Lights, sights, & family fun in Mission Plaza

In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo

The Holiday Plaza returns this November–December in downtown San Luis Obispo!

Opening Day Festivities: Friday, November 28, 2025

Santa's House Opening Day Celebration

Mission Plaza

11:45 AM: SLO County Band performance begins
12:30 PM: Santa rides through downtown
1:00 PM: Santa’s House opens

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

Light up the Plaza!

Mission Plaza

4:30 PM: Central Coast Gilbert & Sullivan Carolers performance begins
5:00 PM: Remarks from Downtown SLO, City of SLO, and Holiday Plaza sponsors
5:10 PM: Light switch flip

Free, family-friendly, and open to the public — Join Downtown SLO, the City of SLO, and our sponsors and community partners as we "switch on" the lights in the Plaza, ushering in the start of the 2025 holiday season! Grab a cozy drink downtown and enjoy live music and community.

Light & Snow Show

Every night, every 30 minutes — starting at 6 PM!*

*6:30 PM on Saturdays

*7:30 PM on Sundays

*Hours may vary depending on weather and events at the Mission. Please note that the light show will start late on the following dates and times:

December 3–10: Starts at 8 PM
December 16: Starts at 8:30 PM

Hanukkah Downtown

Sunday, December 14, 2025 | Join the JCC-Federation of SLO for a celebration at the Old Mission of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on the first night of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah Downtown

Holiday Plaza Activations & Partnerships

Be part of the magic: We are inviting select entertainers and organizations the opportunity to perform or host a family-friendly activity in the Plaza!

Holiday Plaza Activation Interest Form