BY GLEN STARKEY
Pay it forward
SLO County abounds in holiday volunteer and donation opportunities
Holiday stress is real. Whether it’s financial pressures, an overwhelming schedule, strained family dynamics, loneliness, or setting unrealistic expectations for the holidays to be “perfect,” forces out of our control can exact a mighty toll on our mental health during the season.
The good news is, myriad studies show that volunteering our time and talents and/ or donating to charities can have positive effects on our mental health. If you’re hoping to add a little philanthropy into your holiday season, consider this your handy guide to volunteerism.
While there are several organizations soliciting volunteers and donations, here are a couple suggestions tied to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Feed thy neighbors!
Heather Todd, chair of the nonprofit SLO Grassroots, believes food insecurity is at an all-time high, and so the all-volunteer, secular organization is looking for volunteers to help put on its annual Thanksgiving Dinner in the SLO Elks Lodge (222 Elks Lane) on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
SLO Grassroots wants volunteers for light cooking and prep on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 24 and 25, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. You can sign up on the website at slograssroots. org or call Todd directly at (805) 540-1455. They’ll also need people to cook, serve, and clean up on Wednesday, Nov. 26, “from 7 a.m. to forever,” Todd joked. “Cleanup takes a long time.”
It’s a massive endeavor. In previous years, they’ve served 2,000 meals.
“We serve about 1,400 meals to-go, then the rest of it on-site for people who come through, either in the dining hall or just drive through and pick up for themselves,” she explained.
It certainly requires a lot of volunteers, “hundreds of people and thousands of hours,” Todd noted. “It takes a lot of time.”
Holiday Guide 2025
And it’s never too late to volunteer.
“In fact, we don’t even require people to sign up,” she said. “Just show up anytime Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.”
According to the SLO Grassroots’ website, this annual event requires most of the organization’s financial and volunteer resources.
“It is a meal for our community. Absolutely everybody is welcome,” Todd stressed. “We do have a lot of unhoused people who will come through and sit in our dining hall who have really not had the opportunity to just sit and enjoy and relax, and we always encourage all of our volunteers to sit down and have a meal with somebody that they wouldn’t otherwise be with. A lot of our to-go meals, the ones that are being delivered, are either to seniors who are unable to cook at this point for themselves, or people living in homes for disabled people.”
So, what’s on the menu? Exactly what you’d expect.
“It’s a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We’ve got turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes and yams, vegetables, rolls, pie, cranberry sauce. I think that’s about it.”
If you’re unable to volunteer in person, Todd encourages people to visit the website and donate monetarily.
SLO Grassroots can trace its forebears to Grassroots II Inc., a nonprofit started by Maxine Lewis in 1971. After she died in 1988, Peggy Fowler took over as executive director.
“The mission is to help people falling through the social safety net,” Todd explained. “Peggy ran it for 30 years, and this past year, she chose to step down, and with that, the board chose to dissolve the organization. And
Sign up!
Organizations looking for extra help this time of year are abundant in SLO County. Pick your personal favorite and lend a helping hand. Or choose from this long but not all-inclusive list of local nonprofits doing things around the holiday season: CAPSLO, ECHO, Meals that Connect, The People’s Kitchen of San Luis Obispo, Restorative Partners, Volunteer SLO, Willing Workers On Organic Farms at The Lavra in Arroyo Grande, Salvation Army San Luis Obispo, South San Luis Obispo Womenade, and Lumina Alliance.
taking that over, we started SLO Grassroots. I’ve been a part of Grassroots II for the last almost 20 years, and I’ve been on the ground running it for the last five.”
This is essentially a brand new 501(c) (3) nonprofit that’s risen like a phoenix from a long-running, venerated volunteer organization doing good work for the community.
“And we are so happy to be able to carry forward this in our community,” Todd said. “I believe that Maxine didn’t intend this to end with herself either. This is a community project, and that is my goal long term, for this to be a community organization, not based on myself or a board, but based on the community’s desire to help each other.”
Her eventual goal is to add a food and clothing pantry to SLO Grassroots’ outreach.
“Right now, in our political climate, people are food insecure more than anything I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, and I would really like to get us up and running again with the food and clothing pantry and an office where people can come in. That is my intention.”
Jog (or stroll) for a cause!
If you’re looking to burn a few calories before your own Thanksgiving meal and give back to the community, the SLO Food Bank’s annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 27, is a great way to do both. Register to participate at slofoodbank. org/en/turkey-trot/ ($30 adult includes registration and an event shirt or bandana or $20 for children under 18). You can also simply show up in Pismo Beach on the morning of the event and register in person.
The 2-mile course begins at the Pismo Pier and the big letters spelling PISMO BEACH and follows a loop up and down the beach. Dogs are allowed but must stay on a leash. Strollers are also allowed though they need to navigate sand and must be carried downstairs to reach the beach. The event is rain or shine, and they don’t offer refunds for any reason. Your registration fee will be considered a tax-deductible donation.
According to Savannah Colevans, the SLO Food Bank’s senior manager for communications who’s running the event, “It has the most lovely, lively community atmosphere because it’s a tradition that people have been doing for such a long time. People are excited to participate every year. They bring costumes, and everyone knows that it goes toward a great cause. And so, I think because of that, it really brings together everyone with their families and, yeah, great vibes all around.”
Even though it’s a tradition for many people, organizers are always hoping for newcomers who want to join the fun. Last year, the event attracted 2,000 participants. At between $20 and $30 a head, that’s a significant amount of money, and the SLO Food Bank makes good use of it.
“The Turkey Trot provides hundreds of thousands of meals for people in need every year,” Colevans explained. “We’re serving more people than we’ve ever served before, 14 percent more than last year, 45,000 neighbors a month. So really any way that people can give back makes a big difference at this time. There’s just a really high level of need of hunger in the community now. And because of the generosity of the community—from our volunteers, our donors, our business partners—we have been able to meet this increased need, but obviously, it’s hard to sustain on a long-term level.”
If you want to volunteer to work the event, “We have a few open shifts or open positions, and people can go online to slofoodbank. org/en/volunteer-opportunities/ to sign up online,” Colevans added.
So, how’s your holiday stress level? ▲
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
GOOBLE The SLO Food Bank’s annual Turkey Trot in Pismo Beach on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, raises money to fund holiday meals for your friends and neighbors in need.
LEND A HAND SLO Grassroots will prepare holiday meals for 2,000 people on Nov. 24 and 25, serving the meal on Nov. 26, in the SLO Elks Lodge.
PHOTO
Merry on Vine
Norma Moye keeps Paso Robles’ Vine Street
Christmas tradition alive
When Norma Moye bought her Victorian home on 18th and Vine in 1975, she never imagined it would grow into a community-wide holiday spectacle. Today, her vision is the Vine Street Victorian Showcase, a festive celebration that draws thousands to her Paso Robles neighborhood each December.
“I thought it might be kind of neat to have a Christmas right there on Vine Street,” said Moye, who’s organized the event since 1986 alongside a small army of volunteers. “It reminded me of that old-fashioned, Victorian era, and I just thought, ‘Wouldn’t that be fun?’”
That simple idea grew into the Vine Street Victorian Showcase, a 39-year-old holiday celebration that for one evening closes the street to cars and transforms the neighborhood into a living Christmas card with glowing porches, brass bands, snow slides, children pulling decorated wagons, and neighbors bundled in holiday attire.
The first showcase in 1986, Moye recalled, was a much smaller affair but festive nonetheless, with decorated homes and Christmas carolers in coats.
“Crowds were not that thick. We had hayrides, and people would sing Christmas carols in the hayrides,” she recalled.
Since then, the event has grown to span from 8th to 21st streets. Today, it’s one of Paso Robles’ most beloved holiday traditions, organized by the residents of Vine Street and the Paso Robles Main Street Association— which Moye helped found more than three decades ago.
From the beginning, Moye knew she
Holiday Guide
couldn’t put on the event alone. So she walked down Vine Street to another Victorian home on 14th Street, where a woman named Grace Pucci answered the door.
“I said, ‘Hi there honey, how would you like to help me do a Victorian party?’” Moye recalled with a laugh. “And Grace said, ‘Sure, come in and talk to me.’ So I went in, we had a long talk, and by golly she said she’d help me.”
Pucci still lives on Vine Street and still helps organize the showcase each year. It was her idea, Moye said, to call the event the “Vine Street Victorian Showcase.”
The pair started small, handing out flyers to neighbors and encouraging residents to decorate their homes, bake cookies, and host small performances.
“The neighbors were so cooperative,” Moye said. “They’d decorate their houses and serve popcorn or hot chocolate, and some would have entertainment right there on their lawns.”
One home, nicknamed Grandma’s House, became known for serving cookies baked by members of the Paso Robles Historical Society—another organization Moye helped establish years ago alongside Paso Robles historian and educator Virginia Peterson.
“It’s grown a lot,” Pucci said. “It grew from a couple of hundred the first year and now goes into the thousands. Norma estimates it at about 8,000.”
Today, Vine Street comes alive each year with a mix of old and new traditions. The Paso Robles High School band opens the night promptly at 6 p.m., marching down the hill and playing Christmas tunes. City officials ride in a trolley, followed by floats from the Downtown Christmas Parade, which takes place earlier in December.
A live nativity scene—complete with goats and donkeys—is hosted by a local church, and businesses along the route hand out free treats.
“It’s such a family affair,” Moye said. “People bring their kids in wagons, decorate them with lights, and just walk down Vine Street wishing each other Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Everyone’s so happy.”
Over the years, Moye has watched the showcase touch visitors in unexpected ways.
“I was standing on my porch once, and a lady was crying,” she recalled. “I said, ‘What’s the matter with you, lady?’ She says, ‘Well, I came from England, and this whole thing reminded me of home.’ She was so touched.”
While the showcase remains free and open to the public, Moye and Pucci are asking for small donations this year to help cover rising costs for insurance, portable restrooms, and sound equipment.
