‘Tis the season to be jolly, and in SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County), we take that advice very seriously. Looking for ways to get in the spirit? The following list of holiday happenings focuses on the unique offerings in SLO CAL throughout the festive season and across the region, from elegant Christmas tree lighting and craft markets to decorated castles, zoo animals and vaudeville revues. Peruse our guide and plan accordingly: now ready, set, celebrate! Read on for holiday events and happenings in SLO CAL this year.
Community Events
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Community Events
Community Holiday Parades
When you’re in the mood to jingle all the way, nothing hits the spot quite like a holiday parade. Nearly every community in SLO CAL has one, from the multi-block festivities in San Luis Obispo to smaller processions in Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero and Cayucos.
Four-legged option: Let your pups join in on the holiday fun with Santa's Doggie Parade at Avila Beach.
Winter Wonderland in Atascadero
December 12, 5 PM- 9 PM
Cost: Free
Join us for one of the Central Coast’s largest holiday events! Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown will be transformed into a magical snowy paradise, the Atascadero Winter Wonderland. There will be a massive snow slide made up of 70 tons of snow! There will be holiday shopping and entertainment and even an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Invite your friends for some holiday fun!
Christmas in Cayucos Wonderland Walk
December 13, 4-7 PM
Cost: Free
Enjoy an evening of merriment with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their home, plus extended shopping hours at Cayucos businesses along Ocean Avenue. Kids can check in with Santa and make crafts to take home. Nibble cookies, sip hot chocolate and even clip-clop down Ocean Avenue in a horse-drawn carriage — rides are complimentary for anyone on Santa’s “nice” list.
Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade
December 13, 6:30-8 PM
Cost: Free
For many years, Morro Bay has hosted this unique and beloved parade that features boats of all shapes and sizes, decorated from stern to bow with twinkly holiday lights. They’re twice as bright when they reflect off the waters of the Morro Bay Harbor! Fishing boats, yachts, powerboats, sailboats and more vie for the top prize in this one-of-a-kind holiday event. Also in Morro Bay, find the Holiday Tree Lighting held on Dec. 5, and Santa's House where you can get your photo taken with Santa on select dates in December.
Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase
December 13, 6-9 PM
Cost: Free
Roll along the charming thoroughfare of Vine Street in Paso Robles, where stately Victorian homes get all dolled up for the holidays. This event spans Vine Street from 8th to 21st Streets. Enjoy carolers, refreshments and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Ebenezer Scrooge and more.
Central Coast Zoo Holiday Magic
December 20, 10 AM - 1 PM
Cost: $10-15 per ticket
Take a walk on the wild side this holiday season with the animals at SLO CAL’s only zoo. For this fun annual event, zookeepers step in as Santa's Elves to deliver gifts to the residents of the Central Coast Zoo, from monkeys and meerkats to the Red Pandas. Watch them tear into their presents and enjoy family activities and holiday decorations.
Hanukkah Downtown
December 14 - 22, 5-6 PM
Cost: Free
Every year, the local Jewish community lights the public menorah in Mission Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Enjoy learning, participating in songs and connecting with people of all backgrounds for this special community event.
Paso Robles New Year's Eve Concert & Bonfire
December 31, 7-11 PM
Cost: Free
Celebrate New Year's Eve by dancing to live music and enjoying food and refreshments with the whole family. The event welcomes the 8-piece Lucky Devils Band. Vendors will be onsite with food and drinks available for purchase. Ball drop is scheduled for 9 pm.
Avila Beach Polar Bear Dip
January 1, 12 PM
Cost: Free
Ready to start fresh? This festival of all things frosty began over 10 years ago and continues to delight (and freeze) participants on the first day of the year. Band together at noon on New Year’s Day in Avila Beach with thousands of fellow dippers to start the year off with a bang, no wetsuits allowed.
Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas
December 7, 2-8 PM
Cost: Free
The Nipomo event draws thousands of visitors for a parade, live music, tree lighting ceremony and a sing-a-long. In Candyland Village families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, do arts and crafts at Santa's Workshop, play in the winter wonderland filled with Christmas-themed bounce houses and much more family-friendly fun. Contact the Nipomo Olde Towne Association for more information.
Holiday Markets & More
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Holiday Markets & More
Handcrafted for the Holidays Exhibition
November 1 - December 28
Cost: Free
This is a timely showcase of fine craftspeople and their work at Studios on the Park. Find unique, handmade gifts for every taste and price point from more than 25 artist and artisans. Your purchase supports local arts and small businesses, and a portion of proceeds go towards bringing art to the community! Receptions with wine and live music on November 1 and December 6 from 6 - 9 pm.
Mid-State Fair Winter Market
December 12 - 14
Cost: Free
Get your holiday shopping done at the Midstate Fair Winter Market. Local crafters and artisans from throughout SLO CAL will be selling handmade and unique items from jewelry, apparel, home decor, health and beauty products and so much more.
Sip & Shop Holiday Markets
Sip & Shops are popular throughout SLO CAL giving visitors the opportunity to try new wines or craft beverages while also taking care of their holiday shopping. Sip & Shops annually pop up at CASS Winery, Talley Vineyards and FABLE RUNE during the holiday season.
