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By Miriam Raftery
November 30, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Alpine’s Christmas Parade of Lights and Snow Festival, the North Pole Limited train ride in Campo, Lemon Grove’s holiday bonfire with ice skating and a hayride, Ramona’s tree lighting with sleigh rides, a Jingle Paws walk for pets, Lakeside’s Spirit of Christmas on Maine, a Supermoon hike up Volcan Mountain in Julian, a Christmas Cabaret in La Mesa, and live reindeer visits at Grossmont Center.
Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s Sounds Good holiday concert, a Christmas Carol in Julian, singer Tony Orlando in concert at Sycuan, a big band and jazz concert in Santee, and Carnaval Fantastique at Sycuan.
So scroll down tuned for all of these events and many more!
THIS WEEK
ALPINE CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS AND SNOW FESTIVAL DEC. 1
You’re invited to celebrate a rural Christmas on Friday, Dec. 1, at the 22nd Annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival in Alpine. A parade of glittering lighted entries begins at 6:30 p.m. on Alpine Boulevard, where shops are aglow with holiday lights.
The parade ends at the annual (free!) Snow Festival in the Alpine Creek Town Center complete with sledding on a hill with real snow There will also be children’s activities, entertainment, and a visit by Santa Claus, as well as vendors and food for purchase.
Fore more information, you can visit www.alpinechamber.com.
NORTH POLE LIMITED: TRAIN RIDES WITH SANTA IN CAMPO DEC. 1-23
The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo invites you to take a ride aboard the North Pole Limited, a special holiday train ride departing Fridays and Saturdays from December 1st through December 23rd at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Guests are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes early to get tickets for the North Pole Limited. Once you’re onboard, Santa’s elves will sing Christmas carols, read a popular Christmas story to children and pass out cookies and hot chocolate to all passengers. The train will stop at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will visit with all passengers as the North Pole Limited head back to the Campo Depot.
This popular ride does sell out, so advance reservations are recommended through the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum website at https//www.PRSM.org.
20th ANNUAL BONFIRE, SKATING, HAYRIDE IN LEMON GROVE DEC. 1
The City of Lemon Grove will hold its 20th annual holiday "Light up the 'Grove" bonfire on Dec. 1 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. The bonfire lighting at 6 p.m. will be preceded by game booths, rock climbing wall, hayrides, arts and crafts, live music and skating on an actual ice rink. Free hot chocolate and outreach from the city's nonprofit groups, including the Lemon Grove Historical Society's traditional open house, will be part of the fun. Event hours are extended this year to mark Lemon Grove's 40th anniversary of incorporation.
For information, call 619-825-3800 or visit https://www.lemongrove.ca.gov/home/showdocument?id=3549.
JINGLE PAWS DEC. 2 AT THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
Pet owners are invited to bring their dogs for the annual Jingle Paws Walk to benefit the El Cajon Animal Shelter. This year, Jingle Paws will be held at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College.
Registration ($35) opens at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 9:30 and activities continuing through noon including a photos with Santa, a pet-owner costume contest, animal recue groups and pet adoptions, vendors, silent auction, drawings music and prizes.
For more information and to register, visit www.acesfoundation.org.
RAMONA TREE LIGHTING DEC. 2
Ramona Chamber of Commerce invites you to Ramona’s 25th annual Christmas tree lighting. Main Street will come alive on Saturday, December 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with sleigh rides, carolers, crafters, a DJ playing music, a classic car display, a find the elf contest, and photos with Santa at Ramona’s Town Hall.
Shops will be open late, and the lighting of the annual Christmas tree will be held in front of the Guy B. Woodward museum. For details, visit http://www.RamonaChamber.com.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS ON MAINE DEC. 2 IN LAKESIDE
Lakeside’s Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas on Maine Street in downtown Lakeside on December 2nd from 4 to 9 p.m. This event features Santa Claus, craft booths, vendors, jumps and rides for kids, performances by local school students, and the lighting of a community Christmas tree. Find details at www.LakesideChamber.org and at www.LakesideRodeo.com.
SUPERMOON VIEWING ON VOLCAN MOUNTAIN DEC. 2
You’re invited to hike Volcan Mountain in Julian for a Supermoon viewing on Saturday, December 2nd from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A supermoon is a full moon that appears larger and brighter than normal because its orbit is closer than usual to the earth. Join Ranger Bill on a 7-mile, early winter hike. This hike has 1,000 feet of elevation gain so come prepared!
