The holidays usher in a magical time of year in San Luis Obispo County, — located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California’s ruggedly beautiful Central Coast — welcoming a variety of fun and memorable activities for the entire family. From ice skating to holiday parades, and festive tree lighting ceremonies to special shopping and dining experiences, San Luis Obispo County welcomes guests to take part in the celebration.
Explore the merry events below and for more information on all holiday happenings in San Luis Obispo County, visit: www.VisitSanLuisObispoCounty.com/events
Ice Skating Central California Style
Winter WonderSLO Jiffy Lube Ice Skating – San Luis Obispo
December 18 – January 3 from 9am to 9pm every day
Don’t miss this Central Coast holiday tradition since 2011, Winter WonderSLO is a real ice rink providing a magical holiday experience for all, located at the iconic Madonna Inn in the heart of San Luis Obispo County.
Parades to Light Up the Holidays
Arroyo Grande Christmas Parade
November 29 at 3:30pm
Usher in the holiday season on the last weekend of November with a Christmas Concert and Parade, featuring a Christmas music choir at the Rotary Bandstand in Heritage Square Park at 3:30pm followed by the parade at 5pm. After the parade, all are invited to enjoy a tree lighting at the Harvest Church.
Paso’s Annual Christmas Light Parade
December 5 at 7pm
This 54th annual event invites onlookers to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday spirit, with an illuminated parade featuring an array of light spectacles from local businesses.
December 5 at 6:30pm
Gather the family and travel to Morro Bay for a unique procession of skiffs, yachts, fishing boats, cutters, and sailboats along the waterfront, all beautifully decorated and lighted to celebrate the holidays.
South County Holiday Parade – Grover Beach
December 5 at 10am
Visit Grover Beach for the only daytime parade in South San Luis Obispo County. This 49th annual
event is themed Hawaiian Holiday – a perfect occasion for entire family.
Los Osos/Baywood Park Christmas Parade
December 12 at 10am
Grab your cheetah print shirt and head to Los Osos/Baywood Park, where their parade theme is “Christmas SAFARI” with awards given to parade entrants in categories including Best of Theme, Best of Music, Best on Foot, Best on Wheels, Best of Animals and Judges’ Favorite.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies for all Ages
29th Annual Downtown Lighting Ceremony – Paso Robles
November 27 at 5:30pm
Celebrate a long-time tradition as the Christmas and holiday lights illuminate the way to holiday festivities in downtown Paso Robles including live music, candlelight caroling, free cookies, and hot chocolate.
Holiday Harmony & Tree Lighting Ceremony – Pismo Beach
December 4 from 5:30pm – 8pm
Take the kids to the coast to enjoy fresh snow just steps from the ocean for the 15th Annual Holiday Harmony celebration, a free fun-filled family event at the Pismo Beach Pier, packed with fresh snow, bounce houses, crafts, music, cookie decorating and pictures with Santa.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony – Atascadero
December 4 at 6pm
Get in the holiday spirit at the Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the Sunken Gardens Park on the Atascadero City Hall Steps, featuring music by the Atascadero High School Show & Concert Choirs and the Atascadero Community Band.
8th Annual Christmas In Cayucos
December 12 from 5pm – 8pm
A tree lighting event that includes free horse drawn carriage rides, children’s activities, strolling carolers, a visit from Santa and merchant open houses with special offers, giveaways, refreshments and entertainment.
Vina Robles Illuminating Evening – Paso Robles
December 5 from 6pm – 8pm
Join Vina Robles’ annual Illuminating Evening and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, and holiday music performed by the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy Choir. There will also be a ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree.
