What to Bring to an Outdoor Winter Festival: A Packing List

The short list

For a December day at the Yuletide Medieval Festival in Lakeside, or any outdoor winter festival in inland San Diego County, these are the essentials:

• Ticket confirmation, printed or screenshotted (no cell signal at the park).
• Cash, plus a card as backup.
• Layers: T-shirt, warm mid-layer, jacket.
• Comfortable closed shoes for a day on grass.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• A rain layer.
• Water bottle.
• A warm hat, gloves and a flashlight if you are staying after dark on a Saturday.

What the weather is usually like

Inland San Diego County has a big daily temperature swing in December. NOAA’s 1991-2020 climate normals for El Cajon, the nearest long-running station to Lakeside, put the normal high on December 5 at about 70°F and the normal low at about 42°F, easing to about 68°F and 41°F by December 13. The December monthly normal rainfall is 1.83 inches, so a wet day is possible but not typical.

In practice, that means a midday that can feel like spring in the sun and an evening that feels properly wintry. The sun sets around 4:41 pm, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory, and it is dark by about 5:10 pm. Normals are long-term averages, so check the National Weather Service forecast for Lakeside a day or two before you go.

Clothing: dress in layers

• Base: a breathable T-shirt or long-sleeve top.
• Middle: a fleece or sweater you can tie around your waist at noon.
• Outer: a jacket that blocks wind, ideally water-resistant.
• Shoes: closed, broken-in shoes or boots. You’ll be on grass all day, and it may be damp in the morning or after rain.
• Evening extras: a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Saturdays run until 8 pm, more than three hours after sunset.
• If you’re in costume: make sure it works with a warm layer underneath and shoes you can walk in.

Money and tickets without a signal

There is no cell coverage at El Monte County Park. That affects more than texting:

• Print or screenshot your emailed ticket confirmation before you leave home; you’ll show it at the gate.
• Bring cash. ATMs are on site, but vendors may not be able to take cards if the festival Wi-Fi goes down.
• Download or screenshot directions and your parking details.
• Agree on a meeting spot with your group, such as the Guest Services booth at the entrance.
• Write down key numbers on paper, including (858) 864-0020 for the festival.

Day bag extras

• Sunscreen and sunglasses: the December sun is low and bright.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Hand sanitizer and tissues (hand-wash stations and flush toilets are on site).
• A small flashlight or headlamp for after dark.
• A compact blanket or sit pad for the grass.
• A tote for marketplace purchases.
• A portable phone charger: cameras drain batteries fast even without signal.
• Any medications. A First Aid tent is on site for anything more.

What to leave at home

• Outside alcohol: alcohol is sold only by permitted providers.
• Fireworks.
• Smoking supplies, unless you are happy to use the lot across the street, the only place smoking is allowed.
• Anything you’d hate to lose in a crowd.
• Unsure about outside food or props? Those rules aren’t published, so call or email first.

Accessibility and comfort

• Accessible parking is available on request: email info@yuletidemedievalfestival.com before your visit.
• Flush toilets, portable ADA toilets and hand-wash stations are on site.
• The festival is on grass, so consider how a wheelchair, walker or stroller will handle soft or damp ground.
• A folding stool or small cushion helps if you want to sit through the jousting or a storytelling session.
• Guest Services is at the park entrance, and there’s a First Aid tent on site.

Plan your layers around the day

Morning arrivals often start in a jacket, shed it by late morning, and want it back by 4 pm as the sun drops. Keep the warm layer in your bag rather than the car: with off-site shuttle parking, a trip back to the car is not quick.

If you’re bringing kids or a dog

Children feel the evening chill sooner than adults, so pack an extra layer and a hat for each child. Dogs are welcome on a leash no longer than 6 feet; bring water, a bowl and a towel for damp grass. There are dog waste bag stations throughout.

Questions