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Every year, there is a lot of family-friendly and free Christmas events in San Luis Obispo County that are planned by the community and local city governments. Sometimes, you may also find free Santa Photo opportunities!

2024 Fall & Holiday Event List (Growing List):

• September 27 & 28 (Fri & Sat) - Harvest Festival and Parade in Arroyo Grande. Harvest Festival serves as a tribute to agriculture, the area’s leading industry. Among the many attractions featured is a parade, toe-tapping entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and an array of food, games, and arts and crafts booths. This festival is focused on the local non-profit organizations that serve the community. Address for GPS: 200 Olohan Alley, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 25 & 26, 2024 - Halloween Carnival and Haunted Maze: 2 Day Monster Mash in Arroyo Grande. This is a 2-day Halloween event at Elm Street Park (corner of Ash and Elm streets). Children of all ages and adults are invited to enjoy unlimited bounce-n-play, carnival games for candy and toy prizes, food vendors, the haunted maze, a costume contest and a pumpkin decorating contest, and more! To enter the pumpkin decorating contest participants should bring decorated pumpkins from home. Tickets for the carnival and maze can be purchased at the Recreation office, 1221 Ash Street, or at the door. Address for GPS: 1221 Ash St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 26, 2024 (Sat) - Zoo Boo at the Charles Paddock Zoo from 5PM - 8PM. Get your best costume ready and bring the entire family out to a not-too-scary evening at Zoo Boo! You can expect Halloween decorations throughout the Zoo, carnival games, a costume contest, Halloween-themed activities, a haunted house, and tricks & treats to enjoy! Admission is $16 for regular admission, $15 for Zoo members and free for kids 2 years old and under. Tickets are purchased at the zoo. We went to this event before! See my instagram reel of our experience from the past at Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo. Address: 9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422
• November 29, 2024 (Fri) - 38th Annual Downtown Lighting Ceremony at City Park in Paso Robles at 5:30PM. Mrs. Claus will be there. Address for GPS: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• December 1, 2024 (Sun) - Holiday Parade at the Village in Arroyo Grande at 5PM. It starts at East Brunch Street that is next to City Hall. Address for GPS: 300 E Branch St Arroyo Grande CA 93420
• December 7, 2024 (Sat) - 63rd Annual Christmas Light Parade in Paso Robles at 6PM. Theme is "Sleigh Bells Ring, Area you Listening'". Santa will be at the parade. Address: TBD
• December 8, 2024 (Sun) - Tree Lighting and Snow at Elm Street Park in Arroyo Grande from 5PM - 7PM. Free entry event. However, last year, I had to pay for wristbands for the kids to use the bouncy houses because that service was not free. I'm not sure if that will be the case this year so come ready with money. Event includes TONS of snow and Santa lighting the tree at 6pm. This event typically includes food vendors, s’more station, horse drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa, and more! Also, last year, the snow lasted for awhile and so I came back a couple of days later to the same park to play in the snow without the crowd. See my instagram reel to see the leftover snow from this event from last year. Address: 1221 Ash St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• December 13, 2024 (Fri) - Winter Wonderland at Sunken Gardens in Atascadero from 5PM - 9PM. Over 70 tons of snow! This year’s snow-themed event includes bungee jumps, obstacle courses, community entertainment, Joe's Little Train (brought to you by the Elks Lodge) Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more! Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• December 14, 2024 (Sat) - Breakfast with Santa in Arroyo Grande. This cost money. This event includes a pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, entertainment, crafts, and more! More information to come!
• December 21, 2024 (Sat) - Holiday Magic at the Charles Paddock Zoo from 10AM - 1PM. Join us for the annual Holiday Magic celebration, where our dedicated zookeepers step in as Santa’s Elves to prepare special gifts for the animals. Santa will be at the Zoo on Saturday, December 21st, to help welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals. Event is included with regular admission (costs money) at the zoo. See pictures that I've taken at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero. Address: 6907 El Camino Real. Atascadero, CA 93422

