Here are the 12 best holiday events in SLO County — from parades to Christmas markets
Ho ho ho! Hard to believe, but the holidays are here.
From holly, jolly holiday parades to Christmas markets and craft fairs, there’s a lot of festive fun in store on the Central Coast.
Here are 12 of the best holiday events coming to San Luis Obispo County this season.
Cambria Christmas Market
What: Now in its eighth year, this European-style Christmas market features more than 2 million lights in dazzling displays as well as live music, train rides, food, drinks and vendor booths. New this year is a super-sized advent calendar created by Cal Poly students; it’s located near the Santa House. Head across Burton Street to Cambria Nursery and Florist for more delightful holiday decor.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 23. (Closed Dec. 9.)
Where: Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria
How much: $10 to $25, children 10 and under free with paying adults
Info: cambriachristmasmarket.com
‘A Christmas Story’
What: All little Ralphie Parker wants is a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas, but everyone warns him, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Based on the classic Christmas movie, this hilarious play is old-timey holiday fun for the whole family.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Dec. 22
Where: San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo
How much: $20 to $39
Info: 805-786-2440 or slorep.org
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‘The Holiday Extravaganza’
What: This heartwarming holiday show is an annual tradition for many Central Coast families. A one-act version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is followed by the comedic operetta “The Three Little Pigs” and a holiday-themed vaudeville revue featuring musical numbers including the “Reindeer Rap.”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 4 and 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Dec. 31.
Where: The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville, 1863 Front St., Oceano
How much: $28 to $33
Info: 805-489-2499 or www.americanmelodrama.com
Downtown SLO Holiday Parade
What: Festive floats, dancers, marching bands and more will wind their way through downtown San Luis Obispo during the 44th annual Holiday Parade. Arriving early? Swing by Santa’s House in Mission Plaza with the kids to visit St. Nick and ride the carousel.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Various locations, downtown San Luis Obispo
How much: Free
Info: 805-541-0286 or downtownslo.com
Holiday Harmony at the Park in Pismo Beach
What: Snow, Santa Claus, cookie decorating and bounce houses are among the festive, family-friendly activities planned for this holiday event.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St., Pismo Beach
How much: Free
Info: 805-773-7063 or www.pismobeach.org
Atascadero’s Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake
What: Walk around Atascadero Lake as you enjoy everything from bell ringers, carolers and choirs to holiday decorations and refreshments. You can even visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Charles Paddock Zoo, which is open to families free of charge during most of the Holiday Musical Walk. (The zoo will celebrate its Holiday Magic event on Dec. 21.)
When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero
How much: Free
Info: 805-550-3147 or www.atascaderolake.net
Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade
What: Beautifully decorated fishing boats, leisure craft and yachts light up the Morro Bay waterfront during this annual holiday event. Participating vessels will compete for prizes.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: 351 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
How much: Free
Info: 805-225-1633 or morrobay.org
Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase in Paso Robles
What: Cross paths with Santa Claus, the Snow Queen and Ebenezer Scrooge as you stroll past beautifully decorated historic homes in Paso Robles. Highlights of the 33rd annual event include community caroling, illuminated floats, live music and free cookies and chocolate.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Vine Street between Eighth and 21st streets, Paso Robles
How much: Free
Info: 805-238-4103 or pasoroblesdowntown.org
Winter Wonderland in Atascadero
What: More than 65 tons of snow will transform Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens into a wintry wonderland complete with play areas, a massive snow slide and visits from Santa and Mrs Claus. Also in store are bounce houses, bungee jumps, an obstacle course, entertainment and more than 50 food and craft vendors.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero
How much: Free
Info: 805-466-2044 or visitatascadero.com
Christmas Lights Parade and Crafts Faire in San Miguel
What: Shop for handcrafted holiday gifts before watching a parade through downtown San Miguel. A holiday bake-off, barbecue, children’s cupcake decorating contest and magic show are also planned.
When: 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: Mission Street, downtown San Miguel
How much: Free
Info: sanmiguelchamber.org
Hanukkah in downtown SLO
What: Celebrate Hanukkah with nightly candlelighting and songs at the menorah in front of Mission San Luis Obispo. On the first night of the eight-day holiday, JCC-Federation of San Luis Obispo will host a community Hanukkah party complete with music, games and sweet treats.
When: 5 p.m. Dec. 22 through 29 (5:30 p.m. Dec. 28)
Where: Mission San Luis Obispo, 751 Palm St., San Luis Obispo
How much: Free
Info: 805-426-5465 or https://www.jccslo.com/hanukkah.html
Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip
What: Kick off the New Year with a plunge into the chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean. With thousands of participants dressed in all manner of outlandish outfits, people watching is part of the fun.
When: Noon, Jan. 1
Where: Cayucos Pier
How much: Free
Info: www.cayucoschamber.com/polar-bear-dip
