As the holiday season continues, there are a variety of festive events occurring in SLO county to celebrate. Many are free and easy to access without a car, from parades to tree lighting ceremonies. Here is a comprehensive guide to holiday events in SLO County this year for anybody looking to spread the holiday cheer.
The SLO Ranch Christmas Tree Lot
Enjoy local food, crafts and gifts from local merchants at the SLO Ranch Christmas Tree Lot through Dec. 24.
SLO Ranch Carols and Cocoa
There will be live music, opportunities to take pictures with Santa, caroling, crafting, a petting zoo and more activities at SLO Ranch on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. Admission is free for an afternoon of festivities.
Holiday Market hosted by Seven Sisters Coffee
Seven Sisters Coffee, a local establishment in San Luis Obispo, will be hosting a holiday market packed with festive food and drinks, entertainment and local artisans on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find more information on their Instagram.
SLO Annual Holiday Parade
This year’s annual SLO holiday parade is taking place on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:00pm. Local businesses, schools, dancers and more will make the yearly march through SLO’s downtown with this year’s theme of “Candy Cane Lane.”
The Holiday Emporium
Attend The Holiday Emporium at SLO Public Market on Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local vendors, holiday food and live music will headline the event.
Holiday Magic at the Central Coast Zoo
The Central Coast Zoo in Atascadero is hosting a “Holiday Magic” event where anybody can buy presents for the animals and head to the zoo to celebrate the occasion on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cambria Christmas Market
Cambria’s annual Christmas Market is happening this month until Dec. 31, Thursdays through Mondays. Although only free for children 5 and under, the market showcases Cambria’s old-timey charm with German food vendors and music under 3,000 Christmas lights.
Meeting Santa in SLO Downtown
SLO residents can head to Mission Plaza in downtown SLO to meet Santa and pose for photos anytime from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 24.
Tree lighting ceremonies in SLO County
There are tree lighting ceremonies happening across the county for community members to enjoy, from Cayucos and Atascadero to Morro Bay on various dates.
Nature Nights at SLO Botanical Gardens
Through Dec. 28, visit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens and observe festive lights in nature. Open Friday and Saturday featuring art, live music, food and local wines and beers.