San Diego's East County offers the perfect winter getaway for visitors yearning for a unique Southern California experience. Set against the majestic Cuyamaca Mountains, the region's charming rural communities offer a wide variety of festive holiday celebrations and one-of-a-kind activities that are certain to make a winter visit merry, memorable and bright.
From El Cajon's star-studded 65th Annual Mother Goose Parade to the historic mountain town of Julian's Country Christmas celebration, San Diego's East County offers guests a unique and unexpected winter escape.
FESTIVALS AND PARADES
- In El Cajon, the 65th Annual Mother Goose Parade grabs the spotlight on November 20. Traditionally held the Sunday before Thanksgiving, it is the largest parade in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi. The free holiday celebration, which attracts thousands of spectators to the streets of El Cajon, showcases marching bands, colorful floats, clowns, equestrians and more. Special appearances by celebrities and musical performers add to the day's festivities.
- Guests can celebrate the Yuletide season in the historic mountain town of Julian during the Julian Country Christmas and Tree Lighting on November 26. This popular annual holiday celebration features costumed strolling carolers, the scent of freshly baked apple pies and Santa Claus arriving aboard a fire engine for a festive tree lighting ceremony.
- The charming village of Alpine celebrates the season with the 16th Annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival on December 2 or 9 (TBA), featuring a popular parade, a visit from Santa and his helpers, Christmas caroling and a snow mountain for sledding at the Alpine Community Center.
- The delightful downtown of La Mesa is transformed into a Victorian wonderland on December 9 and 10 during an old fashioned Christmas in the Village. The family friendly event features horse-drawn carriages trotting to the beat of snappy holiday tunes, strolling minstrels, carolers and entertainers, all lined up along La Mesa Boulevard. Carnival rides, live music stages, puppet shows, an outdoor market and a special appearance by Santa Claus round out the traditional holiday fun.
UNIQUE TOURS
- Guests can explore some of East County's most picturesque country homes during Julian's 16th Annual Holiday Home Tour on December 9. Good cheer and seasonal tidings abound as guests are personally chauffeured and welcomed into five spectacular homes, all decked out in festive holiday splendor. Tours are offered at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance: 760-765-3647.
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
- Majestic Mt. Helix in La Mesa, featuring a 35-foot cross and 5,000-seat amphitheater, offers spectacular 360-degree views of the San Diego region as well as a special Christmas Caroling Show featuring several choir and concert bands from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 11.
- In the community of Campo, guests can celebrate the holidays aboard the 8th Annual North Pole Limited, a popular Christmas vintage train ride through San Diego's rustic backcountry on November 25-26, December 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17. The one-hour adventure begins at the Campo Depot of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum and features an on-board reading of a famous Christmas train story, holiday treats and an appearance by Santa Claus and his elves. Tickets cost $30-$35 ($45 for First Class) for adults and $20-$25 ($35 for First Class) for children ages two to 12; toddlers under two years old ride free. Advance reservations are required.
- Julian gets into the holiday spirit with two Christmas productions. "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol," performed by the Julian Stage Company, takes center stage at Julian Town Hall on December 9-11 and 16-19. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. For reservations, call (760) 765-3789.
- The Julian Community Choir performs Handel's "Messiah" at 7 p.m. on December 18 at the Julian Town Hall.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
- On October 29, Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine kicks off the holidays with the opening of the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in Southern California, which remains open through New Year's. Festivities continue with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on November 11.
- On December 17, runners can hit their stride during the 2nd Annual Borrego Springs Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay & Quarter Marathon which begins and ends at Borrego Springs High School and benefits its athletic department. Fees are $49-$59 and include a colorful event shirt, finisher medals, energy drinks and water, plus post-ride food and music.
- Bicyclists can test their stamina on December 18 when the Borrego Springs Century rolls into town with 35- and 100-mile bike rides through the spectacular scenic landscape of the Anza-Borrego Desert.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happiness is calling in San Diego's East County. For more information on East County and the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's website at www.sandiego.org/eastcounty or call (619) 236-1212. In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center, located along the Embarcadero at the corner of West Broadway and Harbor Drive in downtown; the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla, or the California Welcome Center (619-445-0180), located at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.