Ranger Bill will tell you all about the geography, flora and fauna of the area as you head up Volcan Mountain, reaching the summit right at sunset and see expansive views of Julian and the desert. Then the light of the silvery supermoon will show the path back down. For more information, visit the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve website or call 760-765-4098.
RAMONA WINE TRAIL” 3 WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER
Participating wineries from the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association are featuring a “Holiday in the Country” when you “Follow the Ramona Wine Trail” in the heart of San Diego Wine Country during the first three weekends of December: 2/3, 9/10, and 16/17.
Wine fans can visit 14 wineries decked out for the holidays. In addition to discounted tastings, individual wineries are presenting their own selected special holiday happenings to accompany tasting, such as tree lighting ceremony, tree trimming, holiday music, crafters’ goods for a little shopping, signed magnum bottles, and the introduction of white wines for a White Christmas theme. Santa is also expected to hover. You can also take home a souvenir wine glass and holiday ornament.
You can get your Holiday Wine Trail Passport at www.ramonavalleyvineyards.com.
A CHRISTMAS CABARET DEC. 1-17
Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa invites you to get in the holiday spirit at a Christmas Cabaret showing December 1st through 17th. Lamplighters presents an uplifting showcase of local talent performing seasonal favorites not only from Christmas, but many December holidays as well. For tickets and details, visit https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com.
REINDEER AT GROSSMONT CENTER DEC. 3, 10, AND 17
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.
Graham crackers will be available for free to feed the reindeer while supplies last. The reindeer will be located in the center court near the guest services booth.
For more information visit www.grossmontcenter.com.
LA MESA CONVERSATIONS MIXER DEC. 8
You are cordially invited to join La Mesa Conversations at its annual Holiday mixer on Friday, December 8th at Helix Brewing Company (8101 Commercial Street, La Mesa) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Click here for a Google maps link.
Feel free to don your most festive outfit or ugliest holiday sweater to celebrate the season. A local band, Pinchflat, and a food truck (God Save the Cuisine) will be available for your enjoyment at this no-host event as you grab some food and a pint, listen to some great music, and join the cnservations. The event is free and open to those age 21 and up. Friends and family are welcome.
RSVP for free:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-mesa-conversations-holiday-2017-mixer-tickets-40807716980
SALVATION ARMY TOY PARADE DEC. 9
You've kicked off the season with the Mother Goose Parade. Now it's time for another El Cajon tradition: the Salvation Army Fire Truck Toy Parade. The Salvation Army partners with the Fire Department, KOGO 600 News Radio, Stoney's Kids Legacy and Target on Saturday, December 9. The festivities start at 9 a.m. at the Target parking lot at 250 Broadway, where KOGO will start broadcasting live at 9 a.m. and will be interviewing groups and organizations participating in donations. The parade rolls out at 11 a.m. A few local celebrities will attend - Bonnie, daughter of Stoney Stone, founder of the East County Toy and Food Drive, is planning to be there and it's even rumored that Santa will make an appearance. For more information, contact Cpt. Sean Kelsey at 619-440-4683 ext. 402.
While this event ends at noon, the toy drive for needy families in El Cajon will continue until December 16. If you'd like to donate a new, unwrapped toy, you can do so at this event, at the Angel Tree at Parkway Plaza on the weekends, or any day during business hours at the 1011 Main Street location. You can even purchase a toy online with Amazon's wish list feature. See the elcajon.salvationarmy.org website for more information.
NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS…
LA MESA’S HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE DEC. 9-10
The La Mesa Village Association hosts its annual Holiday in the Village celebration on Saturday, December 9th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, December 10th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Stroll through the streets of La Mesa's historic downtown and enjoy live music and dance, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, and a kids' area with holiday movies and activities. For more information, you can visit http://lamesavillageassociation.org/.
BORREGO CAROLING DEC. 9-10
Borrego Springs Performing Ars Center will present “Here We Come A-Caroling, Borrego Style” on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 and 9 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 10 at 3 and 4:30 p.m.
You’re invited to come sing carols with neighbors and friends while being entertained by Borrego's finest musicians and orators. A program of songs, heartwarming stories and surprise appearances will lift your spirits and add joy to the Holiday season as you celebrate, Borrego style.
The theatre is located at 590 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. For tickets visit www.bspac.us.
