Things to Do in San Luis Obispo County : December 2024

December in SLO County is the ultimate vibe, blending holiday magic with coastal charm. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift at a local maker’s market, sipping wine under twinkling lights, or catching live music that’ll warm your soul even more than your favorite peppermint mocha, there’s something for everyone this season. From snow-filled adventures to laid-back beachside parades, this guide has over 45 can’t-miss events to make your December extra memorable. Let’s dive in and make the most of this holiday season in the best way possible—SLO style.

* Ordered by Date & Time *

#1 Cambria Christmas Market (Cambria) – Till December 31 – The 13th annual Cambria Christmas Market brings the charm of Germany’s holiday markets to life with artisan vendors, live entertainment, photos with Santa, traditional German treats, and over 3 million dazzling lights.

#2 Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch (Santa Margarita) – Till December 22 – Celebrate the season at “Christmas at the Ranch” at Santa Margarita Ranch! Ride the Pacific Coast Railroad’s Jingle Bell Express, meet Santa in his village, and enjoy Andy Morris’s magical show. A festive experience for the whole family!

#3 Nature Night at the Botanical Garden (San Luis Obispo) – Till December 28 – Explore over 8 acres of dazzling light displays at Nature Nights 2024 at the SLO Botanical Garden! Enjoy live music on two stages, local chef pop-ups, an artist marketplace (select dates), and visits from Santa. A magical evening for all!

#4 City of Arroyo Grande Holiday Parade (Arroyo Grande) – December 1 at 5p – Experience holiday magic at the City of Arroyo Grande’s Annual Holiday Parade in the Village! Enjoy festive floats, marching bands, and local groups as they bring holiday cheer to Branch Street.

#5 2024 SLO CAL Open (Morro Bay) – December 5 to 8 – Catch the action at the Men’s and Women’s World Surf League QS1000! Watch top surfers battle it out or join the competition yourself by signing up!

#6 SLOCALLY MADE (San Luis Obispo) – Till December 24 – With over 65 local makers, SLOCALLY Made offers a unique shopping experience from Nov. 30 to Dec. 24, 2024, daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. Support SLO’s creative community with handmade goods crafted with heart and hustle.

#7 Zoppé – Italian Family Circus! (Paso Robles) – December 6 to 16 – Experience the timeless magic of Zoppé – Italian Family Circus! 🎪✨ With 182 years of tradition under The Big Top, enjoy two hours of pure joy, inspiration, and connection that transport you to a world of wonder.

#8 Morro Bay City Park Holiday Tree Lighting (Morro Bay) – December 6 at 3:30p – Celebrate the season at the Morro Bay City Park Tree Lighting! Enjoy festive activities with the family.

#9 Holidays in Cambria Village(Cambria) – December 6 to 7 – Celebrate the holidays in downtown Cambria with the Whoville Extravaganza! The fun begins Friday with a tree lighting, holiday music, hot cocoa, and late-night shopping. On day 2 enjoy a Gingerbread House Competition, kids’ activities, and a visit from the Grinch. Hop on the trolley to explore town!

#10 Pismo Beach Holiday Harmony (Pismo Beach) – December 6 at 5:30p – Celebrate the season at Pismo Beach’s annual tree lighting at the pier! Enjoy snow play, cookie decorating, bounce houses, and a visit from Santa. Fun for the whole family by the sea!

#11 Annual Light up the Downtown and First Friday Holiday Sip & Shop (Atascadero) – December 6 at 5:30p – Kick off the holidays with community entertainment, Santa, free firetruck and hay rides, hot cocoa, and more. Stroll downtown for late-night shopping, wine and beer tastings, and festive fun!

#12 48th Annual Holiday Parade (San Luis Obispo) – December 6 at 7p – Step into a “Whimsical Wonderland” at the 48th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade! Watch nearly 90 festive floats, marching bands, dancers, and more light up the streets in this beloved holiday tradition. The parade has been enchanting locals and visitors since 1976, rain or shine.

#13 Breakfast with Santa – SOLD OUT (Arroyo Grande) – December 7 at 8:30a – Enjoy a festive morning at Breakfast with Santa! Hosted by the City of Arroyo Grande, Knights of Columbus, and Santa himself, this event features a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, crafts, entertainment, and more.

#14 Breakfast with Santa (Morro Bay) – December 7 at 9a – Join Santa and Morro Bay Recreation for a festive breakfast at the Morro Bay Vet’s Hall. Tickets include a pancake breakfast and access to the Elf Workshop, featuring crafts, gift-making, a hot cocoa bar, face painting, a gingerbread house station, and photos with Santa!

#15 Reindeer Run (San Luis Obispo) – December 7 at 9a – Join the fun at Friday Night Live’s annual Reindeer Run 5k! Proceeds benefit high school senior scholarships. Don’t forget the costume contest—holiday outfits welcome, including for your dogs!