Already Occurred Fall Events:

• September 23, 2023 (Sat) - 50th Anniversary at Paso Robles Airport from 9AM - 3PM. Free admission. Static aircraft displays, aviation exhibits, food trucks, beer and wine vendors and more. Address: 4900 Wing Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• September 29 & 30, 2023 (Fri & Sat) - Arroyo Grande Valley's 84th Harvest Festival & Parade in Arroyo Grande. There will be kids games at Heritage Park on Saturday only. Address for GPS: 117 E Branch St. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• September 30, 2023 (Sat) - Heritage Day at DANA Adobe & Cultural Center in Nipomo from 10AM - 4PM. $10 for adults, $3 for ages 6 - 17 years old and kids who are 5 years old and under are free. Live reenactments, local vendors, tours, food and live music. Address: 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo, CA 93444
• October 7, 2023 (Sat) - Atascadero Colony Days in Atascadero starting at 10AM. Parade on El Camino Real starts at 10AM but the festival and amusement at Sunken Gardens starts after that. There will be a pet costume contest and dog races at 12PM. Address for GPS: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• October 7, 2023 (Sat) - 2023 Railroad Festival at the Museum at SLO Railroad Museum in Downtown SLO from 10AM - 4PM. Admission is $5 for adult, $3 for child (ages 4 - 15 years old) and members are free. Enjoy railroad displays, kids' train tables and play area, presentations, Railroad BBQ Co. food for purchase and more. See itinerary. I attended this event before and it's a lot of fun. See pictures that I've taken at the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum. Address: 1940 Santa Barbara Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 7, 2023 (Sat) - Paso Robles Pioneer Day from 8AM - 1PM at Paso Robles. The Pioneer Day Parade starts promptly at 10 am on the second Saturday in October, in downtown Paso Robles. The parade route starts at 16th and Spring Street and ends surrounding the Paso Robles City Park. Bring your favorite lawn chairs, hats and sunscreen and plan on a memorable experience. See antique tractors, horse-drawn wagons, marching bands, mounted equestrian groups, youth groups, church groups, civic groups, floats, vintage cars, fire engines, tractors military vehicles and more. Main Address: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• October 7, 2023 (Sat) - Fall Preview at SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace from 11AM - 4PM. Tours of the new center, animals, games & corn hole, raffles, giveaways and more. They will be providing refreshments. Address: 865 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
• October 7, 2023 (Sat) - Harvest Festival at San Luis Obispo Public Market from 12PM - 4:30PM. Free entry and parking. Live music, pumpkin painting, local pop-up vendors, corn hole and pumpkin bowling, kids crafts, free face painting and more. Address: 3845 S Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 3 - 14, 2023 - Costume Exchange at the Arroyo Grande Library. Drop into the Arroyo Grande Library anytime between Oct. 3-14 for a Halloween Costume Exchange! Bring in your gently used costumes and pick out a different one that is sure to impress! Open to costumes for all ages. Nothing excessively dirty or torn, please. Find the perfect costume, save money, and recycle. More details. Address: 800 W Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 13 - 14, 2023 (Fri & Sat) - Costume Exchange at the Cambria Library. Join the Cambria Library for a Halloween Costume Exchange! Bring in your gently used costumes and pick out a different one that is sure to impress! They will have costumes for all ages. Donation is not necessary to participate! A special thanks to Recreate Thrift Store in Cambria for the generous donations that make this event possible! More details. More details. Address: 1043 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428
• October 19, 2023 (Thurs) - Moonlight Hours at San Luis Obispo Children's Museum from 5PM - 7PM. Everyone gets in for free between that time frame. Read my full review and pictures from my visits at the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. Address: 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 21, 2023 (Sat) - Golden Oak Honey & Pumpkin Festival and Kids' Flea Market from 10AM - 5PM in Downtown City Park in Paso Robles. Free admission. Honey, demos, antiques, arts, crafts, and misc merchandise along with a special area for the Kid's Flea Market. Address: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• October 21 - 22, 2023 (Sat & Sun) - 77th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival. Free admission. Every year, Pismo Beach Clam Festival attracts generations of families and visitors. I've attended this festival in the past. See pictures that I've taken at the Pismo Beach Clam Festival. Address for GPS: 100 Pomeroy Ave., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• October 26, 2023 (Thurs) - Halloween at the Downtown SLO Farmers Market from 5 - 8PM. Kick off the Halloween weekend with us and bring the kiddos to the Market for a fun-filled evening of costumes, candy, and karaoke! Halloween Festivities return to the Downtown SLO on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5–8 PM. Activities include the beloved Trick-or-Treat Trail at dozens of downtown businesses, a Costume Contest in Mission Plaza, festive photo opportunities, and “Scary-oke!” (a karaoke contest, but with a spooky twist). This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public! We've attended this event in the past. See our video clip below: 
   
