Here are 20 SLO County events to help you get in the holiday spirit
Are you ready for some holiday magic?
From festive parades to Christmas light displays and shopping showcases, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season in San Luis Obispo County.
Many of the events are outdoors, making them safer options for residents looking to limit their risk of contracting COVID-19. The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department’s indoor mask mandate remains in effect, so bring a face mask for any indoor events.
Here are just a few of the holiday events coming to San Luis Obispo County this year.
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‘The Holiday Extravaganza,’ Oceano
What: The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville’s beloved holiday show features a one-act version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” plus a fractured fairytale opera and the Holiday Vaudeville Revue. It’s a “family tradition designed to bring a year’s worth of smiles to you and your loved ones,” according to the website.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 31.
Where: Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville, 1827 Pacific Blvd., Oceano
Cost: $32 to $36
Info: 805-489-2499 or americanmelodrama.com
Hanukkah Downtown, San Luis Obispo
What: The Jewish community of San Luis Obispo will gather at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, according to the JCC-Federation of SLO. Join in the celebration as community members help light the public menorah each night of Hanukkah. A live stream of the events is available on the JCC-Federation of SLO’s Facebook page.
When: 5 to 6 p.m. nightly, through Sunday
Where: Mission San Luis Obispo, 989 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo
Cost: Free
Info: 805-426-5465 or jccslo.com/hanukkah
Holiday Parade, San Luis Obispo
What: Kick off the holiday season with this classic holiday parade, now in its 45th year. The theme of the 2021 parade is California Dreamin’ — colorful floats, music and more.
When: 7 to 9 p.m., Friday
Where: Parade route starts at Chorro and Palm streets and winds through downtown San Luis Obispo, ending at the intersection of Nipomo and Monterey streets.
Cost: Free
Info: 805-541-0286 or downtownslo.com/events/holidays
Light Up the Downtown and Art, Wine and Brew Tour, Atascadero
What: Join the countdown to light up Atascadero’s historic City Hall. The Fine Arts Academy Honor Choir and Atascadero Community Band will perform holiday music in the Sunken Gardens, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to greet children. Also in store are complimentary hay rides, hot chocolate and fire truck rides.
While family-friendly activities are happening at the Sunken Gardens, grownups can sip and shop at businesses throughout downtown Atascadero during the Art, Wine and Brew Tour.
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday
Where: City Hall, 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero
Cost: Free; $20 to $25 for Art, Wine and Brew Tour
Info: 805-470-3490 or visitatascadero.com/events
Christmas Parade, Paso Robles
What: The city of Paso Robles is celebrating the holiday season with its 60th annual Christmas Parade. The parade will shut down some of the main roads in Paso Robles, including Spring Street from 6th to 15th streets, the City Park and portions of Park and Pine streets.
When: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Spring Street from 6th Street to 15th Street, the City Park, parts of Park Street and Pine Street
Cost: Free
Info: 805-227-7496
South County Holiday Parade, Grover Beach
What: Head to Grover Beach for a day packed with holiday festivities. First up is the 54th annual Holiday Parade, which starts at 16th Street and Grand Avenue and ends at Ramona Garden Park. Then the park transforms into Santa’s Workshop, a snowy winter wonderland complete with live music by Critical Mass, hot cocoa, snacks and homemade gifts for sale. The celebration concludes with a holiday tree lighting at sunset.
When: Parade 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday; Santa’s Workshop 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; holiday tree lighting at sunset
Where: Ramona Garden Park, 993 Ramona Ave. Grover Beach
Cost: Free
Info: groverbeach.org/449/54th-Annual-South-County-Holiday-Parade
Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade
What: Fishing boats, yachts and other boats decked out with thousands of twinkling lights return to the waters of Morro Bay to spread holiday cheer, according to the Rotary Club of Morro Bay. The boats will set sail from the Embarcadero.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Embarcadero, Morro Bay
Cost: Free
Info: morrobay.org/event/lighted-boat-parade/14018/
Elegant Christmas in the Village, Arroyo Grande
What: Holiday carolers and decor, Santa Claus, wine tasting and extended shopping hours are is store during the Elegant Christmas event in the Village of Arroyo Grande. Sip and Shop patrons can purchase wristbands in advance to partake in wine and beer tastings at Mason Bar and Kitchen, Rooster Creek Tavern, Cafe Andreini and Gina’s Italian Cuisine.