#16 15th Annual Toys for Tots (Oceano) – December 7 at 10a – Join the 15th annual Toys for Tots event at Oceano Airport. This beloved event, the largest Toys for Tots collection in San Luis Obispo County, has been supporting local families in need since 2009.

#17 Art in the Park Holiday Market (Arroyo Grande) – December 7 at 10a – Bring the whole family to shop unique, handmade holiday gifts at the SLO County Artisan Holiday Market. Browse paintings, jewelry, candles, glass art, handmade clothing, and much more—perfect for one-stop holiday shopping!

#18 Poe Pom Holiday Makers Market (Paso Robles) – December 7 at 11a – Sip and Shop at Rava Wines for a festive day of shopping and sipping! Browse handmade treasures from local vendors across the Central Coast and find the perfect one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.

#19 Dolphin Bay Holiday Cheer Market (Pismo Beach) – December 7 at 11a – Get into the holiday spirit at the Holiday Cheer Market on the North Lawn at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa! Shop from a selection of local artisans and brick & mortar shops perfect for all your gift-giving needs.

#20 Oceano Seabreeze Market (Oceano) – December 7 at 11a – Discover Oceano is proud to present the Oceano Seabreeze Market featuring handcrafted artisanal goods and exclusive collections from local Makers, Artisans, and Curators.

#21 3rd Annual Big Holiday Show at The Madonna Inn (San Luis Obispo) – December 7 to 8 – Featuring over 80 talented brands, curators, makers, designers, artists, chefs, musicians, and more, this two-day event promises something for everyone!

#22 SLO Ho Ho Holiday Stroll (San Luis Obispo) – December 7 at 4p – Stroll through festive streets, enjoy holiday treats, and meet beloved characters like Mrs. Claus and Santa. Shop special offers from local favorites such as Blackwater, Junk Girls, Hands Gallery, and more, while enjoying performances by carolers and dancers from The Nutcracker. This free, all-ages event is sure to spread holiday cheer—don’t miss out!

#23 Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake (Atascadero) – December 7 at 5:30p – Take a festive evening stroll around Atascadero Lake, featuring carolers, community singing, holiday decorations, and more! This charming holiday event is presented by the Atascadero Lake Neighborhood Association.

#24 Christmas Light Parade (Paso Robles) – December 7 at 6p – The Christmas Light Parade returns to downtown Paso Robles, bringing holiday magic to the heart of the city. Enjoy a festive evening filled with sparkling lights, joyful floats, and seasonal cheer!

#25 Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade (Morro Bay) – December 7 at 6:30p – Watch as decorated boats light up the Embarcadero bringing holiday cheer from the fishing, leisure, and yachting community. Before the parade, visit the Santa House opening for hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and chili served by the Morro Bay Lion’s Club.

#26 That’s So Drag Brunch Presents: Ho Ho Holidays (San Luis Obispo) – December 8 at 11a – Get ready for a festive That’s So Drag Brunch at Libertine Brewing Company. Enjoy a holiday-themed show with big candy canes, sparkling snowflakes, and plenty of surprises.

#27 Big Ditch Holiday Palooza (Arroyo Grande) – December 8 at 11a – Join us in the heart of the Village of Arroyo Grande for a unique holiday shopping experience featuring local makers, artists, and small businesses offering handmade gifts. Enjoy festive treats, warm drinks, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. Support local creatives and make this holiday season merry and bright!

#28 Old Towne Nipomo Christmas Parade (Nipomo) – December 8 at 2p – The Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas Parade brings together the best of a traditional family Christmas. Enjoy a festive parade, a classic Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, s’mores around the fire, snowfall, twinkling lights, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus—plus much more!

#29 Tree Lighting and Snow (Arroyo Grande) – December 8 at 5p – Kick off the holiday season with the Tree Lighting & Snow event at Elm Street Park! featuring tons of snow and Santa lighting the tree at 6 PM. Enjoy food vendors, a s’more station, horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa, and more!

#30 Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting (Cayucos) – December 8 at 5p – Celebrate the holiday season in Cayucos with a festive tree lighting ceremony! Enjoy carolers from Cayucos Community Church, the lighting of the tree, and the special arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on fire engines. Kids can visit with Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and snap a memorable photo—bring your holiday spirit and join in the fun!

#31 Elegant Evening – Santa’s Village (Arroyo Grande) – December 8 at 5p – Celebrate the season at the free Elegant Evening in the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande! Enjoy holiday shopping, local fare, live music, spirits, and a dance party with special guest, Santa. With festive decorations, beautiful Christmas lights, and unique gifts, this magical evening is the perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit and support local businesses—plus, parking is free!

