Winter Destinations in and Around Menifee

Winter is the time of year of shorter days, colder nights, and annual celebrations of light. The City of Menifee is a magical place during winter as it transforms into a winter wonderland of adventure. The holiday spirit shines brightly with opportunities to escape the cold and head inside or bundle up and bring your holiday cheer.

1. Xtream Light Fight Contest

Do you have a holiday display that would make Santa proud? Is your home the brightest on the block? Do your holiday decorations have the "wow" factor? The City of Menifee invites residents to showcase their holiday spirit in the Xtream Light Fight Contest.

Entries will be accepted from Monday, November 28, through Sunday, December 11. One winner will be chosen in the categories of Best Theme, North Pole Neighbor, Inflatable Fun, Clark Griswold, and Community Favorite (selected by the community).

Participants are encouraged to be original, imaginative, and colorful with their use of holiday decorations, lights, seasonal characters, scenes, and animations.

Residents will be able to cast their votes for their favorite displays from Wednesday, December 14, through Sunday, December 18. Entries can be viewed in person or online via GIS display.

Homes will be judged by the public via an online voting system. One winner will be selected in each category. The winners will be announced on Monday, December 19.

For more information, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/specialevents or contact Community Services at 951-723-3880.

 

2. Tree Lighting

Bundle up and the join the City of Menifee for a festive evening of holiday cheer at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Bizarre on Saturday, December 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mt. San Jacinto College, 28237 La Piedra Rd.

Help countdown the lighting of the tree, take photos with Santa, enjoy community performances, participate in the community parade, play in the snow in the snow zone, treat yourself to tasty treats, and do your holiday shopping locally with craft and business vendors at this free community event.

For admission to the snow zone, attendees are asked to bring either a nonperishable food item for the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard and/or a new unwrapped toy for Santa’s Workshop.

The community parade will start at 5 p.m. Parade participation applications can be found at www.cityofmenifee.us/specialevents.

For more information, contact Community Services at 951-723-3880.

 

3. Santa On Wheels

A visit from Santa makes a great addition to any family gathering or holiday gathering. Santa will be hitting the road and traveling around Menifee to make personal visits from December 14 through December 21, excluding weekends. Visits with Santa are interactive and can be personalized to suit each family.

Each visit is 15 minutes in length. The cost is $35. Time slots are available between 5 and 8 p.m. Reservations must be made in person at City Hall and are limited to one per resident.

For more information, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/specialevents or contact Community Services at 951-723-3880.

 

4. Breakfast with Santa

Escape the cold and come inside to join Santa for a jolly breakfast on Saturday, December 10, at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Rd. Seating times are available at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.

This fun-filled holiday event includes photos with Santa, crafts, activities, and a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, potatoes, and sausage.

Tickets cost $12 and are required for ages two and older. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

To register for this event, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/register. For more information, contact Community Services at 951-723-3880.

 

5. Hoof Camp

Experience the wonder of Santa’s Hoof Camp on Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Countryside Marketplace.

This free event features visits with Santa and his elves, printed photos, a craft booth at Painted Earth, balloon twisting, face painting, a special holiday story time, and a DJ spinning holiday tunes.

For more information, visit www.countrysidemarketplace.com.

 

6. Kids Gingerbread Party

Kids ages six to 12 can enjoy a special holiday experience building gingerbread houses on Wednesday, December 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lazy Creek Recreation Center, 26480 Lazy Creek Rd.

Participants will have a jolly good time building gingerbread houses, playing themed games, and creating arts and crafts. A gingerbread party wouldn't be complete without hot chocolate.

The cost is $15 for Menifee residents and $18 for non-residents.

For more information, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/youthprograms or call 951-679-8092.

 

7. Kids Holiday Workshop

Kids will have a playful time decorating cookies, making gifts, creating arts and crafts, and playing themed games at the Kids Holiday Workshop on Tuesday, December 20, at the Lazy Creek Recreation Center, 26480 Lazy Creek Rd.

