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.

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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.

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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.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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 • 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.

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!

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

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 »

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!