Discover Fun Family Holiday Activities on the Central Coast
Stars aren’t the only thing sparkling amid the velvety, dark sky this time of year.
Christmas tree lightings glitter among the stars on our beautiful Central Coast. There’s just something so special when the crowd chants, “Three, two, one …,” erupting in joy as a Christmas tree magically lights up a town.
Of course, tree lightings are only part of the holiday fun. Don’t forget the parades, visits with Santa, cookie decorating, and tons more!
So, bundle up the family, fill your travel mugs with hot chocolate, and come along as we bring you a few of our favorite local festivities to give a whirl.
Atascadero’s Downtown Holiday Celebrations
You won’t want to miss Santa and Mrs. Claus as they cruise into town in style on an antique Model-A fire truck on December 6th. From 5:30 – 8 p.m., Atascadero comes to life with its Downtown Holiday Sup & Shop, including wine and beer tastings. Stroll through downtown at your leisure. Shops will remain open late for your shopping pleasure.
On December 13th from 5-9 p.m., kids, big and small, will love the captivating winter wonderland overtaking the Sunken Gardens and entire downtown. Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Atascadero, a massive slide created with 70 tons of snow promises endless fun along with two large snow piles for kids to dive into. Anyone up for building a snowman or throwing a snowball or two?
Paso Robles’ Victorian Christmas Showcase
Join the community for its annual parade on December 7th at 6 p.m. and again on December 14th from 6-9 p.m. as Paso Robles celebrates its 38th Annual Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase. Ring in the holidays with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Snow King & Queen, and of course, Scrooge!
For more information, call the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street office at (805) 238-4103, email info@pasoroblesdowntown.org, or visit https://pasoroblesdowntown.org.
Solvang’s Julefest
The Danish town of Solvang is magical this time of year. Join in the fun during Julefest’s month-long festivities running through January 5th. Rivaling Hallmark’s storybook small-town holiday allure and named one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World (Oprah Daily), Solvang twinkles with a tree-lit main street and shops festively decorated for the season.
Don’t miss the spectacular tree-lighting ceremony at Solvang Park on December 6th at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the dancing ballerinas encircling the tree, the celebration includes live entertainment, caroling, and a light show culminating at 6:30 p.m.
Julefest celebrates all the season has to offer. The holiday events include a parade, photos with Santa in his village, day tours of the town, a Makers Market featuring local artisans, and a unique bit of fun for the whole family—a Nisser adventure. The Nisser are Danish gnomes who have hidden themselves throughout the town. For a list of clues to the hiding spots, venture into the Solvang Visitor Center.
For more information, call (805) 465-7298, email info@solvangusa.com, or visit www.solvangusa.com.
Los Olivos’ Olde-Fashioned Christmas
The enchanting Los Olivos, Solvang’s small-town neighbor, hosts an Olde-Fashioned Christmas on December 7th from 2-7 p.m. The festivities kick off with open houses at the local shops, restaurants, and wineries.
Live music will fill the streets beginning at 2 p.m. from Fig Mtn Brew LO when they host Holiday Market & Crafts, Kids Cookie Decorating, hot cocoa, and free photos with Santa! Beer lovers are in for a treat—in the unique tradition of Bierstachein, you’ll enjoy beer warmed with a hot poker, delivering delicious, caramelized flavor.
At 4 p.m., St. Mark’s In-the-Valley Episcopal Church will host a Gingerbread Wonderland, a winter dreamland created by school children and local artisans.
At 6 p.m., gather ‘round the village’s flagpole as the town officially welcomes the holidays with its tree-lighting ceremony—and let’s not forget more cookies, hot cocoa, and roasted walnuts.
For more information, visit https://www.visitsyv.com/event/olde-fashioned-christmas/.
The holidays beckon us to spend time together, playing, laughing, and celebrating from Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo to Solvang. Oozing charm and nostalgia, these Central Coast towns not only capture the holiday spirit—they’ll offer tremendous photo opportunities and yummy treats galore.
Even more precious, there’s no greater gift than the memories created with loved ones.
