Entertainment

Where to see Santa this holiday season in SLO County

By Sarah Linn

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Yes, the Jolly Old Elf is planning an extended trip to the Central Coast just in time for the holidays.

Whether you want to snap a selfie or share your holiday wish list, here’s where to find Father Christmas in San Luis Obispo County.

Santa’s House

What: St. Nick sets up shop in downtown San Luis Obispo starting Friday. Children who visit Santa get free activity books, toys and candy canes. Tired of waiting in line? Take a ride on the classic carousel next to Santa’s cozy cottage.

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Nov. 30; through Dec. 24. Hours vary.

Where: Mission Plaza, 989 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo

How much: $5 to $11 photos, $3 to $10 carousel rides.

Info: 805-541-0286, ext. 11, or www.downtownslo.com

Jack Von Biela, a close friend of Santa Claus, talks to Morgan Korth, 10, and her brother Lucas, 8, both of Arroyo Grande. St. Nick returns to the Village of Arroyo Grande on Friday.
Jack Von Biela, a close friend of Santa Claus, talks to Morgan Korth, 10, and her brother Lucas, 8, both of Arroyo Grande. St. Nick returns to the Village of Arroyo Grande on Friday. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

Santa in The Village

What: Kris Kringle can be spotted hanging out the front porch of the historic Conrad House in the adorable Village of Arroyo Grande, starting Friday.

When: 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 3 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday; through Dec. 24

Where: Conrad House, 208 East Branch St., Arroyo Grande Village

How much: Free

Info: 805-473-2250 or www.arroyograndevillage.org

Santa Claus, also known as Charley Carlin of Atascadero, and Mrs. Claus, Lee Marx of Paso Robles, hold Joseph, 6 and Dillon, 11 months, for a photo in Paso Robles. The Vine Street Victorian Showcase returns to Paso Robles on Dec. 9.
Santa Claus, also known as Charley Carlin of Atascadero, and Mrs. Claus, Lee Marx of Paso Robles, hold Joseph, 6 and Dillon, 11 months, for a photo in Paso Robles. The Vine Street Victorian Showcase returns to Paso Robles on Dec. 9. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

Santa’s Holiday House

What: Head to the heart of downtown Paso Robles to visit with Santa, take photos and receive small toys. Downtown City Park also boasts a gazebo, a playground and the Carnegie Library, home to the El Paso Robles Area Historical Society.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, 20, 21, 22 and 24; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 and 23

Where: Downtown City Park, 11th and Park streets, Paso Robles

How much: Free

Info: 805-238-4103 or www.pasoroblesdowntown.org

Marcia Thormey and her daughter, Ariel Bruce, visit Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus — Tom and Kelly Barton — at the Cambria Christmas Market. This year’s market runs Friday through Dec. 23 at the Cambria Pines Lodge.
Marcia Thormey and her daughter, Ariel Bruce, visit Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus — Tom and Kelly Barton — at the Cambria Christmas Market. This year’s market runs Friday through Dec. 23 at the Cambria Pines Lodge. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

You can also spot Santa Claus at the following events:

Cambria Christmas Market. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, through Dec. 23. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria. $5 to $15, children 5 and younger free. 805- 927-6109 or www.cambriachristmasmarket.com.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony. 5 p.m. Dec. 1. Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero. Free. 805-470-3360 or www.atascadero.org.

Pismo Beach Holiday Harmony & Tree Lighting Ceremony. 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1. Pismo Beach Pier, Pomeroy Avenue, Pismo Beach. Free. 805-773-7063 or www.pismochamber.com.

Lion’s Children’s Christmas Party. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2. Pinedorado Grounds, 940 Main St., Cambria. Free. 805-927-9903.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Arrive by Train. 2:30 p.m. Dec. 2. San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum. 1940 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo. Free. 805-548-1894 or www.slorrm.com.

Musical Holiday Walk Around the Lake. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Atascadero Lake Park, Marchant Ave., Atascadero. Free. 805-550-3147 or www.atascaderolake.net.

Kate Shurson of Pismo Beach and her golden retrievers — from left, 13-year-old Maya, 2-year-old Zeba, and 12-year-old Xochi — poses for a photo with Santa Claus at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo. The human society holds its annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 9.
Kate Shurson of Pismo Beach and her golden retrievers — from left, 13-year-old Maya, 2-year-old Zeba, and 12-year-old Xochi — poses for a photo with Santa Claus at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo. The human society holds its annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 9. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

Holiday Tree Lighting. 5 p.m. Dec. 4. Features cocoa, coffee and cookies, caroling and a visit with Santa! Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach. 805-473-4580 or www.grover.org.

Cambria Hospitality Night. 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7. Main Street, Cambria. 805-927-3624 or www.cambriachamber.org.

Winter Wonderland. 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8. Entrada Avenue, downtown Atascadero. Free. 805-470-3360 or www.visitatascadero.com.

Holiday Open House. Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 9. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo. Free. 805-543-9316 or www.woodshumanesociety.org.

Shell Beach Holiday Stroll. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach. Free. 805-241-2612 or www.pismochamber.com.

Christmas in Cayucos. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 9. Ocean Avenue, Cayucos. Free. 805-995-1200 or www.cayucoschamber.com.

Mrs. Santa Claus, also known as Delma Meyer, hands out candy canes to Evan Echard, 7, while his mom, Mary Echard, and brother Ian, 4, of Atascadero, look on. The Charles Paddock Zoo holds its annual Holiday Magic event on Dec. 16.
Mrs. Santa Claus, also known as Delma Meyer, hands out candy canes to Evan Echard, 7, while his mom, Mary Echard, and brother Ian, 4, of Atascadero, look on. The Charles Paddock Zoo holds its annual Holiday Magic event on Dec. 16. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

Vine Street Victorian Showcase. 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9. Vine Street in Paso Robles, between Eighth and 21st streets. Free. 805-238-4103 or www.pasoroblesdowntown.org.

Holiday Magic at Charles Paddock Zoo. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Charles Paddock Zoo, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero. $5 to $7, children 2 and under free. 805-461-5080 or www.visitatascadero.com

Victorian Teddy Bear Tea. 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 16. Park Ballroom, Paso Robles Inn, 1232 Park St., No. 200, Paso Robles. $8 to $15. 805-238-4103 or www.pasoroblesdowntown.org.

Sarah Linn: 805-781-7907, @shelikestowatch

This story was originally published November 23, 2017 at 9:26 AM with the headline "Where to see Santa this holiday season in SLO County."

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