Festive Things To Do For Christmas in Julian [2023]

Christmas is fast approaching, and there’s nowhere better to spend it in San Diego than the lovely Julian.

Julian is known as the one place that really goes all out for the holidays, from the Letters to Santa experience to the Christmas tree lighting; it becomes a true winter wonderland.

With so many great things to do at Christmas in Julian, we’ve compiled a list of some of them to get you in the festive mood early this year. 

Christmas Tree Lighting

November 25th, 2023

Julian’s Country Christmas Tree Lighting is a sign that the holidays have officially started. The lights are planned to be turned on around 5:30 PM at the Town Square, with plenty of fun for the whole family across the day, including Santa visits, live music, and a lovely market for you to stock up on some presents.

Holiday Hayride

November 25th, 2023

The Holiday Hayride is a pure Christmas extravaganza hosted at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventure Park. 

On the agenda for this year’s festival are a variety of Christmas bands, a petting zoo, candle and ornament-making classes, a treasure hunt, a reptile show, archery, slingshot games, tomahawk throwing, and plenty of surprises.

If you reserve your tickets for the Holiday Hayride in advance, you’ll be able to redeem some incredible discounts. Visit Fort Cross Old Timey Adventure Park’s website to get your hands on the codes.

The Julian Christmas Market

December 2nd 2023

Julian’s free-to-visit famous Christmas market is returning this year at Julian Mining Co. and plans to be bigger than ever. Merchants from all over town will be setting up shop, offering all kinds of Christmasy goods, including newly made wreaths, ornaments, and candles.

The market welcomes people of all ages, including kids, who will particularly enjoy the Santa Train, which will depart every hour.

Ice Skating At The Farm

November and December 2023

For the first time ever this year, Julian will have an ice skating rink at Julian Farm and Orchard that’s made with water-free ice, making it fully sustainable. 

Visitors will need to reserve their space online in advance beforehand as it plans to sell out slots fast. You can either rent a set of skates from the rink directly or bring your own once they’re usable on their type of rink. It may not be real ice on the rink, but it sure will be as much fun!

Don’t forget to check out the other Holiday activities, including crafts, hot chocolate, axe throwing, and many more.

Santa At Town Hall

December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th 2023

The big guy will be visiting Julian throughout December to make his list of who’s been naughty or nice. He plans to set up his own little grotto outside of the Town Hall.

Santa will be fully free to visit and open to get some pictures taken with your little ones as long as they promise to leave out his favorite cookies and milk this year on Christmas Eve.

29th Annual Victorian Christmas Teas

Six Days A Week In December 2023

Sit down for a traditional Victorian Christmas Tea session at the Julian Tea and Cottage Arts.

The packages include a selection of flavorful teas, sandwiches, scones with curds, and plenty of other desserts sure to get the sugarholics’ blood pumping. There will also be a separate menu for children 12 and under, so you don’t have to worry about organizing a babysitter.

You’ll need to make a booking beforehand. The times available are 11:30 AM, 1 PM, and 2:30 PM. Each session lasts for an hour and 15 minutes and cannot be extended because other people will be booked in for the next slot.

Select between beautiful indoor spaces in a cozy environment, or if the weather is nice, choose a table outdoors to enjoy the Californian sunshine.

A Christmas Carol

December 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th & 17th, 2023

The Julian High School is offering its stage for this yearly Christmas classic. Who doesn’t love the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in this old Dicken’s classic?

The Julian Theatre Company is sharing a traditional adaption that will spread the warmth and joy of the Holiday season.

And don’t forget:

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.”

Joy In Julian – Holiday Car Parade

December 16th, 2023

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Julian around Christmas, try your best to be around for the Joy In Julian – Holiday Car Parade. 

This colorful Holiday Parade is one of the town’s main traditions, where car owners will jazz up their vehicles in flashy lights and Christmas decorations and drive them up and down Main Street three times.

Maybe you might even have a car that you want to decorate and enter yourself.

Christmas Caroling

December 17th, 2023

The holiday season is never complete without a Christmas caroling session, and Julian is the perfect place to do it.

On December 17th this year, a Christmas caroling group will meet up at Main Street at noon for a day of non-stop singing, and they’re inviting everyone to come and join them.

Even if you’re not a great singer, it doesn’t matter because everyone is welcome.

Free Handel’s “Messiah” Performance

December 17th, 2023

For the 36th year in a row, the Free Handel’s “Messiah” Performance will take place in Julian’s Town Hall. 

There’s an amazing lineup in store for this one; of course, the Community Chorus will be playing, but singing alongside them will be four expert vocalists, a string quartet, and a wonderful keyboard player; we’re sure it will be the best one yet.

Christmas Eve Dinner At Jeremy’s On The Hill

December 24th, 2023

Since you’ll be working off your feet in the kitchen on the 25th, why not treat yourself to a delicious dinner on Christmas Eve at Jeremy’s On The Hill, one of Julian’s top restaurants?

Across the Christmas holidays, Jeremy’s On The Hill hosts various specials for customers to come to enjoy; one of these days is Christmas Eve.

They’ve plenty of options on their menu to suit all tastes, including Lobster Bisque, Lamb Rack, Tataki Ahi Salad, and Scottish Salmon. One of our favorites is the Prime Rib Special, which goes on offer on Christmas Eve, so reserve your space as soon as possible.

That sums up Christmas this year in Julian. As you can see, it’s lining up to be one to remember. Once Thanksgiving is over, the festivities will begin, making the build-up to December 24th so exciting.

Don’t forget to plan ahead of time and make the reservations for the experiences you want to have. You’d be surprised how fast they sell out!

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