  Address for GPS: Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 27, 2023 (Fri) - Boo Bash at Meadow Park in San Luis Obispo from 5PM - 9PM. Free event. Join the City of San Luis Obispo for a family friendly costume party and haunted house. Youngsters (and their families) will enjoy food, games and activities, as well as choose to venture through a spooky haunted house. The Food Bank Coalition of SLO County will be collecting canned food and participants who are able are encouraged to bring one or more items to donate. Address for GPS: 2251 Meadow St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 27, 2023 (Fri) - Trunk or Treat at Ramona Garden Park in Grover Beach at 5PM. Free event. Includes annual decorated and carved pumpkin judging, free hot dogs from GB Rotary and trunk or treating. A picture that I took of this event in the past is right below. Address: 993 Ramona Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
  
• October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Cal Poly Pier Open House in Avila Beach from 9AM - 2PM. This pier is normally closed to the public. The Cal Poly Pier is just over a half-mile long (1.2 miles round trip). Event activities will be held at the end of the pier located on Avila Beach Drive, just west of the San Luis Creek Bridge. Visitors will enjoy 360-degree views of San Luis Bay and interact with touch tanks full of live marine creatures. For GPS, search for "Cal Poly Pier, Avila Beach, CA 93424" on Google Maps. There are three piers in Avila Beach and this one is located in the middle.
• October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Pumpkins in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach from 10AM - 1PM. Free event. Children ages 12 and under can participate in pumpkin decorating, games, crafts, bounce houses and more. Costume contest starts at 11:30AM. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Please leave pets at home. A picture that I took at Dinosaur Caves Park is below. The view of the ocean and cliffs are phenomenal!
   After the event at Pumpkins in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Park, drive to Downtown Pismo Beach to trick or treat from 12PM - 1PM at participating businesses. See more pictures that captured at Dinosaur Caves Park. Dinosaur Caves Park Address: 2701 Price St., Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• October 28, 2028 (Sat) - Halloween Market at Nova Coffee Co in Arroyo Grande from 10AM - 2PM. Shop local vendors at a coffee shop. Bring the kiddos dressed up for trick or treating and face painting. Free entry. Address: 1156 E Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival at Woods Human Society from 12PM - 3PM. Free fall-themed community pet celebration and a whole lot of HOWL-o-ween fun! Activities include: kids' and canines' costume contests, stuffed-animal pull, bobbing for tennis balls, dog training demos, photos in the Pup'kin Patch, Santa Paws Portraits, local artisan goods, delicious food, face painting and more. Address: 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
• October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Morro Bay Trick-Or-Treat at Morro Bay Businesses from 2:30PM - 5:30PM. There will be a map available at 2:30PM that day at the City Rec Booth that will be located at the corner of Morro Bay Blvd., and Main St. There will be a photo booth, face painting, bounce house, haunted trolley, candy and more. Address for GPS: Morro Bay Blvd & Main St., Morro Bay, CA 93442
• October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Trunk or Treat 2023 at SLO City Church from 5PM - 7PM. Inflatables, games, pizza and candy. It will be at the parking lot. Address: 1150 Laurel Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 28, 2023 (Sat) - San Miguel Trunk Fest at San Miguel Park from 5PM - 7:30PM. Free community event planned by local REALTOR and church. Harvest games, vendors and more. Address: 1325 K Street, San Miguel, CA 93451
