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.
Applications for the 2024 downtown San Luis Obispo holiday parade are open now and filling fast! We will close the application when we reach capacity, so don't wait to apply!
Thanksgiving Weekend Celebrations
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!
Light Up The Plaza! • Friday, November 29, 2024 • 12 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.
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday • Friday–Saturday, November 29–30, 2024
Keep your dollars local this holiday season! Visit your favorite local businesses for special offers during Thanksgiving Weekend. More information coming soon!
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.
More info coming soon!
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!
Become a Sponsor
When you sponsor Downtown SLO Holidays, you’re making it possible for us to spread holiday cheer and encourage shopping at downtown businesses, and you’ll have the chance to market your business to hundreds of thousands of locals, tourists, and downtown visitors.