Christmas Marketplace set for Dec. 6 at All Souls’ Episcopal Church

POINT LOMA – All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Point Loma is holding its sixth annual Christmas Marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 6. All Souls’ spokesperson Rosemary C. Barnes said that the Christmas Marketplace replaced the original annual church fundraiser, a Point Loma home tour that ended with the pandemic. “We support a variety of charitable outreaches to local organizations that need assistance,” she said, adding that some funds also go toward the church’s international projects. Catalina Boulevard The fundraising event, which is always held on the first Saturday in December, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1475 Catalina Blvd., both outside and inside the church on its campus. Step indoors to Gooden Hall to experience a pantry packed with jams, jellies, cookies, Christmas breads, and other tasty homemade delights. Shoppers can feast on all manner of handcrafted items, gifts for all ages, as well as elegant, unique decorations.  You can also meet this year’s All Souls’ Christmas Mouse, a church tradition for over 55 years. This popular item sells out early at the marketplace. The mouse’s identity remains a mystery until event day on Dec. 6. All Souls’ Christmas Mouse is a church tradition for over 55 years that sells out early at the marketplace. (Photo courtesy of All Souls’ Episcopal Church) Guests can try refreshments, including tea and cookies, while being entertained with musical offerings. There are also fun events, including a bounce house for children. The marketplace is also a fun way to connect with neighbors and share holiday traditions with the entire Point Loma community. Discussing what guests can expect to see, Barnes noted: “We’ll have four different music groups essentially offering four different mini-concerts. There will be a taco cart, and we’ll have tea with cookies and hot chocolate. “There will be activities going on all around on the church grounds, as well as indoors in the main parish hall, where there will be beautifully done handicrafts.” Barnes talked about one of the marketplace’s exquisite dessert delights, which are reportedly real crowd-pleasers. “We’ll have our famous St. Nicholas hearty gingerbread cookies for sale,” she said. “We’ll also have Christmas carolers singing dressed in Victorian-era costumes. People can also expect to see several vendors from throughout the community selling a little bit of everything.” Admission is free.