“All we’re asking is a dollar,” Moye said. “Grace will be on 14th Street with a big jar. If everyone who comes by drops in a dollar, that would sure help. We just want to keep Vine Street going.”
Moye’s home, a white two-story Victorian, remains one of the event’s landmarks. This year, she’ll host a brass band on her front
porch while volunteers offer free coffee and hot chocolate to visitors.
Even decades later, Moye said she looks forward to the showcase with the same enthusiasm she had at the beginning.
“I started when I was very young,” she said with a laugh. “And I’m still kicking!”
For Moye, the magic of Vine Street comes from the strong sense of community that has shaped Paso Robles for decades.
“We’ve been through a lot as a town,” she said. “When Main Street started, downtown was all boarded up, but we worked together and it came back to life. That’s what this is about too.”
As Vine Street fills once again with families, music, and holiday cheer, Moye said she still stands on her porch each December, watching the crowds go by and remembering how it all began.
“It’s magical,” she said. “Just magical.”
Pucci agreed.
“It’s such a wonderful family event,” she said. “It’s a gift to the community, and I think you could only do this in a town like Paso Robles.” ▲
Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@ newtimesslo.com.
ROOFTOP RASCAL Ebenezer Scrooge greets visitors from his rooftop perch on Vine Street, where neighbor Rusty Smith has brought his theatrically grumpy charm to the showcase since its earliest years.
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Photographer Needed
New Times Media Group is looking for its next photographer—someone with a knack for capturing the candid, an expe in the a of taking environmental po raits, and a passionate advocate for photojournalism. We’re looking for a curious soul who’s interested in capturing the images that will help us tell the stories that our community needs to hear, a photojournalist who can encapsulate the essence of the news with a single image. Our next photographer should understand why local journalism is impo ant, shoot with an eye for details big and small, believe in honesty and integrity, and have the ability to hit a hard deadline.
This is a pa -time, assignment-based position (with hours that vary from week to week) that shoots photos for two weekly newspapers, the Sun and New Times, with a coverage area that stretches through San Luis Obispo County and No hern Santa Barbara County. Other assignments may include shooting photos for our Menus Magazine.
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BY MADISON WHITE
The spirit of Solvang
A Santa Ynez couple publishes a Christmas picture book
Every year in Solvang, community members gather around a giant Christmas tree for the lighting ceremony. The festivity draws from a tradition in Denmark, where people hold hands around the tree and sing.
The scene is one of the very last images in Kate and Adam McHugh’s first children’s book, Ferd and the Magic Hat: A Solvang Christmas Story, which was published in October Having experienced the tree lighting ceremony in Solvang before, Kate remembered the unifying feeling.
“You have people from everywhere, including our locals and all ages, all singing together, and you feel this sense of belonging,” Kate said. “We wanted to capture that as one of the themes in the book of welcome and belonging.”
Flipping through the 32-page picture book, readers follow a Danish elf, or nisse, named Ferd around Solvang as he overcomes obstacles and lights up the town square’s Christmas tree. In Danish folklore, a nisse is the protecting spirit of a place who gives holiday gifts and cares for barn animals.
Adam was inspired by his research into their character’s namesake, Ferdinand Sorensen, the craftsman responsible for many of the fairy tale designs dotted throughout Solvang, like the dragon spire and some of the weathervanes.
“I was like, ‘We have to bring the dragon spire to life in the story for sure,’” Adam said. “I also wanted to include a lot of details for
Spotted in Solvang
Find Ferd and the Magic Hat: A Solvang Christmas Story on the shelves of Santa Ynez Valley shops, including Valley Hardware, The Book Loft, and Los Olivos General Store or on Amazon. Email Adam McHugh at adammchugh@gmail.com to purchase a copy for $30 with free shipping.
PERFECT HAIR DAY One of Adam McHugh’s favorite details in Ferd and the Magic Hat: A Solvang Christmas Story is how Ferd’s hair sticks up straight after his hat is taken by the stork. In McHugh’s mind, Ferd’s hairdo is the reason he wears the pointy hat.
“It’s going to hopefully appeal to a fairly broad audience of people that visit Solvang,” he said.
“So many people visit during the holidays that we think we will keep getting fresh audiences, which would be fun to keep introducing them to the magic,” Kate added.
However, the winding road to publication wasn’t all magic and cheer. Even if they liked the book, traditional publishers weren’t interested because the story is so local.
“Another part of the lengthy process was basically me getting rejected by publisher after publisher, and agent after agent,” Adam said. It was so taxing that they nearly gave up, but a nagging voice in Adam’s mind kept bugging him to self-publish. When he came across illustrator Allie Daigle online, he felt like they could make the high-quality product they dreamed of.
people that are really on the inside of our little valley here.”
Considering Adam’s knowledge of history and writing experience combined with Kate’s love for children’s literature (as an English teacher and former librarian), they decided to start the project.
After a few friendly creative differences, the pair eventually got the hang of merging their voices and writing a book together. They spent the better part of two years whittling the initial draft of 1,300 words down to 600 and communicating details to their illustrator. By the end, they were “killing it,” Kate said.
“I am more the whimsical, fantastical, imaginative side of our story, and Adam was definitely the driving action and some key plot points in the research,” Kate described.
Now, 1,000 copies of Ferd and the Magic Hat exist in the world. Some are already in the hands of readers, and others are for sale on the shelves of Solvang businesses. Based on how many books they sell this season, the couple will adjust their order for next year. Adam predicts the book could sell for the next decade.
“We worked so intensively with her, giving her the specifics of what we wanted brought to life,” Kate said. “She was incredible at drawing a sketch [and] having us give feedback.”
To raise money for publication, they created a Kickstarter campaign, which raised more than $14,800. Adam walked into local businesses, telling people about the fundraiser, and Kate did the same at Dos Pueblos High School, where she teaches. Their grassroots technique has worked so far. Adam’s goal has always been to sell it locally because it’s a story rooted in the Solvang community.
“That’s been a philosophy that we’ve been sticking to,” he said.
So far, they’ve gotten great reception from readers. Even when Adam goes to the post office to mail out copies, people in line buy the book. Post office workers do, too.
“Our book, we wanted to be a way to welcome visitors and even just the people who live here already into this spirit of joy that you can experience in Solvang,” Kate said. ▲
Reach Sun Staff Writer Madison White, from New Times’ sister paper, at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.
A HARD-COPY LEGACY Written by Adam and Kate McHugh and illustrated by Allie Daigle, Ferd and the Magic Hat: A Solvang Christmas Story follows a nisse, or a Danish elf, on his quest to light up the Christmas tree in Solvang’s town square.
IMAGES COURTESY OF ADAM MCHUGH
I SPY Don’t skip past the tiny details in Ferd and the Magic Hat. See if you can spot Ferd’s cat following him around and the Solvang weathervanes and dragon spire.
Come one, come all
SLO Community Cares has been welcoming the homeless with a holiday feast and warm clothing for nearly 30 Christmases
For decades, San Luis Obispo Community Cares has ensured there’s a place homeless people can turn to for comfort on Christmas Day.
This year’s holiday feast at the SLO Vets Hall will be a far cry from how organizers Sheri Eibschutz and Naomi Blakely started in 1997—a meal served to the unhoused at the Grange Hall, with music playing from a boom box, paired with used clothing for the homeless to sort through.
When a media crew with rolling cameras arrived unannounced, upsetting the guests, Eibschutz and Blakely realized things needed to change.
“Since 1998, this event has been used as a means of outfitting the local unhoused community with brand new sleeping bags, warm winter clothing to help get through our winters,” said Eibschutz, now the CEO of SLO Community Cares. “The Jewish community was the backbone and continues to be the backbone of this event, but it has expanded considerably. … Numerous community members of all denominations helped make this happen in addition to the support of the local businesses, which has been really invaluable.”
The SLO Community Cares holiday feast grew from Temple Ner Shalom’s yearly tradition of providing Christmas Day meals to the homeless since 1985.
Over the years, other synagogues, people of different faiths, and community members have joined hands to provide food and clothing for unsheltered people. They serve an average of 600 meals and care packages in-house, with 100 to-go units, every year.
Old Mission School, for instance, worked on securing gloves for them. Los Osos Middle School helmed a sock drive. Talley Farms has been offering cabbage salad— made with cabbage it grows—for the
holiday feast for two decades. The Morro Bay Lions Club will cook 16 turkeys for the feast this year.
Continuing its 20-year service to SLO Community Cares, Ride-On Transportation will pick up homeless people at 40 Prado, safe parking sites, and other frequented areas for the feast and drop them back, too.
The Odd Fellows Hall also donated the space to the nonprofit for the feast for many years, until SLO Community Cares made the switch to the larger Vets Hall because of the increased number of guests.
“I’d like to say after all these years [homelessness] has gone down, but no, it hasn’t gone down,” Eibschutz said. “I go out with an outreach worker every year in the weeks leading up to the event to help pass out flyers, and for me, it’s just so upsetting seeing these individuals residing by the freeway, their tents and sleeping bags are wet. It’s been challenging getting some community members to recognize that these individuals really need new warm winter clothing and new sleeping bags.”
Homelessness was on SLO Community Cares’ radar during the pandemic, too. While the holiday feast was paused, volunteers dropped off hundreds of meals and care packages for the homeless after the county Health Department approved clinical and public health microbiologist Eibschutz’s safety plan.
Volunteer and nonprofit board member Kim Boege has been cooking turkeys and dropping off meals for roughly a decade. Spending Christmas morning with family and the rest of the day cooking and serving those in need has become a tradition for her.
“We had a little section where someone goes out and sees if there are younger kids, and then we wrap presents for them,” Boege said. “We get kind of an idea from the parents or whoever’s with the children.
To
Show you care
or find out
So, my daughter and I, for a few years, were present wrappers.”
Thanks to Boege and other volunteers, the feast features turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, cabbage salad, vegetable medleys, homemade cranberry sauce, 150 loaves of bread from San Luis Sourdough, butter, and around 90 pies.
