The holidays in SLO County
Every tree lighting, parade, light display, Santa visit and holiday market we could find across SLO County, from Paso Robles to Nipomo. Checked every morning. Updated October 16.
Tree lightings
Downtowns flip the switch, usually with carolers, cocoa and a visit from Santa.
Light Up the Plaza: Downtown SLO Holiday Kickoff
Fri, Nov 27 · 5 PM · Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo · Free
Downtown SLO kicks off the holidays in Mission Plaza with the tree, Santa’s House and the first Light & Snow Show, which then runs every 30 minutes from 6 PM nightly through the season.
Light Up the Downtown and Holiday Sip & Shop
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:30 PM to 8 PM · Downtown Atascadero, Atascadero · Free
A downtown kickoff to the holiday season with Santa, fire truck and hay rides, hot chocolate, and a holiday Sip & Shop. It's a festive evening out for families and holiday shoppers.
Holiday Harmony
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:30 PM · Pismo Beach Pier Plaza, Pismo Beach · Free
Experience the magic of a coastal winter wonderland! This joyful, free family event features fresh snow right at the beach, festive crafts, bounce houses, and photos with Santa himself, all leading up to the dazzling Downtown Tree Lighting at the Pier.
Christmas in Cayucos Tree Lighting
Fri, Dec 11 · 5 PM · Downtown Cayucos, Cayucos · Free
This tree lighting ceremony in the heart of Cayucos is for families, friends, and neighbors. It features live music from the White Caps, carolers from Cayucos Community Church, warm refreshments, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on fire engines, with visits and photos for kids.
Arroyo Grande Tree Lighting and Snow
Sun, Dec 13 · 5 PM to 7 PM · Elm Street Park, Arroyo Grande · Free
Arroyo Grande Tree Lighting and Snow at Elm Street Park.
Holiday parades
Marching bands, floats and lighted boats on the bay.
Santa's Doggie Parade
Sat, Nov 28 · 11 AM · Avila Promenade, Avila Beach · Free
Dogs in holiday costumes parade along the Avila Promenade, followed by a costume contest and photos with Santa. Check-in starts at 10:30.
50th Annual Holiday Parade
Fri, Dec 4 · 7 PM · Downtown San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo · Free
Downtown San Luis Obispo's 50th annual Holiday Parade marks over half a century of the tradition, which began in 1975, with the theme "Past, Present, Future." Participants are encouraged to build holiday floats and costumes around the theme, and local groups can apply to take part.
Lighted Boat Parade
Sat, Dec 5 · 6 PM to 8 PM · Morro Bay Embarcadero, Morro Bay · Free
Fishing, leisure and yachting boats decorated with bright lights and holiday cheer take to the water along the Morro Bay Embarcadero. Spectators of all ages can watch from viewing areas between Tidelands Park and the Rock, and many restaurants offer window seating.
Paso Robles Christmas Light Parade
Sat, Dec 5 · 6 PM to 8 PM · Downtown Paso Robles, Paso Robles · Free
Lighted floats, classic cars and community groups roll through downtown Paso Robles for the annual Christmas Light Parade.
Grover Beach Holiday Parade
Sat, Dec 12 · 10 AM · West Grand Avenue (16th St. to 9th St.), Grover Beach · Free
This annual community parade along Grand Avenue celebrates the holiday season, with a theme that changes each year. Everyone is welcome to take part, and entries can include floats, musical groups, marching units, motor vehicles and equestrian groups.
Holiday lights
Light displays, drive-throughs and the best places to see a few million bulbs.
Nature Lights
Wed, Nov 25 · 5 PM to 8 PM · San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, San Luis Obispo · $28
Nature Lights is an evening walk through the illuminated botanical garden, with new displays this year, live music on two stages, local chef pop-ups, s'mores and cocoa by the fire pits, and local wine and beer. Games and activities for all ages make it a family-friendly outing, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch
Fri, Nov 27 · Time TBA · Santa Margarita Ranch, Santa Margarita · Tickets required in advance
Ride the Pacific Coast Railroad's Jingle Bell Express to Santa's Village, with Santa visits, shopping, food vendors, games, pony rides, a magic show and s'mores by the fire pits. Runs Fridays through Sundays from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas; tickets must be bought in advance.
