2018 December Paso Robles Magazine

Paso Robles is filled with Christmas events that
tell a story. The story started in November with Elegant
Evening in downtown. The evening included
wine tasting, food and visiting downtown businesses
that have decorated for the season and are
in the Christmas spirit.
“We start out with the merchants showing that
they have everything ready to show for Christmas,”
Paso Robles Main Street Executive Director Norma
Moye said. “It’s getting people into the spirit of
Christmas.”
The day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas festivities
continued with the 32 nd annual Downtown
Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November
23 at 5:30 p.m. Mrs. Claus arrives to turn on the
lights in the park to invite Santa Claus to Paso Robles.
The park is filled with people waiting in the
near-dark for the lights to be flipped on.
“When Mrs. Claus comes to town,” Moye said,
“she comes to town to see if [Paso Robles] is ready
for Santa. [There is] hot chocolate for her and everybody’s
singing. I understand the Grinch may
sneak in and try to steal our Christmas.”
A week later, Santa arrived to Paso Robles in
time for the 57 th annual Christmas Light Parade
on Saturday, December 1 at 7 p.m. This year’s
theme is “Cowboy Christmas.”
By Heather Young
“So Mrs. Claus says, ‘Wow, this town is ready for
Santa to come.’ So Santa comes into town on his
sleigh,” Moye said.
The first time people will see Santa in Paso
Robles is when he rides on his sleigh during
the parade.
“And the Grinch kinda got scared — he heard
Santa was coming,” Moye said.
The parade includes a variety of lighted entries
from local businesses and organizations. A variety
of awards will be given for the Best in Show.
A week later, the 32 nd annual Vine Street Victorian
Showcase will take place on Saturday, December
8 from to 6 to 9 p.m. on Vine Street between
8 th and 21 st streets. This is a free event where
the Vine Street residents and business owners open
up their doors and other groups from around the
county join them. Participants give things such as
hot chocolate, cookies, and other treats. There will
also be groups sharing the Christmas spirit with music
and other entertainment. Scrooge can be found
on the balcony of a house on Vine Street yelling at
the festive event-goers for being so cheery.
“[Vine Street is] when the Vine Street neighbors,
historical society, Main Street and the city come
together,” Moye said. “There will be music, hot cocoa
and more. There is snow for children to play in.
There’s a lot of things happening.”
Attendees will also get the chance to see the
Snow Queen, Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, community
open houses and more. Moye reminds the
community that the event is free and because it
gets very packed, dogs should stay at home.
The final Christmas event for the season is the
28 th annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea, which will
take place Saturday, December 15 from 2 to 4
p.m. in the Paso Robles Park Ballroom at 1232
Park St., Ste. 200. The cost is $8 for children and
$20 for adults.
“That’s when the children come with their
teddy bears and have tea, cookies, coloring
books and entertainment,” Moye said. “It’s a
wonderful afternoon.”
The Snow Queen and King, Santa and Mrs.
Claus, Santa’s elves and Victorian friends will be
at the annual event. Seating is limited, so tickets
should be purchased in advance.
For more information about the holiday events
in downtown Paso Robles, go to PasoRobles
Downtown.org.
OTHER EVENTS HAPPENING
IN AND AROUND PASO ROBLES
SANTA HOLIDAY HOUSE IN PASO ROBLES
Santa’s Holiday House schedule in downtown
Paso Robles at City Park is Sunday, Dec.
9 and 16 from noon to 3 p.m.; Tuesday,
Dec. 18 through Monday, Dec. 24 from noon to
3 p.m. Call 805-238-4103 or go to PasoRobles
Downtown.org for more information.
Roundup for Christmas events
sponsored by Paso Robles Main Street
CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARADE
Saturday, December 1 at 7 p.m.
VINE STREET VICTORIAN SHOWCASE
Saturday, December 8 from 6 to 9 p.m.
VICTORIAN TEDDY BEAR TEA
Saturday, December 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.
32 | pasomagazine.com PASO Magazine, December 2018