The holidays
Tree lightings, light displays, visits with Santa, holiday markets, Nutcracker and carol performances, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations in El Cajon, updated every day.
Annual events, checked against each organizer's own page. Confirm details there before you go.
Sunday, December 6 · 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.)
A free downtown holiday festival with a snow zone, train rides, photos with Santa and an artisan market, ending with the Mayor's tree lighting.
Prescott Promenade, Downtown El Cajon
Downtown El Cajon Association →Saturday, December 12 · 6:00 p.m. (also December 13 at 2:00 p.m.)
The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus holiday concert, with songs from holiday traditions around the world, performed twice at The Magnolia.
The Magnolia, Downtown El Cajon
The Magnolia (venue site) →Saturday, December 19 · 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (also December 20 at 12:00 p.m.)
A staged Nutcracker ballet billed as San Diego's favorite holiday tradition, with three performances at The Magnolia on December 19 and 20.
The Magnolia, Downtown El Cajon
The Magnolia (venue site) →8 holiday events for 2026 on El Cajon’s local calendars. Updated every day.
Light displays, drive-throughs and tree-lighting ceremonies.
Photos with Santa, breakfasts and letters to the North Pole.
Shop local makers for the holidays.
Ballet, choirs, concerts and holiday theater.
Menorah lightings and celebrations across traditions.
Crafts, story times and holiday fun for kids.
Everything else on local calendars this season.
Add your event to the El Cajon calendar. Staff review every submission before publication.
Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026.
This page lists upcoming holiday events in El Cajon from local calendars, including libraries, the city, venues and organizers. It updates every day as calendars post new dates.
The “Holiday lights and tree lightings” section lists public light displays and tree-lighting events on local calendars, with dates and links to each organizer.
Use the "Share an event" form. Include the date, time, place and the organizer’s link; a person reviews it before it appears.
