It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, and being on the Central Coast for the holidays makes it even more special. If you are looking for Christmas and Holiday events on the Central Coast for 2016 then you’ve come to the right place. We found events for Paso Robles, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Cambria, and more! Leave a comment below if it looks like we left something out.
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Click on the table headings to sort, or use the search box.
| Event | City | Description | Cost | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambria Christmas Market | Cambria | Join us for the 5th Annual Cambria Christmas Market, a festive ongoing gathering in the style of Germany’s Christmas Markets. Among the many unique offerings are tempting local food and drink, with brats, fresh-baked goods and treats, and Glühwein, our traditional German hot spiced wine – guaranteed to keep you cozy while wandering through displays featuring over one million lights! Enjoy vendors, lights, food, live music, and fun for all at the Cambria Christmas Market. Open November 25-December 23 (except for Nov 28-29 and Dec 5-6, when we are closed). | $5-$15 depending on date | Nov 25 - Dec 23 | 5pm - 9pm |
| Santa’s House in the Mission Plaza | San Luis Obispo | HO! HO! HO! Santa Claus has come to Downtown SLO! Visit jolly Saint Nick at Santa’s House in Mission Plaza and get your photo taken with him! *HOURS VARY and may be closed due to inclement weather. Schedule available on downtownslo.com | FREE | Nov 25 - Dec 24 | 10am - 5pm |
| Home for the Holidays Street Faire | Morro Bay | Take the family down Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for holiday festivities, kiddie entertainment, food and gifts. This event is the perfect place to find a special gift just in time for the holidays. Admission is free. For more information contact the Morro Bay Merchants Association. | FREE | Nov 27 | 9am - 4pm |
| Arroyo Grande Christmas Parade | Arroyo Grande | Enjoy the holiday season with a Christmas concert and parade. The 11th annual Christmas Parade will begin at 5pm at Short Street and Branch Street, (Between Rooster Creek and Ginas Restaurants) turns left onto Branch Street and proceeds down Branch to Wesley and turns right (between Bank of America and the Flower Shop). Once the parade comes to an end at Harvest Church we will begin the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree, with a Live Nativity Scene. A holiday themed movie will be shown towards the end of the event. | FREE | Nov 27 | 5pm - 9pm |
| Downtown SLO Holiday Parade | San Luis Obispo | Presented by Wells Fargo and brought to you by the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association, the 41st Annual Holiday Parade is one of the largest processions on the Central Coast attracting thousands of spectators. The parade features over 80 decorative floats, vehicles, marching bands, dancers and more! This year’s theme is “Dashing Through the SLO.” | FREE | Dec 2 | 7pm |
| Holiday Harmony | Pismo Beach | The City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division presents the 16th Annual Holiday Harmony celebration on Friday, December 2nd. This event is FREE to the public and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pismo Pier. The evening will include fresh snow, bounce houses, crafts, music and cookie decorating. The Downtown Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. In addition, kids will have the chance to visit and take a picture with Santa! This community event is provided by the City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division. | FREE | Dec 2 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm |
| Holiday Lighting Ceremony | Atascadero | Featuring Santa, hot chocolate & holiday music. Atascadero High School Show & Concert Choirs and the Atascadero community band. In Sunken Gardens. City Hall tours by the Atascadero Historical Society 5:30 - 8:00 pm. Click here for more info. | FREE | Dec 2 | 5:30pm - 9:30pm |
| SLO Railroad Museum: Mr. and Mrs. Clause Arrive by Train! | San Luis Obispo | Plan ahead to bring your little ones to enjoy the Museum done up in its holiday finery and to welcome Santa as he arrives at the Amtrak station on the afternoon Surfliner. Then walk with him to the Museum where all children can share their holiday wishes with the jolly old elf on La Cuesta, our 1926 Lounge Car. | FREE | Dec 3 | 1pm - 4pm |
| 18th Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake | Atascadero | Homes all around the lake will be decked out with special lighting and holiday decorations during the 16th Annual Walk Around Atascadero Lake on Saturday, Dec. 5th, starting at 5:30 p.m. Local choirs, bell ringers, carolers and other musical groups will perform seasonal music all around the lake and in the pavilion. Special performances by Atascadero High Band/Choir/Drama in the Lake Pavilion. Hot cider, popcorn, and other refreshments will be available as you walk around the lake. All free of charge! Parking: The primary parking areas are the zoo parking lot, baseball field lot, Veteran’s memorial and pavilion lot. Street closures: Marchant Way and Lake View Drive will be closed from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In case of rain: If there is a steady rain prior to or during the event, some of the the street activities may be cancelled. Reminder: Bring a flashlight and a warm coat. For more information call Barbara Combs at (805) 550-3147 or visit www.AtascaderoLake.net. | FREE | Dec 3 | 5:30pm - 9pm |
