Holiday events planned in Atascadero
Fun kicks off Dec. 1 with ‘Light up the Downtown’
– As the holiday season approaches, the City of Atascadero is set to kick off a series of festive events.
On Friday, Dec. 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., downtown Atascadero will host “Light up the Downtown!” The event, starting at the Sunken Gardens, will feature musical performances by the Fine Arts Academy Honor Choir and Atascadero Community Band. The traditional countdown to light up Historic City Hall, led by Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno and Atascadero City Council members, will be followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus touring Sunken Gardens on a Model-A Firetruck. Complimentary horse-drawn hay rides and free hot chocolate from Lighthouse Coffee will be available.
Simultaneously, the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Holiday Sip & Shop starting at 5:30 p.m. Fifteen participating businesses will offer adult beverages, with tickets available for purchase at www.atascaderochamber.org.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Musical Holiday Walk Around the Lake will enchant visitors with caroling, musical groups, refreshments, and holiday decorations. The Charles Paddock Zoo will be open for a special visit with Santa.
Winter Wonderland arrives on Friday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 9 p.m., bringing over 70 tons of snow to Downtown Atascadero. Organized by the Atascadero Lake Neighborhood Association, the event features musical entertainment at Historic City Hall by the Atascadero High School Cheer Team, Atascadero High School & Middle School Choirs, the Fine Arts Academy Monarch Choir & All District Elementary Choir, Atascadero High School Band, plus dance performances by Motions Academy of Dance & Fine Arts Academy of Dance, plus skate team demonstrations by A-Town Park. This year’s snow-themed events also include Joe’s Little Train, a variety of obstacle courses, gladiator joust, bounce houses, and bungy jump from Bubble Fun 101, face painting, a special visit by the California Mid-State Fair Queen’s court, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Charles Paddock Zoo will present Holiday Magic 2023 on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Zookeepers will act as Santa’s Elves, preparing gifts for the animals. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present, along with entertainment from magician Andy Morris, music by Garry Brill, and the Cockroach Holiday Village.
For more information and event details, visit www.visitatascadero.com/events. Those interested in volunteering can contact Terrie Banish at (805) 470-3490 or [email protected].
