RAMONA, CA — Holiday shoppers in Ramona will have a chance to hunt for hidden elves and enter a prize drawing during the annual "Find the Elf" contest, beginning Friday, Nov. 27.
Organized by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and local merchants, the scavenger hunt will run through Saturday, Dec. 5, at participating businesses along Main Street between Sixth and Eighth streets.
During the contest, participating stores will hide an elf somewhere inside their businesses. Shoppers who locate the elf can have their contest passport stamped or signed at the register.
Participants must visit each participating business and collect all required stamps or signatures to qualify for the prize drawing.
Completed passports must be submitted by 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Ramona Family Naturals, 325 Sixth St.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, participants who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing for prizes donated by participating shops.
The winner will be announced at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Ramona Family Naturals. Participants do not need to be present to win.
The contest is part of Ramona's holiday festivities surrounding the community's annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration, which will also take place Dec. 5.
The tree-lighting event will feature holiday decorations, live music, vendors, children's crafts, carolers, photos with Santa and opportunities to shop and dine at local businesses.
The festivities are scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m., with the Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m.
The Chamber of Commerce has not yet published the complete list of participating stores or the 2026 contest passport.
Residents interested in joining the scavenger hunt should check with participating Main Street businesses for passports, contest instructions and updates.
For additional information, visit the Ramona Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Tree Lighting and Find the Elf webpageor contact the chamber at 760-789-1311.
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