Downtown San Luis Obispo will celebrate the Holidays this year with several special events and readers are encouraged to see: www.DowntownSLO.com for a complete schedule of family-friendly events and activities.
• Santa’s House is open through Dec. 24 at Mission Plaza. Children receive a free activity book, toy, and candy cane. Pictures are also available for purchase: $5 for take-your-own, $8 for a framed souvenir photo, and $11 for a souvenir package — framed photo and take-your-own. Photos can be also be emailed for $3 with the purchase of a framed souvenir photo. Hours for Santa’s House are posted online at: www.DowntownSLO.com. Sponsored by Pacific Premier Bank.
• Children can ride the Classic Carousel at Mission Plaza through Dec. 26. Rides are $3 or families can purchase five for $10 ($1 charge on credit card transactions). Hours vary, see: www.DowntownSLO.com for schedule. Sponsored by Lamplighter Inn & Suites.
• Walk through Downtown SLO through Dec. 15 and see local businesses lit up for the Annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Prizes awarded for first, second, and third place, as well as Best in Theme (Holiday Hoedown) and People’s Choice. Voting for People’s Choice Award will be open until Dec. 15. Submit votes on the . 
• The 42nd Annual Holiday Parade is at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 in Downtown SLO. Bob Douglass, former owner of San Luis Luggage, is this year’s parade marshal. The route starts on Chorro at Palm and ends on Higuera at Nipomo. Bring a coat, it might be chilly, and a folding chair to sit on. Sponsors include Wells Fargo, Mission Animal Hospital, Central Coast Gymnastics, Rancho Grande Motors, Coastal Pediatric Dentistry, Old SLO Trolley/SLO Transit, Cal Poly Interfraternity Council (IFC), Farm Supply, Legacy Training Center, and Rugged Radios.
• Enjoy the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Thursday, Dec. 14 when all the vendor booths will be lit up for the holidays. Farmers’ Market is from 6-9 p.m. Thursdays on Higuera from Nipomo to Osos streets.
See the website at: www.DowntownSLO.com or email Special Events Manager, Rachel Maiorino at: or call (805) 541-0286 Ext. 11 for more information.