Workshops are held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for kids ages three to five and from 1 to 4 p.m. for kids ages six to 12.

For more information, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/youthprograms or call 951-679-8092.

 

8. Wickerd Farm

Cut down your own Christmas tree and enjoy holiday festivities at Wickerd Farm. Homesteaded in 1904, Wickerd Farm planted its first tree in 1991 and has been growing trees and expanding the farm to include activities for adults and kids alike ever since.

Wickerd Farm offers a variety of pre-cut trees from Oregon, seven acres of Monterey pines that you can cut down yourself, as well as wreaths and accessories.

At Wickerd Farm, families can make a day's outing around their Christmas tree haul, enjoying hayrides through the farm, hot chocolate and apple cider, and photos with Santa.

Wickerd Farm is located at 26852 Scott Rd. The farm is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 951-672-3020 or visit www.wickerdfarm.com.

 

9. Mighty Me Holiday Party

The Mighty Me Holiday Party is inclusive fun for all ages and abilities. Participants can enjoy the holiday spirit in a fun and safe environment of acceptance and comfort on Saturday, December 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Rd.

Participants will have an opportunity to interact Santa and enjoy holiday activities. There will also be prizes for participants.

The cost is $5 for Menifee residents and $6 for non-residents. Registration is required.

For more information, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/youthprograms or call 951-679-8092.

 

10. Holiday Wear Bingo

Put on your favorite holiday outfit and join the 55 and better community for a fun afternoon of Holiday Wear Bingo on Thursday, December 22, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Rd. This is a free event. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

To reserve a spot or for more information, contact the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center at 951-672-9673

 

11. Holiday Social 

Join the 55 and better community of Menifee for a Holiday Social on Thursday, December 8, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Rd. Mix, mingle, and enjoy snacks at this free holiday event.

To reserve a spot or for more information, contact the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center at 951-672-9673

 

12. Menorah Lighting

The Annual Menorah Lighting will be held on Monday, December 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Central Park, 30268 Civic Plaza Dr. Hosted by Chabad of Temecula, the Menorah Lighting features traditional games, family activities, and tasty treats. This free event is open to all ages.

 

13. Menifee Public Library Holiday Program

Kids of all ages can enjoy crafts, games, a photo booth, and goody bags at the Menifee Public Library on Tuesday, December 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. This free program is open to kids of all ages.

The Menifee Public Library is located at 28798 La Piedra Rd. For more information, call 951-679-2527.

 

14. Parents Night Out

Parents of children ages three to 12 can enjoy a night out while their kids enjoy crafts, a pizza dinner, a movie and popcorn, and group games on December 22 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lazy Creek Recreation Center, 26480 Lazy Creek Rd. Staff is CPR and AED certified.

The cost is $10 for Menifee residents and $12 for non-residents.

For more information, visit www.cityofmenifee.us/youthprograms or call 951-679-8092.

 

15. Sun City Artisan and Farmers Market

Santa will be visiting the Sun City Artisan and Farmers Market on Saturday, December 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Featuring more than 35 vendors, the market offers a variety of fresh produce and breads, treats and desserts, crafts and woodwork, handmade jewelry, clothing, food, and plants, to name a few.

Located at 26850 Sun City Blvd., the Sun City Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the month of December. For more information, call 951-795-0044 or visit www.suncityfarmersmarket.com.

 

16. Menifee Community Cupboard Thrift Shop and Holiday Store

Shopping for pre-loved gifts and holiday decor at the Menifee Community Cupboard Thrift Shop and Holiday Shop is a great way to keep perfectly good products in rotation and give them a second life, while supporting the community's food pantry.

Located in the Cherry Hills Plaza, the Menifee Community Cupboard Thrift Shop is a treasure trove of pre-loved items. Its Holiday Shop next door is open from November through December and offers a large selection of seasonal decor.

When you shop at the Menifee Community Cupboard shops, you are helping to provide food and nutrition to more than 700 local families.

For more information, visit www.mvcupboard.org.