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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Q: What if it rains?

A: The parade is a rain or shine event!

Q: Who's in the parade this year?

A: We have 80+ parade participants this year — a complete list of entries will be published as the date approaches.

Q: Where do we park?

A: All downtown parking is free on December 5 from 4 PM–11 PM; both on-street and garage parking! 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.

For press inquiries, contact marketing@downtownslo.com.

Applications to be in the 2025 parade have closed.

If you applied, you will hear back soon regarding your application status!

Get on the Waitlist

Please note: Insurance is required to participate in the parade!

Downtown SLO requires all parade participants to submit a certificate of General Liability Insurance and an Additional Insured Endorsement.

Please acquire a certificate of insurance with the following requirements:

General Liability Coverage with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000.
Certificate holder as: Downtown SLO Association, 1135 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Additional Insured as: “Downtown SLO, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, vendors and contractors as indemnified and additionally insured against any and all loss, damage or injury which occurs as a result of an appearance in the Downtown SLO Holiday Parade.”

Insurance without the additional insured endorsement will be rejected.

Please reach out to events@downtownslo.com with any questions.