
Julian is a picturesque mountain town in San Diego County and is the ideal place to celebrate the holiday season. The city will host many delightful activities from November until the new year, from ice-skating, to Santa visits, or seasonal hay-rides. Here’s our guide to all the Christmas events to enjoy Julian this holiday season!
1. Send a letter to Santa
Every day from now until Christmas Eve on December 24, 2024, kids can write their letters to Santa and put them directly in his mailbox, to make sure those gifts find their way home. There’s a craft table inside town hall, so no need to come prepared – all wishes can be jotted down right there.
Date: every day until Dec. 24
Time: 10AM – 4PM
Location: Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main Street, Julian
2. Meet Santa himself
If your kid would rather make sure that the message gets delivered personally, there’s still time to meet Santa this Christmas in Julian! At the Town Hal Porch, on December 21 and 22, 2024, the jolly man himself will pay a visit to Julian – make sure not to miss him! This is a free activity, and pet photos are also welcome.
Date: Dec. 21-22, 2024
Time: 12PM – 4PM
Location: Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main Street, Julian
3. Catch a Holiday Hayride
Get ready for good old-fashioned holiday celebrations with this fun-filled event. This is a 2-hour guided activity tour, where you can expect with archery, tomahawk throwing, slingshot gallery, farm animals, interactive reptile show, and a holiday hayride complete with caroling! The cost is $25,50, and kids under 4 go for free. Pre-paid reservations are required – get yours here.
Date: Dec. 21-22
Time: 1 PM – 3:15 PM
Location: Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, 4425 Hwy 78, Santa Ysabel
4. Don’t miss the classic “A Christmas Carol”
This Julian tradition will transport you back to a Dicken’s Victorian Christmas, a world of festivity, family, redemption, family, and love. The performances take place at Julian High School, and it’s the perfect family-friendly holiday event. Tickets are $20 general, and $10 for students.
Date: Dec. 20-21
Time: 7PM, with an extra show at 2PM on Dec. 21
Location: Julian High School, 1656 California 78, Julian
5. Ice Skate at the Farm this Christmas in Julian
Julian Farm and Orchard will be transformed into a winter wonderland this holiday season. Their ice skating rink is a synthetic and water-free one, that follows their values for sustainability. Bring your own skates or rent them here. Tickets for ages 3 to 11 are $12. Skating for ages 12 and up is $18. A skating reservation waives the general admission requirement for skaters – you can make one on their website.
Date: Fri, Sat, Sun
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: 4381 Julian Highway Santa Ysabel, California United States
6. Explore The Festive Forest
The Festive Forest at historic Banner Ranch is a family-friendly half-mile holiday lights walk through a beautifully decorated orchard! It features Christmas lights, inflatables, and more. On your way, you can find snacks and seasonal drinks. This is a natural trail, so wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.
For more of an experience you can extend your visit with a stay in tiny houses, covered wagons, or campsites. Here, there’s a historic General Store built in 1872 with Lucky Lou’s Saloon, serving beer, with coin operated pool tables. You can also visit the friendly pet burros Elvis & Jerry Lee, or explore nature with easy access to miles of hiking trails.
Date: every Fri, Sat, Sun
Time: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Banner Ranch Julian, 36342 CA-78, Julian
7. Join the holiday caroling on the Main Street
For the 2nd year, there’ll be some jolly Christmas caroling down Main Street in Julian, and everyone’s invited! You’ll visist the merchants and shoppers, while singing holiday songs. You don’t need any experience, just a jolly attitude and a festive heart. There will be song books available, hot cocoa, and treats.
Date: Dec. 22
Time: 1 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: McKinney Building, 2015 Main St., Julian