Like they do every year, they will decorate the venue for the feast and make space for the live band to entertain guests.
They’re always looking for more hands to help. Sign up at slocommunitycares. org/sign-up to assist with cooking and volunteering. The sign-up link is active through Dec. 25.
“I would look for where a lot of stuff is missing,” Boege said. “You sign up, then they give you a time to drop off your food, they have someone greeting you and picking up the food. You basically don’t even have to get out of your car.”
Donations in the form of funding for new sleeping bags, hooded sweatshirts, winter jackets, wool beanies, scarves, gloves, socks, underwear, reusable drawstring bags, and toiletry bags can be made at slocommunitycares.org/ donate.
“We were touched by the joy that it brought for unhoused individuals, actually anyone in the community, that knew about it,” Boege said. “We have fully home-cooked
meals, decorated tables, live music, and even presents. … The recipients are so grateful that they’ve had a night or a few hours during Christmas Day of something that’s relaxing, warm, and yummy. It’s been a gift for me to help with this part of the community.” ▲
Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.
How do you change someone’s life? How do you change someone’s life?
Take seniors, who don’t drive, to the doctor or store & get reimbursed for your mileage. Make your own schedule.
Friendly Visits or calls always welcomed. The life you change may be your own.
DECK THE HALL This year, SLO Community Cares is switching locations of its holiday feast, which also offers warm winter clothing, from the Odd Fellows Hall (pictured) to the larger SLO Vets Hall to accommodate more people.
volunteer, donate,
more about San Luis Obispo Community Cares, visit slocommunitycares.org.
BY BELLA COX
Christmas at The Carrisa
A Christmas Carol inspires this year’s decorations at The Carrisa in downtown SLO
For the past three months, there’s only been one thing on Scott Chedester’s mind: Christmas at The Carrisa.
Soon after Rod & Hammer hired Chedester as its event sales director in April, he heard that there was a possibility that Christmas at The Carrisa wasn’t going to happen this year. But Rod & Hammer told Chedester that if he knew a designer that could help him produce it, then they could do it.
He immediately thought of Mark Luna, founder of MDL Events, someone he’s worked with countless times as part of his business, Loven Light Events. Their paths have crossed often as part of the local event and wedding planning circuit, Luna said.
“Scott and I work a lot of weddings together, so we kind of have that connection where we have like these crazy ideas that we want to put out and it comes to life,” Luna said.
Now the event’s lead designer, Luna said he’s always wanted to do Christmas at The Carrisa, “because you go every year and it’s just been such an extravagant thing to see,” Luna said.
In festive fashion, big-band holiday music played as Chedester and Luna hung garland and ornaments in mid-November.
Decorating The Carrisa is not Chedester’s only task this holiday season: He’s also decorating his own home for the season. When it comes to festive and lively decorations on the home front and at the downtown SLO venue, Chedester offers a few suggestions for holiday touches that are inexpensive and can have a big impact.
All throughout The Carrisa, guests can find maroon velvet fabric upholstery on the back of the benches—something Chedester
SIMPLE UPGRADE Reupholstering is an easy, cost-saving solution to dress up your space for Christmas, according to Scott Chedester, who used red velvet on the windows and bench backing as part of decorating for Christmas at The Carrisa.
and he curated playlists that he hopes will help Carrisa customers feel like they’re inside the story.
Using past decorations, thrifted elements, and newly sourced materials, Chedester and Luna decorated The Carrisa’s industrialstyle layout so customers can feel like they’re Ebenezer Scrooge wandering through Christmas past, present, and future.
“Scrooge goes back in time, and he sees how wonderful it was for him while he was young, but he also sees the harder and darker times of when he was young,” Chedester said.
Get festive
Christmas at The Carrisa opens on Thursday, Nov. 20, with hours from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 4 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Find The Carrisa at 736 Higuera St. in downtown SLO.
HOLIDAY HELPERS In mid-November, The Carrisa gets a seasonal upgrade just in time for the annual Christmas at The Carrisa, which opens on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 4
ELVES AT WORK Customers will find toys on the shelves of Santa’s workshop as they enter The Carrisa this holiday season—the start of their journey through a nostalgic Christmas past, present, and future designed
Guide
As part of that spirit, candles fill the space above.
“If you are into … that magical, mystical Christmas vibe, then candles are the game changer, in my opinion,” Chedester said. He bought a plethora of candles to hang from the ceiling of the whiskey lounge, which are controlled with a wand like something straight out of Harry Potter. He found them on Amazon, and all he had to do was provide batteries. This magic touch would be easy to replicate at home, he said.
If you’re into hanging things, Chedester also suggests putting up a floating garland, using almost invisible fishing wire to fix it into place so it looks as if it’s flying. For more nostalgia, The Nightmare Before Christmas stars Jack Skellington and Sally overlook guests as they dine on the back patio as part of Christmas yet to come.
Chedester wanted to provide comedic relief in Grinch form, but he didn’t want to use the classic Whoville decor. Instead, The Carrisa’s loft space is transformed into the Grinch’s lair, where there will also be periodic visits from the Grinch— from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 20, Dec. 4, and Dec. 20.
According to Chedester, instead of having food and drink menus 20 items long like in previous years, they will only be serving eight food items and six holiday-inspired cocktails.
“We don’t want so many options on there that people come in here and they take time reading the menu,” Chedester said. “We want people to see the item they want, order it, and then enjoy the space.”
In addition to simply sipping seasonal specials, Chedester made every cocktail with an interactive element. For example, if a guest orders the Sleigh Bell Cider, the bartender will ring a bell and tell you to make a wish.
While those cocktails will be highlighted throughout the season, their full bar will also be available, according to Chedester.
“I feel like the holidays are hard for a lot of people,” Luna said, “and I feel like we’re trying to bring joy to this community during these difficult times with those people.” ▲
Reach Intern Bella Cox at ntintern@ newtimesslo.com.
p.m.
PHOTOS BY BELLA COX
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Full steam ahead
Santa Margarita’s
Christmas at the Ranch celebrates third year of holiday cheer
The 14,000-acre ranch that temporarily housed thousands of firefighters— dispatched from agencies across California to contain the Gifford Fire in August—is inviting them back to see the former site of their base camp in a different light, literally.
“While they were there, a lot of local ranches around Santa Margarita and Pozo all said, ‘We want to thank them. Can we host a community barbecue for them?’ Or something like that, together, not realizing that barbecuing tri-tip for 6,000 people was probably not the easiest thing in the world to do,” said Steve Rossi, a co-founder of Santa Margarita Ranch’s annual winter tradition, Christmas at the Ranch.
“We had the idea to reach out to the same ranches, … to see if they would be willing to donate money to buy all the firefighter crews and their families tickets to the Christmas event,” Rossi told New Times. “Sure enough, all immediately jumped on.”
The Santa Margarita Ranch began hosting its multifaceted holiday attraction in 2023, complete with train rides, elaborate light displays, and more.
All aboard!
Christmas at the Ranch is located at 9000 Yerba Buena Ave., Santa Margarita, and is open Fridays and Saturdays 4:30-9:00pm through closing day on Sunday, Dec. 21. For tickets, visit my805tix.com/e/catr25. For more information, go to christmasatthemargarita.com.
Ahead of the ranch’s third annual event (select nights between Nov. 28 and Dec. 21), the venue teamed up with Riata Ranch, Riverdance Ranch, and Souza Construction to cover admission costs for the Gifford Fire camp crews and their families to attend the festivities free of charge.
Since the event’s formation, the proceeds from all ticket sales (admission ranges between $15 and $40) benefit two nonprofits: AGM Community Partners and Vintage Traditions Foundation.
Christmas at the Ranch co-founder Rossi is a board member of the latter, a group dedicated to preserving and restoring vintage boats, planes, and trains—including the steam engines and railroad cars that guests of Christmas at the Ranch can ride.
Three of the event’s featured train cars were originally used at Disneyland during the theme park’s earliest years after its opening in 1955. Some underwent restoration efforts that lasted several months.
“The trick is to always find the right vendors,” Rossi said. “If you have a steam engine, for example—like one of our steam
engines, her name’s Caroline—and Caroline’s boiler needed a lot of work. So, you can’t just call the shop down the street and say, ‘Hey, can you work on a steam engine?’
“So, we found a place in Canada to do the restoration,” he continued. “We had to ship off parts of Caroline up to Canada. We have some parts we ship off to the East Coast, and then we have some parts that are here at a local shop in Arroyo Grande, and then we have some of our own staff do a number of painting and woodworking elements. … It’s a team effort.”
Situated along a 2-mile loop, the Christmas at the Ranch locomotive scored a nomination for Best Christmas Train Ride in Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, which recognizes holiday railroad experiences across the country when narrowing down its top 15 nominees.
The final rankings are set to be announced on Nov. 25.
LOCAL
LOCOMOTIVE
Christmas at the Ranch kicks off on Nov. 28 at Santa Margarita Ranch, where it’ll run on select nights through Dec. 21. Tickets to the event range in price from $15 to $40 and are available in advance at my805tix.com.
“To be that young in this process and still hit those kinds of accolades, … we did not expect that,” Rossi said.
The acclaimed train ride is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to family-friendly festivities during Christmas at the Ranch, Rossi explained. Among them, he listed visits with Santa Claus, a magic show, a holiday marketplace, and more.
“We have fire pits with s’more kits, and we have a bunch of food trucks, and snack trucks, and a bar cart,” Rossi said. “Originally the idea was kids and families will love this, but now we also see a lot of date nights. We see grandparents on dates. We see college kids on dates. We’re like, ‘Wow, we didn’t expect that.’” ▲
Reach Sun Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood, from New Times’ sister paper, at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
Holiday Guide 2025 Events
Special Events
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
4TH ANNIVERSARY SALE Head to The Plantae and Fungi’s 4th Anniversary Sale with 25% off, prizes, giveaways, and samples all day long. Nov. 29 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 395-9323. plantaeandfungi.com/event/4thanniversary-event/. Plantae and Fungi, 750 Sheffield St., Cambria.