• October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo from 5PM - 8:30PM. Dress up in your not-so-scarry costume and come to the Zoo ready for fun. Activities include carnival-style games with trinket prizes. According to the Charles Paddock Zoo website, prices are $16 per person; Members $15 per person; Ages 2 and Under Free. I went to this event with my sons in the past. See my instagram reel of Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo or see my Charles Paddock Zoo Review page to see pictures that I took at the zoo. Address: 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
• October 28, 2023 (Sat) - Trunk or Treat at Birchwood Nipomo at 5:30PM. Candy handout, face painting and spooky fun. Address: 323 W Tefft St., Nipomo, CA 93444
• October 27 - 29, 2023 (Fri - Sun) - Marathon Monster Mash at Elm Street Park in Arroyo Grande for 3 days. Cost is $25 for tickets for unlimited bounce-n-play/per day and $3 - $5 per activity. Hours are different every day. Fri: 6PM - 9PM, Sat: 12PM - 8PM and Sun: 12PM - 4PM. Address: 1221 Ash St. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 29, 2023 (Sun) - Oktoberfest 2023 in Baywood-Los Osos from 9:00AM - 5:30PM. Family friendly event with kids' zone. There will be music, beer garden, local food vendors and a costume contest. Address for GPS: 2nd St & Santa Maria Ave., Baywood-Los Osos, CA 93402
• October 29, 2023 (Sun) - Halloween Pet Costume Contest at Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic with registration starting at 12PM and judging starting at 12:30PM. Address: 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• October 29, 2023 (Sun) - Dia de Los Muertos in Mission Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo from 2PM - 6PM. There will be a costume contest, altars, family fun, music and dance Address: 989 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 29, 2023 (Sun) - Trunk or Treat at Nipomo Presbyterian Church from 3PM - 5PM. Free event for the community. Free admission. Address: 1235 N Thompson Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 29, 2023 (Sun) - Trunk or Treat at Sunken Gardens in Atascadero from 4PM - 6PM. 50 + cars decorated. Event is organized by 4 different churches. Address: 5942 West Mall, Atascadero, CA 93422
• October 30, 2023 (Mon) - Trick or Treat at SLO Public Market by 10 different businesses from 11AM - 8PM. See restaurants that I've personally tried at SLO Public Market. Address: 3845 S Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• October 1 - 31, 2023 - Hundreds of imaginative and whimsical scarecrows descend upon the seaside villages of Cambria and San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County.
• October 31, 2023 (Tues) - 4th Annual Trunk or Treat in at Pinedorado Grounds in Cambria from 4PM - 5:30PM. This takes place after the parade. All are welcome. Address: 940 Main St., Cambria, CA 93428
• October 31, 2023 (Tues) - Safe and Fun Halloween Downtown Paso Robles from 4PM - 7PM. Take a photo with a witch. On the paper calendar that the City of Paso Robles mailed out, it says 4PM - 7PM but on the chamber's website here: https://business.pasorobleschamber.com/events/details/safe-fun-halloween-downtown-13604, they say it's from 3PM - 6PM. Check the time as it gets closer.
• October 31, 2023 (Tues) - Trick or Treat on Main St in Templeton from 3:30PM - 6PM. Look for the pumpkin in the window for participating businesses. Over 50 businesses are participating. Address for GPS: Main St & 8th St., Templeton, CA 93465
• October 31, 2023 (Tues) - Trick or Treat in the Village in Arroyo Grande from 4PM - 6PM. This is organized by Hello Village Mercantile. Address for GPS: 100 W Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• October 31, 2023 (Tues) - Trunk or Treat in San Simeon from 4:30PM - 6PM. It's located in the scarecrow grounds next to San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill. Address for GPS: 9520 Castillo Dr., San Simeon, CA 93452
