All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Point Loma is presenting its fifth annual Christmas European Marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 7. The holiday market, which includes refreshments, music, and children’s events, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1475 Catalina Boulevard at the corner of Chatsworth. Park your car and walk onto the campus of All Souls Episcopal Church.
“This year the European-style Christmas Marketplace is open to families,” said All Souls’ parishioner and publicity chair Rosemary C. Barnes. “The event is free and features vendors, handmade Christmas Arts, teas, St. Nicholas cookies, music, and a delicious, authentic Mexican lunch available for a nominal fee. And, perhaps, a visit from St. Nicholas himself. Also for the kids we have crafts and a bounce house.”
What to expect? From the moment you step onto All Souls’ campus, you can savor the aroma of gingerbread St. Nicolas cookies, hear live familiar holiday tunes, and catch a concert in the church’s beautiful art-filled sanctuary. Enjoy an elegant tea with homemade Christmas cookies and sip hot spiced tea or hot chocolate. Again this year, guests can meet local vendors offering many beautiful, unique, handmade goods. Then enjoy a delicious Mexican taco lunch on the front patio. Step indoors to Gooden Hall and behold the church’s pantry with its jams, jellies, cookies, and Christmas bread.
Barnes implored guests to turn out for the available tasty homemade delightful goodies as well as seasonal arts, crafts, and gifts.
“Look around the huge, airy venue and feast your eyes on all manner of handcrafted items including gifts for all ages and elegant, unique decorations, and meet this year’s All Souls Christmas Mouse,” she said adding, “For over 55 years the All Souls Christmas Church Mouse has been a tradition. This popular item sells out early. So kick off the Christmas season Point Loma-style.
“These events are our gift to ourselves and our beloved neighbors. Come early for the best bargains, and know that your purchases support a multitude of community-support projects that help our neighbors in need, locally and worldwide.
CHRISTMAS EUROPEAN MARKETPLACE
All Souls Episcopal Church has been at 1475 Catalina Blvd. since the 1950s. The church’s initial annual fundraiser was a Christmas home tour presenting homes in the Point Loma and Ocean Beach area for nearly 70 years. This annual fundraiser was All Souls’ primary way of supporting its outreach to local, national, and international organizations. The COVID pandemic however caused All Souls to seek a new venue for raising funds. The marketplace began five years ago.
The church supports and provides funding to numerous charities including Rachel’s Women’s Center, Loaves and Fishes food pantry in OB, Episcopal Refugee Net, Showers of Blessing mobile homeless shower unit, Collegio La Esperanza in Mexico, Peninsula Community Center for seniors, back-to-school backpacks and school supplies for San Diego’s inner city children, a food bank partnership with St. Marks Episcopal Church, the Inter Faith Shelter Network dinners and lodging, Blessings in a Bag, Episcopal Community Services, and a free Chorister program providing training in choral techniques, open to children wanting to sing.