| Central Coast Aquarium: Holiday Tank Lighting | Avila Beach | Featuring: -Coloring station/activity -Special “Night Before Christmas” Aquarium edition story with aquarium coordinator Kim Jeffrey -Hot choclate and cookies! Acquarium opens at 10 Story at 11 Tank lighting at 12 Story time at 1 Special gift shop blowout sale for all your holiday shopping needs! | FREE | Dec 3 | 10am - 4pm |
| 55th Annual Christmas Light Parade | Paso Robles | Theme: "The Music and Magic of Christmas Come enjoy some family time while enjoying the floats that have been put together. You can also see Santa Claus and The Snow Queen and King. Downtown merchants will be providing coffee and hot chocolate for you to stay warm. | FREE | Dec 3 | 7pm |
| Elegant Christmas in the Village of Arroyo Grande | Arroyo Grande | Please join us for this fantastic event and celebrate 11 years with us! Luminaries line the streets. Bag Pipers and Carolers will entertain you. Shop all the beautifully decorated stores, enjoy a glass of wine or a bite to eat and meet all the wonderful Retailers that would love your support! Be MERRY--BE ELEGANT--CELEBRATE with us in our Village of Arroyo Grande. | FREE | Dec 4 | 4pm - 8pm |
| 2016 Winter Wonderland | Atascadero | 50 tons of snow! Sledding on massive snow slides, live entertainment, Santa Claus, food & craft vendors, 805 Boardshop Skate Team Demos, Bounce houses, Joe's Little Train. | FREE | Dec 9 | 5pm - 9pm |
| Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade | Orcutt | The Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade has been a holiday favorite since 1961. Started by the volunteer fire department, the parade remains a small town afternoon event. You’ll see kids, dogs, floats, animals, cars, bands, and our special guest Santa. Join us on the second Saturday of December at high noon as we celebrate Christmas the Old Town Orcutt way. | FREE | Dec 10 | 12pm - 1:30pm |
| 30th Annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase | Paso Robles | Bring the whole family to Vine Street for this annual community Christmas party tradition. Live Music, Community Open Houses, Cotton Candy, Free Cookies and Hot Chocolate, Community Caroling | FREE | Dec 10 | 6pm - 9pm |
| Morro Bay Rotary Lighted Boat Parade | Morro Bay | Join the community as they enjoy the festively decorated boats of all types at Morro Bay's Annual Lighted Boat Parade being held on Saturday, December 10, 2016. The parade begins at 630pm and you can view the parade from Tidelands Park down to the Rock. If you'd like to enter a boat, please contact Don Doubledee at (805) 801-5911 or visit the parade website at www.morrobayboatparade.com. It will be an amazing night - hope to see you there! | FREE | Dec 10 | 6:30pm |
| 26th Annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea | Paso Robles | Bring your children to interact with The Snow Queen & King, Santa Claus and the elves. This event features music, storytelling, gingerbread cookie decorating, candy canes, pictures to color, and door prizes. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets contact the Main Street office at 805-238-4103 | $8 for children, $15 for adults. | Dec 17 | 2pm - 4pm |
| Zoo Holiday Magic | Atascadero | Celebrate the season with your friends at the zoo. The animals will be receiving holiday gifts that have been crafted with care by the zookeepers and some very special elves. Our sponsors have also made it possible to buy exclusively made toys and enrichment items for the animals. So, watch the animals rip, claw and tear open their presents. Some of them may even eat their gifts! Spend the day with us and do some holiday shopping in the gift shop, make a craft to take home and check in to see if Santa was able to stop in for an early visit! | $7 for adults, Children $5. Under 2 years Free. |
| Event | City | Description | Cost | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambria Christmas Market | Cambria | Join us for the 5th Annual Cambria Christmas Market, a festive ongoing gathering in the style of Germany’s Christmas Markets. Among the many unique offerings are tempting local food and drink, with brats, fresh-baked goods and treats, and Glühwein, our traditional German hot spiced wine – guaranteed to keep you cozy while wandering through displays featuring over one million lights! Enjoy vendors, lights, food, live music, and fun for all at the Cambria Christmas Market. Open November 25-December 23 (except for Nov 28-29 and Dec 5-6, when we are closed). | $5-$15 depending on date | Nov 25 – Dec 3 | 5pm – 9pm |
| Santa’s House in the Mission Plaza | San Luis Obispo | HO! HO! HO! Santa Claus has come to Downtown SLO! Visit jolly Saint Nick at Santa’s House in Mission Plaza and get your photo taken with him!
