Embrace the holiday joy in San Luis Obispo! Find all the community events in our guide. For those born and raised in San Luis Obispo and those just arrived, our guide is your ticket to seasonal wonder.
Popular events include the 48th Annual Holiday Parade, which features festive floats and lively performances that weave through downtown, bringing the community together. The Holiday Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo transforms into a vibrant gathering space filled with lights and cheer, perfect for enjoying the holiday spirit. And definitely don't forget the First Friday Holiday Sip & Shop, an excellent opportunity to discover local artisans while enjoying a festive atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around San Luis Obispo
- 48th Annual Holiday Parade
- Holiday Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo
- Holiday Harmony (Pismo Beach)
- Light Up The Downtown & First Friday Holiday Sip & Shop (Atascadero)
- Makers at the Market – Holiday Emporium
- Nature Nights at the SLO Botanical Garden
- Lighted Boat Parade (Morro Bay)
- Christmas at the Ranch (Santa Margarita)
- The Snow Queen Ballet
- Tin City Forklift Parade (Paso Robles)
See these and even more events listed below!
San Luis Obispo Holiday Light Displays
Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats with bright lights cruise the harbor.
Description:
The Lighted Boat Parade in Morro Bay features decorated boats with bright lights and holiday cheer, offering a festive display along the Embarcadero. Viewing areas include Tidelands Park, the Rock, and various restaurants with window seating. The event also includes the Rotary Santa House, hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies, as well as holiday music by the Morro Bay White Caps Band.
Where: Morro Bay | More Info: Lighted Boat Parade
Nature Nights at the SLO Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light and art experience with live music and local food.
Description:
Nature Nights at the SLO Botanical Garden features new light exhibits, live music on two stages, food vendors, and an artist marketplace, offering a delightful evening for the whole family.
Where: San Luis Obispo | More Info: Nature Nights at the SLO Botanical Garden
San Luis Obispo Holiday Markets and Shopping
Light Up The Downtown & First Friday Holiday Sip & Shop
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, firetrucks, and hay rides.
Description:
Light Up The Downtown & First Friday Holiday Sip & Shop features community entertainment, Santa, complimentary Model-A-Firetruck & Hay Rides, hot chocolate, and more.
Where: Atascadero | More Info: Light Up The Downtown & First Friday Holiday Sip & Shop
Makers at the Market – Holiday Emporium
What to Expect:
Two-day market with workshops and gift wrapping station.
Description:
The Makers at the Market – Holiday Emporium is a two-day market featuring workshops, a gift wrapping station, live music, and food and drink from in-house vendors. It offers free entry and parking, making it a family-friendly event.
Where: San Luis Obispo | More Info: Makers at the Market – Holiday Emporium
Mid-State Fair Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling diverse handmade and unique items.
Description:
The Mid-State Fair Holiday Market at the Paso Robles Event Center features local crafters and artisans selling handmade and unique items, including jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, home decor, health and beauty products, art, antiques, handmade eats, and used items.
Where: Paso Robles | More Info: Mid-State Fair Holiday Market
Central Coast Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Showcase of 100% handmade crafts and gifts.
Description:
The Central Coast Craft Fair is a premier event showcasing handmade crafts, gifts, and home decor. It features local artisans and makers, offering a rich assortment of unique, handcrafted items.
Where: San Luis Obispo | More Info: Central Coast Craft Fair
San Luis Obispo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
NOCHEBUENA: A Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Cultural celebration blending indigenous and Spanish heritage.
Description:
NOCHEBUENA: A Christmas Spectacular features Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cullar, celebrating Mexico's vibrant Christmas traditions with captivating music, dance, and festive customs.
Where: San Luis Obispo | More Info: NOCHEBUENA: A Christmas Spectacular
The Snow Queen Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with original adaptation and elaborate sets.
Description:
The Snow Queen Ballet is a heartwarming adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale, featuring cherished friendship and a young girl's journey to rescue her beloved friend from the icy Snow Queen. Set to music by Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Mozart, and Vivaldi, this holiday treat follows Gerda as she travels through various landscapes to save Kay from the Snow Queen's spell.
