Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown San Luis Obispo
Downtown SLO's 2026 Holiday festivities include the 50th Annual Holiday Parade, Lights and Sights in Mission Plaza, and Santa's House. The holiday magic begins November 27 with our "Light Up the Plaza" opening!
50th Annual Holiday Parade
Friday, December 4, 2026 | 7 PM
Theme: Past, Present, Future
2026 marks over half a century of the Downtown SLO Holiday Parade. To commemorate this milestone, we’re honoring our past, embracing the present, and looking toward the future.
Parade entries and participants are encouraged to incorporate the theme of past, present, and future into their holiday floats and costumes. We invite attendees to be creative and imaginative in their interpretation of this theme!
Lights & Sights in Mission Plaza
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.
Santa's House
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!
Shop Local Weekend
November 27-28, 2026
Support Small • Gift Big
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.
Sponsors & Partners
Downtown SLO wants to thank all the sponsors and partners who make these events possible.
All holiday activations would not be possible without support from the City of San Luis Obispo.
Holiday Plaza Presenting Sponsor: The San Luis Obispo Collection
Holiday Parade Presenting Sponsor: Friday Night Lights Youth Flag Football
Santa’s House Presenting Sponsor: Adventist Health
Lights & Sights Brought To You By: Adept Events
Holiday Tree Sponsor: Dignity Health
SLO Letters Sponsor: Toyota San Luis Obispo
Coeur de Noel Sponsor: Sensorio
Wreath Sponsor: Meathead Movers
Light Tunnel Sponsor: Trust Automation
Light & Snow Show Sponsors: PG&E, RRM Design, & Thoma Electric
Letters to Santa Sponsor: Hotel SLO
Carousel Sponsor: The Quinlin All Suites Hotel, Formerly Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
Sleigh Sponsor: JB Dewar
Parade Announcer Booth Sponsor: Rizzoli’s
Shop Local Promotions Sponsor: SLO Credit Union
Souvenir Ornament Sponsor: Hotel Cerro
Holiday Parade Bike Valet Sponsor: American Riviera Bank
Holiday Parade Major Sponsors: Adventist Health, Rate, Toyota San Luis Obispo, New Heights Ventures, Coastal Pediatric Dentistry, SESLOC Credit Union, Moondoggies Beach Club, Astound, NKT Commercial, Waste Connections, and Wilde Wealth Management.
Media Partners: KSBY, New Times Media Group, The Krush 92.5, Coast 104.5, and 93.3 KZOZ.
Special Thanks To: Avila Traffic Safety, Harvey’s Honey Huts, CoVelop, Souza Construction, and Traffic Management, Inc.