Santa arrives

Mission Valley invites children and their families to come meet Santa, share holiday wish lists, and take coveted family photos with Old St. Nick in the center’s beautifully decorated AMC Theatres Court beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21st. He will stay at the center through Christmas Eve.

Opportunities for professional photos with Santa will begin immediately following Santa’s arrival at the center. Professional photo packages start at $39.99. To reduce overall wait times, families are strongly encouraged to make a reservation before their visit. While strongly encouraged, a reservation is not required, and walk-up visits will be accommodated on a space-available basis. Guests making a reservation will receive a free personalized phone call from Santa before their visit. In addition to paid professional photos, the center’s beautiful Santa set will also include a variety of no-cost selfie opportunities. Also on Nov. 21st, at 6 p.m., the center will celebrate Santa’s arrival with a family-friendly event featuring complimentary hot cocoa and children’s crafts (while supplies last), and at 6:30 p.m., Mission Valley will raffle one free Santa photo package; this event is free and open to the public and no pre-registration is required. To see Santa’s availability or reserve time for a photo session, visit https://bit.ly/492zdLe.

Mission Valley’s Holiday Market Series

This holiday season, during its “Shop Small” Holiday Market Series events, Mission Valley is hosting retailers of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind treasures from SoCal Etsy Guild, ElleTee’s Events, y Erika’s Pop-Up Market to further support local businesses. The center invites the community to shop for holiday gifts at each of these festive and fun open-air markets. All markets will be held in the Nordstrom Rack Court at Mission Valley; for more information, visit https://bit.ly/4ePJtbB.

• November 24th: Erika’s Pop-Up Market: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• November 29th – 30th: SoCal Etsy Guild: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• December 1st: Erika’s Pop-Up Market: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• December 7th – 8th: SoCal Etsy Guild: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• December 14th: ElleTee’s Event: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• December 15th: Erika’s Pop-Up Market: 11 a .m. – 7 p.m.
• December 20th: SoCal Etsy Guild: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• December 21st: SoCal Etsy Guild: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• December 22nd: SoCal Etsy Guild: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Christmas Caroling with Trinity Theatre

For a special treat this holiday season, Mission Valley invites guests to enjoy Christmas Caroling presented by the Trinity Theatre Company on the stage in the center’s AMC Court. Performances will take place on three Tuesdays (Dec. 3rd, 10th and 17th) and one Monday (Dec. 23rd) from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. each evening. While these performances are free and open to the public, space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged; to learn more, or to register to attend, visit bit.ly/4fqY91U.

Hanukkah Under the Stars

Mission Valley, together with Congregation Beth Israel, invites the community to a special “Hanukkah Under the Stars” event on Saturday, Dec. 28th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Nordstrom Rack Court; the menorah lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Throughout the event, guests will enjoy music and entertainment with local favorite DJ Benji, photo opportunities with the center’s menorah display, fun-filled craft activities, and a chance to win prizes from Mission Valley retailers. Attendees will also enjoy complimentary kosher donuts and sample a variety of sweets from Mission Valley eateries (while supplies last). This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and pre-registration is required; to pre-register, visit mission-valley.com/events.