Illustration of Santa greeting families at long breakfast tables with pancakes and cocoa (Tree Lighting & Snow)
Other Christmas Activities

Tree Lighting & Snow

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with tons of snow and watch Santa light the tree. The community gathering typically features horse-drawn wagon rides, a bounce town, and a s'more station. Guests can also take photos with Santa and purchase refreshments from on-site food vendors.

Sun, Dec 13, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Free event; some activity fees apply.

Hours

5:00 - 7:00 pm; Santa lights the tree at 6 pm.

Food & Drink

Food vendors and a s’more station are typically available.

Location

Elm Street Park · Arroyo Grande, CA Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Bring some spending money, because the event is free but some of the activities have fees.
  • Dress kids in warm clothes that can get wet, since the park is covered in tons of snow for the evening.
  • Be in the park by the middle of the evening, because that's when Santa lights the tree.
  • Elm Street Park is right next to the Soto Sports Complex, which makes it easy to find if you haven't been before.

Links & Contact

Run by City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Services Department

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do at Tree Lighting & Snow?

The park is covered in tons of snow, and Santa lights the tree. There are also horse-drawn wagon rides, a bounce town and photos with Santa.

Is there food?

Yes. Food vendors are on site, and there's a s'more station.

Are all the activities included?

The event itself is free, but some activities have fees.

What else is at Elm Street Park?

The park sits next to the Soto Sports Complex and has a playground for children of all ages.

Browse Christmas in San Luis Obispo

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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