Male Mule Deer- by Jim Brock
Weather: Highs of 56 – 72, Lows of 39 – 44
Idyllwild Sun/Moon (Rise/Set) Calendar
Next Full Moon: Saturday January 3rd
Solstice
Because of the tilt of the earth as it circles the sun (which takes 1 year where we live in the Northern Hemisphere), the earth is exposed to the sun for shorter and longer times during the year. Solstice comes from combining the Latin words sol for “Sun” and sistere for “To Stand Still”. Ever since September 21st (the equinox where the amount of daylight and nighttime are equal), our days have been getting shorter and shorter and our nights have been getting longer and longer, heading toward the “solstice” which is where the earth SEEMS to stop and starts heading toward longer days again. The Winter Solstice (this Sunday) is the day the shortening stops and the lengthening begins. If you’ve been noticing the sunrise and sunset times listed in the weather section, you’ll see that each day either the sunrise is a minute later or the sunset is a minute or so earlier. Until Sunday…the solstice. After Sunday, the sunrise will still be about the same, but the sunsets will be a minute or so later each day. So after Sunday when the earth “stands still” (solstice) our days will start to get longer. Seems strange that this happens when winter is just starting, but the good news is, the shortest day (Winter Solstice) is over and our days will slowly be getting longer. The March equinox will mean the amount of daylight and nighttime are equal again, then our days will be getting longer and longer toward the summer solstice…the longest day of the year. So hunker down this Sunday and enjoy the longest night of the year!
New Section…
It was suggested by a reader that I start a new section where readers can write in with a question, and I can answer it. I thought it would be fun since, originally, before I started Good Morning Idyllwild, I had an idea for having a little booth in town called “Ask Chris” kind of like the old “Ask Jeeves” precursor to Google. Anyway, I thought I would give it a go. To submit a question, just press “Reply” to this newsletter, or email me at hello@goodmorningidyllwild.com
We only had one question our first week…
- What is the history of the building that houses Strawberry Creek Medical Clinic?
Built in 1947, this building has been for many years, a professional building that has housed several medical clinics (as it does today) but also a travel agency at on point in time. The building itself has not changed much overtime.
When it was built, Fern Valley was developing as a secondary retail area of idyllwild.At the intersection of Pine Crest Ave. and North Circle, 3 different retail shops occupied this building at once: Fern Valley Cleaners – The Mountain Shop (Dresses, Sports Apparell & Gifts) and Gay & Marty’s Hillbilly Variety Store.
Click Here to see all Questions asked so far…
What Restaurants are open or closed today?
Where can I get a quick snack?
Holiday Restaurant (and Grocery Store) Hours:
Live Music Around Town This Week
Click Below
Thursday December 18th
Yarn Club
Idyllwild Library
10 am – 12 Noon
Thursday December 18th
Town Crier Holiday Party
Middle Ridge Winery
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Everyone Invited!
Starts Thursday December 18th
New “Zumba Fitness Class”
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Friday December 19th
Blood Drive
Idyllwild Library
54401 Village Center Dr.
10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Saturday December 20th
Garde Club Class
Winter Pruning & Grafting
Community Garden
Alderwood & North Circle
10:00 – 11:00
Join us today for a class on winter pruning to encourage fruit production in the summer. We’ll also cover some basic techniques for grafting, the process of developing trees with two or more types of fruit.
Please RSVP for this class. The donation for this class is $10 and can be paid at the garden on the day of the class. Rain/snow cancels the class.
Saturday December 20th
Paint & Battery Recycle
Idyllwild Transfer Station
(The Dump)
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday December 20th
New Moon Energy Healing
With Rena
Heart of Alcyone
54445 N. Circle Dr.
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday
December 20th & 21st
Master Chorale Winter Concert
“A December of Memories”
Idyllwild Arts
Lowman Concert Hall
Saturday 7:30 pm
Sunday 1:30 pm
Sundays
Farmer’s Market
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
9am – 2pm
Sunday December 21st
Winter Solstice
Sunset: 4:42 pm
The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight throughout the year, making it the shortest day of the year. Thankfully, after we reach the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and longer again until we reach the summer solstice—the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.