SLO Botanical Garden’s Nature Lights
Fri, Nov 27 · 5 PM to 8 PM · San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, San Luis Obispo · $28
Nature Lights is an immersive outdoor holiday light-and-music experience at the Botanical Garden, with light displays across five acres and live local music on two stages. Wine, beer, food and a hot cocoa bar are available, and the all-ages event suits families.
Cambria Christmas Market
Fri, Nov 27 · 5 PM to 9 PM · Cambria Pines Lodge, Cambria · From $25
The Cambria Christmas Market is an evening holiday event featuring 3 million lights, vendors, Santa, a train and market food. Families are welcome, and children 5 and under get in free. Hotel packages are available for those who want an overnight stay.
Garden Lights & Winter Nights
Fri, Dec 4 · 5 PM to 10 PM · Sunken Gardens, Atascadero · Free
Holiday lights in Sunken Gardens run from Dec. 4 through Jan. 10, open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. The display transforms the area into a winter wonderland for strolling and holiday shopping.
Winter Wonderland
Fri, Dec 11 · 5 PM to 9 PM · Downtown Atascadero, Atascadero · Free
A winter-themed family event in downtown Atascadero with a massive snow slide, snow play areas, bungee jumps and obstacle courses. Visitors can also meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and browse over 50 food and craft vendors.
Winter Wonderland
Sat, Dec 12 · 1 PM · Forbes Hall, Arroyo Grande · $23.50–$28.50
Winter Wonderland is a new holiday production from The Studio of Performing Arts, filled with festive cheer, heartwarming moments, and holiday favorites. It's a celebration meant for the whole family, running about two hours with one intermission.
Vine Street Christmas Victorian Showcase
Sat, Dec 12 · 6 PM to 9 PM · Vine Street - Between 8th and 21st Streets, Paso Robles · Free
A holiday showcase along Vine Street in downtown Paso Robles with Victorian-themed displays and festivities. Visitors can stroll the decorated stretch between 8th and 21st Streets.
Santa visits
Breakfasts, photos and a chance to hand over the list in person.
Santa’s House at the Embarcadero
Fri, Dec 4 · 5 PM to 8 PM · Santa’s House at the Embarcadero, Morro Bay · Free
The Morro Bay Rotary’s Santa’s House is open the first three weekends of December: Fridays and Saturdays 5 to 8 PM, Sundays noon to 4. Santa arrives at the City Park tree lighting on opening night.
Breakfast with Santa
Sat, Dec 12 · 8 AM to 10 AM · City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Services (location given at registration), Arroyo Grande · Ticketed
A pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, crafts and entertainment return with an early and a late-morning seating.
Holiday markets & craft fairs
Local makers, gifts and something warm to drink while you shop.
Central Coast Craft Fair
Fri, Nov 27 · 10 AM to 4 PM · San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall, San Luis Obispo · Free
A two-day holiday craft fair at the SLO Veterans Hall the weekend after Thanksgiving, with local makers selling handmade gifts.
Art in the Park Holiday Market
Sat, Dec 5 · 10 AM to 4 PM · Heritage Square Park, Arroyo Grande · Free
A holiday market where SLO County artisans sell handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts, including paintings, crochet, candles, handmade clothing, glass art, jewelry, botanicals, and photography. It's a one-stop holiday shopping outing for the whole family.
The Holiday Emporium
Sun, Dec 6 · 4 PM to 9 PM · San Luis Obispo Public Market, San Luis Obispo · Free
A holiday-themed evening at the market where local makers showcase their crafts. Visitors can sip, shop, and stroll while enjoying live music and their favorite market vendors.
Nipomo Children's Craft Fair
Sat, Dec 12 · 10 AM to 11:30 AM · Nipomo Library Community Room at Nipomo Library, Nipomo · Free
Children ages 7 to 13 sell their own handmade crafts at this fair, and community members are invited to come support these young entrepreneurs.
Holiday shows & concerts
Nutcrackers, A Christmas Carol and holiday concerts around the county.
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Fri, Nov 20 · 7 PM · San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, San Luis Obispo · $43 – $63
A holiday musical in which Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley gather at Sun Records studio to share Christmas stories and perform rockin' Christmas classics. It's best for ages 10 and up.
Jake Shimabukuro - Holidays In Hawai'i
Fri, Nov 20 · 8 PM · Fremont Theater, San Luis Obispo · $25 to $75
Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, who blends jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk, and traditional Hawaiian music, performs his Holidays in Hawai'i show with special guest Justin Kawika Young. The fully seated concert is open to all ages.
