No Place Like Home: Holidays arrive on Central Coast

Posted: Dec 1, 2011 5:52 PM by Jeanette Trompeter

December 1st, 2011

Well the wind may be taking care of a lot of them today, but I can't believe it's December 1st and we are still enjoying such beautiful fall colors around the central coast. If you haven't taken time to cruise out to the vineyards of Edna Valley or just stop and notice the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows around neighborhoods, take a moment to do so. Our warm November and cool nights have made for a great fall display. We took a little tour just before the wind came up, and you can see what I'm talking about on No Place Like Home tonight on KSBY at 6. (You can click here to see it after 8pm pacific tonight)

If the wind does knock all the autumn off the trees by this weekend, no worries. It should be looking a lot more like Christmas by now, and come this weekend, the holiday activities begin in full force. There are all kinds of tree lightings and downtown light displays happening, as well as holiday parades, craft shows and open houses. Here are just a few on tap over the upcoming weekend. If you want more information on any of these, visit my blog by clicking here. I've posted the links to all the ones I talked about.

Friday, December 2nd, 2011:

Pismo Beach is having it's tree lighting and Holiday Harmony activities tomorrow night. It's from 6-8 p.m. at the Beach Bum Holiday Rental parking lot (off Dolliver & Pomeroy) in downtown Pismo Beach. Kids will have fun with fresh snow, a bounce house, crafts and cookie decorating. Santa will be in Santa's Village, and the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at the Pismo Beach Pier. Join Santa and carolers at the Beach Bum Holiday Rental parking lot at 5:30 p.m. before he makes his way to the tree lighting ceremony on a fire truck. You can enjoy hot drinks and listen to carols as the tree is lit. Kids can have their picture taken with Santa. The entire event is free. For more information, contact the Pismo Beach Recreation Division at 805-773-7063.

San Luis Obispo's parade gets underway at 7:00 and they're expecting more than 100 floats.

Santa Barbara's holiday parade is Friday and starts at 6:30 at State Street and Sola Street.

Solvang is doing it's holiday tree lighting at Solvang park at 5.

For the 14th year in a row, the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation in Northern San Luis Obispo County, along with Class Act Dance of Paso Robles will be performing the Nutcracker Ballet at the Templeton Performing Arts Center. It opens tonight and runs through December 11th. For more information, call (805) 305-7638.

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

The Santa Maria Parade of Lights starts at 5:20 along Broadway between Stowell and the Town Center Mall. Look for more than 105 floats this year.

Solvang holds it's Julefest Parade Saturday at 11am at Mission and Copenhagen.

I'm excited to check out the Atascadero Musical Holiday Walk Around the Lake at Atascadero Lake Park. It starts at 5:30pm and goes until 8:30. The Charles Paddock Zoo will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 pm and admission is free to all. Bring a flashlight, and see the animals after hours. keep and eye out for Santa too! I hear he hangs around with the animals every year on this particular evening. As you walk around the lake, check out all the homes decked out with special lighting and holiday decorations. Many serve up cider, popcorn and other holiday treats. And more than 20 local choirs, bell ringers, carolers and other music groups, including some from Atascadero High School, will perform seasonal music and entertainment around the lake and in the park. The primary parking areas are the zoo parking lot, the baseball field lot, and pavilion lot. Marchant Way and Lake View Drive will be closed from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

And if you feel like sticking closer to downtown, the Atascadero Art and Wine Tour is going on with businesses competing for your vote on the best holiday decorations.

Sunday, December 4th, 2011:

On Sunday you can unwind, relax and still get some holiday shopping done at Tolosa Winery. It's holding it's Art in the Vineyard. You'll find Pottery, textiles, painting, Jewelry, Photography and all kinds of things. it's from 11am to 5pm.

And Christmas arrives in Arroyo Grande on Sunday with the "Elegant Christmas in the Village". Store owners and employees get dressed up and serve food and drink. There will be live music and entertainment. Luminaries line the streets for an elegant touch from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

So a whole lot happening around the central coast to help you get your holiday groove on! See you out and about my friends! Cheers.