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 is open from November 23 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 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 online soon for a complete schedule. This event is sponsored by The San Luis Obispo Collection.
Children can ride the Classic Carousel in Mission Plaza from November 23 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 our website soon for a complete schedule. This event is sponsored by Lamplighter Inn & Suites.
Support local businesses and shop Downtown on Small Business Saturday on November 24 starting at 10 AM. Shoppers get a stamp on their Shop Small Passport after making a purchase at a participating business. Shoppers who shop small at six businesses and turn in their completed passports at a designated drop-off location are entered to win a gift basket filled with gift cards to local businesses. The winner will be announced at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 29. Participating Small Business Saturday retailers include: Len Collective, Growing Grounds Downtown, Fanny Wrappers, Ambiance, EcoBambino, Dune Central Coast Modern, The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, Hands Gallery, Picking Daisies, SLO Sweets, Karson Butler Events at the Ah Louis Store, Adore Boutique, Tails Pet Boutique, Change of a Dress, Takkens Shoes, Jules D., Femme Jules D., San Luis Traditions, Boo Boo Records, B. Anthony and Co. Jewelers, Blackwater, HumanKind Fair Trade, Bike SLO County, The Sock Drawer, Urban Optics and Central Coast Surfboards. Downtown SLO is also pleased to participate and launch its retail shop and offer gift baskets, Farmers’ Market merchandise, and more. Small Business Saturday is presented by Downtown SLO and American Express.
Walk through Downtown San Luis Obispo from November 23 until November 27 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 (“A Very Vintage Holiday”) and People’s Choice. Members of Downtown SLO’s Cultural Arts Committee will make the rounds to judge windows on Tuesday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m. Voting for the People’s Choice award will be open until November 27. Votes can be submitted via a poll on the Downtown SLO Facebook page and on our website.
Holiday Tree in Mission Plaza will be lit on Thursday, November 29 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and the holiday spirit in the heart of Downtown. The winner of the Small Business Saturday gift basket will also be announced at this event. This event is sponsored by Mission College Preparatory High School.
The 43rd annual Holiday Parade will take place on Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m. at Downtown San Luis Obispo. The theme this year is “A Very Vintage Holiday”. Stephen Patrick of Stephen Patrick Design and Todd LeMay of The Bladerunner Salon and Day Spa will serve as Parade Marshals and open the ceremonies. The parade route will start on Chorro at Palm and end on Higuera at Nipomo. A detailed map will be available online. The Holiday Parade is presented by Downtown SLO and Wells Fargo. Major sponsors include Old SLO Trolley, Central Coast Gymnastics, Coastal Pediatric Dentistry, Trust Automation, Inc., Legacy Training Center, Woodstock’s Pizza and KSBY.
Enjoy the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Thursday, December 13 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 22 or inclement weather) 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 tag @DowntownSLO on Instagram and @ExperienceDowntownSLO on Facebook.
For more information on our seasonal events, please visit our website at DowntownSLO.com or contact Communications & Content Manager Zoya Dixon at [email protected] or call (805) 541-0286.
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.