Downtown SLO, in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo, is delighted to announce the 2023 Holiday Happenings! This year, visitors can expect to see a continuation of treasured community traditions as well as brand-new activations and dazzling lights.
47TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE: “OUT OF THIS WORLD!” • Friday, December 1, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Presented by Ah Louis Store and Friday Night Lights Youth Flag Football; In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo.
Prepare to be dazzled by an evening of awe-inspiring cosmos and unforgettable festive fun in charming
downtown San Luis Obispo; the 47th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade will take place on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 7 p.m. The 2023 theme will be “Out of This World!”; participants are encouraged to incorporate elements of space exploration, intergalactic adventure, and cosmic wonder into their entries.
The Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade has drawn thousands to downtown San Luis Obispo since 1976. Held on the first Friday in December, the parade has become a much-loved holiday tradition along the Central Coast for locals and visitors alike. Nearly 90 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers and more will march in the parade. Information regarding the route, accommodations, and more can be found at DowntownSLO.com/Parade. The parade will occur rain or shine! Attendees can RSVP and share the event on Facebook.
LIGHTS, SIGHTS, & FAMILY FUN IN MISSION PLAZA • Opens Friday, November 24, 2023 Present by CoVelop; In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo
Mission Plaza is the centerpiece of downtown San Luis Obispo — it all happens here! This holiday season,
visit Santa at Santa’s House, ride the Classic Carousel, take family photos in front of the 20-foot tree, walk
through animated lighted displays, experience a music-synced light show and more!
Holiday Plaza & Santa’s House Opening Day Celebration • 12 p.m.
Watch Santa ride into Mission Plaza on a firetruck and enjoy a live performance from the SLO County Band. Celebrate the opening of all the fun in the Plaza. Attendees can RSVP and share the event on Facebook.
Light Up The Plaza! • 5 p.m.
Join Downtown SLO, the City of SLO, and sponsors and community partners to “switch on” the lights in the Plaza, ushering in the start of the 2023 holiday season. Grab a cozy drink downtown and enjoy live music and community. Attendees can RSVP and share the event on Facebook.
SANTA’S HOUSE • Through Sunday, December 24, 2023
Presented by Dignity Health
Santa will once again fly from the North Pole to his winter residence in Mission Plaza — families are invited to meet him, recite their wish list, and pose for photos. Guests can purchase one of three photo packages; take-your-own, printed souvenir photo or a combination of both.
Downtown SLO is actively recruiting volunteer photo elves! Fill out an interest form here.
Santa’s House schedule:
● 11/24: 12 PM – 7 p.m.
● 11/25 – 12/17: Wed – Sun, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
● 12/18 – 12/23: Every day, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
● 12/24: 11 AM – 2 p.m.
Children can also take home a free Family Holiday Guide activity booklet that includes a calendar of
kid-friendly events downtown, SLO-themed activities and games, and a chance to win a membership to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum.
Additionally, find the mailbox outside of Santa’s House and mail your wishlist to the North Pole by Friday,
December 15, 2023, for a response back from Santa.
CLASSIC CAROUSEL
Sponsored by Lamplighter Inn & Suites
Children can ride the Classic Carousel in Mission Plaza beginning Friday, November 24, 2023. Hours of
operation will run in tandem with Santa’s House hours.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES & HOLIDAY TREE
Sponsored by Swinerton, Meathead Movers, Tenet Health Central
Coast, Hotel SLO, Toyota Central Coast
Find show-stopping photo opportunities, including animated light tunnels, a 20-foot holiday tree, a dazzling walk-through ornament, a lighted wreath, a sit-in sleigh, and more.
MUSICAL LIGHT SHOW
Sponsored by Lola & Ivy, PG&E, RRM Design, Thoma Electric,
Nordstrom Rack, and Wallace Group
Stunning lights all throughout the Plaza will synchronize with music in the evening. Find a video of 2022’s
light show here.
SHOP LOCAL ALL SEASON LONG
Downtown SLO encourages locals to choose downtown businesses when shopping for gifts this holiday
season. A list of locally-owned businesses in downtown San Luis Obispo can be found here.
Small Business Saturday • Saturday, November 25, 2023
Sponsored by American Riviera Bank
Visit your favorite downtown retailers or the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on
Small Business Saturday for exclusive offers and free tote bags and buttons. A list of deals and events will
be published as the date approaches.
Buy Local Bonus • Begins Friday, November 24, 2023
Get rewarded for shopping local — spend $100 or more at locally-owned retailers and earn a $25 gift card to another local business. Learn more here.
The Buy Local Bonus is a program by the City of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo Chamber of
Commerce.