When to catch the best holiday events in downtown SLO
The holidays are about to be in full swing at San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza, where children can visit Santa Claus and take a ride on the classic carousel.
This year’s downtown festivities feature all the classics — from the tree lighting ceremony to the holiday parade.
Santa’s House
What: Children who visit Santa receive a complimentary activity book, toy and candy cane.
Where: Mission Plaza
When: Nov. 24 to Dec. 24
Price: Pictures are available for purchase: $5 take-your-own; $8 framed souvenir photo; and $11 for a souvenir package, including both the framed photo and take-your-own. Photos also can be be emailed for $3 with the purchase of a framed souvenir photo.
Info: Hours for Santa’s House vary; visit www.DowntownSLO.com for a complete schedule.
Classic carousel
What: After taking a photo with Santa, go for a whirl on the classic carousel.
Where: Mission Plaza
When: Nov. 24 to Dec. 26
Price: Carousel rides are $3 each, or families can purchase a package of five rides for $10.
Info: Hours for the classic carousel vary; visit www.DowntownSLO.com for a complete schedule.
Window decorating contest
What: See local businesses lit up for the annual contest.
Where: Downtown San Luis Obispo
When: Nov. 24 to Dec. 15
Price: Free
Info: Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, as well as best in theme (Holiday Hoedown) and people’s choice. Voting for the people’s choice award will be open until Dec. 15. Votes can be submitted via a poll on the Downtown SLO Facebook page.
Tree lighting ceremony
Where: Mission Plaza
When: 5 p.m. Nov. 27
Price: Free
Info: Enjoy caroling and hot chocolate during the ceremony.
Holiday parade
What: The 42nd annual holiday parade through downtown San Luis Obispo.
Where: The parade route starts on Chorro at Palm and ends on Higuera at Nipomo.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 1
Price: Free
Info: Watch hundreds of parade participants make their way through downtown San Luis Obispo. Bob Douglass, the former owner of San Luis Luggage, will serve as this year’s Parade Marshal. A map is available at www.DowntownSLO.com.
Lucas Clark: 805-781-7915, @LucasClark_SLO
This story was originally published November 22, 2017 at 3:46 PM with the headline "When to catch the best holiday events in downtown SLO."