48th Annual Downtown Holiday Parade

Presented by Friday Night Lights Youth Flag Football
Announcer booths sponsored by Rate

Friday, December 6, 2024 • 7 PM

Prepare to be enchanted by an evening of unforgettable festive fun in charming downtown San Luis Obispo; the 48th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade will take place on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 7 PM. The 2024 theme will be “Whimsical Wonderland”; parade participants are encouraged to decorate their floats with inspirations of enchanted forests, swirly trees, and sparkly snowscapes.

The Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade has drawn thousands to downtown San Luis Obispo since 1976. Held on the first Friday in December, the parade has become a much-loved holiday tradition along the Central Coast for locals and visitors alike. Nearly 90 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers, and more will march in the parade. The parade will occur rain or shine! Attendees can RSVP and share the event on Facebook.

Parade applications have closed.

For questions, reach out to Events@DowntownSLO.com.

Volunteer with us!

Help keep our annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade safe and secure by volunteering to be a parade monitor. Volunteers will be stationed along the parade route ensuring that the route is kept clear at all times and parade viewers remain on the sidewalks. Sign up to volunteer »

Frequently Asked Questions

A map of the parade route with announcer booths, restrooms, and more information will be published soon!

Q: What time does the parade start, and how long does it last?

A: The parade will start at 7 PM and will last about two hours. There are 80–90 parade entries in 2024 — a complete list of entries will be published as the date approaches.

Q: What if it rains?

A: The parade is a rain or shine event!

Q: Where do we park?

A: All downtown parking is free on December 6 from 6 PM through midnight! All three structures will be open to the public, with access from Palm & Marsh Streets. Space is limited and streets will close at 4 PM. We highly encourage car-pooling, walking, and riding your bicycles. There will be a free bike valet in Mission Plaza along the parade route.

Q: What roads will be closed?

A: Beginning at 4:00 PM, roads will close. View the map of road closures here.

Residents of Brizzolara, Nipomo, Dana, and Peach Streets will receive a mailer enclosed with a barricade pass to allow access at PEACH & MORRO to their residence during the time of the closure, and access to residences may be impacted after 5:30 PM. A pass MUST be shown to the barricade monitor for access. Call the Downtown SLO office for more information: (805) 541-0286

Additional road closures and detours may be established at the discretion of the incident commander to control traffic near the route.

Q: Can we set up early along the street to save a spot?

A: Downtown storefronts and businesses are open during the day of the parade. Downtown SLO cannot guarantee saved spots from chairs/blankets/ or items left unattended. Please use caution if you plan on leaving personal items on public streets.

Please keep in mind that several restaurants have parklets with outdoor seating. This seating is reserved for restaurant operations.

Q: Do you allow vendors to set up and sell at the parade?

A: No. We reserve all available viewing areas for parade attendees.

Q: Will there be accessible seating?

A: The parade viewing area is all street-side viewing. We do ask that everyone help make this a fun and enjoyable experience for all — please allow people with disabilities and children access to see the parade.

Q: Will there be bathrooms on the parade route?

A: Portable restrooms will be available — a map will be coming soon! Some local businesses will also be open and will have restrooms available for their customers. What a great way to support local business — purchase a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or pastry and help generate revenue for your local economy!

Q: Are pets allowed?

A: We strongly discourage bringing pets to the parade — please keep in mind that there is limited seating space, as well as entries that include loud noises, flashing lights, and other animals. Service animals are welcome.

Q: Is there anything going on after the parade?

A: Yes! Several bars and restaurants will be open, as well as holiday events. See our events calendar for more information.

Q: Who is the Grand Marshal this year?

A: Leading the 48th Annual Holiday Parade will be Grand Marshal Jeffrey D. Armstrong, President of Cal Poly, and his wife, Sharon. Accompanying President Armstrong is special guest California State University Chancellor Mildred García. Join us in celebrating Cal Poly’s continued investments in our downtown community, including the development of their new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at 1144 Chorro Street.