Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown San Luis Obispo

'Tis the season for unforgettable festive fun in charming downtown San Luis Obispo. In 2023, see a continuation of treasured community traditions, as well as brand-new activations and dazzling lights.

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Lights, sights, & family fun in Mission Plaza

Presented by CoVelop; In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo

Mission Plaza is the centerpiece of downtown San Luis Obispo — it all happens here! This holiday season, visit Santa at Santa's House, ride the Classic Carousel, take family photos in front of the 20-foot tree, walk through animated lighted displays, experience a music-synced light show, and more!

Holiday Plaza

Santa's House — Open Now!

Sponsored by Dignity Health

Open through Sunday, December 24, 2023

11/25–12/17: Wed–Sun, 11 AM – 7 PM

12/18–12/23: Every day, 11 AM – 7 PM

12/24: 11 AM – 2 PM

Bring the kiddos to meet Santa in Mission Plaza! Visitors can recite their holiday wish list and pose for photos with Santa on his front lawn.

Santa's House

47th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade

Presented by Ah Louis Store and Friday Night Lights Youth Flag Football; In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo

Friday, December 1, 2023 ❆ 7 PM

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an out of this world evening!

You voted, and the winners of the 47th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade areeee....
People's Choice: Comet Realty
Most Creative: Untamed Petals
Best in Theme: County of SLO Public Works
Most Entertaining: CORE Dance

View the photos on Facebook »

47th Annual Holiday Parade

Shop Local All Season Long

Keep your dollars local this holiday season and support local businesses when shopping for gifts.

Local Businesses Downtown

Buy Local Bonus

Supporting small businesses by shopping for unique, hand-crafted gifts is made easy in Downtown San Luis Obispo! Buy Local Bonus rewards shoppers for spending their dollars locally and helps keep SLO special! Spend $100 or more shopping for gifts in SLO and receive a $25 gift card to another local spot.

Buy Local Bonus

Free Parking Days

Park for free in any of the three downtown structures on the following days:

Thursday, November 23
Friday, November 24
Saturday, November 25
Sunday, November 26
Sunday, December 3
Sunday, December 10
Sunday, December 17
Sunday, December 24
Monday, December 25
Sunday, December 31
Monday, January 1

Beginning Thursday, November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day), the first hour of parking is free every day in all three structures.

City of SLO Parking Services

Volunteer With Us

Gain experience in event operations and help run some of the community's most popular programs.

47th Annual Holiday Parade: Help bring our 47th Annual Out of This World Holiday Parade to life by monitoring the parade route. (Fri, Dec 1, 2023)
Santa's House Elf Volunteer: Create magical memories for local families by assisting with photos and visits with Santa in Mission Plaza. (Nov 24–Dec 24)

Thank you to our 2023 sponsors & partners!