La Mesa’s Christmas calendar

My mom has always been strict on one thing: Christmas only starts after Thanksgiving. Breaking with decades of tradition, we decorated a tree in mid-November so my brother could participate before starting an overseas job. 

This means I’m already in the holiday zone, fully embracing the Christmas spirit and all that jazz. Here are some fun events to keep that excitement building until the big day itself. 

Christmas on Mt. Helix

As part of its centennial, the Mt. Helix Park Foundation is hosting a free winter wonderland with hot cocoa, a Christmas market, kids crafts and caroling. Free shuttles are available from Grossmont High School’s parking lot Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. 

Holiday in the Village 

La Mesa Village Association is hosting its 10th annual holiday festival, with a synthetic “ice” skating rink, mini golf and reading nook with Mrs. Claus on La Mesa Boulevard from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. Be sure to vote in the holiday storefront decorating contest, too, which closes Dec. 14. 

“’Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Lamplighters Theatre is producing a play based on the Christmas poem featuring the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl who visit the North Pole to demand answers. Performances are taking place through Dec. 14. Find ticket costs and showtimes at lamplighterslamesa.com.

“The Nutcracker” 

San Diego Ballet will be in El Cajon at The Magnolia on Dec. 20 and 21 for performances of holiday ballet “The Nutcracker.” Find tickets at magnoliasandiego.com.

Also is it heresy to include El Cajon in this calendar? Do we want La Mesa only events or all of East County? Let me know at drew@sdnews.com if you have opinions on what should go in this newsletter.

One more thing: The results of our Best of La Mesa contest are here. Congratulations to all of the winners. We are proud to recognize local businesses in La Mesa for their stellar services.