December 8, 2025 (San Diego) --The San Diego filmmakers tenth new monthly gathering on Tuesday, December 16 will start with a red carpet and photo stations, include food and drinks for sale, and offer an “Improve your Pitch” panel of industry experts as well as “Spark Super Networking” activities. Creators and filmmakers are invited to prepare 1-2 minute pitches to deliver for critique by the panel, and co-host David Kamatoy will be leading fun, innovative networking exercises to help local film professionals meet the people they need to connect with.
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Photo from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society
East County News Service
Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) -- Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society.
Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS' care received a special holiday toy and treat to lift their spirits while they wait for a loving, forever home.
Members of The Karen Cooper Foundation, including Bob Cooper and his daughter, Michele Cooper, were able to spread holiday joy through their donations at the SDHS's main campus on Gaines Street.
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Dec. 5, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The 18th Annual San Diego Pottery Tour is being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
The annual event celebrates the flourishing ceramic arts scene in San Diego.
The sdpotterytour.com website allows those interested to view the work of participating potters, and helps plan a trip. The site allows the downloading of an interactive PDF map for the tour, with clickable studio addresses that go to Google Maps directions.
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December 4, 2025 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- On Sunday, December 7 from 4 to 7 p.m., Jacumba Hot Springs’ newest gallery introduces the watercolors of Descanso artist Charlotte Hickcox, along with the creations of Jacumba’s Linda Churchill in an evening exhibit sure to amaze. Refreshments will be provided.
Jacumba Art is located at 44608 Old Highway 80, 91934 in Jacumba.
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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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November 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and there’s plenty of merry events coming up in December across East County!
Festivities include a stage production of “’‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in La Mesa, Pine Valley’s Camp Christmas holiday lighting extravaganza, the Marinelli Circus at Parkway Plaza, a Jubilee Jam at the Magnolia in El Cajon, Laurel and Hardy films including “There Ain’t No Santa Claus” in El Cajon, Julian Theater’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, Chrstmas with the Animals at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, and the Nutcracker Ballet at The Magnolia.
Scroll down for details on December's memorable East County events.
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.
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 (Julian) – Ebeneezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will come to life in Julian, where the Julian Theater Company presents Charles Dickens’ holiday classic play, “A Christmas Carol.”
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November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) -- San Diego Ballet brings “The Nutcracker”, a cherished holiday classic, to the Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon with performances on Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. as well as Sunday, December 21 at 12 p.m.
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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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Photo from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society
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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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