Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown San Luis Obispo

Experience the magic of the holidays this November and December in downtown San Luis Obispo with events and activations all season long.

Subscribe to our newsletter

49th Annual Holiday Parade

Friday, December 5, 2025 | 7 PM

Join Downtown SLO for the largest holiday parade on the Central Coast! Nearly 90 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers, and more will march through downtown San Luis Obispo. Information regarding the route, accommodations, and more will be published as the date approaches.

Applications to join the parade are open now!

Learn More & Apply

Lights & Sights in Mission Plaza

Opens Friday, November 28, 2025

Admire dazzling displays, take family photos in front of festive backdrops, and experience a music-synced light and snow show! Step into a magic winter wonderland in Mission Plaza this holiday season.

Learn More

Santa's House

Opens Friday, November 28, 2025

Santa will be flying from the North Pole for his annual winter residency in Mission Plaza! Bring the family to meet Santa, take photos, and make magical memories!

Santa's House Opening Day Celebration | 1 PM

Free, family-friendly, and open to the public — Watch Santa arrive to Mission Plaza and be among the first to visit and take photos with him!

Santa’s House Hours of Operation:

11/28–12/21: Thurs–Sun, 1 PM–6:30 PM
12/22–12/23: 1 PM–6:30 PM
12/24: 10 AM–1 PM

Volunteer to be an elf!

Free Parking Garage Days

Visitors can enjoy free parking in all three downtown parking garages on the following days:

Thanksgiving Weekend: 11/27, 11/28, 11/29, 11/30
Every Sunday in December: 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28
Christmas Eve/Day: 12/24, 12/25
New Year’s Eve/Day: 12/31, 1/1

City of SLO Parking

Shop Local | Thanksgiving Weekend

Check holiday shopping off of your to-do list, take advantage of downtown discounts and promotions, and support local while doing it! Downtown SLO offers holiday shopping opportunities unlike any other, with a diverse lineup of small merchants.

Thanksgiving Weekend Shopping

Friday, November 28, 2025: Black Friday
Saturday, November 29, 2025: Small Business Saturday

Learn More