Festivities, Performances and Gatherings to Warm the Heart and Hearth
Hearst Castle “Holiday Twilight Tours” – San Simeon
December 19 – January 2, 2016
Experience Hearst Castle dressed in holiday splendor with special tours that take visitors through the Hearst Castle property, glittering with holiday cheer. This spectacular tour happens only one time of year, so advance tour reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at www.HearstCastle.org
November 27-29, December 2-6, 9-13 and 16-23
A festive ongoing gathering in the style of Germany’s Christmas Markets with nightly entertainment, the market’s many unique offerings include tempting local food and drink, with brats, fresh baked goods and treats, and Glühwein, a traditional German hot-spiced wine.
Tall Ships in the Harbor – Morro Bay
December 2-7
Explore the Tall Ships in Morro Bay where guests can peruse and tour at their own pace. Crew members in 18th century-style costumes will entertain the crowd with stories and fun facts about the boats and their lives aboard ship.
Winter Wonderland – Atascadero
December 11 from 5pm – 9pm
All ages will enjoy this Holiday Event on the Central Coast. Play in over 50 tons of snow, plus sledding on a giant snow slide! Santa & Mrs. Claus will be present, along with live entertainment, bounce houses, Elks Little Train and food & craft vendors!
Farm-to-House Holiday Wreath Party – Paso Robles
December 5 from 11am – 1 pm
Jack Creek Farms, a fifth generation family farm in Paso Robles Wine Country, is hosting a wreath-making party for visitors to bring home a custom fresh wreath, all while fundraising for Special Olympics San Luis Obispo County.
San Luis Obispo Little Theatre presents A Christmas Story
December 5-20
A holiday favorite comes to San Luis Obispo County; A Christmas Story follows Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. Performances run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.
Halter Ranch Vineyard & Winery Victorian Holiday Open House – Paso Robles
December 5-6 from 11am – 4pm
Enjoy a glass of wine while touring the beautifully restored 1880’s grand Victorian farmhouse, surrounded by picturesque gardens, a wrap-around porch and rolling vineyards in the Adelaida District of west Paso Robles wine country.
Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase – Paso Robles
December 12 from 6pm – 9pm
With its many vintage Victorian homes, Vine Street was one of the first residential streets in Paso Robles. Visitors are invited to step back in time while enjoying hot cider, hot cocoa, cookies, roasted chestnuts and popcorn, accompanied by orchestras, carolers, dancers and snow.
Holiday Herbal Workshop at the SLO Botanical Garden
December 6 at 2pm
Learn how to craft natural lotions and hydrosols just in time for the holiday crafting season. Join herbalist Greg Money as guests harvest, process, make and enjoy homemade cosmetics. Cultivate herbal knowledge and get hands-on experience. Pricing starts at $15 per person.
Apple Farm Holiday Celebration – San Luis Obispo
Throughout December guests at the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo will be treated to 25 Days of Christmas magic, with visits from Santa each Saturday, carolers on Friday and Saturday evenings, special activities and goodies, and a Holly Jolly Holiday Package that includes dining and shopping credits and a keepsake ornament.
Vina Robles’ Black Friday – Paso Robles
Friday, November 27 from 10am – 5pm
Peruse a wide range of elegant gifts amid the luxurious setting of Vina Robles’ hospitality center. Browse among items such as Cuvée Collection wines packaged in an elegant wooden box, and decadent stocking stuffers like gourmet goodies, chocolates, wine openers, and books. Weather permitting, one wood-fired pizza will be included with every 6-bottle purchase.
Holiday Happenings at Robert Hall Winery – Paso Robles
Start your holidays at Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles on Black Friday with their fantastic one- day only specials. Then, check out their Holiday Open House December 12th where Christmas will surely be in the air with sweet treats to enjoy. They’ll definitely have you looking forward to the holidays with their 12 Days of Christmas Cavern Select daily wine special.
Holiday Boutique at the Monday Club – San Luis Obispo
December 7 from 1:30pm – 6pm
Experience the magic of the Monday Club. Enjoy hand crafted items made by local vendors including quilts, aprons, jewelry, wreaths, floral arrangements, vintage hats and much more!
Click here for more holiday events and for lodging deals in San Luis Obispo County!