A CHRISTMAS STORY: SCREENING FUNDRAISER FOR LOS OSOS CARES
Enjoy this screening of the classic Christmas movie, while supporting the underserved community of Estero Bay. Visit site for tickets and more info. Dec. 23 5:30 p.m. $15. my805tix. com. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
POKÉMON CARD TRADING Meet, compete, and trade with other collectors your age! All attendees will receive one card of their choosing from the librarian, while supplies last. Dec. 13 1-2:30 p.m. Free. (805) 528-1862. sanluisobispo.librarycalendar.com/ event/pokemon-card-trading-20294. Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.
SENSORY PLAYTIME Let your little ones, ages 1 to 5, lead the way in this open-ended playtime! We also have
early literacy tips for caretakers. Dec.
6 10-11 a.m. Free. (805) 772-6394. sanluisobispo.librarycalendar.com/ event/sensory-playtime-20296. Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St., Morro Bay. SOUL STAR CHAKRA SOUND JOURNEY / LOS OSOS Through sound and intentional, mindful practices, tune in to the rhythm of your body and the wisdom it holds. Learn and experience simple and effective ways to realign, restore, and sustain your inner flow and balance for optimal well-being. Dec. 16 6:30-8 p.m. $25.41-$28.62. my805tix.com. Central Coast Body Therapy Center, 2005 9th St., Los Osos, (805) 709-2227.
WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS & LIGHT
DISPLAYS Enjoy exclusive access to 3+ million lights when Cambria Christmas Market is closed, with wood-fired pizza, salad, drinks, and live music—crowd-free and magical! Vendors, Santa, train, and market food are not available these nights. Those are only part of the Cambria Christmas Market. Dec. 1 , 5-8 p.m., Dec. 2 , 5-8 p.m., Dec. 8 , 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 9, 5-8 p.m. $35. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com/pizza-lightdisplays. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
“WHEN HOPE WAS BORN” LIVING NATIVITY The story of Jesus’ birth told under the stars of downtown Templeton. There will be a narrator,
actors, music, and animals. Dress warmly. Bring a chair. Dec. 14 , 6-6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 434-1921. templetonpres.org/christmas-2025/. Templeton Park, 550 Crocker St., Templeton.
CHRISTMAS AT THE SANTA MARGARITA RANCH Enjoy a Christmas-themed train ride through the beautiful Santa Margarita Ranch with decorations along the way to view. Learn more about train ride options at the link. Nov. 28 - Dec. 21 $15-$100. my805tix.com. Santa Margarita Ranch, 9000 Yerba Buena Ave, Santa Margarita.
DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED WINEMAKERS’ DINNER Join the winemakers of the Paso Back Roads Wine Trail for an evening of food, wine, and friendship over the Thanksgiving weekend. Nov. 29, 4-7:30 p.m. $150. (818) 424-3734. backroadswineries. com/events/details/afterthanksgiving-winemaker-dinner/. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles. HOLIDAY TALES Don’t miss your chance to read with the cats and dogs of Woods! You’ll share a heartwarming holiday story, enjoy hot chocolate, and spread cheer. Dec. 16 3:30-4:30 p.m. $15. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org. Woods Humane Society (North County), 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.
Parading downtown
The 49th annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. The theme for the evening is Candy Cane Lane, and more than 90 floats, marching bands, performers, and vehicles will glide, march, dance, and roll through downtown SLO with sugar galore. More information is available at visitslo.com. —Angie Stevens
SAN LUIS OBISPO
COMMUNITY CRAFT NIGHT A space where we can come together, get creative, and rediscover the joy of human connection. We’re about fostering connections and building a supportive community. Dec. 2 6-8 p.m. (714) 336-5768. m.facebook.com/grou ps/876399651120300/?ref=share&mi bextid=S66gvF. Unitarian Universalist, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS ON THE RANCH Gather your friends and family for an afternoon filled with holiday tunes by the Monte Mills Band, wood-fired pizza, wine, ice cream, and twinkling lights! Dec. 6 3-6 p.m. $35. (805) 706-8034. exploretock.com. La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, San Luis Obispo.
FREE PARENT EDUCATION NIGHTSYOUTHWELL A free virtual education night designed to help parents and caregivers navigate the everyday challenges of raising children from K-12th. Dec. 2 7-8:15 p.m. Free. (805) 770-1930. youthwell.org/workshops/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
GALA PRESENTS: QUEER INDIE
NIGHT Hear live music from Caleb Nichols (SLO + Kill Rockstars), Joh Chase (Kill Rockstars), and Wryn (Righteous Babe). Nov. 22 , 7 p.m. $14.70. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
HOLIDAY MARKET AND BARN
LIGHTING WITH THE LAND
CONSERVANCY The Land Conservancy is excited to invite you to our first Holiday Market during our annual Barn Lighting and enjoy local vendors and live music! Dec. 4 4-8 p.m. Free. (805) 544-9096. lcslo.org/ events/barn-lighting-holiday-market/. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.
HOW WE MET: A COMEDY DATING
SHOW Head to Libertine for another round of live comedy and dating chaos, where we learn about love stories, audience members shoot their shot, and sparks sometimes fly (for better or worse). Nov. 21 8 p.m. $20. my805tix. com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
NEW TIMES MUSIC AWARDS
SHOWCASE 2025 The annual New Times Music Awards are designed to showcase music and songwriting from local musicians throughout the Central Coast of California in a wide variety of genres including rock, alternative, country, Americana, folk, hip-hop, R&B, blues. Nov. 21 , 7-9:30 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
PAWS TO REMEMBER Remember your cherished pets with light, love, and community. Free to attend. Donate to have your pet’s name read aloud in tribute. Dec. 10 , 6 p.m. (805) 544-2266. hospiceslo.org/
events. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo. PICTURES WITH SURFER SANTA This year, make a splash with the SLO Swim Center for underwater family photos with Surfer Santa. Dec. 6 2:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 781-7288. sloswimcenter. org. SLO Swim Center, 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo.
SLO COMMUNITY HOLIDAY FEAST
Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner with live musical entertainment! Winter clothing care packages are available to the unhoused community. To donate or volunteer, visit the website provided. Dec. 25 , 2:45-5:45 p.m. Free. slocommunitycares.org. SLO Community Holiday Feast!, 801 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, (805) 458-9567.
SOUND “BATH” JOURNEY / GALA PRIDE & DIVERSITY CENTER Join for a Serenity Sound Journey (aka Sound “Bath”) - a restorative, therapeutic sound immersion experience that harnesses the transformational power of sound energy and vibrations— combined with breathwork, mindful presence, and intention—to release daily pressures, foster emotional healing, and connect with your inner peace. Nov. 30, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
TREES TUNES AND TACKY SWEATERS Join this fun and festive SPECIAL EVENTS continued page 27
Christmas-themed auction benefiting seven local nonprofits and Rotary Scholarships. Dinner, music, and tree auction will round out the evening Nov. 22 , 4:30-7:30 p.m. $50. (949) 300-2368. slorotary.org. Family Care Network, 1255 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT MARISOL Holiday cheer served one course at a time! Make spirits bright with a three-course Christmas Eve menu made for celebrating. Reservations are required. Call 805-556-3316. Dec. 24 1-8 p.m. $90. (805) 773-5000. cliffshotelandspa. com/event/christmas-eve-dinner-atmarisol/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.
FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN: SHREK Bring a blanket, grab your favorite Secret Garden snacks, and enjoy a screening of Shrek Nov. 21 , 5:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.
FREE YOUTHWELL PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS- FAMILY TOOLS+ For parents and caregivers of youth, ages 5 to 18, with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette’s, and uniquely-wired brains. Thursdays, 12-1:30 p.m. through Dec. 19 Free. (805) 770-1930. SBCC Wake Center, 300 N Turnpike, Santa Barbara.
HOLIDAY HARMONY WELLNESS: AYURVEDA, QI GONG, SELF-CARE A
calming workshop with gentle Qi Gong, Ayurvedic guidance, and practical self-care tools to support digestion, energy, and stress relief through the holidays and winter. Dec. 6 , 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. $45. (805) 440-4561. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach, pismobeach.org.
IN PERSON- TEENWELL SUPPORT GROUP- YOUTHWELL Join our support group for incoming 9th to 12th graders, where you’ll learn valuable skills to regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and improve relationships. Mondays, 5-6:15 p.m. through Dec. 16 Free. (805) 5003131. openminds.clinic/group. Open Minds, 1919 State St., Santa Barbara.
LUNCH & LEARN: WHAT’S YOUR STORY? Business owners, learn how skillfully telling your company’s story will increase your revenue at this free lunch event. Get a jump on 2026! Dec. 10 noon Free. teeling-marketingservices-lunch-learn.eventbrite.com/. South County Regional Center, 800 W. Branch, Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-1488.
OPENING THE INTUITIVE GATE
Uplifting, philosophical, musical, and both challenging and reassuring, this is a workshop that can change lives and work wonders on the human heart. Nov. 23 , 12-1:30 p.m. (805) 3450832. unity5cities.org. The Victorian, 789 Valley Rd., Arroyo Grande.
WICKEDLY GOOD PARTY Grab your crew, dress up in your favorite pink and green fits, and follow the yellow brick road to The Cliffs Hotel and Spa! Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 773-5000 ext. 1.
cliffshotelandspa.com/event/wickedlygood-party/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB The Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults over 18! The book selection for November is Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Nov. 22 2-3 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
CALIFORNIA TREES LECTURE AND BOOK SIGNING Dr. Matt Ritter will speak about his latest book, California Trees: A Field Guide to the Native Species, which he co-authored with Michael Kauffmann. The authors believe that “Connecting with trees, identifying them, and learning more about them can be an entry point into nature and an antidote to the stresses of modern-day life.” A book signing will follow the presentation. Dec. 3 , 7 p.m. syvnature.org/californias-nativetreeswednesday-december-3-2025/. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang.
