Illustration of Santa in a red knitted suit reading a paper list with a small child beside a lit tree and fireplace (Spirit of Christmas)

Spirit of Christmas

Visitors can experience an old-fashioned hometown celebration featuring holiday shopping from local clubs and vendors, craft booths, and kids' activities. Entertainment includes local youth performances, a community tree lighting ceremony, and the arrival of Santa. Guests can also enjoy festive treats, snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and drop letters into the North Pole mailbox.

Map It Details Official site

Advertisement

Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

3:00pm – Shopping, children's activities and delicious treats; 5:00pm – Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa Arrival.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

The event lists delectable foods and treats; food-vendor registration is full.

Going?

Location

Maine Avenue, Lakeside, CA 92040 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Old-fashioned and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Bring the kids' letters to Santa so they can drop them in the Mailbox for the North Pole.
  • Plan to be near the Historical Society for the tree lighting so the kids can see Santa arrive.
  • Vendors should bring their own extension cord, surge protector and lighting, plus battery lights for breakdown, because electricity isn't guaranteed once the event ends.
  • Booth holders who want to give out or sell any food or drink need a San Diego County Mobile Health Permit, with forms due to the Chamber by November 16.

Links & Contact

Run by Lakeside Chamber of Commerce

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the event for?

Everyone. It's an old-fashioned hometown celebration for all ages, with a special focus on giving Lakeside kids a fun time.

What is there to do?

You can shop holiday gifts from local clubs and vendors and visit kids' activity and craft booths. There are local youth performances, a community tree lighting and a North Pole mailbox for letters to Santa.

Can the kids see Santa?

Yes. Santa arrives with the community tree lighting, and there are photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

How can my club or business take part?

Register online for a booth of about 10 by 10 feet. The Christmas Committee must approve your application, and every booth is asked to offer a kids' activity, craft or other fun attraction. Food vendor spots are full.

Browse Christmas in Lakeside

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: