6 SPOTS TO EXPERIENCE HOLIDAY MAGIC

Just when it looked like the Grinch was going to steal our Christmas spirit, we discovered a bounty of fun ways for families to create joyful memories this year! Your hearts just might grow three sizes when you embark on these festive adventures. So, grab the kids and make plans to get out, explore, and experience holiday magic like never before.

1. Make magical memories with your family this year by visiting Family Christmas Tree Farm, a family-owned real Christmas tree farm in El Cajon. Take unique family photos (like the one on the cover!), enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and an old-time Christmas atmosphere. Fresh wreaths and greens, many varieties of pre-cut trees (in hard-to-find sizes) and potted trees also available. Opens Nov. 27. Learn more at www.familychristmastreefarm.com.

2. The magic of the holidays meets the magic of the underwater world at Seas ‘n’ Greetings, Birch Aquarium’s holiday celebration featuring SEAsonal music and decor for the whole family. Deck the Hall (of Fishes) and get into the holiday spirit from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day). Tickets must be reserved in advance online (even for members). Prices: $19.50 for adults; $15 for ages 3–17. Face coverings required for ages 2 and up. Visit www. aquarium.ucsd.edu or call 858-534-FISH for more information.

Photo courtesy of Birch Aquarium

3. Experience holiday magic at Noah Homes’ Enchanted Village: A Drive-Thru Holiday Experience in Spring Valley, Dec. 18–23, 5–8 p.m. Gaze at a winter wonderland filled with over 500,000 dazzling lights, a giant musical Christmas tree and beautiful holiday displays (all from the safety of your vehicle). You can even take a photo with Santa! Purchase tickets and learn more at www.EnchantedVillage. org. Proceeds benefit Noah Homes, a nonprofit for people with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism.

4.Who doesn’t love the sights and sensations of winter snowfall? Experience enchanted flurries, choreographed lights and seasonal music at Village Walk’s Magical Snowfall, beginning Dec. 3. Be sure to bring your camera or mobile device. You can snap photos of your family with life-size photo props of Santa, the Snowman, Elsa and Olaf, located throughout this picturesque shopping center—perfect for holiday cards and social media. Visit Village Walk’s website for specific days and times for snowfall and photo wonderland: www.ShopVillageWalk.com.

Photo courtesy of Village Walk

Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo

5. Revel in holiday magic at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park outdoor celebrations! Jungle Bells at the Zoo beckons with festive decorations, seasonal music and roaming entertainers; Dec. 4–6, 11–23 and 25–Jan. 3. Wild Holidays at the Safari Park offers a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holiday music and seasonal treats; weekends in Dec. and Dec. 26–Jan. 3. More details: www.sandiegozoo.org and www.sdzsafaripark.org.

Visit Candy Land! Have you heard? There’s an awesome house in Clairemont (corner of Mt. Albertine & Mt. Aguilar) decked out in a Candy Land theme! There’s even an interactive sidewalk chalk Candy Land game surrounding the house. What a fun family night idea: Play the Candy Land board game at home, then drive by the “real” house so everyone can check out the life-sized whimsical candy décor. The kids can even drop off letters to Santa in the specially marked mailbox.

Want to make your own candy house decorations? Visit www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids for directions on how to make giant gumdrops, Hershey’s kisses and wrapped peppermint candies.

• SanDiegofamily.com • December 2020