Plan Your Paso Robles Escape
This holiday season, slow down and savor a multi-day stay in Paso Robles where wine country warmth meets festive cheer. Wander downtown’s tree-lined streets, aglow with lights and music, and enjoy free community events that make the season sparkle. Spend your mornings with coffee in hand exploring art walks and neighborhood strolls, your afternoons in cozy tasting rooms, and your evenings at candlelit dinners or beneath the holiday lights and stars.
Stay in charming downtown inns or vineyard-view hotels offering winter specials, and enjoy value-packed experiences from sunrise to starlight with no ticket required. From local carolers to winery open houses, from hot chocolate strolls to festive photo ops, Paso Robles invites you to celebrate simply, joyfully, and together as your holiday home away from home where the lights shine brighter and every moment feels like a gift.
Check out our Holiday Itinerary
Christmas
Annual Lighting Ceremony — Fourth Friday in November
Paso Robles Christmas lights start sparkling in late November, when the Annual Downtown Lighting Ceremony takes place at Downtown City Park. Following greetings from city officials, featured guests like Mrs. Claus, the elves, and the Snow King and Queen mingle with attendees of all ages. The Grinch sometimes makes a special appearance, as well, and there's candlelight caroling along with other musical performances.
Annual Christmas Lights Parade — First Saturday in December
In early December, downtown Paso Robles hosts an Annual Christmas Parade. Expect floats, classic cars, featured guests and other surprises along the parade route, which starts at Spring and 10th St., travels north to 14th, turns right on Park, and continues to 12th. From there, the festivities turn left on 12th and loop around Downtown City Park. You’ll find the best parade views in the park. From there, you can also view the Christmas lights Paso Robles businesses display around the park perimeter.
Annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase — Second Saturday in December
For more than three decades, residents have decked out their homes during the Annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase. Stroll or cruise down this downtown avenue to see lights and garland adorning nearly every home, and look for live entertainment on various corners. While the specifics vary each year, past celebrations have featured carolers and appearances by guests like Santa and Mrs. Claus, Ebenezer Scrooge and the Snow Queen.
Holiday Pop Ups — Ongoing
During the season, many local businesses host holiday pop-ups with festive, seasonal specials and offerings. Owners of 1122 Cocktail Lounge and Cane Tiki Room are delighted to bring the adored holiday pop-up bars to San Luis Obispo County in their downtown Paso Robles locations. Both Paso Robles locations will offer a holiday oasis with over the top kitschy, festive décor, a themed cocktail menu, and holiday gift glassware. Sippin’ Santa at Cane Tiki Room will feature Cocktails created by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry with a unique blend of holiday cheer and tropical escapism including Sugar Plum Mai Tai, Frosty the Merman, Jingle Bird, Merry Spritzmas. Asian-fusion Pu Pu plates to share will also be available. The Miracle at 1122 Cocktail Lounge will feature cocktails by Joann Spiegel, the creative visionary behind Miracle’s iconic menu, with cocktails like Stocking Stuffer, Crooked Antler, Christmapolitan, Snowball Old-Fashioned, and Jingle Balls Nog. With a bit of magic infused in every pour, each drink is served in signature glassware available for purchase exclusively at pop-up bars. Read more here.
New Year’s Eve
Downtown Bonfire
The Paso Robles New Year’s Eve Celebration brings festive residents to Downtown City Park. Enjoy a host of activities before the midnight countdown begins, including live bands and DJs providing musical entertainment throughout the evening. Marvel at fire dancers and special performers that swing by. Sample dishes and drinks served by local vendors. Chat with locals and visitors around a cozy, crackling bonfire set up in the park, as you get ready to ring in the year ahead.
