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 24 until December 24 at 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 framed souvenir photo, and $11 for a souvenir package including both the framed photo and take-your-own. Photos can be also be emailed for $3 with the purchase of a framed souvenir photo. Hours for Santa’s House vary; please check www.DowntownSLO.com for a complete schedule. This event is sponsored by Pacific Premier Bank.
CLASSIC CAROUSEL: Children can ride the Classic Carousel at Mission Plaza from November 24 until December 26. Carousel rides are $3 each or families can purchase a package of 5 rides for $10 (There is a $1 charge per credit card transaction.) Hours vary; please check www.DowntownSLO.com for a complete schedule. This event is sponsored by Lamplighter Inn & Suites.
WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST: Walk through Downtown San Luis Obispo from November 24 until December 15 to see local businesses lit up for the annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Prizes will be awarded for First, Second, and Third place as well as Best in Theme (Holiday Hoedown) and People’s Choice. Members of Downtown SLO’s Cultural Art Committee will make the rounds to judge windows on Tuesday, November 28 at 6:00 PM. Voting for the People’s Choice award will be open until December 15. Votes can be submitted via a poll on the Downtown SLO Facebook page.
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: The Holiday Tree in Mission Plaza will be ceremonially lit on Monday, November 27 at 5:00 PM. Enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, and the holiday spirit in the heart of Downtown. This event is sponsored by the Cal Poly Interfraternity Council (IFC).
Bob Douglass
HOLIDAY PARADE: The 42nd Annual Holiday Parade will take place on Friday, December 1 at 7 PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Watch hundreds of parade participants dash through the streets and show off their “Holiday Hoedown” spirit. Bob Douglass, the former owner of San Luis Luggage, will serve as this year’s Parade Marshal. The parade route starts on Chorro at Palm and ends on Higuera at Nipomo. A detailed map is available at www.DowntownSLO.com. Sponsors include Wells Fargo, Mission Animal Hospital, Central Coast Gymnastics, Rancho Grande Motors, Coastal Pediatric Dentistry, Old SLO Trolley/SLO Transit, Cal Poly Interfraternity Council (IFC), Farm Supply, Legacy Training Center, and Rugged Radios.
BOOTH DECORATING CONTEST AT DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS’ MARKET: Enjoy the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Thursday, December 14 and see all the vendor booths lit up in the spirit of the holidays! The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday (with the exception of November 23) from 6 PM to 9 PM on Higuera between Nipomo and Osos.
Attendees are encouraged to use the hashtag #DowntownSLO when sharing on social media and to tag Downtown SLO at @Downtown_SLO on Instagram and @ExperienceDowntownSLO on Facebook.
For more information on our seasonal events, please visit our website at www.DowntownSLO.com or contact Special Events Manager Rachel Maiorino at [email protected] or call (805) 541-0286 ext. 11.
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.