Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown San Luis Obispo
'Tis the season for treasured community traditions such as the annual Holiday Parade, Santa's House, and the dazzling lights and sights in Mission Plaza.
48th Annual Holiday Parade
Friday, December 6, 2024 • 7 PM
Escape into a whimsical world of winter festivities in downtown San Luis Obispo this holiday season! This year's parade theme is Whimsical Wonderland — parade participants are encouraged to decorate their entries with inspirations of enchanted forests, swirly trees, and sparkly snowscapes.
Lights & Sights in Mission Plaza
Open Now!
Admire dazzling displays, ride the Classic Carousel, take family photos in front of festive backdrops, and experience a music-synced light show! Step into a magic winter wonderland in Mission Plaza this holiday season.
Santa's House
Open Through Christmas Eve!
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 All Season Long
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.
Take advantage of Buy Local Bonus! Earn a $25 gift card for every $100 you spend at local retailers.
Volunteer With Us!
Santa's House
As an Elf, you will work at Santa's House in Mission Plaza to help families visit and take photos with Santa. You will be assigned one of the following roles: Greeter, Photographer, or Photo Printing/Cashier. Sign Up »
48th Annual Holiday Parade
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 »
Free Parking Garage Days
Visitors can enjoy free parking in all three downtown parking garages on the following days:
- Thanksgiving Weekend: 11/28, 11/29, 11/30
- Every Sunday in December: 12/1, 12/8, 12/14, 12/22, 12/29
- Christmas Eve/Day: 12/24, 12/25
- New Year’s Eve/Day: 12/31, 1/1
In Partnership With
Santa's House Sponsored By
Holiday Parade Presented By
Holiday Tree Sponsored By
Lights & Sights Brought To You By
Plaza Photo Spots Sponsored By
Parade Announcer Booths Sponsored By
Light Show Sponsored By
Light Tunnel Sponsored By
Classic Carousel Sponsored By
Small Business Saturday Sponsor
Letters to Santa Sponsor
Holiday Parade Major Level Sponsors
Parade Bike Valet Sponsored By
Media Partners
Special Thanks To