*HOURS VARY and may be closed due to inclement weather. Schedule available on downtownslo.com |
FREE | Nov 25 – Dec 24 | 10am – 5pm |
| “Home for the Holidays” Street Faire | Morro Bay | Take the family down Morro Bay Boulevard and Main Street between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for holiday festivities, kiddie entertainment, food and gifts. This event is the perfect place to find a special gift just in time for the holidays. Admission is free. For more information contact the Morro Bay Merchants Association. | FREE | Nov 27 | 9am – 4pm |
| Arroyo Grande Christmas Parade | Arroyo Grande | Enjoy the holiday season with a Christmas concert and parade. The 11th annual Christmas Parade will begin at 5pm at Short Street and Branch Street, (Between Rooster Creek and Ginas Restaurants) turns left onto Branch Street and proceeds down Branch to Wesley and turns right (between Bank of America and the Flower Shop). Once the parade comes to an end at Harvest Church we will begin the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree, with a Live Nativity Scene. A holiday themed movie will be shown towards the end of the event. | FREE | Nov 27 | 5pm – 9pm |
| Downtown SLO Holiday Parade | San Luis Obispo | Presented by Wells Fargo and brought to you by the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association, the 41st Annual Holiday Parade is one of the largest processions on the Central Coast attracting thousands of spectators. The parade features over 80 decorative floats, vehicles, marching bands, dancers and more! This year’s theme is “Dashing Through the SLO.” | FREE | Dec 2 | 7pm |
| Holiday Harmony | Pismo Beach | The City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division presents the 16th Annual Holiday Harmony celebration on Friday, December 2nd. This event is FREE to the public and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pismo Pier. The evening will include fresh snow, bounce houses, crafts, music and cookie decorating. The Downtown Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. In addition, kids will have the chance to visit and take a picture with Santa! This community event is provided by the City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division. | FREE | Dec 2 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm |
| Holiday Lighting Ceremony | Atascadero | Featuring Santa, hot chocolate & holiday music. Atascadero High School Show & Concert Choirs and the Atascadero community band. In Sunken Gardens. City Hall tours by the Atascadero Historical Society 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Click here for more info. | FREE | Dec 2 | 5:30pm – 9:30pm |
| SLO Railroad Museum: Mr. and Mrs. Clause Arrive by Train! | San Luis Obispo | Plan ahead to bring your little ones to enjoy the Museum done up in its holiday finery and to welcome Santa as he arrives at the Amtrak station on the afternoon Surfliner. Then walk with him to the Museum where all children can share their holiday wishes with the jolly old elf on La Cuesta, our 1926 Lounge Car. | FREE | Dec 3 | 1pm – 4pm |
| 18th Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake | Atascadero | Homes all around the lake will be decked out with special lighting and holiday decorations during the 16th Annual Walk Around Atascadero Lake on Saturday, Dec. 5th, starting at 5:30 p.m. Local choirs, bell ringers, carolers and other musical groups will perform seasonal music all around the lake and in the pavilion. Special performances by Atascadero High Band/Choir/Drama in the Lake Pavilion. Hot cider, popcorn, and other refreshments will be available as you walk around the lake. All free of charge! Parking: The primary parking areas are the zoo parking lot, baseball field lot, Veteran’s memorial and pavilion lot.Street closures: Marchant Way and Lake View Drive will be closed from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.In case of rain: If there is a steady rain prior to or during the event, some of the the street activities may be cancelled. Reminder: Bring a flashlight and a warm coat. For more information call Barbara Combs at (805) 550-3147 or visit www.AtascaderoLake.net. |
