From twinkling lights to complimentary community events, Paso Robles delivers small-town, holiday magic in the heart of California wine country
Photo Credit: Travel Paso
Paso Robles, Calif., – November 13, 2025 – Celebrate the holiday season Paso Robles style. As harvest (wine)s down, the town shines with sparkling lights in the park, cozy tasting rooms, and festive events all season long. Almost out of your favorite holiday movie, Paso exudes small town charm with free annual events and holiday cheer popping up at each corner. Between lively streets, and a warm community spirit, Paso Robles proves you don’t have to travel far to make lasting holiday memories.
Beyond the local celebrations, Paso offers a wide range of lodging options for those visiting from out of town. From cozy stays like the Farmhouse Motel to luxurious boutique hotels such as The Ava Hotel, stay with us and experience exceptional dining, a walkable, quaint downtown, and a slew of festive events in the coming months. Let’s take a seasonal tour through town:
November
The festivities begin with Elegant Evening on November 15, when downtown Paso transforms into a glittering showcase of music, lights, and extended shopping hours. Walk beneath the lit trees in the downtown square, peruse the shops, or stop in for a bite to eat or drink from purveyors dotting the perimeter of the park.
Next, enjoy harvest eats and happenings around town during Thanksgiving time - The Alchemists’ Garden offers a Thanksgiving dinner for pickup, while Summerwood Winery hosts a Perfect Pairing class, Thanksgiving style, to prepare for your own holiday hosting. Hope on Park, Austin Hope’s downtown tasting room, will teach you to make pie dough from scratch at their Take and Bake Pie Dough Happy Hour. Alternatively, skip the cooking and celebrate the season’s bounty with a Thanksgiving Feast at The Allegretto or Emre at The Ava Hotel on Thanksgiving this year. Looking to walk off the meal? On November 26, 28 and 29, Sensorio - Paso’s year-round glowing lights experience - will run a five-dollar round-trip shuttle from downtown, leaving the Paso Robles Inn approximately every 10 minutes, to transport ticketholders to the immersive outdoor experience.
Finally, the weekend after Thanksgiving marks the transition to the winter holidays with the annual Tree Lighting in the Park on November 28, a beloved community gathering where locals and visitors come together for caroling and the illumination of Paso’s towering community tree.
Downtown Paso Tree Lighting. Photo Credit: Travel Paso
December
On December 6, the Holiday Parade fills the streets of Paso with dazzling floats, vintage cars and marching bands put on by the City of Paso Robles. Closely following is the iconic Vine Street Victorian Showcase on December 13, where the historic neighborhood comes alive with costumed carolers, twinkling lights, and Dickensian cheer.
Throughout the season, local businesses will be decking the halls, serving themed food and beverage, and creating Holiday Pop-Up experiences all around the greater Paso Robles area.
In town, sip a Snowball Old-Fashionated at Miracle at 1122 Cocktail Lounge or a Sugar Plum Mai Tai at Cane Tiki Room who both host annual holiday bar pop-ups, where seasonal cocktails, cozy décor, and good cheer keep the night glowing.
Stop at one of Paso’s countless wineries for cozy tasting experiences like the Holiday Black Tie Dinner at Eberle or transport yourself into a holiday wonderland at Paso’s premier immersive art destination, Sensorio. Expect special holiday programming December 18- January 5 with dazzling light displays, visits from Santa, themed performances, food and beverage, a local craft fair December 13 and a special rendition of the Nutcracker on December 18.
Holiday moments glow at Sensorio. Photo Credit: Chris Hardy
Nearby, ride the Christmas train through Central Coast countryside at the Christmas Ranch at Santa Margarita Ranch or stroll through the Cambria Christmas Market, known for its enchanting light displays, artisan vendors, and holiday charm. Indulge in a Christmas treat at the California Lavender Honey Farm which touts a Royal Christmas on the Farm experience, delving into royal traditions and lavender’s holiday history. In San Simeon, Hearst Castle is abundant with holiday history and will be decorated throughout the season, offering Holiday Twilight Tours on select nights.
The season concludes with the New Years Eve Bonfire in the Park on December 31, featuring live entertainment and a family-friendly celebration under the stars. Enjoy a host of activities before the midnight countdown begins, including live bands and DJs, dishes and drinks served by local vendors, and seasonal performances. Chat with locals and visitors alike around a cozy, crackling bonfire set up in the park, as you get ready to ring in the year ahead.
Despite the busyness of the season, Paso offers its locals community gatherings and holiday spectacle, while visitors can enjoy a magical few days away in this holiday haven. Explore all that Paso has to offer this season and let’s go to Paso for the holidays!
About Travel Paso
Travel Paso is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Paso Robles, CA. Travel Paso leads the tourism community in the Paso Robles region through marketing, branding, and selling Paso Robles to our visitors; advocating for our tourism ecosystem; and sharing critical industry data. Leading the destination in both marketing and management, Travel Paso promotes the community as an attractive travel destination and enhances its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the economic position of tourism, supports business opportunities, and enhances residents' quality of life. Escape to the majestic rolling hills and celebrated wineries of Paso Robles. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and bordered by coastal Highway 1 and the 101, Paso Robles is California wine country with beach access and Michelin stars. A community of cowboys and innovators, it's where world-class food, wine, and art meet small-town charm. #TravelPaso TravelPaso.com| IG:@TravelPaso
Media Contact
Diana Parker | diana@solterrastrategies.com
