San Diego holiday events

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS NOV-DEC. 2023

By Miriam Raftery

November 16, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – East County has a wealth of treasured holiday events coming up this season, from  holiday lighting displays and craft fairs to local festivals, outdoor ice skating rinks, a train ride aboard the North Pole Express, a pottery studio tour, and a performance of the Nutcracker ballet.

Scroll down for details on these merry events, and have a joyous holiday sesaon!


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HOLIDAY FAVORITE, THE NUTCRACKER BALLET, TAKES STAGE AT THE MAGNOLIA IN EL CAJON DEC. 16

East County News Service

November 17, 2023 (El Cajon) -- On December 16th at 1 p.m., the San Diego Ballet brings the Nutcracker ballet to The Magnolia theater in El Cajon.

Imagine the magic as the Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky's timeless musical score and an international cast of more than 100 beautifully costumed dancers. Sugarplum fairies, leaping Cossacks and flurries of snowflakes swirl across the stage, in this magical journey through a young girl''s imagination.


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HO,HO! SANTEE HOLIDAY LIGHTING CELEBRATION WITH SANTA NOV. 17

November 16, 2023 (Santee) -- The city of Santee will host its holiday lighting celebration on Friday, November 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santee Trolley Square (9884 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee).

Visitors can enjoy sledding, live music by the Bayou Brothers, holiday photo opportunities with Santa, face painting, and a tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.


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LEMON GROVE HOSTS HOLIDAY BONFIRE DECEMBER 3

East County News Service

November 17, 2023 (Lemon Grove ) -- The City of Lemon Grove will host its 24th annual holiday bonfire on December 3 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Park (3200 Main St., Lemon Grove.)

The event includes live music, food booths, arts and crafts, a rock climbing wall, game truck, cookies and hot chocolate, and a giant bonfire to light the night.


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HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE AT MISSION TRAILS NOV. 12

East County News Service

October 31, 2023 (San Diego) -- On Sunday, November 12 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m., the Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Visitor Center will be transformed into a seasonal marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind gifts from makers and artists with nature-themed offerings. The event supports the independent vendors participating and a percentage of all sales will benefit the park through the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation.

In addition to products including ceramics, jewelry, soaps, cards, home goods, woodworking pieces, and fine art, attendees can peruse the Visitor Center Gift Shop which will be fully stocked with brand new Mission Trails merchandise. Quantities of the new MTRP merchandise will be limited,with first sales at the holiday marketplace.

For the event, the MTRP Foundation will provide shuttle service that will transport patrons to and from an overflow parking lot at Patrick Henry High School.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: EVENTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR

By Miriam Raftery

November 24, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County features many events to be thankful for – from Thanksgiving weekend events at a local camel dairy and exotic animal sanctuary to holiday tree lightings, live hawk demonstrations, Christmas festivals and more.

Scroll down for all of these events and many more!


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS NOV. 22-DEC. 25

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 22, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- This special edition of Destination East County features seasonal and holiday events, real and virtual, to brighten up your holiday season even amid a pandemic. Many are online, others are drive-through or provide social distancing and other precautions to celebrate the season in festive outdoor settings.

Events coming up include a virtual version of the Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon, “a satirical play titled "November" produced online by San Diego’s Trinity Theatre, fireworks for Santee's 40th birthday celebration, a drive-up holiday bonfire in Lemon Grove, La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village complete with craft market, Santa at the Lakes in Santee, the Enchanted Village drive-through holiday lighting extravanganza at Noah’s Homes in Spring Valley,  more  holiday lights at Starlight Circle and Lantern Crest in Santee, a Thanksgiving Turkey Bash and Christmas with the Animals at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Santee, plus real and virtual visits with Santa Claus via Parkway Plaza in El Cajon.

Scroll down for full details on all of these fun and festive holiday season happenings.


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YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR FEASTING & MERRYMAKING HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 15!

You’re invited to feast and make merry at our annual VIP holiday party!  RSVP today to reserve space for this popular event.

When: Sunday, Dec. 15 from 3p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Our editor’s Mt. Helix home at 4438 Hideaway Place, La Mesa, CA 91941

Live music by Paul Nichols and Cindy Burnham at 4 pm; caroling sing-along after dinner

Holiday feast: We have a delicious menu including honey glazed ham, baked yams, cranberry-orange relish, red cabbage and greens slaw, macaroni and cheese, bacon-wrapped dates, veggies with spinach and crab dip, gourmet cheese platter, winter salad with pecans and pomegranates, Wassail bowl/spiced cider, wine from the award-winning Vineyard Grant James, molasses gingerbread, lemon squares, holiday cookies and more. If you wish, bring a dish to share.

