2020 UPDATE:
Christmas in Julian will be a bit different this year. The town will still be decorated. Please check with the event host to verify the event is happening this year and see what their COVID-19 modifications are.
As the chilly air moves in, Main Street gets decked out for Christmas. While most of SoCal is ice skating on the beach, in Julian we do Christmas the small-town way. The local schools collect nonperishable food, local organizations fundraise to make Christmas wishes come true, the town gets busy with Christmas shoppers, and with a little luck, Mother Nature may dust the town with fluffy white snow. Winter in the San Diego mountains is significantly cold that winter near San Diego beaches. Make sure to dress appropriately before making the drive up the mountain.
Julian Country Christmas
In early November, a group of volunteers starts to decorate Main Street for Christmas. The Julian Country Christmas celebration kicks off the Saturday after Thanksgiving with our small-town Christmas Tree Lighting at the Julian Pioneer Museum. The day is filled with Christmas carols, fresh hot apple cider, and Christmas cheer.
Small Business Saturday
Come spend Small Business Saturday with us! Our town is made up of an amazing variety of small businesses. You're sure to find a gift for everyone on your shopping list.
The Christmas Carol
The Julian Theater Company has brought back the local tradition of a live production of the Christmas Carol. It is always a great show that is sure to leave you feeling the Christmas spirit.
Living Nativity
The Living Nativity is another great showcase of local talent. It can be seen taking place in front of the Julian Cider Mill (Main Street Julian) on Saturday evenings in December.
Santa At The Town Hall
If you missed Santa at the Tree Lighting, don't worry! The Julian Triangle Club hosts Santa at the Town Hall every year on the 1st Friday in December. There are homemade cookies and tons of Christmas cheer.
Holiday Home Tour
The Women's Club hosts the Holiday Home Tour annually on the second Friday in December. They carefully select five beautiful Julian homes that deck the halls for the holidays. Club members lead guided tours through the homes. Check out their website for more information.
Christmas Day
A majority of the small businesses in Julian are family run and operated. Many of them take Christmas Day off to spend this magical day with their families; very few businesses are open on Christmas Day. Check with the individual businesses you are hoping to visit on Christmas Eve or Day about their holiday hours.
If you want to spend Christmas Eve/Day here I recommend getting a vacation rental. It will make your experience more joyful and you can stay toasty warm in the mornings and evenings with your family before exploring the town.