SANTA AND SNOW AT SANTEE LAKES DEC. 10
Santa comes to Santee Lakes on Sunday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children can also delight in meeting favorite characters on Storybook Island, sliding down Snow Hill, crafts, face painting, and rides on ponies, tractors and a train.
There is a $10 parking cost, plus ride tickets at $1 each; rides and activities range from one to seven tickets.
For more information, you can visit Santee Lakes on Facebook or go to http://www.santeelakes.com/.
SOUNDS GOOD HOLIDAY CONCERT DEC. 10
On Sunday, December 10th at 3 p.m., the San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra will present the “Sounds Good" holiday concert at College Avenue Baptist Church, featuring the Christmas portion of Handel's beloved "Messiah" along with selections of popular holiday music. In addition to the chorus and orchestra, there will also be solo perfomers.
The San Diego Festival Chorus was founded over fifteen years ago by Maestro Mostardo and is made up of singers and players from the community who love to make music. The chorus is always happy to welcome new members. You can find more information and tickets for the holiday concert at sandiegofestivalchorus.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL DEC. 8-16 IN JULIAN
Julian Theatre Company will present Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” This timeless tale focuses on the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Scrooge’s clerk, Bob Cratchit and his impoverished family including the frail Tiny Tim face a grim future, unless Scrooge can find redemption and discover the true spirit of Christmas.
Performances will be held at Julian Town Hall on the weekends of December 8th through 10th and again December 15th and 16th. For tickets and details, visit JulianTheaterCompany.com .
A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS DEC. 17
The Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra will present a free concert on Sunday, December 17 at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Farragut Circle in El Cajon. The program includes a medley of Christmas music. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
The musical group started in 2015 reflects influences of big band and jazz greats such as Count Basie, Wynton Marsalis, and Duke Ellington.
For more information, visit www.firstpres-elcajon.org.
TONY ORLANDO CONCERT AT SYCUAN DEC. 17-18
Singer Tony Orlando will be live in concert at Sycuan on December 17th and 18th.
His career between at age 16 with his first hit song, Halfway to Paradise. His band, Tony Orlando and Dawn, had several major hits in the 1970s including Candida, Knock Three Times and Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree, as well as the Tony Orland and Dawn Show on TV.
After the band broke up, Orlando has continued as a solar singer with performances in Las Vegas, Branson Missouri and now, El Cajon. For tickets, visit www.Sycuan.com.
FIDDLE CHRISTMAS CONCERT DEC. 16 AND 23
Clap and dance with Celia Lawler, back by popular demand. The fiddling and clogging singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will be performing holiday concerts at Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon on two Saturdays, December 16 and 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Macy’s Court.
For more information, visit www.shoppingparkwayplaza.com.
BIG BAND AND JAZZ AT OFF BROADWAY LIVE IN SANTEE DEC. 22
Off Broadway Live Theatre in Santee will present “"A Big Band Christmas with The Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra & Leonard Patton" on Friday, December 22nd at 7 p.m.
The theatre is located at 9490 Cuyamaca Street in Santee. For more information or tickets to this special holiday concert, call 619-988-LIVE (5483) or visit https://www.offbroadwaylive.com/
SINATRA AND FRIENDS JAN. 6
Sinatra and Friends pays tribute to the man and his music featuring countless songs, synonymous with Frank Sinatra, as well as many other memorable favorites people have come to love.
The performance will be staged at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center on Saturday, January 6th with performances at 7:30 and 9 p.m.
For tickets, visit http://www.bspac.us.
CARNAVAL FANTASTIQUE: JAN. 7 AT SYCUAN
Carnaval Fantastique will bring performers from around the world to Sycuan on January 7th in a celebration of music and action that combines gravity-defying acrobatics, contortionists, jugglers, comedy, beautiful dancers and dynamic laser special effects.
Atmospheric laser beams fill the theater as colorful animated laser graphics on the screen center stage introduce each of the performances. The finale highlights a one of a kind laser Salute to America patriotic performance.
You’re invited to “Come one, Come all, it's Carnaval.” For tickets, you can visit www.Sycuan.com.
That’s all for this week!
If you have an event you’d like added to our calendar, or if you would like to sponsor the Destination East County column on our website, or the Destination East County show on KNSJ Radio, you can contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Destination East County is the most-read feature on our website.
We’ll be back next week with more festivals, events and attractions in San Diego’s East County!
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