#32 Matisyahu LIVE at the Fremont Theater (San Luis Obispo) – December 9 at 7p – Matisyahu will bring his unique blend of reggae, rock, and spiritual vibes to Fremont Theater. Known for his electrifying live performances and soul-stirring music, this event promises to be a night you won’t want to miss!

#33 Tin City Forklift Parade (Paso Robles) – December 12 at 4p – Come meet Santa, enjoy delicious food from our many vendors, and soak up the holiday spirit in Tin City! The Forklift Parade will make its way along Limestone Way, adding extra cheer to the festivities.

#34 Mid-State Fair Market (Paso Robles) – December 13 to 15 – The Mid-State Fair Market at the Paso Robles Event Center showcases local crafters and artisans offering handmade and unique items. Shop for jewelry, apparel, accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, art, antiques, and more. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures!

#35 Atascadero Winter Wonderland (Atascadero) – December 13 at 5p – Over 70 tons of snow will transform Sunken Gardens and downtown into a snowy paradise with a massive snow slide, snow piles for kids, bungee jumps, obstacle courses, Joe’s Little Train, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy holiday shopping, delicious food, and fun activities with over 50 craft and food vendors—this free event is a must for the whole family!

#36 Santa’s Doggie Parade (Avila Beach) – December 13 at 5p – Santa’s Doggie Parade will take place on the Avila Promenade. Participants will receive goodie bags donated by Petco Arroyo Grande.

#37 Makers at the Market – Holiday Emporium (San Luis Obispo) – December 14 to 15 – Enjoy two days of shopping, live music, and fun for all ages. Explore unique creations from talented makers and mini makers, with free parking and entry for everyone!

#38 Cayucos Winter Wonderland Walk (Cayucos)- December 14 at 4p – Stroll along Ocean Ave, where local businesses will stay open late, offering holiday shopping, seasonal specials, and cozy charm. Enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse-drawn carriage rides, a kids’ craft workshop, a snowy play area, and complimentary refreshments by the Cayucos Lioness Club.

#39 Vine Street Christmas Victorian Showcase (Paso Robles) – December 14 at 6p – Step back in time at the Vine Street Christmas Victorian Showcase! This cherished tradition brings holiday magic to life. Meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Snow King and Queen, and even Scrooge as you stroll through the beautifully decorated streets!

#40 Harmony 4th Annual Christmas Market (Harmony) – December 15 at 11a – The 4th Annual Christmas Market in Harmony invites visitors to celebrate community, creativity, and holiday cheer. The charming one-block market features local artisans, handmade crafts, and unique gifts, alongside seasonal treats, wine, and live music.

#41 City of Arroyo Grande Tree Lighting and Snow (Arroyo Grande) – December 15 at 5p – Join the City of Arroyo Grande for the 3rd annual Tree Lighting and Snow event at Elm St. Park! There will be sledding, a snow play area, festive music, lights, and free s’mores. Don’t miss this festive evening!

#42 18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration (San Luis Obispo) – December 18 at 6p – The 18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration brings holiday cheer with angelic singing, Irish step dancing, and instrumental performances. This year’s show features Amelia Hogan, John Weed, Tyler Weed, and Paul Kotapish, along with championship dancers Marisa Gilman and Cameron Carson Riddle.

#43 Holiday Magic at the Charles Paddock Zoo (Atascadero) – December 21 at 10a – Experience Holiday Magic at the Zoo and watch as zookeepers deliver special gifts to the animals with Santa helping to spread festive cheer. Enjoy holiday decorations, activities for all ages, and witness the excitement as animals unwrap their presents—all included with regular admission!

#44 34th Annual Victorian Teddy Bear Affair (Paso Robles) – December 21 at 2p – Bring your favorite teddy bear and dress them up for the occasion! Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Snow King and Queen, and Santa’s Elves for an afternoon of festive fun and holiday cheer.

#45 Creston’s Christmas Light Parade! (Creston) – December 21 at 5p – Join the fun at Creston’s Christmas Light Parade! Watch lighted trucks, boats, horses, 4-wheelers, and more spread holiday cheer through town. Want to join in? Gather at the rodeo grounds around to participate in the festive parade!

#46 Ultimate Christmas with Surfin’ The Beach Boys Tribute (Arroyo Grande) – December 21 at 7:30p – Enjoy a festive night of holiday magic with Surfin’ The Beach Boys Tribute, as they perform Christmas classics like “Little St. Nick,” “Santa’s Beard,” and “Frosty The Snowman” in true Beach Boys style, alongside the biggest hits from the legendary band.

#47 The Pan American Nutcracker Suite (Arroyo Grande) – December 22 at 7p – Experience a unique twist on a holiday classic with Joe McCarthy’s Latin Grammy® Award-Winning New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band, as they perform original orchestrations of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite,” followed by a selection of big band compositions after the intermission.