Seven ways December Events shine on the Central Coast—sip, shop, explore, glow through tastings, adventures, markets, concerts—made easy with SLO Safe Ride!
- newjoan22
- Nov 25
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
December on the Central Coast sparkles with celebration—cool nights, glowing vineyards, and a full lineup of tastings, concerts, markets, and family fun. From Cabernet Franc at Dracaena Wines and Taste Paso Robles to Ancient Peaks dining, Margarita adventures, Cal Poly concerts, creative days at SLOMA, the Mid-State Fair Market, and the dazzling lights of Sensorio, this winter shines bright.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend escape or a day packed with high-energy stops, dive into SLO’s Central Coast December Events with SLO Safe Ride—your stylish, stress-free way to enjoy every moment across San Luis Obispo County. with SLO Safe Ride.
1. December 4th - 7th: Cabernet Franc Library Veritcal Tasting 12PM - 5PM l Dracaena Wines l Paso Robles
Join Dracaena Wines, the founders of Cabernet Franc Day, for a special four-day celebration dedicated to our favorite grape.
Dracaena Wines is unlocking our Library Collection for an exclusive vertical tasting of our Classic Cabernet Franc
What's the experience?
Experience the evolution of our signature wine and discover how each vintage tells its own Paso Robles story. This is a rare opportunity to taste our Cab Franc history side by side and celebrate the variety that started it all.
2016 Classice Cabernet Franc — 91 Points l Gold Medal
2017 Classice Cabernet Franc — 92 Points l Gold Medal
2018 Classice Cabernet Franc — 92 Points l Gold Medal
Best Idea for Traveling to Wineries!
Enhance your experience with SLO Safe Ride’s luxury transportation, offering private service to Dracaena Wines and wineries of your choice. We can custom plan an amazing day in wine country just for you! Relax and take in the rolling hills and sunlit vineyards as you travel in comfort—no need to worry about directions or driving. From the first toast to the final sunset, your harvest weekend can be as effortless as it is unforgettable.
2. Every Saturday in December: Taste of Paso Robles l 4 PM – 7:30 PM
Looking for an unforgettable evening in Paso Robles? Dive into a progressive feast through downtown’s best bites and sips! Taste Paso Robles Tour takes you to six incredible stops, pairing delicious eats with four fabulous drinks (or creative non-alcoholic alternatives for our booze-free besties).
Sip and savor the best of the Central Coast at the Taste of Paso Robles, an evening of wine, food pairings, and local flavors set against Paso’s charming downtown.
What's the Vibe?
From bold BBQ to handmade Honduran flavors, craft cocktails to sheep’s milk ice cream (yes, really!), this is the only nighttime foodie adventure in Paso—aside from staring at twinkle lights. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this is your chance to eat, drink, and experience Paso like never before!
Make the Evening Extraordinary!
Enhance your evening of tasting and sipping by booking a room at the luxurious Cambria Hotel in Templeton. After a full day of exploring Taste of Paso Robles unwind in comfort surrounded by stylish décor, elevated amenities, and warm Central Coast hospitality. It’s the perfect way to linger in the experience and make your "Taste' weekend feel truly indulgent.
What about Luxury Travel too?
For safe, seamless travel to Paso Robles wineries during the day and the evening 'Taste Paso Event,' elevate your outing with luxury transportation from SLO Safe Ride. Enjoy the freedom to relax, taste, and explore without worrying about driving or logistics. Their professional chauffeurs and premium vehicles ensure a smooth, comfortable journey—so you can focus on savoring every moment of your adventure.
SLO Safe Ride is proud to be the prefered transportation partner of Cambria Templeton Hotel!
3. December: Wine & Dine at Ancient Peaks l 11 AM -5:30 PM Historic Santa Margarita
Along the southern border of the Paso Robles wine country lies Santa Margarita—a small cowboy town steeped in local history. Visit our Tasting Room & Café to sample our current releases, including our limited-edition Pearl Collection reserve wines, and full Café menu.
Experience Margarita Adventures!
The Ancient Peaks experience includes innovative agritourism and adventure offerings on the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.
Adventure Beckons — You Choose!
Discover the thrill-packed charm of Santa Margarita Ranch, where adventure meets unforgettable scenery! Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride, soar above rolling vineyards on a heart-pumping zipline, explore local wildlife on guided nature tours, or cruise the countryside on an e-bike experience that’s equal parts fun and freedom. Whether you’re chasing excitement or simply soaking in the beauty of the Central Coast, Santa Margarita Ranch delivers a day you won’t soon forget.
Family Friendly?
And it’s not just for grown-ups—these activities are wonderfully family-friendly, making it the perfect destination for upcoming school breaks. Bring the kids, create unforgettable memories, and enjoy an easy, exciting getaway everyone will love.
4. December 11th: Christian Sands Trio | 7:30 PM – 9 PM Cal Poly Arts — Spanos Theatre l San Luis Obispo
Pianist and composer Christian Sands has a way of drawing you in with his sensitivity and creative flair. A multi-Grammy nominee and Steinway Artist, he and his trio are known for their lively, in-the-moment style that makes every jazz performance sound vibrant and alive.