• October 31, 2023 (Tues) - Trick or Treat Downtown Atascadero from 5PM - 8PM on Halloween night. Free event. On Entrada Ave. in Downtown Atascadero, people and pets of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy family, children, and pet costume contests, games, and Trick or Treating. Address for GPS: Entrada Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422
• November 4 - 5, 2023 (Sat & Sun) - Paso Robles Art in the Park. 140 Artists from 4 different states. Free admission. Saturday hours: 10AM - 5PM and Sunday hours: 10AM - 4PM. Address: 1100 Spring St., Paso Robles, CA 93446
• November 5, 2023 (Sun) - Cops 'N Kids Field Day at Soto Sports Complex in Arroyo Grande at 11AM. Free family event. Over 30 law enforcement agencies, free t-shirt, free hot dogs and dozens of first responder vehicles to look at. Address: 1375 Ash St. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• November 11, 2023 (Sat) - Happy Veteran's Day! See a list of freebies that veterans can get in celebration of Veteran's Day.
• November 11, 2023 (Sat) - Veteran's Day Ceremony at Faces of Freedom Memorial in Atascadero at 11AM. Address: 8024 Portola Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422
• November 11, 2023 (Sat) - Veteran's Day Celebration at Pismo Beach Pier at 11AM. Google Pismo Beach Pier landmark address for GPS.
• November 11, 2023 (Sat) - Veterans Day Community Celebration & Revised Vietnam Display at Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum from 10AM - 3PM. Free event. Address: 801 Grand Ave., Suite 102, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• November 17 - 19, 2023 (Fri - Sun) - Atascadero Fall Festival for 3 days at Sunken Gardens. Free admission. Carnival games and rides cost money. 35 bands on 2 stages. Over 15 different food vendors. Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• November 18, 2023 (Sat) - Pumpkin Smash at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero between 10:30AM - 12:30PM. General admission fees apply. Address: 9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422
• November 23, 2023 (Thurs) - Happy Thanksgiving Day! See a list of over 20 different places that will be serving Thanksgiving Day turkey in San Luis Obispo County for 2023.
• November 24, 2023 (Fri) - 36th Annual Downtown Lighting Ceremony at City Park in Paso Robles at 5:30PM. Address for GPS: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• December 1, 2023 (Fri) - 47th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade in Downtown San Luis Obispo at 7PM.. Nearly 90 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers and more. Address for GPS: 811 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo Obispo, CA 93401
• December 1, 2023 (Fri) - Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at 3:30PM in Morro Bay. Enjoy the lighting of the Morro Bay City Park tree for the holidays! Activities begin at 3:30PM. Lighting of the Tree will be at 5:00pm. Address: 734 Harbor St., Morro Bay, CA 93442
• December 1, 2023 (Fri) - Santa's Coming to the Embarcadero in Morro Bay. Come visit Jolly ol’ Saint Nick & get a picture. Admission is free! Santa will be welcoming families on Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to 8pm and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm the first 3 weekends of December. Friday December 1st. Santa will be at the Tree Lighting at City Park (see the event right above this one) and will come to his house at 6pm. Santa's house is at the corner of Embarcadero and Front St. On the morrobay.org website, the description says it starts at 4PM but then, in the "Time;" property, it says 5PM, so double check as it gets closer. See pictures that I've taken at Morro Bay. Address for GPS: Embarcadero & Front St., Morro Bay, CA 93442
• December 1, 2023 (Fri) - Holiday Harmony at Pismo Beach from 5:30PM - 7:30PM. Free entry event by the City of Pismo Beach. Lighting ceremony starts at 6PM. Snow, cookie decorating and bounce houses. Go towards the Pismo Beach Pier and you will see all of the festivities. We went to this event last year. See a picture of a holiday bounce house that my kids got to enjoy there (below).
  
