Community Corner
Christmas in the Village, Grossmont Center Tree Highlight Holiday Events
Here's a Patch roundup of La Mesa events and deals for holiday season starting this weekend.
Holiday music is filling the air. Storefronts have begun putting on their Christmas finest. People are smiling more, and we see the constant tease of an even sweeter shopping deal than the last.
With so many options, it’s nice to know what some places are offering. Here’s a Patch roundup of what’s in store this holiday season.
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It wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas in the Village, an annual event hosted by the La Mesa Village Merchants Association in the downtown area. A weekend extravaganza afforded a $40,000 budget, the gathering features two parades made up of event participants.
“It is like in the days of old and a carnival would come to town,” said John Vigil, chair of the event. “Before the show would start, every clown and performer would march around the big top.”
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In addition to marching, the event features strolling minstrels, carolers and street performers—as well as street vendors selling a “good mix of toys and possible holiday gift items, with just a few service vendors to add to the mix.”
saw 13 vendors; this year Vigil says there may be as many as 30.
The event begins with a ceremonious lighting of La Mesa Boulevard and continues with fire pits, carriage and pony rides, live bands, pictures with Santa, puppets and popcorn.
And laser tag.
Santee-based Equinox Laser Tag brings the excitement of infrared warfare to La Mesa. Date Avenue will be roped off from La Mesa Boulevard to the alley and set up with various obstacles for an entertaining—and tactical—time.
“It's superfun,” said Deena While, owner of Readers Inc. “I took my PTA ladies to a laser tag game prior to a meeting and we had so much fun! I hope everyone gives this a try.”
Christmas in the Village is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10. The parades begin at 5 p.m. both nights at Fourth Avenue, and Santa arrives at 6. Five stages are placed throughout the event and show times are 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 10 p.m.
Wherever you go throughout Grossmont Center, there you are. Or at least there the festivities are—especially on Black Friday (Nov. 25).
To embrace the spirit of giving, officials say the mall is joining forces with the Walrus’ Dave Mason as he broadcasts live in Macy’s courtyard to support an effort by San Diego Law Enforcement Agencies to collect teddy bears for kids at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Mason starts the show at 5 a.m., and whoever brings a teddy bear between 8 and 10 a.m. will be given a free pancake breakfast with Santa. Limit two breakfasts per teddy bear.
All stores will be open by 8 a.m. with the exception of Target and Macy’s, which open at midnight, and Walmart, which will be open Thanksgiving Day. The annual lighting of an 18-foot tree takes place at 6 p.m.
- Junior Musician's Music Night will being going strong from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and all young musicians—ages 3 to 17—are welcome.
- December will see music night every Monday and Tuesday, featuring live classical Christmas melodies.
- The Starving Artists Show begins Dec. 2 and runs through Dec. 23, every Friday night only. Performances run from 6 to 8 p.m.
Store Location: 8277 La Mesa Blvd.
- Celebrate Black Friday (Nov. 25) in style at its new location with 20 percent off of everything in store. Sale begins at 10 a.m.
Store Location: 8209 La Mesa Blvd.
- Here the holidays are celebrated every day with the following schedule:
- Monday: $10 shirts are half off
- Tuesday: Dockers are 2-for-1
- Wednesday: Seniors receive a 20% discount
- Thursday: Shoes are 20% off
- Friday: All customers receive a 10% discount
Store Location: 8239 La Mesa Blvd.
- They’re starting the celebration early with an open house from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served, and all custom jewelry will be on display.
Store Location: 8346 La Mesa Blvd.
- On Nov. 26, they’re taking part in Small Business Saturday hosted by American Express. To take part, register your American Express card before shopping at a small business to receive $25 free. The salon also will be giving away a free gift with the purchase of any Aveda prepackaged holiday gift set valued of $30 or more. Free hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Store Location: 8043 La Mesa Blvd.
- Everything in store will be 15% off on Black Friday (Nov. 25).
- On Nov. 26, they’re taking part in Small Business Saturday hosted by American Express. To take part, register your American Express card before shopping at a small business to receive $25 free. The bookstore will offer a free gift with every purchase.
- The Christmas in the Village Author Fest will showcase a book signing with 14 authors, including 10- and 12-year-old brothers Josh and Harrison Herz who coauthored Nimpentoad. Kids will receive a free holiday craft.
Store Location: 8219 La Mesa Blvd.