Think of it this way: Although the winter solstice means the start of winter, it also means the return of more sunlight. It only gets brighter from here! (From Farmer’s Almanac)
Sunday
December 21st
Master Chorale Winter Concert
“A December of Memories”
Idyllwild Arts
Lowman Concert Hall
Sunday 1:30 pm
Sunday December 21st
Winter Solstice Celebration
By Spirit Mountain
Silver Pines Lodge
25955 Cedar Street
5:00 pm
Sunday December 21st
Santa at The Rustic
FREE Community Event
12 pm – 2 pm
2 pm – 5 pm
Live Music 2:00 – 3:00
Monday December 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th
(Closed Christmas Day)
Kids Holiday Camp
Town Hall
9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday December 23rd
Line Dancing
Tahquitz Pines
Above The Peak Restaurant
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday December 23rd
“A Blue Christmas with Elvis”
Rustic Theatre
7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 24th
Storytime “Play Day, Fun Day”
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for an action-packed Play Day featuring tons of fun, interactive games perfect for kids of all ages! No storytime today.
Wednesday December 24th
Christmas Eve Service
St. Hugh Episcopal Church
25525 Tahquitz Dr.
5:00 pm
This Christmas Eve join us at 5:00 pm as we sing the Carols of Christmas together. Our congregational singing is in preparation for our Service of Holy Communion. All are welcome, and you are invited. Come join us for this holy night when the Light of World was born in Bethlehem.
Wednesday December 24th
Christmas Eve Service
Idyllwild Community Church
54400 North Circle Dr.
6:30 pm
We’d like to invite you to our Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 6:30 pm. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the light that Jesus shines on the world.
Town Hall Holiday Schedule
Dec. 22 – Jan. 4th
New 2026 Town Hall
Programs Schedule
FREE Classes in BLUE!
The Library will be CLOSED Thursday and Friday
Dec. 25th & 26th.
It will also close early (5:00 pm) on Wednesday Dec. 24th.
Sign Up Now…
Adult Basketball
Starts Jan. 7th – Mar. 18th
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Sign up through Town Hall
www.idyllwildcommunitycenter.org
Wednesday December 31st
New Years Eve at The Legion
American Legion
54360 Marian View Dr.
8:00 pm – Midnight
Friday January 2nd
Sacred Offerings Event
“Where HeART is seen & Heard”
Jen Savino Designs
54385 N. Circle Dr. #106
10:00 am – 11:30
FREE
An artistic gathering unfolds like a living gallery, intimate and alive with intention. Each week allows you to feel into your creative muse. All works of art is welcome wether you sing, love taking pictures, dance, prepare a delicious meal, create jewelry, a poem, etc. Allow to let your creative juices flow.
RSVP to jensavinodesigns@gmail.com
What’s happening at the Rustic Theatre?
$15 ADULTS & $12.50 SENIOR/ CHILDREN
Matinee $12.50 (12:00 Show)
Mon – Thur $10
Tuesday is Closed Captions
Last Day Thursday December 18th
Thursday: “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t”
Rated PG-13
Run time: 113 min.
Thur. @ 7:30 pm (Last Day)
Starts Friday Dec. 19th
ZOOTOPIA 2
Rated: PG
Run Time: 1 Hr. 48 min.
Friday @ 6:00
Saturday @ 12:00, 3:00 & 6:00
Sunday @ 6:00
Monday @ 6:00
Tuesday No Movie – Special Elvis Show
Wednesday @ 6:00
Closed Christmas Day
Sunday December 21st
Santa at The Rustic
FREE Community Event
12 pm – 2 pm
2 pm – 5 pm
Live Music 2:00 – 3:00
Tuesday December 23rd
“A Blue Christmas with Elvis”
Rustic Theatre
7:30 pm
The Idyllwild Library – 951-659-2300
Thursday 10 am – 6 pm
Friday 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday CLOSED
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 11 am – 7 pm
Wednesday 11 am – 7 pm
Tuesdays
Mah Jongg
11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Calling all Mah Jong players!! Do you enjoy the game of Mah Jong? The Mah Jong game group meets every Tuesday in the library Community Room. All players are welcome.