What's the trios latest sound?
Recent album 'Embracing Dawn' explores musical styles as varied as neo and alternative soul, mid-tempo swing, ballads, acoustic jazz-rock, and trap-style beats and features collaborations with bassist Yasushi Nakamura, drummer Ryan Sands, guitarist Marvin Sewell, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, and harmonica player Grégoire Maret.
5.December 12th – 14th: Mid-State Fair Winter Market l Hours till 4 PM l Paso Robles Event Center
The Mid-State Fair Market comes alive with an eclectic mix of local makers, artists, and treasure-hunters. Wander through booths filled with handcrafted jewelry, stylish apparel, one-of-a-kind accessories, home décor with personality, and small-batch wellness goods.
What's also happening at the Market?
You’ll also view original art, vintage and antique finds, tasty handcrafted treats, and plenty of unexpected gems waiting to be discovered.The Mid-State Fair Market features local crafters and artisans selling handmade and unique items. Find jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, art, antiques, handmade eats, used items and more.
Is the Market Family Friendly?
Absolutely — the Mid-State Fair Market is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike can enjoy browsing the booths, discovering unique handmade items, sampling treats, and soaking in the lively fair atmosphere. It’s a relaxed, welcoming environment that makes it easy for families to explore together.
6. December 13: Free Family Art Days - 2nd Sat each month 11 AM - 1 PM l San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
SLOMA’s Second Saturdays program encourages intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Every second Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM, families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together.
The Museum's unique activity kits all can create an art project inspired by current exhibitions.
What's in the Art Kit?
Each art activity kit contains all the materials and bilingual (English & Spanish) instructions required for an engaging visual arts experience that promotes self-discovery, imagination, collaboration, and creativity. Kits can be completed at our Second Saturdays booth or taken home.
Tell Me about SLOMA
SLOMA where art matters because our community matters. And for art to truly be for everyone, it needs to be accessible, affordable, and fun. That’s why they offer free admission, host exciting monthly events, and showcase inspiring exhibitions by renowned artists, all in the heart of Downtown San Luis Obispo. Whether you’re a longtime art lover or just looking for something new to explore, SLOMA is the place to connect, create, and be inspired.
SLOMA's Mission
Art Matters: We enrich our community by using art as a doorway to deeper insight and connection.
7. December 29th - 31rst: Sensorio Where Your Moments Glow | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM l Paso Robles
When the sun goes down in the hills of Paso Robles, the lights come up at Sensorio, one of California’s largest immersive art exhibitions.
The Intersection of Art, Technology and Nature
What's the Experience?
Walk easy paths through more than 100,000 glowing bulbs, like bioluminescent flowers from a jewel-toned fantasy land. Explore several solar-powered exhibits that merge light and music technology with dreamy color in a sensory experience you have to see to understand. From beautiful family moments to unforgettable date nights to unique corporate events, let Sensorio illuminate your evening.
Make your Sensorio night the perfect Paso Robles experience
Pair the glowing fields with an afternoon of wine tasting, boutique shopping, or a cozy dinner in downtown Paso—then leave the driving to SLO Safe Ride. Enjoy every moment without worrying about parking, traffic, or the risk of a DUI. Book your ride, relax into the night, and let the lights lead the way into the new year.
Cozy Nights, Glowing Lights — Make Cambria Pines Lodge Your Holiday Hideaway
After wandering through Sensorio’s shimmering fields of color, wrap up the night (or the whole weekend!) in the warm, woodsy charm of Cambria Pines Lodge. Sip craft cocktails by the fire, savor hearty, garden-fresh dishes, and unwind in a cozy room surrounded by towering pines. It’s the perfect spot to eat, drink, relax, and keep the evening glowing long after you leave the lights of Paso Robles.
Keeping it real, keeping it local
From Paso to SLO and Santa Margarita, December brings together the very best of our local wineries, artists, and community events. Join in, support local, and make memories all month long.
Ready to Ride into SLO Central Coast December Events? Here’s how to make the most of it:
Lock in your SLO Safe Ride early. Popular dates fill up fast.
Group going out? Charter a private shuttle and ride together in comfort and style.
Just two of you? Book a scheduled pickup and skip the rideshare roulette.
Need help planning? We can help coordinate pickups for events, wine tours & more.
Whether you’re savoring world-class wines, strolling through a festival, or dancing the night away, December is packed with opportunities to celebrate.
And with SLO Safe Ride handling the driving, you can skip the hassle of traffic, parking, and post-party worries—just relax and enjoy!
Reserve your ride now at SLOSafeRide.com — and make this December memorable.
SLO Safe Ride isn’t just a ride — it’s the way the Central Coast gets around. Voted 2025 New Times Best of SLO and named Sunset Travel’s 2025 “How to Get There” Award winner, we’re the region’s go-to for safe, stylish, stress-free transportation. From wine tasting to weddings to nights out on the town, our pro drivers, premium fleet, and seamless service make every trip feel like an upgrade. When you want reliability, comfort, and a little fun along the way, there’s only one choice: SLO Safe Ride all the way.
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