Special thanks to Smart & Final for donating delicious foods for our holiday feast!

Raffle: prizes include Hooley's gift certificate, Smart and final gift certificate $100 activity gift certificates to Fort Cross Ole Timey adventures,  Oasis Camel Dairy special event passes, jewelry, holiday accessories, gift basket for wine lovers, locally roasted coffee, chocolates, and more. 

Cost:  $15 with RSVP in advance, $20 at the door

Prepay online at www.EastCountyMedia.org/donate


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ENCHANTED VILLAGE FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS OPENS DEC. 14 IN SPRING VALLEY

By Miriam Raftery

November 22, 2018 (Spring Valley) – The creator of the Magical Forest in Las Vegas has brought her talents to Noah Homes at 12526 Campo Road in in Spring Valley, where the Enchanted Village Festival of Trees & Lights will be open to the public December 14-16 and 21-23.  View video: https://vimeo.com/301286492/bf29b3c559

Tickets cost $14.99 for adults and $9.99 for children  ages 3-12; three’s a limit of 500 tickets per night so advance purchase is advised.  You can reserve tickets online at www.EnchantedVillage.org. All proceeds from this delightful holiday display will benefit programs to help Noah Homes residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities.


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REINDEER VISITS GROSSMONT CENTER NEXT THREE SUNDAYS

By Miriam Raftery

December 1, 2017 (La Mesa)—Ho, ho, ho! As Santa’s Christmas Eve sleigh ride approaches, you can bring children to take photos and feed a live reindeer at Grossmont Center on Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on December 3, 10 and 17.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS NOV. 24-DEC. 17

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 21, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) --This week’s Destination East County includes holiday hay rides in Santa Ysabel, holiday lighting and skating in El Cajon, Pomegranate Days at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, and Julian’s Country Christmas heralding in the start of the holiday season.

Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions over the next month including Lemon Grove’s holiday bonfire complete with ice skating and hay rides,  Ramona’s holiday tree lighting with sleigh rides and carolers, the Spirit of Christmas on Maine Street in Lakeside, a hike up Volcan Mountain during a Super moon, La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, a Christmas cabaret, San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s holiday concert, and a presentation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, a Christmas Carol, in Julian.

So stay tuned for all of these events and many more!


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: KATIE HALVIN SHARES DETAILS ON LA MESA'S HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE EVENT THIS SATURDAY

 

 

December 9, 2016 (La Mesa)-- The new Holiday in the Village event will be bringing back some of La Mesa's most cherished holiday traditions--including chestnuts roasting on open fires,  holiday music and carnival rides for kids,  plus creating some new memories for all including booths with over 80 artisans.  Santa Claus will also be at the event slated for this Saturday,  December10th from 10 a.m.to 10 p.m. There's also a holiday card drive to brighten the holidays for U.S. troops overseas.

This is the first year that the new  La MesaVillage Association has been in charge of the event.  East County Magazine interviewed  Katie Halvin,  an organizer of the event,  on our radio show originally aired on KNSJ 89.1  FM. 

You can listen now by clicking the audio link.

Audio: 


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS DEC. 1-23

 

East County News Service

November 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes a parade of lights and snow festival, a murder mystery theatre, a pottery studios tour, a holiday concert by the San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra, and a Christmas festival at Lions, Tigers and Bears.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village celebration, a holiday wine trail in Ramona, Victorian Christmas teas, and a production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in Julian.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!


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SNOW IN LA MESA AT CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE DEC. 11-12

 

East County News Service

December 10, 2015 (La Mesa) – This year’s Christmas in the Village will feature snow, Santa, carolers, holiday movies, kids’ face painting, fire pits, entertainment and more family fun. The event will be held rain or shine on Friday and Saturday, December 11 and 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the historic La Mesa Village.


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BLAZING HOLIDAY BONFIRE: DEC. 4 IN LEMON GROVE

 

East County News Service

December 1, 2015 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove’s annual community bonfire will be ablaze at Civic Center Park (3200 Main Street) on Friday, December 4 from 5 to 9 p.m.  

Activities also include  hayrides, a rock climbing wall, game booths, photo booth, arts & crafts, face painting and a game truck.  Free hot chocolate, chili, cornbread, cookies, fruit and popcorn will be provided.


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HOLIDAY OPEN RANCH AT ALPACAS OF SAN DIEGO IN DESCANSO DEC. 13

 

November 30, 2015 (Descanso) – You’re invited to a Holiday Open House at Alpacas of San Diego, located at 10499 Highway 79 in Descanso, on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Admission is free.

Learn all about alpacas and alpaca ownership see why these animals are so loveable and eco friendly, and you can do some holiday shopping for gift items such as luxurious alpaca scarves, throws, socks, yarn skeins and plush toys.  There will also be a craft table and activities for the kids, as well as a raffle gift basket giveaway.


