Find your holiday spirit with activities and special events in Ramona

There are many ways to find one’s holiday spirit in Ramona.

One of Ramona’s biggest yearly events is the 33rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting, taking place this Saturday. The event is set for 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6 with the tree lighting at 7 p.m., along with a visit from Santa. The Christmas tree is at 645 Main Street.

The street will be partially closed for the event, which will feature numerous vendors and performances; many local businesses will be open late for the occasion as well.

Activities will include free printed photos with Santa, live animal photo opportunities, Christmas movies in the street, late night shopping and dining, carolers, dancers, a Find the Elf contest, kids crafts, race car simulators, a live nativity and a classic car display.

Performances will include the Ramona/Julian Academy of Dance, Patrick Howard Trampus Band, Lux Christi Academy Children’s Choir, Turning Point School of Dance, high school band, Del Sol Dancers, Ukeladies, Ashley E. Norton, Gin Tonix/Jazz Foursome and the OPMS choir.

As for associated events, a classic car show will start at 5 p.m. Participants are asked to decorate their vehicles for Christmas. Space is limited. Staging at 4 p.m. is at the Ramona Senior Center, 434 Aqua Lane. Register with Paul at 760-703-2353.

The fourth annual Candlelight Christmas dinner will take place inside the gates of the Woodward Museum from 6 to 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets for $55 were available as of press time. VIP tickets were sold out. Only ticket holders may attend. Buy tickets at ramonachamber.com. For details, call the Ramona Chamber of Commerce at 760-789-1311.

The Christmas Tree Lighting After Party will be held from 8 to 11 p.m. featuring Ashley E. Norton, Tyler Stamets, Martin Theiler, Travis MacKenzie, Mike Avila, Chloe Lou, Craig Fischer, Michael Dean Goodrich, Dave Penic, Cathryn Beeks and other special guests for a rocking night of Christmas tunes and other favorites. It will be held at Pamo Valley Winery, 636 Main Street. For details, call 760-271-3090.

As for other happenings, there are plenty of options for the holidays, from shopping to concerts to parties. Here are some to consider.

In progress and ongoing:

• The Highland Valley Christmas Tree Farm at Principe di Tricase Winery, 18425 Highland Valley Road, will remain open until Sunday, Dec. 21. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Cut trees only. For details, call 858-260-8131.

• Mountain Valley Ranch Christmas Trees, 842 Highway 78, will be open until Tuesday, Dec. 23. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Cut trees only. For details, call 760-788-8703.

• Pine Tree Acres Christmas Trees, 620 Haverford Road, will remain open until mid-December. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Cut, seasonal and live potted trees available. For details, call 760-420-7289.

• Shop Ramona Contest: Save all your receipts from businesses in ZIP code 92063 from Nov. 28 through Jan. 2 and enter for a chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree. To enter, write your name and phone number on the envelope of receipts and drop off or mail to the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, 1306 Main St. Suite 103. Every $100 spent equals one entry. For details, call 760-789-1311 or visit RamonaChamber.com.

• Ramona Grange Artisan Market: Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays at 215 Main Street, it features local crafters, makers and artisans of all kinds. New vendors welcome. For details, email AIM4THEBEAR@gmail.com.

• Ramona Grange Certified Farmers Market: Open 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, weather permitting, at 215 Main Street. It is the only certified farmers market in Ramona featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, micro-greens, mushrooms and baked goods.

Upcoming events:

• First Friday Open House: The public is invited to meet local artists and view their work from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at 2Create Gallery, 438 Main Street. For details, call 619-985-9584.

• Songbirds Holiday Edition: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 featuring Thea The Band, Sara Petite and Ashley E. Norton. Dinner service and Ramona Ranch Wines available. RSVPs encouraged at tinyurl.com/Songbirds12-5. A $15 donation for the musicians is requested at the event held at Farmhouse 78, 30270 Highway 78 in Santa Ysabel.

• North County Wind Ensemble: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at Mountain View Community Church, 1191 Meadowlark Lane. As part of the Ramona Concert Association’s 2025-2026 season, the North County Wind Ensemble will perform a Christmas program that includes traditional and popular hymns and holiday melodies. For details, visit Ramonaconcerts.com or call 858-774-2941.

• Inaugural Candy Cane Run: This includes a 5K and a Kids/Open 1 Mile Run at Ramona High School, 1491 Hanson Lane.

Pre-registration takes place until Dec. 4 at rhswebstore.myschoolcentral.com. Race day registration begins at 7:45 a.m., with the 5K beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 and 1 mile runs at 9:30 a.m., with age division rolling starts. All finishers will receive awards.

The mile divisions are second grade and under, third to fourth grade, fifth to sixth grade, seventh to eighth grade and open.

Pre-registration fees for the 5K are $20, while Open Mile is $10 and Kids Mile is $5. Race day registration fees are $23 for 5K, $13 for Open Mile and $8 for Kids Mile. For details, email mikes_pen@yahoo.com.

