North County Holiday Offerings

To make your season bright

There is plenty to choose from during the holidays — from community gatherings to crafts to concerts featuring beautiful music of the season. North SLO County is the place to be! Events are chronologically listed. Readers are encouraged to visit event websites or call and confirm scheduled events.
56th Holiday Light Parade in Paso Robles on Saturday evening, Dec. 2, beginning at 7 p.m. Celebrate “There’s No Place Like Home for Christmas” with Santa and a glittering array of floats, equestrian, vehicle and marching entries. Bundle up and choose your spot along the Downtown parade route, from 10th and Spring streets (heading north past City Park), turning east one block to 14th Street, turning south on Park Street (between 14th-12th), turning east from 12th and Park to Pine Street, then turning south on Pine Street around City Park. Route ends on 11th Street. Call 805-238-4103 or visit pasoroblesdowntown.org.
Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade at the Embarcadero on Dec. 2 begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring the family and come early to secure a good spot along the waterfront to view a dazzling procession of delightfully festooned Christmas skiffs, yachts, kayaks, cutters, sailboats and fishing boats. If you arrive even earlier at 3:30 pm, Pre-Parade Festivities include holiday music and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Tidelands Park. Visit MorroBay.org.
Winter Concert: ‘Alleluia’ by Cuesta College North County Chorus at the Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave, Atascadero, begins at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3. Enjoy J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio, Parts 3 & 4” and other lovely pieces by a chorus of voices and solo artists with orchestra accompaniment. Veterans invited FREE! Tickets: $15/General and $10/students, seniors 65+. Pre-purchases are encouraged, as seating goes fast for this annual event. Search “North County Chorus” on Facebook.
‘Holiday Magic’ at Allegretto Vineyard Resort, 2700 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, presents the Symphony Brass Chamber Ensemble on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Come early at 2 p.m. to stroll through the Tuscan Villa-inspired grounds and enjoy a Christmas Market with enticing gift items for purchase from local vendors, wine tasting, hot chocolate for the kids, carol singing at 4 p.m. and a Christmas tree lighting at 4:50 p.m. Prix fixe dinners are available for purchase with reservations, as seating is limited. Concert tickets: $35/adults, $10/children. Call 805-369-2500 or visit allegrettovineyardresort.com.
Soy Candle Making at Centennial Park in Paso Robles. Handcraft and decorate your very own 10-ounce soy candle in a relaxed and friendly environment to enhance your creativity. Two classes available: Tuesday, Dec. 5 and 19, from 6 to 8 pm. Cost: $25 + $12 supply. Centennial Kitchen/Becky Hallett. Call 805-237-3988 or visit the “Activities & Classes” page at prcity.com.
‘The Nutcracker’ by North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation with Class Act Dance on Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 10 at Templeton Performing Arts Center. Schedule as follows. Dec. 7: Open Dress Rehearsal on at 7 pm. Dec. 8: Evening performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 9: Two matinees at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 10: Matinee at 1 p.m. and performance at 5:30 p.m. For more details, email: info@ncdpaf.org, call 805-316-1833, visit the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation page on Facebook, visit websites ncdpaf.org or brownpapertickets.com.
Atascadero Winter Wonderland from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Sunken Gardens and downtown Atascadero offers a huge snow slide, snowy play areas, a rock climbing wall, a bounce house, Joe’s Little Train, Santa and Mrs. Claus and over 50 food and craft vendors. Visit AtascaderoChamber.org.
‘Olive the Holidays’ at Olivas de Oro Olive Company, 4625 La Panza Road in Creston. On Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 5 p.m., join in the annual holiday party to sample olive, balsamic and ranch products, including their newly-released olio nuevo, and nibble on holiday cookies and treats. Take part in olive branch wreath-making, too. Your $10 donation will go straight to the Food Bank. Need to shop? Check out their gift baskets and stocking stuffers, too. Visit their Facebook page or call 805-227-4223.
Vine Street Victorian Showcase from 6 to 9 p.m., on Dec. 9, takes place between 8th and 21st streets in Paso Robles. There’s something for everyone, including bands, dancers, free refreshments, The Grinch, the Snow King and Queen, choirs, caroling and one cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge! Paso Robles High School Marching Band opens the festivities. Bundle up and enjoy this free, well-attended, annual event. No dogs/cars allowed. NOTE: No traffic permitted on this route between 6 to 9 p.m. Call 805-238-4103. Visit pasoroblesdowntown.org.
Victorian Teddy Bear Tea at Paso Robles Park Ballroom, 1232 Park Street, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 16. Visit with Snow King and Queen, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves, and Victorian friends. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, pictures to color and candy canes. Bring your teddy bear for cookies and juice. Music, storytelling and a door prize. Seating limited. Pre-purchase tickets (adults/$15, kids/$8) at the Main Street Office, 835 12th Street, Suite D. Call 805-238-4103. Visit pasoroblesdowntown.org.
‘2018 New Year’s Eve’ delivers “Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams” at La Bellasera Hotel & Suites in Paso Robles. Take part in an unforgettable culinary experience and ballroom bash with a three-course dinner, music and dancing, champagne toast, midnight snack and dessert bar. Cost: $39 to $99. Inquire about New Year’s Eve room packages, holiday parties and gift cards. For tickets and full details, call 805-238-2834. Visit labellasera.com/nye.