The Winter calendar is packed with events and festivals on California’s Central Coast.

Enjoy seasonal events in December including the Parade of Lights in Ventura and Santa Barbara; shop for tribal gifts, catch the seaweed exhibition at Morro Bay, and see a play, music dance or art show between now and January. In February, head for Santa Barbara’s Film Festival, sip Rhone American wines in Paso Robles, and savour the annual clam chowder cookoff in Santa Cruz.

Events on California’s Central Coast: Worth planning around

The Curious World of Seaweed
Now through December 15, 2023, Morro Bay

From nori to giant kelp, this exhibition of color portraits, information panels and fascinating stories highlights local connections to seaweed, and the importance  of preserving the kelp forests of the Pacific Coast.

Miracle at Pearl Social
Now through January 1, 2024 Santa Barbara

Dressed up and ready to party, The Fun Zone’s Pearl Social transforms itself into a Christmas winter wonderland pop-up cocktail bar for the holiday season.

Folk & Tribal Arts Pop-Up Weekends
December 2-4 & 16-18, 2023, Santa Barbara

Pop-up markets at Santa Barbara’s Museum of Natural History featuring Mexican, Peruvian, and African imports. Includes alpaca fleece, palm baskets, bowls, and upcycled telephone wire baskets from Zimbabwe.

Santa Barbara Parade of Lights
December 10, 2023, Santa Barbara

37th Annual: With a Holiday Disco theme, festivities begin at Winter Wonderland on City Pier, followed by a parade of paddlers and kayakers, tree lighting, and the sail-past finale of illuminated boats.

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights
December 15-16, 2023, Ventura

Ventura’s boat parade goes tropical with an island vibe as this year’s theme is  Hula Holiday. Think bright lights, carnival rides, shopping, food, and more.

A Winter Solstice Celebration: Tales from Ellis Island  </strong
December 16-17, 2023, Santa Barbara

Song, dance and stories at Lobero Theatre. It’s Ellis Island on Christmas Eve and Irish, Russian, and German families stranded with their Mexican supervisors find ways to respect their differences.

Central Coast Art Association 89th Bi-Annual Fall Show
Now through January 5, 2024, Monterey

Non-profit art association promotes interest in art and shows its artists’ work twice a year at Meals on Wheels, and at other venues including local wineries through the year.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival
February 7-17, 2024, Santa Barbara

39th Annual: Join the film buffs who flock to SBIFF for screenings of  200+ films, each celebrating the global art of cinema.

The Rhone Rangers Experience
February 18, 2024, Paso Robles

Non-profit organization showcasing American Rhone wines made from the celebrated grape varietals that feature in the French Rhone River Valley, loved for their range of flavours and pairing with food.

Annual Clam Chowder Cookoff
February 24-25, 2024, Santa Cruz

43rd Annual: Amateur chefs deliver their chowders on Saturday, and professional chefs serve up on on Sunday. Boston and Manhattan Clam Chowders feature on both days and proceeds benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.

Full Calendars of Events

Central California

• Big Sur & Highway 1
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• Channel Islands (& Ventura)
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• Central Coast
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• Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach
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• Paso Robles
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• Santa Barbara
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• Santa Cruz
  • (Pair your travel with Santa Cruz itineraries from Slow Down See More)
• San Luis Obispo
  • (Pair your travel with San Luis Obispo area itineraries from Slow Down See More)