Becky Robinson's Holiday Spectacular
Sat, Nov 28 · 8 PM · Fremont Theater, San Luis Obispo · $37.50 to $100
Becky Robinson's Holiday Spectacular at Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo.
Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:30 PM to 9 PM · Atascadero Lake Park, Atascadero · Free
A festive evening walk around the lake at Atascadero Lake Park, with a holiday musical theme.
Cal Poly Choirs: Holiday Kaleidoscope
Sat, Dec 5 · 7:30 PM · Harold Miossi Hall – Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo · $12 – $22
The annual Holiday Kaleidoscope Concert brings all four Cal Poly choral ensembles together for a holiday program of traditional favorites, new works, and audience carol sing-alongs. Now in its 10th year, it's a Central Coast tradition for holiday music lovers of all kinds.
Cal Poly Jazz Ensembles: A Jazzy Holiday Concert
Sun, Dec 6 · 3 PM · Harold Miossi Hall – Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo · $12 – $22
Holiday concert featuring music by Vince Guaraldi and arrangements by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and other jazz artists.
Civic Ballet of SLO Presents Lorilee Silvaggio’s The Nutcracker
Fri, Dec 11 · 7 PM · Harold Miossi Hall – Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo · Price not listed
The Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo's holiday classic follows Clara on a special Christmas Eve journey to the Land of Sweets, alongside Uncle Drosselmeyer, Mother Ginger and the Sugar Plum Fairy. It features a full live orchestra and the county's finest dancers, and suits families and anyone who loves holiday traditions.
Christmas in Cayucos Wonderland Walk
Sat, Dec 12 · 3 PM to 6 PM · Downtown Cayucos, Cayucos · Free
A festive evening stroll along Ocean Ave, where local shops stay open late with holiday decorations and seasonal specials. Families can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, a kids' craft workshop, a snowy play area, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and refreshments from the Cayucos Lioness Club.
SLO County Trumpet Alliance: Holiday Brass Favorites
Sun, Dec 13 · 2 PM · Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo · Ticketed; see tickets.cuesta.edu for prices (parking in Lot 2A included)
Holiday brass concert by the SLO County Trumpet Alliance at the Cuesta College Performing Arts Center. Tickets include parking in Lot 2A.
Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole
Mon, Dec 14 · 7:30 PM to 9 PM · Harold Miossi Hall – Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo · $35-59
A holiday concert with vocalist Stella Cole, who puts fresh life into seasonal favorites with lush arrangements and heartfelt storytelling. Drawing on the Great American Songbook, it's a festive night out for families and friends.
SLO Master Chorale: Holiday Festival & Sing-Along Messiah
Sat, Dec 19 · 7:30 PM · Harold Miossi Hall – Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo · $12.00 - $30.00
Holiday concert featuring Handel's Messiah, holiday favorites, traditional carols, Los Angeles's Westwood Brass and organist Paul Woodring.
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker
Sun, Dec 20 · 3 PM · Forbes Hall, Arroyo Grande · $43.50–$101.25
World Ballet Company's production of The Nutcracker follows Marie on Christmas Eve as her Nutcracker comes to life and leads her through swirling snowflakes, mischievous mice, and the Kingdom of Sweets. It features 40 dancers and is aimed at families and audiences ages 2 and up.
New Year's Eve
Countdowns, parties and early ones for the kids.
New Year's Eve Dinner at Marisol
Thu, Dec 31 · 4 PM · Marisol at The Cliffs, Pismo Beach · Price not listed
A three-course oceanfront dinner at Marisol at The Cliffs to close out the year, with a choice of two seatings and a toast of bubbly or sparkling cider. Reservations are by phone.
More holiday fun for families
Crafts, cookies and festive afternoons that work for kids.
Christmas by the Sea Downtown
Sat, Nov 28 · 10 AM to 4 PM · Downtown Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach · Free
Kick off your holiday season with Christmas by the Sea, a festive downtown celebration hosted by the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce that fills the community with coastal cheer and beautifully decorated storefronts.
Light Up A Life 2026
Tue, Dec 1 · 6 PM to 8 PM · Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, San Luis Obispo · Free
Hospice SLO County's annual remembrance gathering for anyone grieving a loved one, especially during the holidays. It includes music, words of comfort, a reading of names, and the chance to light a candle in memory of those you still hold close to your heart.
