![Skiers at the Viejas Outdoor Skating Rink in San Diego's East County](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/viejas-skating-520x346.jpg)
OK, I know it’s only a few days after Halloween and Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away, but the winter holidays will be here before you know it!
So gather up the family, grab your gift list, Santa hat and mittens (yep, there’s a 55 degree chill her in the air at night – brrrr! 😉 ) and join me on a jolly jaunt to San Diego’s charming East County communities. They really know how to make some merry.
Following are 5 to Try East County Holiday Delights:
1. 66th Annual Mother Goose Parade
![Goose Float at the Mother Goose Parade in San Diego's East County](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/8H16MotherGooseParade-520x361.jpg)
The colorful Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon is San Diego’s traditional holiday kick-off, featuring thousands of spectators, colorful floats, marching bands, equestrians and celebrity appearances – fun for the whole family!
Location: Begin at Magnolia and Main, head down Main St. to N. Second Street, turn North then end at Madison.
Date: November 18, 2012
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Parade starts at 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the 66th Annual Mother Goose Parade
2. Julian’s Country Christmas Celebration & Tree Lighting
![](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Julian-tree-278x600.jpg)
The historic, Norman Rockwell-esque mountain town of Julian kicks off the holidays with a Country Christmas celebration & Tree Lighting, complete with costumed carolers, Santa Claus and, of course, their famous apple pies and piping hot apple cider!
Location: Julian’s Pioneer Park (map)
Date: November 24, 2012
Time: Starts at 4:00 PM. Lighting around 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about Julian’s Country Christmas Celebration & Tree Lighting
3. Santa Train North Pole Limited
![Santa on the North Pole Limited](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Santa-railway-520x292.jpg)
All aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited, a Christmas vintage train ride through our rustic backcountry, departing from the Campo Depot. The adventure features Santa and his elves, cookies and hot cocoa, plus a reading of the famous holiday story, The Polar Express. Reserve seats now for this sell-out holiday favorite!
Location: State Highway 94 & Forrest Gate Road, Campo, CA (map)
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, November 23 – December 22
Times: Trains at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM (depending on the date)
Cost: $20-$50, Toddlers under 2 are free
> Find out more about Santa Train North Pole Limited
4. Ice Skating at the Viejas Outlet Center
![Ice Skaters at the Viejas Outlet Center in San Diego's East County](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Viejas-Ice-Skating-520x346.jpg)
The Peanuts Christmas special always comes to mind at the Viejas Outlet Center, home of the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California!
Location: 5005 Willows Rd Suite 229, Alpine, CA 91901 (map)
Dates: November 16 – January 6, 2012
Time: TBD
Cost: TBD
> Find out more about Ice Skating at the Viejas Outlet Center
5. Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival
![](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Alpine-ChrstmsParadeDec20111-520x346.jpg)
The quaint town of Alpine kicks off the season with its Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival, featuring a parade, Santa and his elves, caroling and a big snow mountain for sledding. Snow in San Diego… who knew?!
Location: 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine, CA (map)
Date: December 7, 2012
Time: Starts at 6:30 PM
> Find out more about the Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Festival
A hearty happy (early) “Ho ho ho” from San Diego! 🙂 Know of any other great East County Holiday events? Let us and other’s know in the comments below.