  Address for GPS: 100 Pomeroy Ave. Pismo Beach, CA 93449
• December 1, 2023 (Fri) - Annual Light Up The Downtown Holiday Celebration from 5:30PM - 8PM at Sunken Gardens in Downtown Atascadero. Enjoy an evening of community entertainment, Santa, complimentary Model-A-Firetruck & Hay Rides, hot chocolate, and more! Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• December 2, 2023 (Sat) - Breakfast with Santa in Morro Bay Vet's Hall from 9AM - 11AM. $10 per ticket and includes pancake breakfast with hot cocoa bar, entry in the Elf Workshop with crafts, gift making, cookie decorating, face painting, mini gingerbread house station and photos with Santa. Address: 209 Surf St., Morro Bay, CA 93442
• December 2, 2023 (Sat) - Grover Beach Holiday Parade at 10AM. After the Parade, Santa's workshop activities for kids begin at Ramona Park in Grover Beach.Here's a picture below that I took while I was enjoying a concert at Ramona Park in Grover Beach.
  
• December 2, 2023 (Sat) - 61st Annual Christmas Light Parade at 6PM in Downtown Paso Robles Theme is "All is Bright". Address for GPS: 12th and Spring Streets, Paso Robles, CA 93446 
• December 2, 2023 (Sat) - Lighted Boat Parade in Morro Bay from 6:00PM - 8PM. Free to watch. Be dazzled as our fishing, leisure and yachting community take to the water with decorated boats with dazzling lights and holiday cheer. Address for GPS: 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442 but anywhere along by their main bay area, you should be able to see the parade.
• December 3, 2023 (Sun) - Templeton Christmas Tree Lighting from 4PM - 7PM organized by Templeton Presbyterian Church at Templeton Park. Itinerary is 4PM: Cookies and Hot Cocoa, 5PM: Santa's Special Visit and 6PM: Tree Lighting and Community Blessing. Address: 550 Crocker St, Templeton, CA 93465
• December 3, 2023 (Sun) - Santa Margarita Christmas Tree Lighting at 5PM at Santa Margarita Community Park. Join them in the Santa Margarita Community Park for caroling, cookies, coffee and cocoa as we light our community Christmas Tree. Soup Service, provided by the Santa Margarita Lions Club, starts at 5:45 p.m. at the Santa Margarita Community Hall. Address: 22210 H St, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
• December 3, 2023 (Sun) - The Holiday Parade in the Village of Arroyo Grande at 5PM. Address for GPS: 307 E Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (There's East Branch and West Branch. Make sure you input East)
• December 3, 2023 (Sun) - Christmas in Cayucos Tree Lighting at 6PM. Activities include carolers, lighting of the tree, arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus accompanied by fire engines and children visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Address: Corner of Ocean Ave & D Street, Cayucos, CA 93430
• December 6, 2023 (Wed) - Santa's Sleigh at Centennial Park in Paso Robles by Paso Robles Police Department from 6PM - 7:30PM. Come join your local police officers and firefighters for hot cocoa, candy canes, pictures with Santa, and goody bags! Address: 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446
• December 7, 2023 (Thurs) - Santa's Sleigh at Oak Park in Paso Robles by Paso Robles Police Department from 6PM - 7:30PM. Come join your local police officers and firefighters for hot cocoa, candy canes, pictures with Santa, and goody bags! Address: 901 30th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• December 8, 2023 (Fri) - Christmas Tree Lighting in Los Osos at 5PM. Dazzling lights, festive music, and the most epic holiday vibe. Address: 2180 Palisades Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402
• December 8, 2023 (Fri) - Tree Lighting Event in Grover Beach at 5PM at Ramona Garden Park. Enjoy hot chocolate, caroling and tree lighting ceremony. In their activity book, they said this event is on a Saturday but on the 2023 calendar, the 8th is on a Friday. Check back on this event as it gets closer to see if they meant to print it for Dec. 9th instead. Address: 993 Ramona Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
• December 8, 2023 (Fri) - Police Department Open House & Toy Drive at Grover Beach Police Department from 5PM - 8PM. Join them for cookies, cocoa and coffee and take a tour of Grover Beach Police Department! On this night, they will be hosting a special toy drive. All toys collected during the open house will go to the Boys and Girls Club of South San Luis Obispo County! Come meet their staff, enjoy some cookies and cocoa, and check out their department and some of the vehicles! Address: 711 Rockaway Ave., Grover Beach, Ca 93433
• December 8, 2023 (Fri) - Winter Wonderland in Atascadero from 5PM - 9PM. Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown will be transformed into a magical snowy paradise! 75 Tons of snow will create a massive snow slide (brought to you by Kiwanis), and two large snow pile areas for the kids! This year’s snow-themed event includes Joe’s Little Train (operated by the Elks Club of Atascadero), bungee jumps, obstacle courses, community entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more! Address: 6505 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• December 9, 2023 (Sat) - Breakfast with Santa at Tar Creek Ranch from 8:30AM - 11AM in Arroyo Grande. 
  