SOLVANG JULEFEST Solvang Julefest is a month of lights, celebratory happenings, and holiday cheer. There will br a tree lighting ceremony, parade, Santa visits, outdoor Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve event, and more! Nov. 28 -Jan. 4 , 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.
SOLVANG JULEFEST MAKER’S
MARKETS Fashioned after European night markets, the Julefest Maker’s Markets will feature local artisans, crafters, and food vendors offering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, seasonal treats, and more. Dec. 3 3-7 p.m., Dec. 10 3-7 p.m. and Dec. 17 3-7 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/thingsto-do/solvang-julefest. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.
Thanksgiving Events
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTRY NIGHTS: FRIENDSGIVING
EDITION Featuring a country two-step lesson with two levels! Get ready for a night full of country swing, two-step, and everything in between! Nov. 29, 7-11 p.m. $20. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
RETURNED PEACE CORPS
VOLUNTEER POTLUCK Returned Peace Corps Volunteer? Join us for a Thanksgiving Potluck in Oceano. Email for location and info by Nov. 14. Nov. 22 1-3 p.m. Free. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Oceano, Oceano, (412) 477-3064.
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT SYCAMORE Leave the cooking and cleaning behind and simply relax with family and friends this Thanksgiving at the Gardens of Avila Restaurant! Nov. 27, 4-9 p.m. $80. (805) 5957365. sycamoresprings.com/dining/ sycamore-thanksgiving-dinner.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
INGREDIENT PROFILE FORUM
THANKS AND GIVING GRATITUDE
POTLUCK We cover history, import, export, value, production, processing, crop value, store pricing ,and recipe sharing. Join the fun, 1 year anniversary potluck! RSVP is required. Nov. 22 , 12:45 p.m. Free. (805) 8787982. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo, slolibrary.org.
SLO COUNTY TURKEY TROT Join
SLO Food Bank for the annual SLO County Turkey Trot, an event dedicated to supporting holiday meals and providing nourishment to those experiencing hunger. Nov. 27 8:30 a.m. $30 for adults, $20 for kids. slofoodbank.org/en/turkey-trot/. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT MARISOL
Gobble up the view, give thanks, and
let the feast begin. Reservations are required; call the number provided. Nov. 27, 1-8 p.m. $90 Adults; $45 Children 12 and under - Tax and gratuities not included. (805) 5563316. cliffshotelandspa.com/event/ thanksgiving-dinner-at-marisol/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT SEAVENTURE RESTAURANT Gather around the table this Thanksgiving with ocean views and seasonal coastal cuisine at SeaVenture Restaurant. Reservations are required. Large groups are welcome! Nov. 27 1-7 p.m. $80. (805) 773-3463. seaventure. com/event/thanksgiving-dinner/. SeaVenture Restaurant, 100 Oceanview Ave., Pismo Beach.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
TURKEY TROT Join the Turkey Trot and participate in either the 1-mile Kids Dash for ages 5 to 13 or the 3-Mile Fun Run for all ages. Check-in SPECIAL EVENTS continued page 28
begins at 8 a.m., and the races begin at 9 a.m.Top overall female and male children and adults will be awarded a turkey, along with pies for 2nd overall winners. Medals will also be awarded to 1st and 2nd place finishers in each age category. Pre-registration runs through Friday, Nov. 21, although day-of registration will be available for $5 more. Nov. 23 , 8 a.m. $25-$30. (805) 875-8100. cityoflompoc.com/ recreation. River Park, Highway 246 and Sweeney Road, Lompoc.
Parades
SAN LUIS OBISPO
49TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN SLO
HOLIDAY PARADE Join Downtown SLO for the largest holiday parade on the Central Coast! Information regarding the route, accommodations, and more will be published soon! Dec.
5 Downtown SLO Holiday Parade!, Downtown SLO, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0286.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
HOLIDAY PARADE AND JINGLE BELL
DASH Join in the holiday fun at the annual Holiday Parade and Jingle Bell Dash in the beautiful village of Arroyo Grande. Dec. 7 4-7 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
SOLVANG JULEFEST PARADE See marching bands, horses, classic cars,
and parade floats, all traveling along Solvang’s main streets. Dec. 6 11 a.m. solvangusa.com/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.
Tree and Menorah Lightings
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Celebrate the 14th Annual Cambria Christmas Market, which opens on Nov. 28, and goes until Dec. 31. The market is closed on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 24, and 25. More information is available at the link. Nov. 28 - Dec. 31 , 5-9 p.m. $27-$45. (800) 966-6490. cambriachristmasmarket. com/. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
LIGHT UP THE PLAZA Free, familyfriendly, and open to the public! Join Downtown SLO, the City of SLO, sponsors, and community partners as we “switch on” the Lights! Nov. 28 , 5 p.m. Light up the Plaza!, Mission Plaza, 989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0286.
SPECIAL EVENTS continued page 30
Nordic Noël
The charming village of Solvang will come alive as floats, marching bands, horses, and classic vehicles make their way down the streets as part of the Solvang Julefest Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year’s theme, Nordic Noël, celebrates the Scandinavian holiday traditions and cherished community. For more information, visit solvangusa.com.
NATURE LIGHTS SLO Botanical Garden’s holiday tradition, Nature Lights, features magical displays, live music, local chefs, and an artists’ market. Nov. 26 , 5-8 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays, 5-8 p.m., Dec. 21 , 5-8 p.m., Dec. 22 , 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 23 , 5-8 p.m. through Dec. 27 $18-$28. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org/naturelights/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
TREE LIGHTING AND SNOW EVENT
Enjoy the season at the Tree Lighting and Snow Event! There will be twenty tons of snow, Santa Tree Lighting, Bouncetown, free S’mores, a horse carriage ride, and more. Dec. 14 5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Elm Street Park, 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
SOLVANG JULEFEST LIGHT, MUSIC & SNOW SHOWS
Every night during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park will sparkle with a 10-minute light and music display on the hour, ending with a “snow” flurry! Nov. 28 -Jan. 4 , 5-9:15 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/ things-to-do/solvang-julefest. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.
Fairs
NORTH SLO COUNTY
HEART TO HOME Please join us for our Annual Holiday Market. Handcrafted gifts will be available, made by the
Holiday Guide
families of Santa Lucia School. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund. Dec. 6 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 434-2217. santaluciaschool.org/ hearttohome. Santa Lucia School, 1460 Plum Orchard Lane, Templeton.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR Over 20 vendors will sell handmade treasures at this fundraiser for the Friends of the Santa Margarita Library. There will be a bake sale, operation Santa, and blood drive. Dec. 6 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 438-5955. Santa Margarita Community Hall, 22501 I St., Santa Margarita.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR AND JEWELRY SALE The Paso Robles Senior Center Craft Fair features all handmade, original items. Come find unique gift items for everyone on your list. Nov. 22 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $5-$75. (805) 2373880. Paso Robles, Various locations, Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
REMADE MARKET: COMMUNITY CRAFT EXCHANGE Craft, share, and give back! Donate art supplies, then shop the ReMade Market for affordable, sustainable finds, benefiting the SLO Food Bank. Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 439-1022. slolifestudio.
SPECIAL EVENTS continued page 32
Turkey trottin’
The Turkey Trot will be held at River Park Fitness Trail in Lompoc on Sunday, Nov. 23. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. for both the 1-mile Kids Dash, geared toward children ages 5 to 13, and the 3-mile Fun Run for all ages. The races begin at 9 a.m., and top overall children and adults will be awarded a turkey, along with pies for second overall winners. Medals will also be awarded to first and second place finishers in each age category. Entry for the 3-mile run is $30 and the Kids Dash is $25. Additional details can be found at cityoflompoc.com.
—A.S.
PHOTO
com/products/remade-marketcommunity-craft-exchange. SLOLife Studio and Mercantile, 12340 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
CASA GRANDE’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT
FAIR Come to get special hand made gifts just in time for Christmas. Free raffle with prizes from our crafters. For more info, call the number provided. Nov. 29 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (661) 4377261. notused.com. Casa Grande Craft Fair, 519 W. Taylor St., Santa Maria. HOLIDAY MARKET Shop from an array of local vendors with unique gifts. BBQ in the Stix food truck and Woven Coffee will be on site throughout the day. Nov. 22 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 9228479. firstchristianchurch-ca.subspla. sh/m9yh2fw. First Christian Church, 1550 S College Drive, Santa Maria.
Santas
SAN LUIS OBISPO
COME SEE SANTA The Grover Beach Library is sponsoring Come See Santa at the Exploration Discovery Center. Dec. 6 , 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 4731421. Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.
SANTA’S HOUSE OPENING DAY
CELEBRATION Santa will be flying from the North Pole! Free, familyfriendly, and open to the public. Watch Santa arrive at Mission Plaza and take photos with him. Nov. 28 1-6:30 p.m. Santa’s House Opening Day Celebration!, Mission Plaza, 989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0286.
experience the beloved Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. FridaysSundays, 7-9 p.m. through Dec. 13 Plymouth Congregational Church Hall, 1301 Oak St., Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
A CHRISTMAS STORY Packed with holiday mischief, childhood dreams, and nostalgic charm, A Christmas Story captures the magic of the season with wit, warmth, and plenty of laughs. Nov. 21 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m., Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m., Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Fridays, 7-9 p.m. and Dec. 21 , 7-9 p.m. through Dec. 19 $28-$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep. org/shows/a-christmas-story-2025/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.
IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE BUNKER Get ready for a whirlwind of wit, chaos, and unscripted brilliance at Improv Extravaganza—the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent! Nov. 22 , 6-8 p.m. $10. (805) 858-8255. centralcoastcomedytheater.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
KINKY BOOTS - NATIONAL BROADWAY TOUR The Tony® and Grammy-winning Broadway musical by Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein, inspires worldwide with its uplifting story, dazzling direction, and unforgettable score. Dec. 1 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 2 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ kinky-boots. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AGHS THEATRE COMPANY
everything needed to get in the spirit! This is a family-friendly event. Dec. 13 1-2:45 & 6-7:45 p.m. $28.50. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? Enjoy 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members will include Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, and Joel Murray. Dec. 8 , 7:30-9 p.m. $63-$89. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS GIAFUNNI’S NOVEMBER STAND-UP COMEDY Co-headliners Pat Riley and Chris Williams are bringing the laughs to Giavanni’s Pizza in Orcutt. Lauren Castellanos and Jonathan Staffel will round out the killer lineup of comics! Hosted by Ezra’s Rockin Entertainment, this show is sure to entertain! Nov. 29, 8 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. Giavanni’s Pizza, 1108 E Clark Ave, Orcutt, (805) 934-8555.
New Year’s Events
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
PERFORMING
PRESENTS: ALICE BY HEART Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Dec. 5 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 6 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 7, 2-3:30 p.m., Dec. 11 , 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 12 7-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 13 , 7-8:30 p.m. $23.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
PCPA PRESENTS ‘DISNEY’S FROZEN - THE BROADWAY MUSICAL For the first time in forever, Disney’s Frozen comes to life on the PCPA stage! The worldwide Broadway sensation, based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, brings dazzling life to the beloved story of two royal sisters bound by love, challenged by secrets, and destined to discover the power of being true to themselves. Through Dec. 21 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
PERFORMING ARTS
COPENHAGEN COUNTDOWN Ring in the New Year alongside Denmark (3:00pm) at this family-friendly countdown to ‘midnight.’ The Molly Ringwald Project tribute band will perform live, and food and drinks will be available. Dec. 31 , 2-4 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/things-todo/solvang-julefest/. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.
Stage
NORTH SLO COUNTY
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY Don’t miss this live radio play that brings Frank Capra’s beloved story to life as if it were being performed live at a 1940s radio studio. With actors portraying multiple characters, sound effects created right before your eyes, and the warmth of a timeless tale, this heartwarming production captures the spirit of the season. Nov. 29 - Dec. 14 $12.56$28.62. my805tix.com. Plymouth Congregational Church, 1301 Oak Street, Paso Robles.
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Paso High Theatre Company proudly presents “Shakespeare In Love”. Dec. 5 , 7:30 p.m. $15. (805) 769-1500. pasoschools. org/phtc. Paso Robles High School, 801 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles.
WINE COUNTRY THEATRE PRESENTS
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Wine Country Theatre in Paso Robles invites audiences to step back in time and
AN IRISH CHRISTMAS An Irish Christmas brings dazzling dance, beloved carols, and pure holiday joy— featuring stars from Riverdance and seen nationwide on PBS. Be Irish this Christmas! Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20, 2 p.m. $32-$60, Premium $70. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ an-irish-christmas/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
IT’S ONLY A PLAY Don’t miss this twoact comedy set in modern times with a stellar cast of local actors. Nov. 20, 7 p.m., Nov. 21 7 p.m., Nov. 22 , 2 p.m. and Nov. 23 , 2 p.m. $25. my805tix.com. Studio of Performing Arts, 805 West Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo.
STORYTELLERS Storytellers is a magical original dance production created by FLEX Performing Arts and brought to life through the efforts of an incredible team of visionaries. Dec. 5 7-9:30 p.m., Dec. 6 7-9:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 2-4:30 p.m. $20-$67. (805) 489-9444. flexperformingarts. com/storytellers. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
THE STUDIO OF PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS: TIS THE SEASON Tis the Season is an annual holiday extravaganza with special guest appearances, dancing, singing, and
A COMMEDIA CHRISTMAS CAROL In this faithful adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, a traveling troupe of Commedia Del Arte players recreate the Victorian World of “A Christmas Carol”. Dec. 19, 7:30-8:45 p.m., Dec. 20 7:30-8:45 p.m. and Dec. 21 2-3:15 p.m. $10. Stone Pine Hall, 210 South H St., Lompoc, (805) 736-3888, lompocmuseum.org/pine.php.
Nutcrackers
SAN LUIS OBISPO
THE NUTCRACKER Civic Ballet presents its 48th season of Lorilee Silvaggio’s The Nutcracker. Don’t miss this holiday tradition, performed live with OperaSLO’s Grande Orchestra. Dec. 12 7 p.m., Dec. 13 , 2 & 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 , 2 p.m. $32-$84. (805) 5441230. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
EVERYBODY CAN DANCE AND THE SANTA MARIA CIVIC BALLET PRESENT: NUTCRACKER Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet Present: Nutcracker. Don’t miss this Central Coast tradition that’s been going for over 35 years. Nov. 29, 7-9 p.m. and Nov. 30, 3-5 p.m. $30. (805)
489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
Music
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
KELLYTOWN, CHRISTMAS IN
KILLARNEY Enjoy traditional pub songs with lively tunes from fiddle and accordion –– Christmas numbers too! Delicious food and drink will be available at the bar. Dec. 20, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 772-8388. The Savory Palette (formerly Morro Bay Wine Seller), 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, savorypalette.com.
TRIBUTE TO LAURA NYRO AND THE 5TH DIMENSION Performers include Cambria’s own Jack Roberts, local fave Donna Phillips, Bay Area balladeer Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, and SoCal singers Jason Luckett, Jeanne Newhall, Naomi Nektare, Toots Prichard, and Pi Jacobs. Dec. 7 2-5 p.m. $20-$25. my805tix. com. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS
PRESENTS: A VERY MARY
CHRISTMAS Cuesta Concord Chorus and Orchestra present A Very Mary Christmas, featuring Featuring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Regina Coeli and The Coronation Mass. Dec. 7 3 p.m. $22 suggested donation. (805) 546-3198. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton.
Holiday Guide
DUELING PIANOS FRIENDSGIVING PARTY - BLAST & BREW A-TOWN!
This comedic duo of talented pianists will perform a wide range of hits, from Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, to Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. Enjoy a night of musical comedy, talent, and fun that’s perfect for all ages! Be prepared to clap, sing, and laugh along with the show. Nov. 26 7:30-10 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.
FESTIVAL MOZAIC PRESENTS - NOTABLE DINNER: DVOŘÁK QUARTET Join Scott Yoo and the Festival artists for an interactive musical exploration of Dvořák’s Piano Quartet. Dec. 6 3 p.m. festivalmozaic. org. Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles.
LIVE MUSIC AT MCPRICE MYERS WINES WITH LYNDA TYMCHECK
Unwind after Thanksgiving with live music by Paso Robles’ own Lynda Tymcheck. Pre-order Alba Provisions snack boxes with your reservation. Nov. 30, 2-5 p.m. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com/ events/113025music. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.
MUSIC continued page 36
Frozen onstage
Broadway musical sensation Disney’s Frozen will hit the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) stage in Santa Maria and
for audiences through Sunday, Dec. 21. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at pcpa.org.
Friday, Dec 19
@ 7:00pm
Saturday, Dec 20
@ 2:00pm
Saturday, Dec 20
@ 7:00pm
Sunday, Dec 21
@ 6:00pm
Tickets $10 at my805tix.com. Doors open 30 minutes before the play begins. Refreshments will be served a er the play. Mt Carmel Lutheran Church 1701 Fredericks St - SLO (805)544-2133
LIVE MUSIC WITH MICHAEL
PETERS AT MCPRICE MYERS
WINES Enjoy Michael Peters’ classic country and western tunes with McPrice Myers wines and Alba Provisions snack boxes. Walk-ins are welcome, however reservations are encouraged! Dec. 14 4-7 p.m. $25 tasting fee waived with $75 purchase. (805) 237-1245. exploretock.com/ mcpricemyers/search?date=2025-1214&size=2&time=16%3A00. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BURLEY THISTLES Burley Thistles is an alternative rock band known for their guitar-driven sound and memorable songs. Hear them perform in the heart of downtown SLO. Dec. 20, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Frog and Peach Pub, 728 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-4764, frogandpeachpub. com.
CAL POLY CHOIRS: HOLIDAY
KALEIDOSCOPE All four Cal Poly choral ensembles will be joined by the choirs of local high schools. There will be traditional favorites, new works and sing-alongs. Hear it for yourself! Dec. 5 , 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general, $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/choirs/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave.,
Johnson will be the director. Dec. 4 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/jazz/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY SYMPHONY FALL CONCERT: SYMPHONY AND THE BIG BAND The Cal Poly Symphony will team up with the University Jazz Band in a program that explores the intersection of symphonic and jazz traditions. Dec. 7, 3 p.m. $17 and $22 general, $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/symph/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS
Formed in the subway systems of Oakland, retro-soul outfit The California Honeydrops are an electrifying group that defy convention at every turn. Don’t miss them performing live in town! Nov. 23 8 p.m. $50.96. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
CHARLIE SHOEMAKE MEETS THE CENTRAL COAST JAZZ ALL-STARS
The San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation will present “Charlie Shoemake Meets the Central Coast Jazz All-Stars”. Master vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake will be joined by local stand-outs Dave Becker on sax, Jamaal Baptiste on piano, Ken
Holiday Guide
CHRISTIAN SANDS TRIO Celebrate the season with pianist Christian Sands and his trio, blending dynamic originals and beloved holiday classics in an unforgettable festive performance. Dec. 11 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026season/christian-sands-trio.
Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
COMBOPALOOZA! The award-winning Cuesta Combo program will be giving a potluck of a concert with all eight combos showing off their best. Dec. 9 7:30 p.m. $7. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
FESTIVAL MOZAIC PRESENTS -
CHAMBER MUSIC WITH SCOTT YOO
Scott Yoo is joined by violist Maurycy Banaszek, cellist Alexander Hersh, and pianist Anna Polonsky for an afternoon of chamber music. Dec. 7, 3 p.m. $45. festivalmozaic.org. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
FESTIVAL MOZAIC PRESENTS -
Enjoy
Handmade holiday
Arroyo Grande’s Heritage Square Park will fill up with festive vendors during the Art in the Park Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop from an array of handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts, and connect with local artists and crafters alike. Admission to the event is free. Visit arroyogrande.org/events for additional information.
