Taste ‘N’ Tinis: Sip, Shop, and Celebrate Holidays in Hillcrest
Get ready to usher in the festive season with Hillcrest’s beloved annual event, Taste ‘N’ Tinis! This lively 21+ gathering on Thursday, December 11, 2025, invites you to explore the vibrant neighborhood, savor seasonal sips, and discover unique holiday treasures while supporting local businesses.
Experience the Hillcrest Holiday Spirit
Taste ‘N’ Tinis transforms Hillcrest into a festive wonderland, offering a grown-up twist on holiday fun. Participants can stroll through the community, enjoying mini festive ‘tinis and seasonal bites from local restaurants, all while finding exclusive discounts at participating retail shops. It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, get some holiday shopping done, and immerse yourself in Hillcrest’s unique charm.
From Humble Beginnings to a Hillcrest Tradition
The Hillcrest Business Association (HBA) launched Taste ‘N’ Tinis in 2009, inspired by the success of their spring tasting event, Taste of Hillcrest. The goal was simple: “sip while you shop” and shine a brighter spotlight on local retail. What began with just 12 participating locations has blossomed into a cherished neighborhood-wide celebration, now in its 16th year, featuring around 25 stops each December.
More Than Just a Sip: Supporting Local
Taste ‘N’ Tinis is deeply connected to the HBA’s “Shop Hillcrest for the Holidays” campaign, actively encouraging community support for local businesses throughout the season. Every time someone shops at a participating location, they’re entered to win a Hillcrest shopping spree, and the Taste ‘N’ Tinis event serves as a double-entry day, boosting your chances while you enjoy the festivities.
Meet the Merchants: Highlights from Participating Businesses
The event proudly welcomes a diverse array of businesses, from established favorites to exciting new additions. In 2025, look out for Frenchy’s Hideout, serving up their famous sangria, and Good News, offering refreshing non-alcoholic mocktails, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Patric Stillman, artist and owner of The Studio Door, highlights how the event allows his gallery, a proud part of San Diego’s arts community for over a decade and Hillcrest’s LGBTQ Cultural District, to open its doors for the holidays. Guests can engage with 17 working artists, browse affordable, one-of-a-kind pieces in their Holiday Art Market, and discover the value of visual arts in a casual, festive setting.
Gioia Marino of Gioia’s Room Boutique, a styling house of inclusion that has been a fixture in Hillcrest for nearly 14 years, emphasizes the event’s benefit. As a proud participant for 12 consecutive years, she notes that Taste ‘N’ Tinis brings hundreds of new and returning patrons through her doors, encouraging not only immediate purchases but also future visits for personal styling, curated unique styles, and handmade accessories by local makers.
The Impact of Community Events
Beyond the immediate enjoyment, Taste ‘N’ Tinis delivers substantial benefits to Hillcrest’s small businesses. The boost in foot traffic and community engagement directly translates to increased sales and long-term visibility, fulfilling the event’s original mission. Guests frequently share stories of discovering new favorite restaurants and boutiques, reinforcing the strong “sense of discovery” that makes this an “only-in-Hillcrest experience.” It’s a testament to how connection and celebration can truly help a neighborhood thrive.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Taste ‘N’ Tinis |
| Date | Thursday, December 11, 2025 |
| Location | Hillcrest, San Diego |
| Age Restriction | 21+ |
| Organizer | Hillcrest Business Association (HBA) |
| Purpose | Sip, shop, stroll, support local businesses |
| Participating Businesses | Approx. 25 retail shops & restaurants |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Taste ‘N’ Tinis?
It’s a yearly 21+ holiday event in Hillcrest, San Diego, where participants can sip on festive ‘tinis while shopping and exploring local businesses. - When and where does Taste ‘N’ Tinis take place?
The event occurs on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. - What kind of businesses participate?
Around 25 local retail shops offer exclusive discounts, while restaurants provide seasonal bites and drink specials. Art galleries and boutiques, like The Studio Door and Gioia’s Room Boutique, are also key participants. - How does the event support the Hillcrest community?
It boosts foot traffic, increases sales and long-term visibility for small businesses, and encourages community engagement. It’s also tied into the “Shop Hillcrest for the Holidays” campaign, offering double entries for a shopping spree. - Is there an age restriction for Taste ‘N’ Tinis?
Yes, it is a 21+ event, catering to an adult audience looking for grown-up holiday fun and responsible enjoyment.
Whether you’re a long-time Hillcrest resident or a visitor, Taste ‘N’ Tinis offers a unique way to kick off the holidays, fostering community spirit and supporting the vital small businesses that make this neighborhood special. As you enjoy such local events, remember that trusted local news outlets like ours rely on community support to continue bringing you stories that connect and inform.
Sip Shop Celebrate Hillcrest Taste N Tinis