FREE | Dec 3 | 5:30pm – 9pm |
| Central Coast Aquarium: Holiday Tank Lighting | Avila Beach | Featuring: -Coloring station/activity -Special “Night Before Christmas” Aquarium edition story with aquarium coordinator Kim Jeffrey -Hot choclate and cookies!Acquarium opens at 10 Story at 11 Tank lighting at 12 Story time at 1Special gift shop blowout sale for all your holiday shopping needs! |
FREE | Dec 3 | 10am – 4pm |
| 55th Annual Christmas Light Parade | Paso Robles | Theme: “The Music and Magic of Christmas
Come enjoy some family time while enjoying the floats that have been put together. You can also see Santa Claus and The Snow Queen and King. Downtown merchants will be providing coffee and hot chocolate for you to stay warm. |
FREE | Dec 3 | 7pm |
| Elegant Christmas in the Village of Arroyo Grande | Arroyo Grande | Please join us for this fantastic event and celebrate 11 years with us! Luminaries line the streets. Bag Pipers and Carolers will entertain you. Shop all the beautifully decorated stores, enjoy a glass of wine or a bite to eat and meet all the wonderful Retailers that would love your support! Be MERRY–BE ELEGANT–CELEBRATE with us in our Village of Arroyo Grande. |
FREE | Dec 4 | 4pm – 8pm |
| 2016 Winter Wonderland | Atascadero | 50 tons of snow! Sledding on massive snow slides, live entertainment, Santa Claus, food & craft vendors, 805 Boardshop Skate Team Demos, Bounce houses, Joe’s Little Train. | FREE | Dec 9 | 5pm – 9pm |
| Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade | Orcutt | The Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade has been a holiday favorite since 1961. Started by the volunteer fire department, the parade remains a small town afternoon event. You’ll see kids, dogs, floats, animals, cars, bands, and our special guest Santa. Join us on the second Saturday of December at high noon as we celebrate Christmas the Old Town Orcutt way. | FREE | Dec 10 | 12pm – 1:30pm |
| 30th Annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase | Paso Robles | Bring the whole family to Vine Street for this annual community Christmas party tradition.
Live Music, Community Open Houses, Cotton Candy, Free Cookies and Hot Chocolate, Community Caroling |
FREE | Dec 10 | 6pm – 9pm |
| Morro Bay Rotary Lighted Boat Parade | Morro Bay | Join the community as they enjoy the festively decorated boats of all types at Morro Bay’s Annual Lighted Boat Parade being held on Saturday, December 10, 2016. The parade begins at 630pm and you can view the parade from Tidelands Park down to the Rock.
If you’d like to enter a boat, please contact Don Doubledee at (805) 801-5911 or visit the parade website at www.morrobayboatparade.com. It will be an amazing night – hope to see you there! |
FREE | Dec 10 | 6:30pm |
| 26th Annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea | Paso Robles | Bring your children to interact with The Snow Queen & King, Santa Claus and the elves. This event features music, storytelling, gingerbread cookie decorating, candy canes, pictures to color, and door prizes. Seating is limited.
To purchase tickets contact the Main Street office at 805-238-4103 |
$8 for children, $15 for adults. | Dec 17 | 2pm – 4pm |
| Zoo Holiday Magic | Atascadero | Celebrate the season with your friends at the zoo. The animals will be receiving holiday gifts that have been crafted with care by the zookeepers and some very special elves. Our sponsors have also made it possible to buy exclusively made toys and enrichment items for the animals. So, watch the animals rip, claw and tear open their presents. Some of them may even eat their gifts! Spend the day with us and do some holiday shopping in the gift shop, make a craft to take home and check in to see if Santa was able to stop in for an early visit! | $7 for adults, Children $5. Under 2 years Free. |