  Tickets are $15 a person and includes breakfast, photo with Santa, holiday activities, crafts, music and more. Address: 2514 Huasna Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• December 9, 2023 (Sat) - Santa Margarita Stroll from 5PM - 8PM. You can visit Santa at the Educated Gardener from 5PM - 7:30PM. 22210 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
• December 9, 2023 (Sat) - Annual Cayucos Christmas Open House from 5PM - 8PM. Enjoy free rides on a horse-drawn Calistoga wagon or tractor-pulled wagon. Craft tent and The Grinch will be there for photo opportunities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in their Victorian home at "D" St. & Ocean Avenue. All activities are free sponsored by the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce. GPS Address: N Ocean Ave & D St, Cayucos, CA 93430. See a picture of Cayucos Pier while I was there during the holidays below
  
• December 10, 2023 (Sun) - Tree Lighting & Snow at Elm Street in Arroyo Grande from 5PM - 7PM. Free event. Santa tree lighting, food and toy drive, snow, s'mores table, food vendors, photos with Santa and more. Address: 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• Through December 23 2023 - Cambria Christmas Market by Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, California. Enjoy 2+ million Christmas lights, Vendor Market, festive food & drink, visits from Santa, live music and more! This is a ticketed event or if you book a room at Cambria Pines Lodge, then it is inclusive. Learn more about Cambria and my brunch experience at Cambria Pines Lodge. Address: 905 Burton Dr. Cambria, California 93428. I've walked through the Cambria Christmas Market lights last year. Here is my video clip from last year's visit: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D3d--JQVwGM
• Through December 25, 2023 - Holiday Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo at 12PM. Free to walk through. See my video from last year when Mission Plaza is transformed into Holiday Plaza with Christmas lights below. Press the play button.
   See Santa's House Hours for pictures between 11/24 - 12/24. 
• December 14, 2023 (Thurs) - Tin City Forklift Parade and Holiday Shopping in Paso Robles from 5PM - 8PM. Parade starts at 6:30PM. Bring the kids for your complimentary photos with Santa in the Parklet across from Etto and Field Recordings. Address for GPS: 3070 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446
• December 15 - 17, 2023 - Christmas At The Ranch at Santa Margarita Ranch. Train ride tickets vary as there are two different trains. Each passenger ticket comes with hot cocoa and a cookie. Each train ride is 30 minutes long. Diesel Locomotive and Open-Air Train Cars tickets are $25 per adult and $15 per child. The Historic 1800s Steam Train with Rides Inside the Original Disneyland Coaches tickets are $35 per adult and $20 per child. Babies who are 2 years old and under are free. Tickets and FAQs. Address: 9000 Yerba Buena Ave., Santa Margarita, CA 93453. I've been to this ranch before. See my Youtube short video below at Santa Margarita Ranch.
  
