Paso Robles is filled with Christmas events that tell a story. The story started in November with Elegant Evening in downtown. The evening included wine tasting, food and visiting downtown businesses that have decorated for the season and are in the Christmas spirit.
“We start out with the merchants showing that they have everything ready to show for Christmas,” Paso Robles Main Street Executive Director Norma Moye said. “It’s getting people into the spirit of Christmas.”
The day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas festivities continued with the 32nd annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m. Mrs. Claus arrives to turn on the lights in the park to invite Santa Claus to Paso Robles. The park is filled with people waiting in the near-dark for the lights to be flipped on.
“When Mrs. Claus comes to town,” Moye said, “she comes to town to see if [Paso Robles] is ready for Santa. [There is] hot chocolate for her and everybody’s singing. I understand the Grinch may sneak in and try to steal our Christmas.”
A week later, Santa arrived to Paso Robles in time for the 57th annual Christmas Light Parade on Saturday, December 1 at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “Cowboy Christmas.”
“So Mrs. Claus says, ‘Wow, this town is ready for Santa to come.’ So Santa comes into town on his sleigh,” Moye said.
The first time people will see Santa in Paso Robles is when he rides on his sleigh during the parade.
“And the Grinch kinda got scared — he heard Santa was coming,” Moye said.
The parade includes a variety of lighted entries from local businesses and organizations. A variety of awards will be given for the Best in Show.
A week later, the 32nd annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase will take place on Saturday, December 8 from to 6 to 9 p.m. on Vine Street between 8th and 21st streets. This is a free event where the Vine Street residents and business owners open up their doors and other groups from around the county join them. Participants give things such as hot chocolate, cookies, and other treats. There will also be groups sharing the Christmas spirit with music and other entertainment. Scrooge can be found on the balcony of a house on Vine Street yelling at the festive event-goers for being so cheery.
“[Vine Street is] when the Vine Street neighbors, historical society, Main Street and the city come together,” Moye said. “There will be music, hot cocoa and more. There is snow for children to play in. There’s a lot of things happening.”
Attendees will also get the chance to see the Snow Queen, Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, community open houses and more. Moye reminds the community that the event is free and because it gets very packed, dogs should stay at home.
The final Christmas event for the season is the 28th annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea, which will take place Saturday, December 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Paso Robles Park Ballroom at 1232 Park St., Ste. 200. The cost is $8 for children and $20 for adults.
“That’s when the children come with their teddy bears and have tea, cookies, coloring books and entertainment,” Moye said. “It’s a wonderful afternoon.”
The Snow Queen and King, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa’s elves and Victorian friends will be at the annual event. Seating is limited, so tickets should be purchased in advance.
For more information about the holiday events in downtown Paso Robles, go to PasoRobles Downtown.org.

Other events happening in and around Paso Robles

Santa Holiday House in Paso Robles

Santa’s Holiday House schedule  in downtown Paso Robles at City Park is Sunday, Dec.  9  and 16  from noon to 3 p.m.;  Tuesday, Dec.  18  through  Monday, Dec. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. Call 805-238-4103  or go to PasoRoblesDowntown.org  for more information.

Roundup for Christmas events sponsored by Paso Robles Main Street

Christmas Light Parade
Saturday, December 1 at 7 p.m.
Vine Street Victorian Showcase
Saturday, December 8 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Victorian Teddy Bear Tea
Saturday, December 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.