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Various locations, Village of Arroyo Grande
Cost: Free; $30 for wine and beer tasting wristbands
Info: southcountychambers.com/2021/11/05/elegant-christmas-in-the-village/
Christmas in Cayucos
What: Celebrate Christmas throughout the month of December in Cayucos. The season kicks off with a tree lighting, carolers from the Cayucos Community Church and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 5. During the Christmas in Cayucos Open House event on Dec. 11, businesses along Ocean Avenue host shoppers for extended hours. In addition, businesses throughout the downtown area will participate in a holiday decorating competition sponsored by the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce.
When: Tree lighting, 5 p.m. Sunday; Christmas in Cayucos Open House, 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 11.
Where: Corner of Ocean Avenue and D Street, Cayucos; various locations downtown.
Cost: Free
Info: cayucoschamber.com/christmas-in-cayucos
Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas
What: Now in its fifth year, the Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas will feature a hometown parade, tree lighting ceremony, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and more. Hot food, beverages and holiday gifts will be sold at the Christmas Marketplace beginning at 2 p.m., and a 24-foot tall Christmas tree will light up at 6:15 p.m.
When: 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Various locations, Old Towne Nipomo Area. Christmas Marketplace at corner of Tefft Street and Thompson Road and parade down Tefft Street.
Cost: Free
Info: 805-896-8972
Hospitality Day, Cambria
What: Pop into shops decorated for the holidays as you stroll Main Street and other spots in downtown Cambria. The Sons of American Legion Post No. 432 will give away free hot dogs in front of the Cambria Chamber of Commerce office, 767 Main St., starting at 3 p.m. and Santa Claus will be in front of the chamber beginning at 4 p.m. A procession featuring classic cars and a calliope will leave the Veterans Memorial Building parking lot, 1000 Main St. in Cambria, at about 4 p.m.
When: 1 to 8 p.m. Monday
Where: Various locations, Main Street, Cambria
Cost: Free
Info: 805-927-3624 or cambriachamber.org
Winter Wonderland, Atascadero
What: The Sunken Gardens in downtown Atascadero is transformed into a winter wonderland when 75 tons of snow is delivered to the North County city. There will be a large snow pile play area, complete with a snow slide and four sled runs. Families can enjoy Joe’s Little Train, two Euro Bungee jumps, an obstacle course, bounce houses and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
When: 5 to 10 p.m., Dec. 10
Where: Sunken Gardens, 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero
Cost: Free
Info: visitatascadero.com/events
‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ San Luis Obispo
What: The classic holiday movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” is reimagined as a 1940s radio broadcast in this play, adapted from the book “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre’s production features live foley sound effects and a handful of actors playing dozens of roles. The theater requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday; Dec. 10 through Dec. 18
Where: SLO Repertory Theatre, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo
Cost: $20 to $25
Info: 805-786-2440 or slorep.org
Santa’s Reindeer Farm, Atascadero
What: Santa Claus sent his reindeer for a visit with North County children at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero. Help feed the reindeer and take some family photos with Rudolph’s buddies.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 10-12
Where: Charles Paddock Zoo, 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero
Cost: $10, $9 seniors, $8 children 5 to 13; $5 children 3 to 4; children 2 and younger are free.
Info: 805-461-5080 or charlespaddockzoo.org
Reindeer Run, San Luis Obispo
What: Run, run Rudolph! The San Luis Obispo County Friday Night Live Partnership sponsors a 5-kilometer run that begins at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo. The route follows the Railroad Trail to Orcutt Road, returns to Mitchell Park via Broad and Santa Barbara streets and is mostly on trails and sidewalks. Runners are asked to dress in their favorite holiday gear to help the community get in the spirit.
