Christmas comes to Julian every year in an old-fashioned way that will make you picture sleigh rides, chestnuts roasting on open fires, and Jack Frost painting the whole town white.
That may be a bit of a dream. But due to its Cuyamaca Mountains location, the holiday time in Julian gets closer to that dream than most spots in Southern California. You’ll feel a nip in the air, sniff wood fires, and maybe catch a glimpse of snow capped mountains surrounding town.
The holiday season in Julian also offers an opportunity to shop at small boutiques and craft shows, without crowds or lines, for one-of-a-kind gifts.
You can greet Santa a couple of times during the season, indulge in a Victorian Christmas tea, sing Christmas carols with costumed holiday carolers, sip a cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider. And you can watch the annual Living Nativity tableau, cuddle under a blanket while riding down Main Street in a carriage, take in a performance of The Christmas Carol starring Julian kids, stay in a cozy bed an breakfast that’s all decked out in holiday finery, or even stroll down a quiet country lane.
You can enjoy Julian’s holiday ambiance from Thanksgiving weekend through early January. Following are some scheduled activities that will add joy to your experience. Also check the Julian Events Calendar at www.julianevents.org for more current information.
Country Christmas Tree Lighting
Julian kicks off the holiday season on Nov. 29 with the annual lighting of the town’s huge living Christmas tree, presented by the Julian Merchants Association. This is a popular event, drawing hundreds of visitors who gather at Pioneer Park to watch the lighting and visit with Santa. Festivities start at 4:00 pm.
Victorian Christmas Teas
Presented at Julian Tea and Cottage Arts daily Dec. 8 through Dec. 23, these parties are all lace and flowers, to the delight of little and big girls who can dress up for the meal. Owner Edie Segar serves finger sandwiches, breads, scones and desserts, Call 866/765-0832 for reservations (which are required).
A Christmas Carol
A Julian holiday tradition, this version of Dickens’ tale of hard-hearted Scrooge who finds the meaning of life one haunted Christmas Eve, adapted and directed by Don Winslow, features local kids in key roles. Kinney Productions, Julian’s resident theater company, presents the show on the following dates: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 pm and Sunday 21 at 1:00 pm. For information and tickets call Sandi Bennett at 760-765-3120 or visit the Julian Events Calendar at www.julianevents.org.
Historic Re-enactments
Doves and Desperados present living history seasonal comedy skits Sunday afternoons in the parking lot between Cabbages and Kings and the Julian Market, weather permitting. For information call 760/765-1857.
Living Nativity
A longtime Julian holiday tradition, the Living Nativity is staged at the Cider Mill on Main Street, Saturdays Nov. 29 to Dec.22, it features locals appearing as Joseph and Mary, and the shepherds. Information phone 760-765-1857.
Handel’s Messiah
The Julian Community Choir presents this traditional holiday oratorio Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
Christmas with Santa: Open House at Santa's Village
The Julian TRADING POST VILLAGE at 3411 Hwy. 79 on Dec. 6Th to see beautiful Christmas decorations and lights displayed for the season including candy cane lane, where you can find hidden discount coupons at both "In the Pines" and "Mountain Top Antiques." Santa will be available at Santa's Village for a photo opportunity. Locals can also shop until 6pm for holiday gift ideas and guests will be offered homemade Christmas cookies with a bit of hot cider and hot chocolate. Both shops have extensive Christmas ornaments and decorations that are unusual , available for sale; Photo's with Santa for children ages 0-10 are only $5.00 per photo (includes mailable frame) and complimentary treats will be handed out as well. Call 760-765 1139 for more information.
Breakfast with Santa at the Pine Hills Lodge
9 am to 1 pm – Enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas Brunch Every Sunday in December from 9 am to 2 pm, but, Santa will only be at the Lodge on the 14th! $15.95 Adults, $10.95 Children 10 & under, $5 for a High Chair, Please Call for Reservations - 760-765-1100 www.pinehillslodge.com
