San Diego Moms: Pine Valley Mom Brings Christmas to Life

Coordinating an event for hundreds of San Diegans may seem daunting, but for local mom Tina Filley – it’s a joyful time. Filley is the coordinator of Camp Christmas, an annual event that brings Christmas to life in Pine Valley. For the fourth year in a row, the event will run for 20 nights through December. 

“There is no event like ours in San Diego County,” Filley said. “We are located in Pine Valley and nestled amongst the trees in a beautiful campground that we transform to a festive winter wonderland. Camp Christmas is particularly appealing to families because it offers an immersive holiday experience that combines a unique ambiance and  numerous attractions.”

From a colorful dancing water show to holiday photo ops, winter hayrides and train rides, as well as “Sappy,” The Talking Christmas Tree – there’s something for everyone that will boost the holiday spirit. Additionally, there’s archery, bounce houses, and a popular game room.

“Families enjoy the ambience, the attractions, the food and Christmas cheer, which is why many have made this event part of their holiday tradition and return year after year,” Filley said. “They share with us the impact Camp Christmas has had on their lives and their holiday season. The smiles and conversations we have throughout the night are priceless.”

Tickets for Camp Christmas are $10 for children and $15 for adults. Children under the age of 4 are free. Servicemembers can receive $2 off. 

The following attractions are included with each ticket purchase:

• Lights & Sounds of the Season

The trees of Pine Valley will come to life as hundreds of thousands of lights dance to the beat of your favorite Christmas songs at the top of every hour. Grab some hot cocoa and enjoy this festive light show that will mesmerize all ages. Four different programmed shows each night at the top of the hour – 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and a stirring closing finale at 8:55 p.m. featuring Handel’s Majestic “Hallelujah Chorus!”

• H20 on the Glow – Dancing Water Show!

Be amazed by the visual effects of the dancing waters, complete with computerized lighting programmed to musical holiday favorites. Four different performances will take place each night, three on the half-hour at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, culminating in a spectacular 8:55 p.m. grand finale. Both the dancing waters and magical light display are both beautifully synchronized to Handel’s Majestic “Hallelujah Chorus!”

• Winter Wonderland Hayrides

This year’s hayrides take you on a fun, scenic trail with lots of surprises along the way. Rides are 20 minutes long and are free, but you must have a ticket to secure your seat and timeslot. Get your tickets early; hayrides are on a first come, first serve basis. Rides start at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 p.m.

• Pine Valley Train Depot (ages 5-12)

This year, the Pine Valley Train Depot has expanded its course, making room for even more holiday fun in a brand-new location. Have the kids catch a ride on one of our self-powered Camp Christmas Train “speeders,” now twice the length. All aboard!

• Bow & Arrow Arcade

Test your archery skills by playing at the brand-new Bow & Arrow Arcade. Five chances per turn to shoot your arrows through the target holes. Get a bullseye and win “Camp Christmas Cash” ($1 value). Camp Christmas Cash can be used toward purchases on any Camp Christmas purchase (limit two coupons per person).

• Bounce Houses

Bring the kiddos over to Candy Cane Corner where you will find multiple bounce houses, and all kinds of fun for ages 12 and under.

• “Sappy,” The Talking Christmas Tree

Bring the kids by to meet “Sappy,” the only talking Christmas Tree in San Diego County! Your child will get an ear-full from the official host of Camp Christmas.

• Holiday Theater – Live Entertainment

Join us inside the Camp Christmas Chalet for two different shows at 6:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. for fun holiday entertainment designed for the entire family.

• Holiday Photo Booth

Seal your holiday memories for all time by stopping by our festive photo booth with room for your whole group. You will also find four other photo-op spots located throughout the campground where you can collect your holiday memories with your phone’s camera! See map for locations.

• The Nativity

As your holiday evening ends and you exit the campground, journey back to the first Christmas with Camp Christmas’ portrayal of the story that forever changed the world. See Joseph, Mary, and the Holy Child, along with the Shepherds and Wise Men displayed in this dramatic, oversized presentation. The angel said, “Thou shall call His name Jesus.”

• Prayer Chapel

Spend a few moments of quiet meditation in camp’s Prayer Chapel. Guests are welcome to fill out one of the prayer cards provided and place it in the prayer box. Staff will consider it a privilege to lift guests’ prayer requests to the Lord.

• Game Room

While at Camp Christmas, stop by the Game Room and enjoy your favorite indoor games like Ping Pong, Pool, Air Hockey, and Foosball.

• Children’s Playground

Also new this season is the newly added Camp Christmas Playground!

The following attractions require a nominal fee:

• Laser Tag – $10 for 15 mins.

We’ve improved our game to make for a bigger and better experience in a new location! Laser Tag is scheduled every 30 minutes beginning at 6:00 p.m. and continues at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 p.m. There is a $10 charge for 15 minutes of play. Purchase your tickets at the Guest Services booth inside the Camp Christmas Chalet.

• Tree Top Climbing Wall – $5 per climb

Test your climbing skills and reach the highest peak, just like rock climbing. Fun for the entire family! Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the Event Ticket Booth.

• Face Painting – $5 for large designs

For more information, visit www.PineValleyCampChristmas.com.

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San Diego Moms is published on Saturdays. Have a story idea? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com and follow her on Instagram at @hoawritessd.