorporated as a city. Unlike malls filled with corporate chain stores, La Mesa’s Village has the charm of yesteryear with a variety of specialty vendors, many offering unique gifts for those on your holiday shopping list. The Village is also home to many antique stores, a new tea shop, fine jewelers including Blumenthal’s and Golden Artistry, and new, upscale art galleries including Bella Mesa and O’Dunn Fine Art.

There are also restaurants to suit every palette, such as Gio’s Bistro Wine Bar, Centifoni’s, Tiramisu Trattoria, Johnny B’s, La Torta, and Jitter’s Coffee Shop, to name just a few. All specialty shops, boutiques and restaurants will be open late through the Christmas in the Village festivities, with some offering receptions, sidewalk specials, and other holiday treats for visitors to one of East County’s most uniquely charming areas.

The trolley stop at La Mesa Blvd. and Spring Street is conveniently situated in the heart of the holiday celebration, or you can park free a couple of blocks off the Boulevard.

For more information, visit the La Mesa Village website at http://www.lmva.com.