The end-of-year holidays are approaching, and for the East County students, this means many holiday events and celebrations within the cities and on campus. Many events take place across Santee, El Cajon and La Mesa, providing ways for the folk in East County to enjoy the upcoming holiday season and get into spirit. Additionally, some students are opting to celebrate the coming fall, winter and end of 2024 in traditional and familiar ways.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 22, Santee will be holding its holiday lighting event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It’s a family event with activities including photo opportunities, face painting and sledding. Those who can’t make it can also attend Santee’s “Selfies with Santa” on Dec. 5 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., where families have the opportunity to meet and take a photo with Santa at Santee’s Trolley Square.
Students like Manuel Castleberry may opt to simply spend time with their family over the holidays and imminent break.
“Nowadays, it’s not common for your family to gather up all together, it’s really hard to do that nowadays, especially with everyone being so busy,” Castleberry said.“So to have those moments, especially on Christmas it’s just really nice.”
Castleberry, and many others, may choose to take the holidays to spend time at home, making memories with their families.
Students and families in El Cajon may be pleased to find the annual “Winter Wonderland” celebration, taking place Dec. 7 from 2 to 6 p.m. in Wells Park. Among the activities are photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, costumed actors and train rides for little ones. This is also a free entry event that children and parents alike can enjoy.
Timothy Deal is among students who do not usually spend the holidays at home. “We go to vacation, I go to my grandma’s house in Florida,” he said, “and then Thanksgiving we usually go to Hawaii.”
For those staying local, the city of La Mesa will be holding its traditional “Holiday In The Village” on Dec. 14 from noon to 9 p.m. This is another free entry event that lasts all day, and it notably features live music, crafts, photo opportunities and a kids’ play area.
There are plenty of upcoming events in East County to celebrate the end-of-year holidays, and many are open to the public and people in San Diego. So get out there and get into the holiday spirit soon!