Wednesday, December 24th
Storytime “Play Day, Fun Day”
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for an action-packed Play Day featuring tons of fun, interactive games perfect for kids of all ages! No storytime today.
The Library will be CLOSED Thursday and Friday
Dec. 25th & 26th.
It will also close early (5:00 pm) on Wednesday Dec. 24th.
These 2 kitties, Jelly Bean & Sequoia, would love to be Christmas gifts to a loving home. Please call to meet them.
951-659-1122
Next Food Distribution is January 8th
Don’t forget to order your box!
Order any time prior to
Monday 1/5 noon!
Next Food Distribution on Thursday 1/8
San Jacinto Trail Report
Snow, weather, & trail conditions for the San Jacinto Mountains
Idyllwild Climbers Alliance
The Idyllwild Climbers Alliance is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization based in Idyllwild, whose mission is to serve as an advocacy and stewardship resource for climbing in the San Jacinto Mountains (especially Tahquitz & Suicide Rocks). We welcome anyone who has an interest in climbing in these areas, and wishes to give back to these fantastic, historic places. Our new website (www.idyllwildclimbers.org) contains a wealth of good information about climbing in this area, including:
*Climbing area information
*History of climbing at Tahquitz & Suicide Rocks
*Conditions reports and upcoming events
*How to become involved as volunteer ‘Allies’ or donations
*Trip planning and resources
The ICA is the premier source for climbing information in the San Jacinto Mountains- more information at:www.idyllwildclimbers.org
info@idyllwildclimbers.org
(This notice will stay here for 2 weeks, then it will move down in the “Need to Know” section of Good Morning Idyllwild so you will still be able to find it in every Good Morning Idyllwild issue if you need it.)
Idyllwild Historical Museum
Open Saturday & Sunday 11am – 4pm
54470 N Circle Dr.
Stop by the museum and check out all the displays about the logging era, early tourism, & rock climbing history. We would LOVE for you to join the Historical Society. Annual memberships start at just $15. Click here to join. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the Museum up gardens and picnic tables.
Body & Soul
Click Here for a list of Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Meditation & Hypnosis in Idyllwild.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Click here for list of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Idyllwild.
12-Step Meetings
4th Quarter Calendar
October – December 2025
Delivery in Idyllwild
Bear Necessities Delivered
Groceries/Restaurant Food/Mail/Pharmacy/Etc.
Call or Text: (951) 512-0800
Available 7 Days a Week
Everyday: 11 am – 8 pm
Deliver to Idyllwild, Pine Cove & Mountain Center.
Organization List
If you’ve ever wondered how many organizations we have here in Idyllwild that would love to have you involved, or need to contact them? Click on the button below.
The New Bathrooms are OPEN!
Next door to the Idyllwild Gardens Nursery – Across the street from the Rustic Theatre.
Open Daily 9am – 5pm
Thank you to Shane & Ashley Stewart for donating the land for these bathrooms and to Stephanie Yost with ICC for her persistence with the County of Riverside to FINALLY get us public bathrooms. Thank you to the County of Riverside and Supervisor Manuel Perez for making this happen. It’s been a LONG time coming! Bathrooms will be locked at night.
Hotel Information
Upcoming Weekends
www.IdyLodging.com
Idyllwild Churches
All events, venues & programs run by
Idyllwild Community Center
Idyllwild TOWN HALL
25925 Cedar St
Chair Exercise Class
FREE
Town Hall
Monday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 1:00pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Friday
Yoga for Seniors
Town Hall
10:45 am – 11:45 am
Fit after 50
Free Exercise Class
Town Hall
Monday 10:00am – 11:00am
Wednesday 10:00am – 11:00am
Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am
Mondays
Tai Chi Class
Free!
