City of Atascadero announces December holiday events
– The City of Atascadero announced a series of holiday events scheduled throughout December.
Festivities begin Friday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the downtown area with “Light up the Downtown.” Events start at 5:30 p.m. in Sunken Gardens with musical performances by the Fine Arts Academy Honor Choir and the Atascadero Community Band. At 6 p.m., the annual countdown to light Historic City Hall will take place with the Mayor and Councilmembers. More than 3,000 lights will illuminate City Hall, Sunken Gardens, and surrounding areas as part of the second annual “Garden Lights & Winter Nights” display, which remains on view through Jan. 11.
Santa will arrive on the Model-A Firetruck and make his way around Sunken Gardens before stopping on the West Mall side of City Hall. Free activities include horse-drawn hayrides, hot chocolate from Lighthouse Coffee, and tours of Historic City Hall by the Atascadero Historical Society.
The Holiday Sip & Shop, presented by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, will also take place downtown that evening. Adult beverages will be available from more than 20 participating businesses. Tickets may be purchased at www.atascaderochamber.org. Shops and restaurants will be open and decorated for the season.
The Musical Holiday Walk Around the Lake is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event features caroling, musical groups, refreshments, and holiday decorations around Atascadero Lake. The Central Coast Zoo will keep its gift shop open until 6:30 p.m., and Santa will visit the Zoo Garden Event Center from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event is presented by the Atascadero Lake Neighborhood Association.
Winter Wonderland will take place on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Atascadero. More than 70 tons of snow will be brought in to create a large snow pile and snow slide built by the Kiwanis Club of Atascadero, Cuesta Springs Ice Company, Atascadero Hay & Feed, and AJ Excavating. Entertainment will include performances by the Atascadero High School Cheer Team, the California Mid-State Fair Queen and her court, 805 Movement & Performance Arts, Fine Arts Academy Dancers, Fine Arts Academy Monarch Choir, All District Elementary Choir, and choirs from Atascadero Middle School and Atascadero High School. Activities will include train rides with Joe’s Little Train, obstacle courses, a gladiator joust, bounce houses, bungy jump from Bubble Fun 101, face painting, and a visit from Santa.
The Central Coast Zoo will host Holiday Magic on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Zookeepers will open holiday-themed enrichment gifts for the animals. Visitors can meet Santa and enjoy a strolling magician and DJ Andy Morris. Holiday décor will be on display, and the gift shop will offer seasonal items. The event is included with general admission.
More information about city events is available at www.visitatascadero.com/events.
