San Diego's rustic East County offers the perfect winter getaway for visitors. Set against green rolling hills and the majestic Cuyamaca Mountains, the region's charming rural communities offer a wide variety of festive holiday celebrations and one-of-a-kind events that are certain to make a winter getaway merry, memorable and bright.
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From the family friendly fun of El Cajon's annual Mother Goose Parade to cheerful Christmas celebrations and exciting train rides with Santa Claus, San Diego's East County offers guests a unique and unexpected winter escape.
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FESTIVALS, PARADES AND PARTIES
- There is fun for all ages at the 66th Annual Mother Goose Parade on November 18 in El Cajon. San Diego's traditional holiday kick-off event, held the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is the largest parade in the county and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi. The free holiday celebration, which attracts thousands of spectators, showcases marching bands, colorful floats, clowns, equestrians and more. Special appearances by celebrities and musical performers add to the day's festivities.
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- Guests can celebrate the yuletide season in the historic mountain town of Julian during the Julian Country Christmas and Tree Lighting on November 24. 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.
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Kids can also meet Santa at the Community Christmas party, 5-8 p.m. on December 7 at the Julian Town Hall, and at an old-fashioned Breakfast with Santa at the historic Pine Hills Lodge on December 9.
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- The charming village of Alpine celebrates the season with the 16th Annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Festival on December 7, featuring a popular parade, a visit from Santa and his helpers, Christmas caroling and a snow mountain for sledding at the Alpine Community Center.
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- The delightful downtown of La Mesa is transformed into a Victorian wonderland on December 14-15 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 and an outdoor market round out the traditional holiday fun.
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- Incorporated in 1912, the charming city of La Mesa, the "Jewel of the Hills," commemorates its centennial with a big Party of the Century on January 12 at the La Mesa Community Center. The celebration features food, live entertainment, dancing and a public art monument and time capsule to reflect the city's past, present and future.
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DECK THE HALLS
- Guests can explore some of East County's most picturesque country homes during Julian's 17th Annual Holiday Home Tour on December 7. 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 cost $20 per person and must be purchased in advance: 760-765-3647.
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HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
- Majestic Mt. Helix in La Mesa, featuring a 35-foot cross, 5,000-seat amphitheater and spectacular 360-degree views of the San Diego region, hosts an annual Sing-along Christmas Caroling show featuring several choir and concert bands during 6:30-8 p.m. on December 16.
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- In the community of Campo, guests can celebrate the holidays aboard the annual Santa Train North Pole Limited, a popular Christmas vintage train ride through San Diego's rustic backcountry, on November 23-24 and 30, and December 1, 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22. The 90-minute adventure begins at the Campo Depot of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum and features an on-board reading of the famous Christmas train story, The Polar Express, appearances by Santa Claus and his elves, cookies and hot cocoa. Tickets cost $30-$40 ($45-50 for First Class) for adults and $20-$30 ($35-40 for First Class) for children ages two to 12; toddlers under two years old ride free. Advance reservations are required.
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- Julian gets into the holiday spirit with two classic Christmas productions. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, performed by the Julian Stage Company, takes center stage at Julian Town Hall on December 6-8 and 13-15. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
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The Julian Community Choir performs Handel's Messiah at 7 p.m. on December 16 at the Julian Town Hall.
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OUTDOOR RECREATION
- On November 16, the 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 January 6, 2013.
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- On December 15, runners can hit their stride during the 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-race food and music.
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- Bicyclists can test their stamina on December 16 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.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
- Revelers can ring in the New Year at three of East County's popular casinos: Barona Resort & Casino in Lakeside, Viejas Casino & Outlet Center in Alpine and Sycuan Casino in El Cajon. The casinos' New Year's Eve celebrations typically feature live musical entertainment, special dinner menus, drink specials, prize giveaways, party favors and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
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Happiness is calling in East County. For more information on fall activities and events in East County and the entire San Diego region, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website, www.sandiego.org and www.sandiego.org/eastcounty, or call 619-236-1212.
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