Town Hall
10:30 am – 11:30 am
FEEDING AMERICA
First Tuesday of each month.
Visitor Center – Now Open
Saturdays & Sundays 11am – 4pm
The Visitor Center is now open between the public bathrooms and Idyllwild Gardens on Saturdays & Sundays from 11am – 4 pm.
If you would like to volunteer to talk to visitors, help them find their way and point them in the direction of “A Good Time” please contact me at hello@GoodMorningIdyllwild.com.
Need To Know Stuff…
Idyllwild POST OFFICE HOURS:
Closed Christmas Day & New Years Day.
Open Monday – Friday
9 AM – 5 PM
Lobby open for mailbox access 7 am – 8 pm daily. Sometimes the timer doesn’t work right and the lobby is open later, so don’t hesitate to try the door.
Package pick-up only
Sat. 12 Noon – 1 PM
Mail goes off the hill once a day at 7:45 am Mon – Sat.
Mountain Center Post Office Hours:
Closed Christmas Day & New Years Day.
Open Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12 Noon & 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Is The Dump Open Today?
Friday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Monday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Closed
Thursday – Yes – 8 am – 4:30 pm
Mayor Max & Deputy Meadow
We will be in our usual spot in front of Wooleys:
Friday 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 2:00 pm
Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays – Off
Thursday 4:00 pm
Idyllwild Nature Center
Open Friday 9am – 4pm
Open Saturday 9am – 4pm
Open Sunday 9am – 4pm
Closed Monday
Closed Tuesday
Open Wednesdays 9am – 4pm
Open Thursday 9am – 4pm
Nature Center Banquet/Meeting Room available to Rent for your group activity.
951-659-3850
The Help Center is Open:
Monday 10-4
Tuesday 10-4
Wednesday 10-4
Thursday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Friday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Saturday 10-4 (Donations accepted 10-1)
Sunday 10-4
Call 951-659-3000 to schedule donations outside normal donation hours.
Bargin Barn
Idyllwild Community Church
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Behind the Church at 54400 N. Circle
Donations accepted Thur/Fri/Sat 10:00 – 1:00
Idyllwild Laundry
Laundromat/Wash & Fold/Dry Cleaning
Open 8 am – 8pm EVERY DAY!
Idyllwild Shuttle
Idyllwild Shuttle Service – FREE
Monday – Palm Desert
Tuesday – Around Idyllwild
Wednesday – Hemet
Thursday – Around Idyllwild
Friday – Not in Service
Saturday – Not in Service
Sunday – Not in Service
Call for more details: 951-426-9688
The shuttle is available to rent to outside groups when available.
Idyllwild Community Center Facilities
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
Butterfield Amphitheater
54201 Ridgeview Dr.
Idyllwild Pickleball Court
26375 Hwy. 243
Behind Skate Park
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
First come-first-serve basis
More info call: 951-659-2638
Idyllwild Community Playground
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
54195 Ridgeview Dr.
Idyllwild Dog Park
26375 Hwy. 243
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
Idyllwild Skate Park
26375 Hwy. 243
Open Daily 7 am – Dusk
Skateboard & safety gear required.
Un-supervised – Ride at your own risk.
If you run across someone and they want to find out which restaurants are open but they don’t get Good Morning Idyllwild delivered to their inbox, they can always go directly to the website http://www.GoodMorningIdyllwild.com and find the Restaurant Chart. You don’t HAVE to sign up to see the most recent newsletter or see the restaurant chart. Just go to the website.
If you would like some business cards to hand out with Good Morning Idyllwild, please message me back at the bottom of your email and I will get you some to hand out personally or at your business.
We do our best to get days and times correct but sometimes we make mistakes.
Questions: Please contact us at P.O. Box 1171 Idyllwild, CA 92549
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