Holiday Giving Celebration
November 28 - December 21
Cost: Free
Get into the holiday spirit with Tolosa Winery at their charity toy drive. Wine, light bites and holiday music will get you in the spirit. Donate a toy when you visit Tolosa this holiday season and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a gift basket.
Holiday Light Displays
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Holiday Light Displays & Tours
Nature Nights at the SLO Botanical Garden
November 26 - December 27 (Fridays & Saturdays + select additional dates)
5:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Cost: $18 - $28
This holiday season take the entire family to see the Holiday Nature Nights at the SLO Botanical Gardens! Find light projections, artistic garden areas and immersive holiday light exhibits throughout eight acres of the 150-acre garden. This event will feature live music nightly on two stages and an artist marketplace. Culinary delights and wine and beer will be available for purchase. There will even be a few visits from Santa!
Cambria Christmas Market
November 28 - December 31
Cost: starting at $27.64
Back for the Holiday season, the Cambria Christmas Market is always magical! Find 3 million twinkling lights made into impressive light displays and exhibits. Walk among the German-inspired artisan vendors, visit Santa, ride the train, hang out among cozy fire pits, listen to live music and enjoy festive food and drinks.
Light Display at the Shoreline Inn
November 27 - Jan 6
Cost: Free
See more than 25,000 lights sparkle on the Shoreline Inn in Cayucos nightly from 6 - 11:30 pm. This light display is the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos, costal getaway or magical dinner on the town. The hotel and the lawn will be decorated for the season.
Uncorked Wine Tour
December 1- 24
Cost: See website for quote
Get into the spirit of the season with a Holiday Lights Tour! Uncorked Wine Tours will be welcoming groups of up to 14 guests per vehicle on a tour to view the Christmas lights around the area. Grab a hot toddy or hot chocolate and all your family & friends - this tour is kid-friendly! Uncorked Tours will take care of the route & driving so that you get to enjoy the holidays carefree! Tours can be scheduled online at uncorkedwinetours.net.
Festive Outings
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Festive Holiday Outings
Hearst Castle Holiday Tours
November 28 - December
Cost: $22-$40
From late November through the end of December, Hearst Castle is decked out in festive decor and holiday splendor. Experience the estate as Mr. Hearst's guests enjoyed it during the 1920s and 1930s during the holiday season. For maximum sparkle, visit the estate at night by booking a seasonal Holiday Twilight Tour. Daytime tours are also available to see the Christmas decorations throughout the estate in the Grand Rooms Tour. Advance tour reservations are strongly recommended during the busy holiday season.
The Great American Melodrama Holiday Extravaganza
November 14 - December 31
Cost: $36-$42 per person
Eat, drink, and be very, very merry at the Great American Melodrama, where vaudeville and old-fashioned, family-friendly fun rule. The Holiday Extravaganza is an annual tradition featuring a rendition of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, a Fractured Fairytale Opera and the Holiday Vaudeville Revue.
A Christmas Story at the SLO REP
November 21 - December 21
Cost: $28-$47 per person
A holiday tradition since 2014, visit the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theater for their rendition of A Christmas Story. This two act play is nostalgic, heartwarming and sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Tickets available by phone or on their website.
Royal Christmas at the Farm
November 29 & 30, December 6
Cost: $23-$50
Join California Lavender Honey Farm for their annual holiday event. Royal Tea, including unique lavender tea, will be poured and accompanied by lavender cookies. Learn about lavender's role in royal and Christmas traditions with a tour and put together your own holiday gift! All attendees are encouraged to wear purple for truly an immersive experience.
Christmas at The Carrisa
November 20 - January (select dates)
Looking for a holiday nightcap, tasty seasonal bite or immersive experience in downtown San Luis Obispo? Look no further than Christmas at the Carrisa, a specially-curated holiday experience - where the holidays glow and the whiskey flows. Find craft holiday cocktails, yummy bites and four curated pop-up experiences to kick back and spend time with friends for the holidays. There is no admission fee, however, guests are asked to purchase food and beverages while enjoying the experience.
Christmas at the Ranch
Select Dates November 28 - December 21
Cost: $15-$100
Join in the newest SLO CAL Holiday tradition with Christmas at the Ranch! Head to Santa Margarita Ranch for fun for the whole family. Book a historic train ride on the Jingle Bell Express, through a Christmas showcase, to Santa's Barn. Dazzling light displays, captivating performances, immersive holiday-themed activities and seasonal treats. The Ranch is the prefect spot to create holiday memories and experience the magic of the season.
The Nutcracker at the PAC
December 12 - 14
Cost: $32+
Head to the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center (PAC) to see the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo present the holiday classic. Lori Lee Silvaggio's the Nutcracker includes live ballet and OperaSLO Grand Orchestra.
Light Up the Downtown & Holiday Sip & Shop
December 5
Cost: $25-$35
Enjoy an evening of community entertainment, hay rides, hot chocolate and more in downtown Atascadero. Shops will be open late with beer and wine tastings at participating merchants. Ticket prices are reduced when you purchase in advance.
December in The Den at Cal Coast Beer Company
December
Head to The Den during December to see the 1970s cocktail lounge decked out with vintage holiday decor. There will also be festive activities and events each day of the month such as holiday trivia, Christmas music bingo, wreath-making and more! And don't forget to stop in to Cal Coast Brewing for their annual 12 beers of Christmas where a new seasonal beer is released each day.
Header image courtesy of @cultura_photography
