Julian Country Christmas

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.

Country Christmas Tree Lighting

Julian kicks off the holiday season on Nov. 24 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 starting at about 5 p.m.

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 weekend afternoons and evenings from Dec. 8 through 16 at Town Hall. For information and tickets call the Chamber of Commerce at 760/765-1857 or visit www.julianca.com.

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.

Crafts and Stuff

Check out a selection of unusual items made by local crafters and offered for sale just in time for the holidays at Town Hall, weekends, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, and 29-Jan. 1. Information phone the Julian Chamber of Commerce 760/765-1857.

Living Nativity

A longtime Julian holiday tradition, the Living Nativity is staged at the Cider Mill on Main Street, Saturdays Nov. 24 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. 16 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

Join the Carolers

Costumed carolers will be in town Saturday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m. to entertain you with favorite seasonal songs. Look for them along Main Street and on the side streets.

Bake Sale and Warming Station

The Julian Junior High Fund Raising Team will be sponsoring a bake sale in front of Rabobank, on Main Street (corner of Main and B Street), all day of the 24th. They will then offer a warming station, serving coffee, hot chocolate and hot cider, to get yourself warmed up while shopping in the town, following the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Sugar Cookie Frosting

Kids can decorate their own sugar cookies for free! Come to the front of Kathy's Dress Shop and the Falcon Gallery (on Main Street between B and C streets) between 2:00 and 4:00 PM (or until supplies are gone) on the 24th, to decorate and then eat your own cookie!