Celebrate the Holidays Across San Luis Obispo County

By Atascadero News · Fri Nov 07 2025

From festive tree lightings to seasonal markets and family fun, discover the events that make the Central Coast magical this holiday season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year on the Central Coast! San Luis Obispo County transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, joyful music, and heartwarming community traditions. From seaside parades and snowy downtown celebrations to cozy markets and visits with Santa, every corner of the county is brimming with seasonal cheer. Whether you’re shopping local, sipping hot cocoa under the stars, or watching the lights sparkle on the water, this guide to festive events will help you make the most of this magical season.

All events are chronologically listed. Readers are encouraged to confirm all scheduled events.

Holiday Boutique in Atascadero

Celebrate the holiday season at Atascadero’s Pavilion on the Lake from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This one-day craft show on November 8 features 50+ talented handmade vendors.

5th Annual Atascadero Fall Fest

Enjoy a weekend of family fun at Sunken Gardens in Downtown Atascadero, November 14–16. The free festival features a carnival with rides, games, vendors, breweries, and live music. Hours are Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 10 p.m.

Elegant Evening in Paso Robles

Experience the charm of Downtown Paso Robles on November 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy merchant open houses, captivating live mannequins in storefront windows, delightful refreshments, entertaining performances, in a lively and engaging evening of community festivities.

Holiday Lighting Ceremony Paso Robles

The annual Main Street holiday lighting ceremony, a part of the Cancer Support Community Lights for Hope event, includes candlelight caroling, greetings from City officials, Mrs. Claus and the Elves, and more on November 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Cambria Christmas Market

Experience the magic of the season at the Cambria Christmas Market, running November 28–December 31 at 2905 Burton Drive in Cambria. Stroll through over 3 million Christmas lights, explore the artisan vendor market, visit Santa, enjoy train rides, fire pits, live music, and festive food and drinks. Daily hours vary; visit cambriachristmasmarket.com/tickets for details.

Santa’s House/Holiday Plaza at Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo

Check out the amazing decorations and activities in the plaza, including an evening light display, carousel, Santa’s Mouse Scavenger hunt, write letters to Santa, and more from November 29 through December 24, time varies.

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration in Morro Bay

Join the festive Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at Morro Bay City Park on December 5 at 5 p.m. Festivities start at 3:30 p.m., leading up to the enchanting tree lighting ceremony, marking the start of the holiday season in a joyous atmosphere.

The North County Nutcracker

The 29th Annual North County Nutcracker, a Storybook Ballet presented by North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation, offers four shows at Cal Poly Spanos Theatre on December 5-7, featuring various performance times. Tickets are available at ncdpaf.org/events

49th Annual Downtown San Luis Obispo Holiday Parade

On December 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. This event is one of the largest parades on the Central Coast, attracting thousands of spectators and featuring all types of floats, vehicles, marching bands, dancers, and more.

Light Up the Downtown Atascadero

On December 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., soon after the lights come on, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving via an antique Model-A fire truck. Shops will be open late for the Downtown Holiday Sup & Shop with wine and beer tastings will be available from participating merchants. A great way to enjoy shopping and strolling Downtown along with the festivities of the season!

Santa’s House on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay

Santa’s Coming to the Embarcadero on December 6-7 and 13-15. Santa will be welcoming families on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. the first two weekends of December. Come visit Jolly ol’ Saint Nick & get a picture. Santa’s house is at the corner of Embarcadero and Front St.

Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake

On December 6, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., experience a festive “Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake” at Atascadero Lake. Enjoy carolers, community singing, and holiday decor in a charming lakeside setting.

64th Annual Christmas Light Parade Downtown Paso Robles

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday spirit with an illuminated parade featuring an array of light spectacles from local businesses on December 6, starting at 6 p.m. A variety of awards will be also be given for best in show. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus and watch downtown light up with holiday spirit.

Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting

Join friends for a festive community Christmas Tree Lighting on December 7 at 5 p.m. Enjoy carolers, refreshments, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus —arriving by fire engine! The tree lighting will be on the corner of D Street and Ocean Avenue.

Mid-State Fair Market at the Paso Robles Event Center

The Mid-State Fair Market at the Paso Robles Event Center features local crafters and artisans from throughout San Luis Obispo County selling handmade and unique items on December 12 through 14 from 12 to 4 p.m.

Winter Wonderland in the Sunken Gardens Atascadero

Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown will be transformed into a magical snowy paradise. Over 70 tons of snow will create a massive snow slide built by the Kiwanis Club of Atascadero. In addition, there will be two large snow pile areas for the kids on December 12 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Lighted Boat Parade on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay

On December 13, be dazzled as our fishing, leisure, and yachting community takes to the water with decorated boats with dazzling lights and holiday cheer. The parade will go on rain or shine and starts at 6:30 p.m.

39th Annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase Paso Robles

Ebenezer Scrooge, the Snow Queen, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and the whole crew will be on hand on Vine Street in Paso Robles. Come join in on the fun of community caroling, illuminated floats, entertainers, and live music. Don’t miss this sure-to-please holiday mainstay in Paso Robles on December 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Christmas in Cayucos Wonderland Walk

Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Cayucos with the Wonderland Walk on Saturday, December 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. Stroll along Ocean Avenue as local businesses stay open late, offering festive decorations, seasonal specials, and coastal holiday charm. Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kids’ craft workshop, a snowy play area, and complimentary refreshments from the Cayucos Lioness Club.

Santa’s Doggie Parade at the Avila Beach Promenade

All dogs must be registered and check in between 10:30–10:45 a.m. to receive a contest identification number for the costume contest: best dog costume, best dog/owner look-alike, best holiday look, funniest costume, and best in show. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on December 13.

Holiday Magic at Central Coast Zoo

The zookeepers have stepped in as Santa’s Elves to prepare gifts for the animals. Santa will be at the Zoo on Saturday, December 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals.

35th Annual Teddy Bear Tea in Paso Robles

Bring your Teddy Bear, dress him up. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Snow King, and Queen, as well as Santa’s Elves, will be there for the fun at the Park Ballroom on December 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at my805tix.com. Bring your camera for those precious memories.

New Year’s Eve Bonfire and Concert

Ring in the new year at Paso Robles City Park on Wednesday, December 31, from 7–11 p.m. This family-friendly, free event features live music, festive fun, and a special New Year’s countdown at 9 p.m. (East Coast midnight).

Noon Year’s Eve at the Central Coast Zoo

Celebrate the new year early at the Central Coast Zoo in Atascadero on Wednesday, December 31 (times TBD). This family-friendly event offers a fun-filled way to welcome 2026 before bedtime — more details to come!

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