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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

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.

Learn More

It all kicks off on Friday, November 29!

Santa's House Opening Day Celebration • Friday, November 29, 2024 • 1 PM
Watch Santa ride into Mission Plaza on a firetruck and enjoy a live performance from the SLO County Band! RSVP on Facebook »

Light Up The Plaza! • Friday, November 29, 2024 • 5 PM
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 2024 holiday season! Grab a cozy drink downtown and enjoy live music and community. RSVP on Facebook »

Lights & Sights in Mission Plaza

Opens Friday, November 29, 2024

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.

Lights & Sights in Mission Plaza

Santa's House

Opens Friday, November 29, 2024 at 1 PM

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

Shop Local this 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.

Shop at select downtown businesses or stop by the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and receive a free tote bag on November 29 & 30. While supplies last!

Buy Local Bonus returns Friday, November 29, 2024!

Learn More

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 »