From tree lightings to Winter Wonderland, the city offers something for everyone this holiday season

ATASCADERO — The City of Atascadero will be holding a number of holiday events throughout December. Made possible with the help of several local businesses, events range from the Downtown Lighting, Sip and Shop, and of course Winter Wonderland. Below is a roundup of all the City’s holiday events we can enjoy this month.

On Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Atascadero’s Downtown will be the happening place to be to experience the magic of the holidays. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Sunken Gardens, with the annual countdown to light up Historic City Hall at “Light up the Downtown.” This year they will light up the entire City Hall, the Sunken Gardens and the surrounding areas as the new “Garden Lights & Winter Nights” makes its debut and will be on display through mid-January. There will be musical performances by the Fine Arts Academy Honor Choir and Atascadero Community Band. Then, starting at 6 p.m., enjoy the traditional countdown to light up Historic City Hall with the city mayor and councilmembers, followed by Santa and his elves making their way around Sunken Gardens and onto the final approach on the West Mall side of City Hall. Take a ride on the complimentary horse-drawn hayrides and warm up with free hot chocolate from Lighthouse Coffee.

This Friday, the special evening will feature the Holiday Sip & Shop hosted by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, with adult beverages available from over 20 participating businesses in the Downtown. Tickets can be purchased in advance at atascaderochamber.org

Businesses will be decorated and open for holiday shopping, and dining too!

The Musical Holiday Walk Around the Lake will be in full swing on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. This special evening will offer caroling, musical groups, refreshments, and holiday decorations as you stroll around Atascadero Lake. Plus, the Charles Paddock Zoo will be open for a visit with Santa from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and then Santa will make his way to the Ranger House next to the Pavilion on the Lake starting at 7 p.m. This event is brought to you by the Atascadero Lake Neighborhood Association. 

Over 70 tons of snow is on the way for Winter Wonderland for another exciting evening in Downtown Atascadero on Friday, Dec. 13 , from 5 to 9 p.m. Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown will be transformed into a magical holiday paradise. Experience a large snow pile and a massive snow slide built by Kiwanis Club of Atascadero, Cuesta Springs Ice Company, Atascadero Hay & Feed, AJ Excavating and Coastline Equipment. This year’s snow-themed event also includes Joe’s Little Train, A-Town Park Scooter Demonstrations, a variety of obstacle courses, gladiator joust, bounce houses, and bungee jump from Bubble Fun 101, face painting, a special visit by the California Mid-State Fair Queen’s court, and of course, Santa and his elves.

The Charles Paddock Zoo will be hosting the Holiday Magic on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The zookeepers will be stepping in as Santa’s Elves to prepare gifts for the animals, and Santa will be there to welcome our visitors and provide activities for the entire family to enjoy throughout the day. A strolling magician and DJ, Andy Morris, will also be there, bringing a variety of festive holiday music. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, plus the zoo is dressed up with holiday decorations.

For more information about all the upcoming city and city-sponsored events in Atascadero, visit visitatascadero.com/events.

Feature Image: City Hall lit up during the 2023 Downtown Lighting. Photo by Rick Evans