When: 9 to 11:30 a.m., Dec. 11
Where: Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos St., San Luis Obispo
Cost: $25, $5 meal add-on
Info: https://bit.ly/sloreindeerrun
Parade of Thanks, Los Osos
What: Thank essential workers for keeping Los Osos safe during the pandemic, from the police, fire, medical, teachers from three schools, grocery store and others, during the parade. People who would like to thank someone specific can send a personalized message to the Los Osos Chamber of Commerce at info@lobpchamber.org which will be read during the parade.
When: 10 a.m., Dec. 11
Where: Parade route travels down Los Osos Valley Road, beginning near Ralphs Grocery Store until 10th Street
Cost: Free
Info: lobpchamber.org/events
Santa’s Doggie Parade, Avila Beach
What: Mutts strut their stuff — and show off their best holiday apparel — during this fun, festive parade in Avila Beach. Dog owners must clean up after their pups and dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Unspayed, female dogs must not come in heat and dogs in costume must be safe and comfortable.
When: 11 a.m. Dec. 11. Check-in for participants is 10 tp 10:45 a.m.
Where: Avila Beach Promenade, near the pier
Cost: $5 donation for Avila Beach Community Center
Info: avilabeachcc.com/schedule-of-events
Vine Street Victorian Showcase, Paso Robles
What: The 35th Annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase will look a little different this year. Rather than walking Vine Street to see historic homes lit up in their Christmas best, visitors can hop in their vehicles for a drive-through-only event, said Norma Moye, chairwoman of the Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, along with Ebenezer Scrooge and the Snow King and Queen, will be riding in cars up and down the street to spread Christmas cheer.
When: 6 to 9 p.m., Dec. 11
Where: Vine Street between 8th and 21st streets, Paso Robles
Cost: Free
Info: 805-238-4103 or pasoroblesdowntown.org
A December to Remember, Pismo Beach
What: Residents and businesses show off their holiday lights in a friendly competition sponsored by the city of Pismo Beach. Either go for a traditional holiday display or take what the city calls “the Clark Griswold approach,” which will make you the talk of the town. The category for businesses is best overall design.
The deadline to enter the competition is Dec. 17, and voting closes on Dec. 19. Households and businesses can register to be added to the Pismo Beach Interactive Light Map until Dec. 23.
Winners will be announced on the Pismo Beach City Council meeting on Dec. 21 and on social media. Winners will receive a holiday basket, a $100 gift card to Orchard Supply Hardware and a 2021 Holiday Lights Winner yard sign.
When: December. Register for competition by 5 p.m., Dec. 17. Voting closes Dec. 19. Deadline to be added to map is Dec. 23.
Where: Various locations, Pismo Beach
Cost: Free
Info: 805-773-4657, lmoss@pismobeach.org or https://bit.ly/pismoholidaylights2021
Holiday Magic at the Charles Paddock Zoo, Atascadero
What: Zookeepers step in for Santa’s elves to prepare gifts for some of the animals on Santa’s nice list at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 18
Where: Charles Paddock Zoo, 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero
Cost: $10, $9 seniors, $8 children 5 to 13; $5 children 3 to 4; children 2 and younger are free.
Info: 805-461-5080 or charlespaddockzoo.org
Christmas on Main Street, Templeton
What: The city of Templeton is hosting a new holiday event with Christmas on Main Street. Businesses will have festive decor and hot drinks and treats for shoppers at their shops between First and Eighth streets along Main Street in Templeton, said Sarah Maggelet, volunteer with the Templeton Chamber of Commerce.
There will also be a craft fair with more than 30 vendors and visit from Santa Claus at the American Legion Hall. At the south end of Main Street will be a petting zoo, sponsored by the Templeton 4-H club. Halfway down Main Street, the Templeton Recreation Department will have children’s activities, games and art projects, Maggelet said.
The Charity Christmas Tree Auction — where community members bid on nine trees decorated and adopted by businesses in the community to raise money for local nonprofits — closes at 7 p.m. on Dec. 18.
When: 4 to 7 p.m., Dec. 18
Where: Main Street, First and Eighth streets, Templeton
Cost: Free
Info: templetonchamber.com
This story was originally published November 27, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
