Celebrate the Holidays Country Style in Julian
By Bobbi Zane

2006 Christmas Tree Lighting and other Julian activities

Christmas comes to Julian every year in an old-fashioned way that will make you picture sleigh rides, chestnuts roasting on open fires and Jack Frost painting the whole town white.

That may be a bit of a dream. But due to its mountain location, the holiday time in Julian gets closer to that dream than most spots in Southern California. You'll feel a nip in the air, sniff wood fires and may catch a glimpse of snow-capped mountains surrounding town.

The holiday season in Julian also offers an opportunity to shop at small boutiques and craft shows, without crowds or lines, for one-of-a-kind gifts.

You can greet Santa a couple of times during the season, indulge in a Victorian Christmas tea, sing Christmas carols with costumed holiday carolers, sip a cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider.

You can watch the annual Living Nativity tableau, cuddle under a blanket while riding down Main Street in a carriage, take in a performance of "The Christmas Carol" starring Julian kids, stay in a cozy bed and breakfast or even stroll down a quiet country lane.

Photos by Jamey ritter

You can enjoy Julian's holiday ambiance from Thanksgiving weekend through early January. Following are some scheduled activities that will add joy to your experience.

Country Christmas Tree Lighting

Julian kicks off the holiday season on Nov. 24 with the annual lighting of the town's huge living Christmas tree, presented by the Julian Merchants Association. This is a popular event, drawing hundreds of visitors who gather at Pioneer Park to watch the lighting and visit with Santa starting at about 5 p.m.

Victorian Christmas Teas

Presented at Julian Tea and Cottage Arts daily Dec. 8 through Dec. 23, these parties are all lace and flowers, to the delight of little and big girls who can dress up for the meal. Owner Ede Segar serves finger sandwiches, breads, scones and desserts. Call 866-765-0832 for reservations (which are required).

"A Christmas Carol"

A Julian holiday tradition, this version of Dickens' tale of hard-hearted Scrooge who finds the meaning of life one haunted Christmas Eve, adapted and directed by Don Winslow, features local kids in key roles. Kinney Productions, Julian's resident theater company, presents the show weekend afternoons and evenings from Dec. 8-16 at Town Hall. For information and tickets, call the Chamber of Commerce at 760-765-1857 or visit www.julianca.com.

Historic Reenactments

Doves and Desperados present living history seasonal comedy skits Sunday afternoons in the parking lot between Cabbages and Kings and the Julian Market, weather permitting. For information,call 760-765-1857.

Crafts and Stuff

Check out a selection of unusual items made by local crafters and offered for sale just in time for the holidays at Town Hall, weekends, Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and Dec. 29 through Jan. 1. For more information, call the Julian Chamber of Commerce at 760-765-1857.

Living Nativity

A longtime Julian holiday tradition, the Living Nativity is staged at the Cider Mill on Main Street, Saturdays Nov. 24 to Dec. 22. It features locals appearing as Joseph and Mary and the shepherds. For more information, call 760-765-1857.

Handel's Messiah

The Julian Community Choir presents this traditional holiday oratorio at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 in Town Hall.

Join the Carolers

Costumed carolers will be in town from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturdays to entertain you with favorite seasonal songs. Look for them along Main Street and on the side streets.