Downtown Atascadero and Paso Robles sparkle in holiday celebrations
By Camille DeVaul · Thu Dec 11 2025
Thousands turn out for Atascadero's 'Light Up the Downtown' and Paso Robles' 64th Annual Christmas Light Parade
NORTH COUNTY — The holidays continue to bring the community together across North County this December. Last weekend included Atascadero's annual "Light Up the Downtown" celebration along with its second annual "Garden Lights & Winter Nights" display. In Paso Robles, Santa Claus officially came to town with the annual Christmas Light Parade.
The community turned out in record numbers on Friday, Dec. 5, for Atascadero's annual "Light Up the Downtown" Holiday Celebration, an evening city officials described as the most well-attended yet. Terrie Banish, the city's director of community services & promotions, called the event "phenomenal" and praised the overwhelming support from residents and visitors.
Festivities began at 5:30 p.m. in the Sunken Gardens with performances by the Fine Arts Academy Honor Choir and the Atascadero Community Band. As music filled the air, families gathered for the countdown to illuminate City Hall. Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau and the City Council led the lighting ceremony, sparking more than 3,000 lights across City Hall, the Sunken Gardens, and surrounding spaces as part of the second annual "Garden Lights & Winter Nights" display. The lights transformed downtown into a glowing holiday landscape that will continue through Jan. 11, 2026.
"Attendance for ticket sales of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s Sip n Shop doubled, with preliminary reports of close to 600 tickets sold," Banish told Atascadero News.
Photos by Rick Evans/ATN
Moments after the lights came on, Santa made his grand entrance aboard the historic Model-A Firetruck, courtesy of the Atascadero Fire Association, circling Sunken Gardens before greeting excited children on the West Mall side of City Hall. Guests enjoyed complimentary horse-drawn hayrides, free hot chocolate courtesy of Lighthouse Coffee, and tours of Historic City Hall hosted by the Atascadero Historical Society.
Downtown businesses added to the celebration with the Holiday Sip & Shop, organized by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. More than 20 participating shops offered adult beverages, holiday deals, and extended shopping hours as storefronts shimmered with seasonal décor.
The holiday weekend continued Saturday, Dec. 6, with the Musical Holiday Walk Around the Lake, featuring caroling, live music, refreshments, festive decorations, and a visit with Santa at the Central Coast Zoo's Garden Event Center.
"We have had great feedback from the community on the 2nd Annual Holiday Lighting Display, Garden Lights & Winter Nights," said Banish. "We plan to continue the event in 2026."
The holiday lighting display, once again designed by the Christmas Light Guy Company, capped off the start of the holidays in downtown Atascadero.
Downtown Paso Robles glowed with holiday spirit on Saturday, Dec. 6, as the 64th Annual Christmas Light Parade lit up the streets before a packed crowd. This year's parade, themed "Christmas Lights, Winter Nights," was sponsored by H&R Block, Bank of the Sierra, and Adventist Health.
The parade marked the official arrival of Santa Claus in downtown. After waving from his festive float, Santa made his way to the Holiday House in City Park, where he is scheduled to greet families daily through Christmas Eve. Hours for visits were posted at the Holiday House and at pasoroblesdowntown.org
The parade route began at 10th and Spring streets, traveled north to 14th Street, turned east to Park Street, and circled City Park via Pine Street before concluding at 11th Street. Thousands of spectators lined the sidewalks to watch bands, horses, floats, and community groups illuminate the night.
The Estrella Warbirds Museum earned the Sweepstakes Award, topping the list of more than a dozen award categories. Arnell Sporthorses received the Judges' Award, while the Atascadero Elks Lodge took home the Special Award. Santa selected Familia Rendon Offroad for his personal Santa's Award.
Photos by Derek Luff/PRP
In the Business/Commercial category, North County Septic Service claimed the top spot. The Paso Robles High School Bearcat Marching Band captured first place among bands, with Lewis Flamson Middle School earning second. Civil Air Patrol Bob Beever's Cadet Squadron 103 won the Color Guard division.
Among school marching groups, Georgia Brown Dual Immersion placed first, followed by Junior Bearcat Football. Grizzly Youth Academy and Templeton Youth Cheer earned first and second place, respectively, in the youth club marching category. Moving and Shaking Minis led the Horse-Drawn Wagons division.
Shift 'N Gear Auto Repair topped the Automotive/Towing Float category, followed by Calderons Body Repairs and Paso Robles Towing. Paso Robles FFA won first place among 4-H/FFA floats, with Chaparral 4-H taking second.
NCI Affiliates earned recognition in the nonprofit category, while Linquiti Family Tractors, Little Red Truck, and Snow King & Queen swept the Family/General Float division. NorCal Minis led the Decorated Vehicles category, with Ron Jordan Concrete Pumping and Firestone Walker Brewing Co. rounding out the top three.
Hartley Farms was honored in the Antique Vehicles category. In the Firetrucks/Fire Engines division, the San Miguel Firefighters Association placed first, followed by Los Padres National Forest — Monterey Ranger District and the Paso Robles Children's Museum. The Paso Robles City Library earned first place among City Entries, with the El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society & City Officials taking second.
Upcoming holiday events include the Vine Street Victorian Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., followed by the Teddy Bear Tea on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m., with tickets on sale now.