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW WITH THE “CHIEF ELF” FOR LA MESA’S CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Hear our interview (originally aired on KNSJ):  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

December 11, 2014 (La Mesa)—It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in La Mesa’s downtown village, where holiday lights are twinkling and festivities are set to begin for the 25th annual Christmas in the Village celebration on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13.  

East County Magazine sat down for an interview with John Vigil, self-proclaimed “Chief Elf” from the La Mesa Village Merchants Association and Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Fine Art, for a sneak preview of this year’s event—and why it’s especially important this year for local merchants to have a strong community turn-out.

Audio: 


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY DECEMBER 10-21

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 8, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County has a wealth of winter festivities, from a Winter Wonder Jam at Cuyamaca College to La Mesa’s Victorian-style Christmas in the Village, a Chanukah celebration at Grossmont Center, a caroling party atop Mount Helix, a North Pole Limited Train ride and much more.

So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more, from East County Magazine.


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LA MESA HOLIDAY PARADE AND CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE DEC. 13-14

 

December 10, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa is transformed into a Victorian wonderland on December 13-14 during its old-fashioned Christmas in the Village. The family friendly event features horse-drawn carriages, strolling minstrels, carolers and street entertainers along La Mesa Boulevard.

Carnival rides, ponies, puppet shows, live music stages, bonfires and an outdoor market round out the traditional holiday fun.


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CAROLING PARTY ON MT. HELIX DECEMBER 15

 

November 23, 2013 (Mt. Helix)--Sounds of the season will emanate from the Mt. Helix Park Amphitheatre on Sunday, December 15 from 6:30  to 8 p.m. during the annual Sing-along Christmas Caroling Party, a free family event.

Gina Seashore, known locally as That Music Lady, will be leading the caroling supported by a group of musicians.  Free, hot coffee and cocoa will be available and SPRITES (a local mother-daughter philanthropic group) will provide free, baked goods.  Santa will be visiting from the North Pole to hear the wishes of the younger carolers. Donations of canned goods will be accepted for distribution through the Journey Church food pantry. 


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CHEERS! HAWK WATCH WINERY HOSTS HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 22

December 21, 2012 (Warner Springs) --Hawk Watch Winery, which has won international honors for its vintages, is hosting a free party open to all on Saturday, December 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Enjoy solo saxophonist Jason Weber while sampling homemade holiday desserts among the twinkling Christmas lights in the barrel room, where you can also sign up to savor some locally made wines.


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JOIN US FOR FEASTING AND MERRYMAKING! EAST COUNTY'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY IS DECEMBER 16

VIP guests include Congresswoman Davis, Mayor Art Madrid and many more!

This year's festivities will take place on Sunday, December 16 from 2-6 p.m.

Savor delicious foods prepared by Chef Patrick Dean and Grove Pastry Shop, enjoy wine tasting by La Serenissima and San Pasqual Winery as well as live jazz music by Chris Klich of Grossmont College Music Dept.  Plus we'll have prizes and surprises!


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A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS CONCERT: DEC. 11 AND 12

December 6, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Grossmont College’s Symphony  Orchestra and Master Chorale will present a Baroque Christmas Concert on December 11 and 12 in East County and San Diego. The performances will feature beloved music from the Baroque masters: Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Biber and Charpentier, as well as violin solos by Michael Dvoskin and Luay Yousif.

On Tuesday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m., the program will be presented at St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church, 1627 Jamacha Way in Rancho San Diego (the unincorporated portion of El Cajon).


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SNOW AND SANTA SUNDAY AT SANTEE LAKES


December 9, 2011 (Santee) – Santa and snow are in the forecast for Sunday, December 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the annual Santa at the Lakes at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. Tons of snow for sledding, Santa visits, and s’mores around the fire are highlights of this year’s event.


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YES, WE STILL HAVE ROOM AT TONIGHT'S HOLIDAY PARTY! PLEASE JOIN US -- & BRING YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY

Feasting, frolicking, and merrymaking--ho, ho!
Plus thousands of dollars in prizes!

 Join East County Magazine at our holiday party Sunday, December 19 from 5-9 p.m. at Cafe' 67 (Highway 67 at Mapleview in Lakeside).  Enjoy feasting, frolicking, mingling and merrymaking! 


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HOLIDAY EVENTS ANNOUNCED N DOWNTOWN EL CAJON


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HOLIDAY MIXER & GRAND OPENING OF SD EAST VISITORS BUREAU: DEC. 3 AT VIEJAS


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JULIAN'S LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE TO SPARKLE IN SATURDAY TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY


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