Where: San Luis Obispo | More Info: The Snow Queen Ballet
San Luis Obispo Other Holiday Activities
48th Annual Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse parade entries.
Description:
The 48th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade features floats, marching bands, walking groups, horse units, and decorated vehicles, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse.
Where: San Luis Obispo | More Info: 48th Annual Holiday Parade
Holiday Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo
What to Expect:
Whimsical parade theme with enchanted forest, swirly tree, and sparkly snowscape decorations.
Description:
Downtown San Luis Obispo's Holiday Plaza is a vibrant hub of holiday traditions, featuring the annual Holiday Parade, Santa's House, and dazzling lights and sights in Mission Plaza.
Where: San Luis Obispo | More Info: Holiday Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo
Holiday Harmony
What to Expect:
Family-friendly event with snow, Santa, and bounce houses.
Description:
Holiday Harmony is a free family event at Pismo Beach Pier featuring snow, Santa, crafts, and bounce houses. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 PM.
Where: Pismo Beach | More Info: Holiday Harmony
Christmas at the Ranch
What to Expect:
Historic steam train rides with original Disneyland coaches and cab ride experiences.
Description:
Christmas at the Ranch features narrow gauge steam train rides through a Christmas showcase, offering two unique train options and a visit to Santa's village with photo opportunities, games, food, and a magic show.
Where: Santa Margarita | More Info: Christmas at the Ranch
Tin City Forklift Parade
What to Expect:
Holiday forklift parade with Santa meet-and-greet.
Description:
Join BarrelHouse Brewing Co. for the Tin City Forklift Parade, where you can meet Santa, enjoy holiday spirit, and watch the festive forklift parade along Limestone Way. Food vendors will offer a variety of treats to complement the event.
Where: Paso Robles | More Info: Tin City Forklift Parade
Santa Surf and Christmas Costume Event
What to Expect:
Unique holiday celebration combining adaptive surfing with festive costumes.
Description:
The 5th Annual AmpSurf Pismo Beach Santa Surf and Christmas Costume Event is a joyous celebration where participants dress in festive attire and enjoy the healing power of adaptive surfing.
Where: Pismo Beach | More Info: Santa Surf and Christmas Costume Event
Holiday Parade at the Village
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local events.
Description:
The Holiday Parade at the Village in Arroyo Grande features a festive celebration with community events, public meetings, and recreation services. It takes place on December 3, 2023, at 5:00 PM in the Village of Arroyo Grande.
Where: Arroyo Grande | More Info: Holiday Parade at the Village
Holiday Magic at the Charles Paddock Zoo
What to Expect:
Zookeepers dress as Santa's Elves to prepare gifts for animals.
Description:
Join the Charles Paddock Zoo for an annual celebration where zookeepers dress as Santa's Elves to prepare special gifts for the animals. Santa will help welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals throughout the day. The zoo will be decorated with holiday decorations, and activities for the entire family will be available. Witness the excitement as animals unwrap their presents, including meerkats, monkeys, and the zoo's majestic tiger.
Where: Atascadero | More Info: Holiday Magic at the Charles Paddock Zoo
Christmas at The Carrisa
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday celebration with nostalgic decor.
Description:
Christmas at The Carrisa is a holiday event featuring immersive, nostalgic holiday decor and a wintery setting where guests can sip, snack, and saunter through. Decorated floor to ceiling with festive elements, it offers a unique holiday experience.
Where: San Luis Obispo | More Info: Christmas at The Carrisa
Train Rides at Santa Margarita Ranch
What to Expect:
Unique train rides with historic steam engines and original Disneyland coaches.
Description:
At Santa Margarita Ranch, enjoy narrow gauge steam train rides through a Christmas showcase to Santa's Village. Each 30-minute journey features holiday decor, life-size displays, and lights reminiscent of childhood dreams. Choose between historic steam trains with open-air cars or rides inside original Disneyland coaches.
Where: Santa Margarita | More Info: Train Rides at Santa Margarita Ranch
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Atascadero (14 miles)
- Paso Robles (24 miles)
- Santa Maria (26 miles)
- Orcutt (31 miles)