Parade of Children's Authors Among Treats at Christmas in the Village

For children, books are magical gateways to the imagination, transporting them through fantastical worlds. And thanks to the success of recent franchises such as Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games, young adult and children's books have broken into the pop culture mainstream.

Children, tweens and teens will have the opportunity to meet some prominent authors (sorry, no J.K. Rowling) at Readers Inc. this weekend in conjunction with the annual La Mesa Christmas in the Village event.  From 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, featured authors include Tom Kirkbride (Gamadin series), Doug Richards (Prometheus Project series), Jordan Reimer (Love on Lemon Lane), Jeffrey Garcia (Santa Claus and the Molokai Mules) and more.  From 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, authors will include Mara Price (Grandma's Chocolate), Laura Locomara (Floating on Mama's Song) and Keven Gerard (Conor and the Crossworlds series).

So in between musical performances, caroling, carnival rides and visits with Santa, be sure to stop by La Mesa's downtown book store to meet those lucky few with the power to spark imaginations.  For more information, and a complete list of authors, call (619) 461-1400 or visit ReadersIncOnline.com.

A Christmas Carol–The Musical

One of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, has graced theaters, cinemas, and television sets for decades, featuring several different adaptations (the Muppet Christmas Carol is one fan favorite) and inspirations (Scrooged is particularly unique). 

The Kroc Center will host the musical version of the play, originally staged on Broadway with new songs by by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens.  Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.  For tickets or more information, call 619-269-1552 or visit kroccenter.org.

Christmas Concerts

You don't have to be of a religious persuasion to enjoy beautifully-performed Christmas songs.  The familiar melodies and stirring emotions can affect anyone who grew up in a Christmas-centric culture.  To help you get your Christmas music fix (considering San Diego does not have a dedicated holiday music radio station), St. Luke's Lutheran Church invites you to their free Christmas Cantata concert at 9 a.m. Sunday.  Promised to be a "stirring musical event," the concert will also feature performers from Pacific Beach Presbyterian.  For more information, call (619) 463-6633 or visit st-lukes-la-mesa.org/events.

United Church of Christ is also holding a classical Christmas music concert, "The World of Christmas," featuring Joseph Martin's cantata.  The free concert starts at 11 a.m. Sunday.  For more information, call 619-464-1519.

Caroling on the Mount

Admit it.  You're relieved door-to-door caroling has died out. Who wants a pack of neighbors warbling at the door, expecting to come inside for hot beverages and cookies? Nevertheless, if you're a fan of Christmas music and live vocal performances, an alternative exists.  The Full Measure Carolers will lead a holiday sing-along at the Mount Helix Amphitheater on Sunday, in conjunction with an open house for the new Mount Helix Park office. Starting at 5:30 p.m., shuttles will run from the corner of Mount Helix Drive and Vivera Drive up to the summit.  Caroling begins at 6:30 p.m., so bring a blanket, something warm to drink, and don't forget your camera. Rumor has it that Santa will make a special appearance. For more information, visit mthelixpark.org.

Great Alpine Ride

Enjoy the mild Southern California winter with a scenic bike ride through East County.  The Knickerbikers host a ride Sunday that will take participants around Mount Helix, up to Alpine for a snack, and back home again via Harbison Canyon.  The ride will cover about 50 miles, so bring plenty of water (but not too much—frequent pit stops are no fun).  Meet at the Vons supermarket on Avocado Boulevard at 9 a.m.  For more information, call 858-450-0373 or visit knickerbikers.com.