Movies at the Market: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Sat, Dec 5 · 6 PM to 8:30 PM · San Luis Obispo Public Market, San Luis Obispo · Free
This outdoor movie night screens Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, projected in the Public Market courtyard. Part of the ongoing Movies at the Market series, it's open to anyone looking for a fun holiday evening, with free entry and free parking.
The Jingle Bell Dash
Sun, Dec 6 · 4 PM · Village of Arroyo Grande, Arroyo Grande · Free
A kids' fun run through the Village of Arroyo Grande for preschoolers through 6th graders. Runners get a jingle bell for their shoe to jingle all the way through the Village and chase the Grinch ahead of the Holiday Parade.
Holiday Magic
Sat, Dec 19 · 10 AM to 1 PM · Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero · Included with general admission. General admission: $15 adults, $13 Atascadero residents/seniors/military & families/students, $10 child, gr
Zookeepers prepare holiday gifts for the animals, purchased by community members in the spirit of giving, and Santa will be on hand too. It's a seasonal outing for zoo visitors of all ages and is included with general admission.
Holiday nights out
Festive dinners, wine events and holiday parties for grown-ups.
Small Business Saturday
Sat, Nov 28 · Time TBA · Downtown Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach · Free
Shoppers can browse local boutiques along the decorated downtown streets to kick off the holiday season. It's a free event for anyone who wants to shop local in the downtown core.
Merry-sol adds holiday cocktails to Marisol Bar
Tue, Dec 1 · Time TBA · Marisol at The Cliffs, Pismo Beach · Free
Marisol Bar is dressing up for the holidays with twinkling décor and a menu of festive specialty cocktails. It's a casual oceanside gathering spot for friends, and guests are welcome to wear their ugly sweaters.
An Evening With Squirrel Nut Zippers
Sat, Dec 5 · 8 PM · Fremont Theater, San Luis Obispo · $20 to $70
Squirrel Nut Zippers bring their Christmas Caravan holiday show, mixing seasonal classics, songs from their Christmas Caravan album, and favorites from their catalog in a vintage jazz, New Orleans swing and folk style. It's open to all ages.
Meow Meow
Mon, Dec 7 · 7:30 PM · Forbes Hall, Arroyo Grande · $49–$79
Meow Meow's "Feline Festive" is a holiday cabaret-concert from an international chanteuse and comic performer, with a band of musicians playing jazzy showbiz, Weimar-era tunes, French chanson and original surprises. It suits audiences looking for music, laughs and some playful audience interaction.
Living Christmas Centerpiece Workshop
Sat, Dec 12 · 11 AM to 1 PM · Cambria Nursery and Florist, Cambria · $106.83
Guided workshop at Cambria Nursery and Florist where participants make their own one-of-a-kind living Christmas centerpiece for the holiday table. Instruction and materials are included, and space is limited, so it suits anyone who wants to craft a festive arrangement to take home.
Bubbles & Bites
Sat, Dec 12 · 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM · Laetitia Vineyards & Winery, Arroyo Grande · Price not listed
An evening winery gathering with appetizers, festive pours, and live music at Laetitia Vineyards & Winery.
Friendly Neighborhood Big Band
Sun, Dec 13 · 11 AM to 4 PM · Pismo Vets Hall, Pismo Beach · Members $10; non-members $15; tickets available at door or in advance
Friendly Neighborhood Big Band plays the Basin Street Regulars' annual Holiday Luncheon at Pismo Vets Hall, with the Decomposing Brass Quintet opening. It's a live traditional jazz afternoon for club members and guests, with dancing and socializing encouraged.
Christmas Mariachi Festival
Sun, Dec 13 · 7 PM · Forbes Hall, Arroyo Grande · Price not listed
A family-friendly holiday celebration of a traditional Mexican Christmas, featuring mariachi music, festive carols, colorful folklórico dance, and holiday traditions. World-class mariachi performers headline an evening meant for audiences of all ages.
Christmas Eve dinner at Marisol by the coast
Thu, Dec 24 · 1 PM · Marisol at The Cliffs, Pismo Beach · Price not listed
Marisol at The Cliffs serves a three-course prix fixe Christmas Eve dinner with an ocean backdrop. Diners choose a favorite dish for each course and finish with a slice of house-baked pie, making it a festive option for anyone celebrating the holiday. Reservations are required.