Enjoy a California Winter Holiday on the Central Coast: Sunshine and Sandy Beaches, Palm Trees and Festive Traditions

Credit: Cambria Christmas Market

The holidays are a magical time to vacation in Avila Beach, California. The region is home to some of the warmest temperatures in December on the coast, and a mix of seasonal activities make this coastal destination an ideal place to spend the holidays.

Here, Santa arrives by boat, Christmas trees are traded for palm trees and white sandy beaches replace the snow. Make some unique holiday memories with your loved ones this Christmas by traveling to Avila Beach.

Here’s just a few of the festive events you can look forward to when you visit the Central Coast during the holidays:

Cambria Christmas Market

Every year visitors look forward to the town’s transformation into a traditional German Christmas Market, showcasing twinkling lights, authentic eats and holiday shopping. The market is filled with a variety of vendors, booths where German food and drinks can be experienced, live entertainment and a photo area to take pictures with Santa. The city is blanketed in decorations and illuminated with well over two million Christmas lights that wind through the market space.

The Market sells imported German goods, including nutcrackers, ornaments and other handcrafted items from local artists and artisans, along with authentic food treats like Glühwein, a traditional German hot spiced wine available in the Biergarten. Wander through this holiday Winter Wonderland listening to live music and carolers or grab a ride on our train for a magical journey.

Annual Downtown Holiday Parade in San Luis Obispo

The most popular parade in the county meanders through the streets of Downtown San Luis Obispo. Recurring on the first Friday in December, this event is one of the largest parades on the Central Coast, attracting thousands of spectators and featuring all types of floats, vehicles, marching bands, dancers and more.

Hike to Cerro San Luis Obispo Christmas Tree

This San Luis Obispo trail turns into a holiday hike each December since 1975 when Alex Madonna first decided to put a Christmas tree at the top of San Luis Mountain. Climb the mountain to see the view from the top or look at it from down below. Either way, the shining lights 1,300 feet up add joy to the holiday season.

Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade & Santa House

Tourists come from hundreds of miles to witness this annual event at the Morro Bay Yacht Club. All shapes and sizes of boats are decorated with lights for the spectacular site of the holiday season harbor cruise. There is also a non-motorized Paddle Parade. Participants can decorate their own paddleboard, kayak or non-motorized vehicle to participate for prizes.

Winter Holiday in Avila Beach

Kick off the holiday season in downtown Avila Beach during a weekend-long Winter Holiday event. Free activities include a fine art show, craft festival, live music, open house at all the local businesses, and, of course, the annual lighting of the Avila Holiday Tree and Pier.

Stay at Cobbo’s Beach House this holiday season, centrally located to all of these festive events and activities.