Discover what’s going on in Morro Bay, and beyond! From community fundraisers and live music to family festivals and local traditions, San Luis Obispo County is full of events every month. Don’t miss your chance to connect, celebrate, and support local.
November 28–December 21
Christmas at the Ranch
Santa Margarita Ranch
9000 Yerba Buena Ave., Santa Margarita
Enjoy an immersive holiday experience with steam train rides, a Light Maze, North Pole Village, pony rides, games, fire pits, festive treats, and shopping.
November 28–December 31
Cambria Christmas Market
Cambria Pines Lodge
2905 Burton Dr., Cambria
Daily (hours vary)
Walk through 3+ million lights, shop artisan vendors, visit Santa, enjoy train rides, fire pits, live music, and festive food and drinks.
November 29–December 24
Santa’s House/Holiday Plaza
Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo
Times vary
Enjoy decorations, evening lights, carousel, scavenger hunt, letters to Santa, and more.
December 5
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Morro Bay City Park
3:30pm; tree lighting at 5pm.
Kick off the season with festivities leading to the annual tree lighting ceremony.
49th Annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade
Downtown San Luis Obispo
7–9pm
One of the Central Coast’s largest parades featuring floats, bands, dancers, and more.
Light Up the Downtown
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero
5:30–8pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by antique fire truck; shops open late with tastings and festivities.
December 5–7
The North County Nutcracker
Cal Poly Spanos Theatre, San Luis Obispo
Various showtimes
Storybook Ballet presented by NCDPAF with four performances; tickets at ncdpaf.org/events
December 6–7 & 13–15
Santa’s House on the Embarcadero
Corner of Embarcadero & Front St., Morro Bay
Fri–Sat 4–8pm; Sun 12–4pm
Visit Santa and snap a photo during two festive weekends on the waterfront.
December 6
Holiday Musical Walk Around the Lake
Atascadero Lake Park
5:30–9pm.
Stroll lakeside with carolers, community singing, and holiday décor.
December 7
Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting
Corner of D St. & Ocean Ave., Cayucos
5pm
Enjoy carolers, refreshments, and Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire engine.
December 12
Winter Wonderland
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero
5–9pm
Downtown transforms with 70 tons of snow, a giant slide, and play areas for kids.
December 13
Lighted Boat Parade
Embarcadero, Morro Bay
6:30pm
Boats shine with lights and holiday cheer in this waterfront parade, rain or shine.
Christmas in Cayucos Wonderland Walk
Downtown Cayucos
4–7pm
Enjoy carriage rides, Santa visits, crafts, snow play, festive shops, and refreshments.
December 20
Holiday Magic
Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero
10am–1pm
See animals receive gifts prepared by zookeeper “elves” and visit Santa at the zoo.
December 31
Noon Year’s Eve
Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero
Times TBD
Family-friendly early New Year celebration with activities before bedtime.
January Events
January 1
Polar Bear Plunge
Avila Beach Pier
12 pm
The 14th annual Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a celebration of fitness, nature, a New Year, camaraderie, and still having dessert.
Polar Bear Dip
Cayucos Pier
12 pm
Take the plunge at their 46th Annual
Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip. Join them late morning for festivities that include music, dancing, prizes, and participant certificates.
