Celebrate the holiday season with Downtown SLO this year and visit Mission Plaza all season long for events and activities. These events are family-friendly and open to the public.
SANTA’S HOUSE: Santa’s House is open from November 29 until December 24 in Mission Plaza. Children who visit Santa receive a complimentary activity book, toy, and candy cane. Pictures are also available for purchase: $5 take- your-own, $8 souvenir photo, and $11 for a souvenir package including both the souvenir photo and take-your-own. Hours vary; please check DowntownSLO.com for a complete schedule. Santa’s House is sponsored by The San Luis Obispo Collection.
CLASSIC CAROUSEL: Children of all ages can ride the Classic Carousel in Mission Plaza from November 29 until December 26. Carousel rides cost $3 person; 5-ride packages are available for $10. Hours vary; please check DowntownSLO.com for a complete schedule. The Classic Carousel is sponsored by Lamplighter Inn & Suites.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: Support local businesses and shop Downtown on Small Business Saturday on November 30 starting at 10 AM. Shoppers can pick up their Shop Small Passport and receive stamps after making a purchase at a participating business. Shoppers who “shop small” at eight businesses and turn in their completed passports at a designated drop-off location are entered to win a gift basket filled with gift cards and items from local businesses. Participating Small Business Saturday retailers include: Ambiance Boutiques | Apropos | Basalt Interiors | B. Anthony & Co. Jewelers | Bambu Batu | Baxter Moerman Jewelry | Bella B. | Blackwater | Captain Bill’s Subs SLO | Central Coast Surfboards | Change Of A Dress Resale Boutique | Downtown SLO | EcoBambino | Fanny Wrappers | The Gallant | The Gold Concept Jewelry And Design | Growing Grounds Downtown | Hands Gallery | HepKat Clothing | Hemp Shak | Humankind Fair Trade | Joliene Bakery | Jules D. | JunkGirls | Karson Butler Events At The Ah Louis Store | Kin Coffee Bar | Lulu Luxe | Maison Marianne | Mon Ami Crepe Bar | Picking Daisies | San Luis Obispo Chamber Of Commerce & Visitor Center | The Secret Garden | Sheila Kearns Chocolate & Confections | SLO Sweets | The Sports Forum | Summerland Co. | Sweetie Cup Tea House | Tails Pet Boutique | Takkens | The Ritual | The Sock Drawer | Urban Optics
Small Business Saturday is presented by Downtown SLO and American Express.
WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST: Walk through Downtown San Luis Obispo from December 5 until December 9 to see local businesses lit up for the annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. This year’s theme is “Holidays Around the World” and members of the public can vote online for “People’s Choice” at DowntownSLO.com or on our Facebook page through December 9.
HOLIDAY TREE: The live Holiday Tree will go up in Mission Plaza on December 2. Enjoy the holiday spirit in the heart of Downtown with this beautifully-decorated, fully-lit Holiday Tree sponsored by Mission College Preparatory High School.
PAINTERS ALLEY AT DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS’ MARKET: Enjoy the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Thursday, December 5 and visit Garden Street to see live art demonstrations by the Lamplight Arts Collective and shop the Pop up Penny Gallery with works of art $200 and under. The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday (with the exception of November 28 or inclement weather) from 6 PM to 9 PM on Higuera between Nipomo and Osos.
HOLIDAY PARADE: The 44th annual Holiday Parade will take place on Friday, December 6 at 7 PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo. The theme this year is “Holidays Around the World.” Mike and Muffy White of Boo Boo Records will serve as Parade Marshals and open the ceremonies. The parade route starts on Chorro at Palm and ends on Higuera at Nipomo. A detailed map and road closure information is available at DowntownSLO.com. The Holiday Parade is presented by Downtown SLO and title sponsor American Riviera Bank. Major sponsors include Old SLO Trolley, Central Coast Gymnastics, Coastal Pediatric Dentistry, Trust Automation, Inc., Woodstock’s Pizza, SLO Credit Union, T- Mobile, Friday Night Lights Youth Flag Football, Habitat Home & Garden, San Luis Garbage, and KSBY, with special thanks to the City of San Luis Obispo.
HOLIDAY STROLL & ART AFTER DARK: Walk through Downtown San Luis Obispo on Friday, December 13 to see local businesses decked for the annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Businesses will stay open late and offer special entertainment and holiday specials.
Attendees are encouraged to use the hashtag #DowntownSLO when sharing on social media and tag @DowntownSLO on Instagram and @ExperienceDowntownSLO on Facebook.
For more information, please visit our website at DowntownSLO.com or contact Marketing & Communications Manager Kat Thompson at [email protected] or call (805) 234-9672.
About Downtown SLO: Downtown SLO is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit founded in 1975 whose mission is to foster an economically vibrant Downtown. Downtown SLO serves the community by working on initiatives like parking and beautification efforts, coordinating special events and the weekly Farmers’ Market, supporting economic activities and examining Downtown issues.