Amy Beach: The Canticle of the Sun, Op. 123
W. A. Mozart: Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339
afternoon of
Go Beyond the Notes with these informative presentations: Antonín Dvořák: Te Deum, Op. 103
—A.S.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIANNA GOULD
String Trio during this one-hour event. Dec. 5 , 5:30 p.m. $35. festivalmozaic. org. United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo, 543-7580.
FIESTA NAVIDAD ¡FIESTA NAVIDAD!
El mundialmente reconocido Mariachi
Los Camperos llega al Fremont Theater el 30 de diciembre para celebrar las fiestas con una noche inolvidable de música y tradición. No te pierdas esta celebración navideña llena de alegría, cultura y espíritu festivo. Nov. 30, 4 p.m. $66.92-$84.43. fremontslo.com.
The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
THE FRIGHTS LIVE Dec. 5 , 8 p.m. $33.96. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
KCBX BENEFIT CONCERT: CENTRAL COAST SESSIONS
Enjoy live performances and participate in a community raffle featuring generous donations and gifts from local businesses. KCBX branded merchandise, along with commemorative items from Sight Study will also be available for purchase. Nov. 22 , noon $28.62. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
KING’S RETURN
This Dallas-based group brings a rich, choir-like sound and fresh take on holiday classics with their signature blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and classical. Dec. 15 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.
org/20252026-season/kings-return.
Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
MEMPHIS MAY FIRE Hear Memphis
May Fire perform live at the Fremont. Tickets are available at the link. Dec. 9, 7 p.m. $42.40. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
MORRO BAY SHANTY PROJECT AT THE OPENING NIGHT OF NATURE LIGHTS CELEBRATION Join for a festive evening filled with cocktails, wine, appetizers, desserts, live music, silent auction, and a grand reveal of this year’s lights! Nov. 21 , 5-8 p.m. $80 - $100. slobg.org/event/opening-nightof-nature-lights-celebration-2/?fbclid =IwZnRzaAOC6mlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQB zcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5A AEeJkcFjvTr6gzGv8hqZM7Eb1d6IxVzPuBTXEI9eudy5hwKWNpQH0DoskTAwno_ aem_jzbsCPRiQ8BRn9lRH45u8g. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-1400.
REGGAE 3RD FRIDAY Irie Third Fridays are a fresh, new monthly event to bring you a consistent spot for top quality reggae music in town. These events feature the new Central Coast old school reggae band - One Love Bomb, fronted by Eric Cotton. Nov. 21 , 6-9 p.m. $12.66. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, 675 Clarion Ct., San Luis Obispo, (805) 457-4677.
RING IN THE SEASON CONCERT
SERIES Head to SLO United Methodist Church for the second chorale music concert in the Ring in the Season
Guide
concert series. Tickets and more information are available at the link. Tickets are $10 for students and children under 12. Dec. 13 3 p.m. $30. SLO United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-7580.
SCOTT YOO STRINGS MASTER CLASS
The Music Department and Festival Mozaic will co-present Scott Yoo for a strings master class. He will coach Cal Poly students on their performances. Dec. 4 11:10 a.m.-noon Free, parking permit required. (805) 756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/special/#yoo. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
SLO MASTER CHORALE: SONGS OF JOY Enjoy an afternoon of inspiring music for chorus and orchestra, performing alongside talented soloists for a delightful concert of uplifting compositions. Nov. 23 3-5:30 p.m. $12$64. (805) 538-3311. slomasterchorale. org/. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
SOLEFFECT AT THE MARK
Sōleffect’s dynamic 7-piece band brings uplifting originals and soulful spins on favorites—perfect for a night out in the heart of SLO. Dec. MUSIC continued page 40
Ben Folds festivities
Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Ben Folds is set to perform at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Folds, who is recognized for both his work with the Ben Folds Five and his solo music, will play a mix of holiday classics and originals. Ticket prices range from $46 to $103 and can be purchased at calpolyarts.org.
13 7-10 p.m. Free. facebook.com/ events/2595229837497748/. The Mark Bar and Grill, 673 Higuera St., Sal Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4400.
SPIKE & THE GIMME GIMMES Dec.
1 7 p.m. $40.14. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
THE STEWS WITH SPECIAL GUEST
MARGOT SINCLAIR The Stews formed in the midst of the pandemic, and used their ample free time to hone in on their songwriting and musical skills. As the world reopened, they brought this new music into the light, much to the delight of music lovers everywhere. They quickly graduated from college band status into a national touring force. Hear them live at SLO Brew Rock. Nov. 20, 7 p.m. $27.21. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
TIS THE SEASON WITH BEN FOLDS
Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter
Ben Folds, famed for Ben Folds Five and solo work, will bring his acclaimed, genre-spanning concert experience to San Luis Obispo this holiday season. Dec. 6 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ ben-folds. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BEYOND THE NOTES: ENRICHMENT THROUGH MUSIC AND COMMUNITY
- “AMY BEACH AND THE POWER OF CONNECTIONS” Beyond the Notes features leading scholars whose
presentations highlight the times and culture surrounding the works performed by the San Luis Obispo Master Chorale. The educational events offer an in-depth look at pieces being performed and the background and history of the music, including the opportunity to meet and learn from a noted expert on the subject, an enhanced understanding of the context of the music, an increased appreciation for the music and live performance, and spreading awareness about the arts. RSVP at the link. Nov. 22 3-5 p.m. my805tix. com. San Luis Bay Estates Lodge, 6375 Firehouse Canyon Road, Avila Beach, (805) 391-7664.
CHRISTMAS MARIACHI FESTIVAL
FEATURING MARIACHI PLATA DE WNMU Enjoy an evening of Christmas posada, carols, songs, actors, and folkloric ballet featuring the esteemed Mariachi Plata from Western New Mexico University. Dec. 14 , 6-8 p.m. $34-$55. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: KATIE KADAN From the first note, this Chicago-born soul singer pulls you in with a voice that is powerful, textured, and undeniably real. Hear her for yourself, at Clark Center for the Performing Arts. Nov. 22 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45-$59, Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE HIT MEN OF COUNTRY Get ready for a boot-stomping, heartstring-tugging night of pure country gold. The Hit Men of Country brings together five of Nashville’s finest musicians. Jan. 3 2-4 p.m. $45-$59, Platinum $65; Senior Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. Hear him live at Blacklake Golf Course. Dec. 30 1-4 p.m. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo.
JOHN’S JAZZ “ALL STARS” & EARLY RISERS JAZZ COMBO FROM CAL POLY | BASIN STREET REGULARS
Join the Basin Street Regulars for our dynamic Sunday afternoon concert featuring two bands and generations of “Hot Swingin’ Jazz” talent! Nov. 23 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Drive, Oceano.
RING IN THE SEASON CONCERT
SERIES See the first chorale music concert in the Ring in the Season concert series. Tickets are available for purchase at the link. Dec. 11 7 p.m. $30. Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, 1645 Trilogy Pkwy, Nipomo.
SOLEFFECT AT MULLIGANS IN AVILA
BEACH Enjoy stunning coastal views, tasty bites, and our signature blend of rock, funk, reggae, and soul. The perfect afternoon to relax, sip, and groove. Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m. facebook.com/ events/653577204463917/. Mulligans
Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
LIVE JAZZ SATURDAYS Live Jazz featuring guitar and banjo stylings of The Cardinal Jazz Duo. Rhonda & Jeff Cardinal will play the jazz that they like. Nov. 22 , 2-4 p.m. Free. (805)925-0860. instagram.com/ Crumblescafeandbakeshop. Crumbles Cafe & Bake Shop, 1635 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.
Seasonal Music
NORTH SLO COUNTY
HARMONY FOR THE HOLIDAYS Don’t miss this holiday show, featuring a cappella versions of new and favorite festive songs. Dec. 7 12-2 p.m. Free. (805) 736-7572. ccharmony.org. Hope Lutheran Church, 8005 San Gabriel Rd., Atascadero.
KELLYTOWN CHRISTMAS IN KILLARNEY Listen to live Irish music, rockin’ pub songs, and lively fiddle tunes. Christmas songs too! Food and drink available. Dec. 6 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 788-8990. WeAreKellytown.com. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.
A VERY MARY CHRISTMAS Cuesta Concord Chorus presents “A Very Mary Christmas”, featuring Mozart’s Regina Coeli and Coronation Mass followed by inspirational music for the holidays. Dec. 7 3-5 p.m. (805) 539-7888. facebook.com/CuestaConcordChorus. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CAL POLY PIANO STUDENT RECITAL
Enjoy this free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student pianists. Dec. 2 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ free. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CAMPANA SOBRE CAMPANA: CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO! Celebrate Christmas in Mexico with Mariachi Garibaldi and Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande, showcasing vibrant traditions through joyful music, colorful dance, and festive storytelling. Dec. 17 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts. org/20252026-season/campanasobre-campana-christmas-in-mexico. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT St. Timothy’s Catholic Church is presenting a Christmas Concert for the public. There will be homemade refreshments. Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m. Donation-based. (563) 2999245. Kitty Green, 2280 Glenn Street, Los Osos.
CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS
PRESENTS: A VERY MARY
CHRISTMAS Cuesta Concord Chorus and Orchestra present A Very Mary Christmas, featuring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Regina Coeli and The Coronation Mass. Dec. 5 7:30-9:30 p.m. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
Enjoy festive pieces performed by the longstanding and revered Cuesta Wind
Ensemble, internationally recognized Cuesta College Chamber Singers, Cuesta Jazz Bands, and Cuesta Combo program! Dec. 6 , 7:30 p.m. $30 VIP, $25 General, $22 Senior (65+), $10 Student w/ID. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
RING IN THE SEASON CONCERT SERIES Don’t miss the final concert in the Ring in the Season Concert Series. Tickets and more info can be found at the link. Dec. 14 , 3 p.m. $30. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5451, fpcslo.org. SAN LUIS OBISPO MASTER CHORALE PRESENTS “HOLIDAY FESTIVAL”
Featuring sing-along Messiah, Forbes Pipe Organ, Westwood Brass. Dec. 20 7:30-9:30 p.m. $12-$30. (805) 5383311. slomasterchorale.org/. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
SLO COUNTY TRUMPET ALLIANCE: TRUMPET HOLIDAY JOY! Join us as the legendary San Luis Obispo County Trumpet Alliance presents the most spectacular Holiday Brass extravaganza of the season! Dec. 14 , 2 p.m. $20 General, $10 Student w/ID. MUSIC continued page 42
✴ Unique Gifts from Central Coast Artists Artists
Creative Kids Holiday Playdate
Bring your kiddos to our holiday playdate! We are o ering a low cost, fun and festive workshop for kids 4-12 on Saturday, December 6th, where we will be making and decorating holiday ornaments.
Tickets are available at artcentralslo.com/shop!
Art Central Art Supply & Gallery 1329 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo (805) 747-4200
Patricia Newton is an award-winning artist who paints seascapes in oil. Her ocean-themed paintings range from a soft
Gallery at Marina Square: 610 Embarcadero, Morro Bay
Park Street Gallery: 1320 Park Street, Paso Robles Art Center Morro Bay: 835 Main Street, Morro Bay (805) 423-1100 · artbypatricianewton@gmail.com artbypatricianewton.com
Casa Ramos Art Gallery
Discover the magic of the season at Casa Ramos Art Gallery in Los Osos—home to the largest selection of Central Coast landscapes and seascapes paintings. Find unforgettable gifts from 7 local artists, Fine Art, Glass, Furniture, Ceramics, and more. Bring art home for the holidays, the perfect gift for yourself.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 12-5 pm Saturday 10-5 pm
Newton 1034 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos losososart.com
Thies
American FabHouse specializes in artisanal craftsmanship with eclectic composition for the ultimate form and function. AFH is the culmination of two+ decades of creativity and sought-after craftsmanship from the heart of the central coast of California. Creating and building exceptional modern furniture, lighting home décor & sculptural art is what we do best. Every piece that leaves the Thies studio has all the quality you’d expect of a customdesigned and hand-built work of art – with all the freshness of today’s modern home trends. (805) 547-1947 americanfabhouse.com
Dan Rider Sculpture
Imaginative garden statuary crafted by a local California artist makes the most amazing gifts!
at…
danridersculpture.com
Patricia
(805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
A VERY MARY CHRISTMAS Cuesta
Concord Chorus presents “A Very Mary Christmas” concert featuring Mozart’s Regina Coeli and Coronation Mass, followed by inspirational holiday music. Dec. 5 3-5 p.m. (805) 539-7888. facebook.com/CuestaConcordChorus.
Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CHRISTMAS MARIACHI FESTIVAL
FEATURING ESTRELLA DE MÉXICO
Enjoy an evening of Christmas posada, carols, songs, actors, folkloric ballet, and featuring the largest mariachi in the world! Dec. 14 6-8 p.m. $34-$55; Premium $65.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
CHRISTMAS MATTERS HOLIDAY
CAROLERS Head to downtown Solvang on Saturdays leading up to Christmas for the performances of the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers. These talented singers fill the air with joyful holiday tunes as they roam the quaint Danish downtown village of Solvang. Nov. 29 5-8 p.m., Dec. 6 5-8 p.m., Dec. 13 , 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 20, 5-8 p.m. solvangusa.com/solvangevents-calendar/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.
Holiday Guide
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE
PRESENTS CAROL ASTAIRE: OIL
PAINTING See luminous ocean paintings by Carol Astaire inspired by many years exploring California’s coast by kayak and on foot. Gallery is open daily. Nov. 30 - Dec. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS JEFF ODELL: OIL
PAINTING Morro Bay plein air artist Jeff Odell captures 30 years of coastal beauty with lush, textured oils. Gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 - Dec. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS SANDRA LISI: BLOCK PRINTING & SMALL WORKS See hand-carved woodblock and linocut prints on display, featuring illustrations ART continued page 44
December dash
Join in on the holiday fun during the Jingle Bell Dash on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande. All participants will receive a jingle bell for their shoe, to jingle all the way through the village, alongside the Holiday Parade route. It’s free to participate in the event. Head to arroyogrande.org/events for more information.
—A.S.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIANNA GOULD
WINTER WONDERLAND
HOLIDAY
of the Central Coast with bold colors and beautiful compositions. Gallery is open daily. Nov. 30 - Dec. 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
“THE PASSENGER” AND “VE” HAND PULLED PRINTS Susan Lyon’s hand pulled Varied Edition Artwork ranges from linocuts to hand pulled solar prints and photography. Colorful and fun. Dec. 6 2-5 p.m. and Jan. 3 2-5 p.m. Free. (805) 440-7152. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.
ART AFTER DARK - FIRST SATURDAYS Featuring Sam DiMaggio, segmented wood turning at it’s finest! Please join us to explore our fabulous gift giving options for your loved ones. Dec. 6 , 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 286-4430. parkstreetgallery.com. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park St., Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
LIBRARY ART AUCTION
The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid.com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. “PERMISSION STRUCTURES” BY KERRI CONLON SF-based artist and educator Kerri Conlon will display her work titled “Permission Structures”
at the Cal Poly University Art Gallery until Dec. 5. An opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. Through Dec. 5 artgallery. calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly University Art Gallery, Cal Poly Art & Design, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 93407-0321, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-1571.
PET PORTRAITS WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM
Create a one-of-a-kind tribute to your furry friends while enjoying a fun day with your human pals! Nov. 22 12-4 p.m. $55. (805) 478-2158. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo. com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ Pet-Portraits-Cunningham-Nov25. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ART IN THE PARK HOLIDAY MARKET
Beautiful handmade holiday items and gifts for yourself. See all the wonderful work of local artists and crafters alike. Dec. 6 , 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
Openings and Receptions
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
YOU’RE INVITED! GALLERY RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY FOR ARTISTS JEFF ODELL, CAROL ASTAIRE, AND SANDRA LISI You’re invited to join us for snacks, art, and conversation! Meet our artists
showcasing oil paintings, landscapes, seascapes and hand-carved block prints. Dec. 13 , 3-5 p.m. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
ARTFUL HOLIDAYS AND 2026 DECOR
Everything you need to give the gift of art to those you love, decorate for the Holidays, and enhance your home for years to come! Dec. 1 - Feb. 28 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 286-4430. parkstreetgallery.com. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park St., Paso Robles.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
DREAMS AND REVELATIONS Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery will showcase the work of Santa Barbara-based artist Paulo P. Lima, Ph.D., in the upcoming exhibition Dreams and Revelations. Lima’s work spans sculpture, painting, photography and mixed media, transforming recycled and found objects into art that celebrates memory, ancestry and cultural identity. His pieces invite viewers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary while honoring traditions rooted in Brazilian Baroque art. Through Dec. 4 hancockcollege.edu/ news/newsreleases/foxworthylimaart. php. Allan Hancock College, Ann Foxworthy Gallery, 800 S College Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93454, Santa Maria, (805) 694-8894.
Classes and Workshops
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
FREE DEMONSTRATION:
CONSTRUCTING THE FIGURE WITH GERIMI BURLEIGH Gerimi Burleigh, a master artist of figure drawing, is giving a free demonstration at Art Center Morro Bay. Get more details at the site. Dec. 6 3 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. ArtCenterMorroBay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
SUCCULENT CHRISTMAS TREE WORKSHOP Create a living succulent Christmas tree with our expert team! All materials are included and no experience needed at this festive, friend-friendly workshop. Space is limited, so register early. Dec. 13 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $65. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
SUCCULENT CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP Create a living succulent wreath with our expert team! All materials included and no experience needed. A festive, friend-friendly workshop. Space is limited, so register early. Dec. 6 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $65. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.
NORTH SLO COUNTY
HOLIDAY ORNAMENT WORKSHOP
Create three ornaments using a variety of pre-cut glass shapes and speciality
glass bits. After firing, a bale will be glued to the back. Dec. 14 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $65. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio. com. Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.
LIVE FIGURE DRAWING Uninstructed
Live Figure Drawing sessions hosted on the third Thursday of each month. Open to all artists ages 18 and older. Please bring your own art supplies. We will have chairs, tables, and a nude model to sketch. Note: no class in December. Third Thursday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $20. (805) 238-9800. studiosonthepark.org/classesworkshops/. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
FUSED GLASS WORKSHOPS Learn how to cut, design, and build your own ornaments, sun catchers, or magnets. Workshops includes all supplies you’ll need. Nov. 22 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Nov. 30, 2-5 p.m. (805) 748-7405. lindadrake. com. Linda Drake, 1351 Oceanaire Dr., San Luis Obispo.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
ART WORKSHOP - BLOCK PRINT
HOLIDAY CARDS Join CalNAM and local artist Angelina LaPointe for an art workshop planning, carving, and hand-printing a linoleum block print holiday cards. Dec. 14 , 12:30-4:30 p.m. $65. calnatureartmuseum.org/news/ holiday-block-prints-2025. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.
Kid Stuff
NORTH SLO COUNTY
KIDS HOLIDAY SPORTS CAMPS Ages 7 to 12 can play tennis, pickleball, bocce, and other fun activities! See flyer for dates and discounts! Nov. 2426 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 22-23 , 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Dec. 29-30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/tennis/ kids-camps/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton. SAN
CREATIVE KIDS HOLIDAY PLAYDATE
Join for the second year of Creative Kids Holiday Playdate! There will be fun and festive activities for kids ages 4 to 12 at an affordable cost. Dec. 6, 1-4:30 p.m. $10. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St.,
$15. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo. ▲
