Looking for holiday fun in SLO County? Check out these festive 2020 events
It’s Christmastime on the Central Coast.
Although the coronavirus pandemic has canceled many of San Luis Obispo County’s most popular holiday traditions, including concerts and parades, there’s still plenty of festive fun to be had.
Here’s a partial list of local events planned for the holly, jolly holiday season. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Atascadero
Holiday Magic
What: Although the Charles Paddock Zoo is currently closed due to COVID-19 regulations, Santa Claus will still be swinging by to drop off festive presents for the critters, in an event shared virtually via the zoo’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Check out the zoo’s wish list at Amazon.com.
When: All day, Dec. 19
Where: Charles Paddock Zoo, 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero
Info: 805-461-5080, charlespaddockzoo.org
Cambria
Lights at Cambria Pines
What: COVID-19 may have canceled the 2020 Cambria Christmas Market, but people dining at Cambria Pines Lodge and staying at Moonstone Hotel properties can still enjoy a lavish holiday display. In addition to more than 2 million lights, Lights at Cambria Pines features Santa’s workshop and booths offering gifts, food and beverages.
When: Through Jan. 2. Closed Dec. 24 and 25.
Where: Cambria Pines Lodge, 2995 Burton Drive, Cambria
How much: Rooms start at $219 to $279 for two people. Dinner reservations sold out.
Info: 800-966-6490 or cambriachristmasmarket.com/lights-at-cambria-pines-2
Morro Bay
Citywide Holiday Tree Lighting
What: Lighted holiday trees can be spotted around town at locations including City Park and Anchor Park. Head to South T-Pier to find a quirky tree made of commercial crab pots, crafted by Friends of the Morro Bay Harbor Department.
When: Through December
Where: Various locations, Morro Bay
Info: 805-225-7411, www.morrobay.org
Paso Robles
Santa’s House
What: A number of popular Paso Robles holiday events, including the Christmas Light Parade, are canceled due to COVID-19. But kids can still see Santa Claus at his playhouse in Downtown City Park; an elf will be there handing out treats.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., through Dec. 24
Where: Downtown City Park, Spring and 12th streets, Paso Robles
Info: 805-238-4103, pasoroblesdowntown.org
Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase
What: Drive through Paso Robles’ historic Vine Street neighborhood as you enjoy lavish holiday decorations. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will cruise the street in their sleigh, joined by an elf and the Snow Queen and Queen, while Ebenezer Scrooge will boom “Bah humbug!” from a vintage pickup truck.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 19
Where: Vine Street and 8th to 21st streets, Paso Robles
Info: 805-238-4103, pasoroblesdowntown.org
San Luis Obispo
Light Up Downtown
What: Downtown San Luis Obispo is decorated for the holidays, with a 20-foot-tall live tree in Mission Plaza and a lighted tree forest on a nearby lawn. Stop by Santa’s House in Mission Plaza to take a selfie with a life-size photo of St. Nick, drop off a letter to Santa Claus or check out the five interactive Memory Moment Pods installed throughout the plaza. There’s even a kid-friendly scavenger hunt, The Search for Santa’s Mouse, with an activity book, puzzles and prizes.
When: Through Jan. 10
Where: Various locations, downtown San Luis Obispo
Info: 805-541-0286, downtownslo.com/events/holidays
Hannukah Downtown
What: Celebrate Hannukah by gathering with San Luis Obispo County’s Jewish community for the ceremonial lighting of the public menorah in front of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, through Dec. 17
Where: Mission San San Luis Obispo, Chorro and Monterey streets, San Luis Obispo
Info: 805-426-5465, www.jccslo.com/hanukkah.html
Christmas Movie
What: The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach 5 Cities hosts this special screening of the holiday movie “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” starring Richard Thomas and Charles Bronson. The screening is free but donations of non-perishable food items or unwrapped toys are encouraged.
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sunset Drive-In, 544 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo
Info: 805-489-3020, www.facebook.com/events/193843452221359
Santa Maria
Christmas in the Country
What: Christmas trees, a sugar plum forest, a snow tunnel and a live nativity scene complete with camels and water buffaloes are just some of the highlights at this drive-through holiday light event sponsored by Elks Recreation and the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The route stretches more than two miles through the Elks rodeo grounds.
When: 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; through Jan. 3
Where: Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center, 4040 S. Highway 101, Santa Maria
How much: $40 per vehicle
Info: 805-925-4125, www.elksrec.com/events/christmasinthecountry
This story was originally published December 3, 2020 at 3:27 PM.