• Ninth anniversary Extravaganza at Reds, Whites & Brews: A holiday market takes place from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, with face painting from 5 to 9 p.m. The Ramona Christmas Tree lighting takes place at 7 p.m.; afterwards, there will be a Haybarn after Party with the Bottomline Trio performing from 8 to 11 p.m. Seasonal drink specials all night. Reds, Whites & Brews, 629 Main Street. For details, visit redswhitesandbrews.wine or call 760-440-9305.

• Ramona Holiday Wine Trail: Visitors can visit participating wineries to enjoy three for $5 tastings, pairings, activities, music and special events at each location the first three weekends in December (Dec. 5-6, 13-14 and 20-21). A $20 passport includes three for $5 tastings at all participating wineries, a souvenir wine glass, holiday shopping and other special events; good for all three weekends.

Participating wineries include: Castelli & Pizarro Winery (4S Ranch location), Pamo Valley Winery, Ramona Ranch Winery, Vineyard Grant James, Turtle Rock Ridge Winery, Correcaminos Vineyard, Ranch San Martin Winery, Mermaid Winery, Old Julian Vineyard and Winery, Scenic Valley Ranch Vineyards, Sky Valley Cellars, Mahogany Mountain Winery, Milagro Winery and Woof ’n Rose Winery. For details, visit rvva.org.

• The Open Barn Year-end Benefit Fundraiser: Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 A self-guided tour of the Open Barn, music, games and a gourmet vegan meal included with $45 ticket price; kids 3 and under free.

Funds will be used to cover medical and feed costs for the animals. For details, visit tinyurl.com/OpenBarnDec7. Venue address will be emailed after ticket purchase.

• Ramona Library Holiday Party: 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. There will be fun activities for the whole family, including pictures with Santa, visits from the Grinch and the Turning Pointe dancers, face painting, crafts and more. The library is at 1275 Main Street. For details, call 760-788-5270.

• Cocoa & Cottontails: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at 18409 Rangeland Road. Featuring a luxury make-your-own cocoa bar with a variety of toppings and flavors, as well as a photo station where you can cuddle 20 friendly bunnies for a festive photo shoot. Each guest receives a professionally printed photo in a keepsake frame. The bunnies are adoptable for active 4-H and FFA youths.

Cost: General admission, $40; adult and child, $65. For details or to purchase tickets with a discount code, email californiafarmlife@gmail.com.

• Ukulele Jammers: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street. Join the Ukulele Jammers in singing your favorite holiday songs. Jingle bells will be provided for audience participation. Pictures with Santa after the presentation. For details, call 760-788-5270.

• Old-fashioned Bluegrass Christmas: 9 a.m., 10:40 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. The services at Mountain View Community Church, 1191 Meadowlark Way, will include live music and carolers. For details, call 760-789-0866 or visit mvccramona.org.

• Opry Gala & RMA Holiday Pre-party and Show at Pamo Valley Winery, 636 Main Street, from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 featuring Travis Billy Ross, Ashley E. Norton and Michael Dean Goodrich. For details, call 760-271-3090.

• Opry Gala & RMA Holiday Party: 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 at Reds, Whites & Brews, 629 Main Street. The “Our Ramona: Volume 2” CD Release and Holiday Party is hosted by the Ramona Music Alliance. Wear your boots, brims and bling or come as you are to watch 15 featured performers. The show is free; participants are asked to purchase a CD to show support if able. For details, visit redswhitesandbrews.wine or call 760-440-9305.

• Santa Visits the Art Center: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 at Art Center Ramona, 438 Main Street, during the Spoken Word Salon. Bring the family to have your photo taken with Santa and read him your poem, letter or story so nothing on your list is missed. Everyone can share their favorite holiday story and poem. Enjoy snacks, refreshments and caroling. For details, call 760-239-9030.

• Gary Hoey — Ho Ho Hoey’s Rockin’ Holiday Tour: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at Ramona Main Stage, 636 Main Street. After his version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” hit the airwaves in 1995, Hoey has been known for instrumental rock Christmas music. His holiday show is a family-friendly, all ages event; Hoey comes out after every show to sign autographs and take photos with fans. Tickets $25. For details, call 760-789-7008.

• Inaugural Santa’s Crawl: This Yuletide Soiree begins from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Smoking Cannon Brewery, 789 Main Street, with live music by Dana Duplan. Then from 5 to 6 p.m. head to Turkey Inn, 716 Main Street. Other venues and times: 6 to 7 p.m. at Reds, Whites & Brews, 629 Main St.; 7 to 8 p.m., Pamo Valley Winery, 636 Main Street with live music by Dirty Confetti; and 8 to 9 p.m. at The Barn, 344 Main Street with live music by Faith Belle.

• Ramona Senior Center Holiday Party: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23 at the center, 434 Aqua Lane. Reservations only until space capacity is filled. It will be a holiday lunch celebration featuring great food and holiday fun will be held. Suggested donations are $5 for seniors, $8 for guests. Although the Adopt-A-Senior program is full, individuals can still bring items such as postage stamps, blankets and large print puzzle books to the center for distribution. For details, call 760-789-0440.