Here are 4 elaborate holiday light displays to check out this weekend in SLO County
Editor’s Note: This is the second in our Heartwarming Holidays series of stories running through December. Got something special you’d like us to share? Email reporter Kaytlyn Leslie at kleslie@thetribunenews.com.
Looking for the best local Christmas lights is a time-honored holiday past time, and here in San Luis Obispo County, we are lucky to have several amazing light displays available for us to gawk at.
From North County to South County, these four notable (and free) holiday displays are more than just a string of lights from the eaves: They include everything from musical and dance performances and snowstorms to a Hollywood-replica of an Old West town, lit with 3 miles worth of lights.
Many of these displays also have a charitable angle, with proceeds from visitors going to local causes, so you can feel good while you take in a show.
Without further ado, here’s when and how to participate in four of San Luis Obispo County’s more unique holiday light extravaganzas throughout December.
Cookies and Cocoa, Atascadero
Where: 2720 Ferrocarril Road
When: Fridays through December, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The Boydstons started an event at their Atascadero home in 2020 to help benefit charity and decided to continue it again this year, according to Chaz Boydston.
This year, the Boydstons will sell homemade caramel popcorn, cookies, fudge and hot cocoa to help raise money to buy gifts for children in San Luis Obispo County’s Social Services. They will also hold a raffle for a gift basket, with items donated by the community.
Their Atascadero decorations include a trail of lights with a virtual Santa, a sleigh for people to take photos in, a snow machine and a visit from Santa himself on Dec. 17.
Critter Creek Ranch, Creston
Where: 3897 La Panza Road
When: Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, 5 to 9 p.m.
At his 10-acre Creston property known as Critter Creek Ranch, Rickwald has built a massive Hollywood-style Old West movie set — complete with a general store, building facades and even a hand-made barbecue — that he then decks out for the holidays with miles of Christmas lights for a unique holiday spectacle.
The property will be opened up to the public for the first time this year this Saturday, and again on Dec. 18, with decorations spanning the entirety of the ranch, lighting up the main area as well as some small trails and even a Christmas tree or two. Guests will also be treated to free hot chocolate or apple cider and free chili.
The lights are visible from the road every day, between 5 and 9 p.m.
Willow Lights, Nipomo
Where: Willow Road and Hetrick Avenue
When: Fridays through Sundays, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
For years, Pastor Salvador Ortiz Jr. of the Power of God Christian Center wanted to create a light show that could rival the Cambria Christmas Market. He even began working on plans for it for the 2014 holiday season, but before they could be realized, Ortiz died.
In 2018, members of his church brought his plans to life, creating Willow Lights in Nipomo. The site features a Christmas market with light displays, craft vendors, food vendors, train ride, swing ride, fire pits and even a fake snowfall every 30 minutes, according to Selena Ortiz, wife of current pastor Desi Ortiz. The main light display on the property is synced to different Christmas songs, creating a showstopping performance.
The event is free to the public, though organizers ask for an optional $10 donation. That money goes into funding the annual display, as well as the church’s various charity works, Selena Ortiz said.
Christmas at the Stiers’, Paso Robles
Where: 428 Montebello Oaks Drive
When: Dec. 11 and ongoing
Brandon Stier held a special event this year against the backdrop of his brightly lit and heavily decorated Paso Robles home. It featured a toy drive for children with cancer on the Central Coast, as well as a canned food drive. In 2020, Stier said he and his family collected more than two full truckloads of donated goods, and this year they are on track to collect even more.
At the property, volunteers passed out free hot chocolate and candy canes to visitors, who took photos with an on-site Santa and a vintage fire truck. This year, Paso Robles dance studio Artistry in Motion also has set up displays with live dancing and acting performances.
The whole thing is meant to be viewed as a drive-through, though there is a dedicated parking area for those who wish to stop for a closer look.
Help with Christmas at the Stiers’ is provided by the Paso Robles Army Recruiting Center, Along Comes Hope and other local businesses and organizations.
This story was originally published December 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM.
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