• December 16, 2023 (Sat) - Santa Claus Meet and Greet at Exploration Discovery Center from 10AM - 12PM. You can meet Santa (great Santa photo opportunity) with regular paid admission. They will also give away free books while supplies last. See pictures that I've taken at Exploration Discovery Center and read my personal review. Address: 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433
• December 16, 2023 (Sat) - Holiday Magic at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero from 10AM - 1PM. General daily admission fee is required.
   
  The zookeepers will step in as Santa’s Elves to prepare gifts for the animals. Santa will be at the Charles Paddock Zoo to help welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals. Address: 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
December 20 & 21 (Wed & Thurs) - Santa is Coming to Town at Arroyo Grande Home & Garden from 4:30PM - 6PM. Santa is stopping by for a visit. Bring your own camera or phone to take family photos with Santa!
• December 22, 2023 (Fri) - Santa Is Coming to Farm Supply in San Luis Obispo from 4PM - 6PM. This is a great last minute photo opportunity with Santa. Feel free to bring your kids, pets, and friends to take picture with Santa while you get your holiday shopping done. Address: 224 Tank Farm Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• Address: 989 Chorro St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• December 25, 2023 (Mon) - Merry Christmas! See my instagram to see my most recent pictures and videos that I've taken at local events and businesses.
• December 30, 2023 (Sat) - Nearly Noon Year's Eve Party at Los Osos Library in the Children's Area from 11AM - 12:30PM. Come to their (Nearly) Noon Year's Eve Party instead! Celebrate the start of 2024 with us - with music, activities, and a countdown at noon. Don't forget to wear your best holiday party outfit! For all kids and their families. Address: 2075 Palisades Ave, Baywood-Los Osos, CA 93402
• December 31, 2023 (Sun) - New Year's Eve Bonfire in Downtown City Park in Paso Robles from 7PM - 11PM. Free community-wide New Year's Eve celebration. The ball will drop at 9PM. Address for GPS: Spring St &, 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Suggested Unique Christmas Thing To Do in SLO County: Cambria Christmas Lights 

I highly suggest visiting the Cambria Christmas Market that typically opens starting Thanksgiving weekend. See my video reel of my visit to Cambria Christmas Market. This is a very unique thing to do in San Luis Obispo County as it's over a mile walk through with non-stop Christmas lights. You can buy tickets to enter the market or you can stay at one of their hotels and the entry to the market is included. It is very stroller-friendly. Read more about Cambria. 

Major Attractions in Southern California

Living on the Central Coast, we're only a few hours drive from big haunted houses and fun rides at major attractions. Here are ticket offerings for attractions that offer a Haunted House experience at night.

Universal Studios Hollywood Fall Experience

Universal Studios Hollywood in LA offers Discounted General Admission through arestravel. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ takes you into the world of Super Mario™. Battle Team Bowser on the groundbreaking Mario Kart™ ride. Play interactive games throughout the land and track your score with a Power-Up Band™. Dine at Toadstool Cafe™, meet Mario and friends, and grab exclusive merch at the 1-UP Factory™ store. Now open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood is a 2 hour and 56 minute drive south from SLO (if no traffic).
 See Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket Offerings.

Knott's Berry Farm Fall Experience

Knott's Berry Farm is southern California’s original theme park, bursting with attractions and entertainment. Guests of all ages love the park’s first-class roller coasters and thrill rides, elaborate stage shows, interactive entertainment, and family-friendly fun with Snoopy and the Peanuts™ gang Knott's Berry Farm is about a 3 hour and 54 minute drive from SLO (if no traffic)
Gate price is $99.99 but you can secure Knott's Berry Farm tickets online for $59.99 from arestravel.

To see all upcoming events before and after fall season throughout San Luis Obispo County for 2024, go to the Family-Friendly Events page.