From Fall to Christmas . . . The Holidays are a Magical Time to Visit the Central Coast: Upcoming Holiday Events in 2023

It’s not too soon to be thinking about fall and the holiday season! We’re a little more than halfway there, making it the perfect time to plan a beach getaway. Not only does the Central Coast enjoy sunny skies and mild temperatures from October through December, but the area is alive with fun seasonal events and activities for all ages.

Take a look at some of the events coming to the Central Coast during the second half of 2023, and plan your vacation accordingly:

Cambria Scarecrow Festival

Held October 1 to October 31 every year, the Cambria Scarecrow Festival has been named one of the nation’s top 10 autumn festivals by USA Today. Hundreds of imaginative and whimsical scarecrows fill empty lots and line the streets of the seaside village. Debuting in 2009 with just 30 scarecrows, the event has grown to include 100s of scarecrows created by local artists, business owners, students, and volunteers. Visitors enjoy seeing scarecrows singing, pedaling, dancing, swashbuckling, and flying throughout the city.

Pismo Beach Clam Festival

A community tradition since 1946, the 77th annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival returns on October 21 and 22. Visitors from all over flock to this free event, which features live music, local vendors, food trucks, and Kids Zone that includes bounce houses and inflatables. The traditional wine walk, parade, clam chowder cook-off, surf contest, and clam dig are highlights of the weekend.

Harvest on the Coast

Celebrate the end of the harvest during Avila’s annual Harvest on the Coast November 3rd through 4th. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy trying the varying wines that farmers have created over the season, particularly the chardonnays and pinot noirs that excel in this coastal region. Guests can enjoy the ocean views at the Avila Beach Golf Resort along with a Grand Tasting and Wine Auction, and entertainment by soul group B and the Hive. More than 50 local winemakers, chefs, and artisan food producers will be on site.

Cambria Christmas Market

Featuring 2+ million twinkling lights, artisan vendors, visits from Santa, train rides, cozy fire pits, live music, carolers, German-style food, and a Biergarten, the Cambria Christmas Market is a favorite for travelers. The German-inspired market will be held November 24 through December 23 transforming the Cambria Pines Lodge and nearby Cambria Pines Nursery into a winter wonderland. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind event are on sale now.

Winter Wonderland

Held December 8 from 5:00-9:00 PM, Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown will be transformed into a magical snowy paradise for one of the Central Coast’s largest holiday events. More than 75 tons of snow will be dropped in the area to create a massive snow slide and two large snow pile areas for the kids. Train rides, bungee jumps, obstacle courses, entertainment, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus are all part of this magical Winter Wonderland. It’s the perfect evening for some Christmas shopping too; downtown merchants and over 50 craft and food vendors will be on-site offering their unique wares.

Cobbo’s Beach House, a luxury vacation rental in the heart of Avila Beach, is centrally located to all of these wonderful seasonal events. Make your travel plans now and book our five-star beach home for your trip.