Things to do in Morro Bay this Holiday Season: Winter Fishing, Christmas Events, and More
Although tourists flock to Morro Bay during the warmer months of the year, the winter season is actually one of the best times to explore this part of California. Experience the magic of the season with unique events and activities available only in our quaint coastal town. You’ll have a fantastic time ticking off the best things to do in Morro Bay this season — from visiting art shows to community Christmas events.
1. The Annual Winter Faire & Juried Craft Show
When: November 10, 2022 – December 31, 2022, from 12pm to 4pm
Where: Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St, Morro Bay, CA 93442
A 2-minute stroll from Ascot Suites will take you to the Art Center Morro Bay for the annual Winter Faire & Juried Craft Show. Running until the end of December, it’s a much-awaited Christmas event in Morro Bay showcasing an impressive collection of fine art and craftwork, including photo prints, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and more from some of Central California’s best artists and artisans. It’s the best place to do your Christmas shopping while supporting local artists and vendors.
2. Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
When: December 2, 2022, at 3:30pm
Where: Morro Bay City Park
Join the community in celebrating the season at Morro Bay’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on December 2nd at 3:30pm at the Morro Bay City Park. Enjoy a spectacular musical performance by the Morro Bay High School Chamber Choir, story time with Santa and his elves, and hot cider and sweets for everyone in this magical Christmas event in Morro Bay.
3. Santa's House At The Embarcadero
When: December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18, 2022, from 5pm to 8pm
Where: At the corner of Embarcadero and Front St.
While wandering around the Embarcadero and shopping for souvenirs to take home, visit Jolly ol‘ Saint Nick in his house at the giant Chess Board on the Embarcadero. Get your holiday photo with Santa or just walk around and embrace the holiday spirit all around.
4. Breakfast With Santa
When: December 3, 2022, from 8:30am to 11:30am
Where: Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, CA 93442
If you’re in Morro Bay on the 3rd of December, go get breakfast with Santa at the Morro Bay Community Center. They will be serving a pancake breakfast from 8:30am until 11:30am for only $10. Stay around after your breaky and join the community for fun holiday games and activities. Santa will be around to get everyone in holiday spirit and for photo ops.
5. Lighted Boat Parade
When: December 10, 2022, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where: Morro Bay Embarcadero
Prepare to be wowed by Morro Bay’s fishing, yachting, and leisure community as they parade along the waters by the Embarcaderio for the city’s annual Lighted Boat Parade. All decked out with glittering lights and pumped up with holiday cheers, it’s a celebration of the holiday season and of Morro Bay’s vibrant maritime culture.
On December 10th, head early to Santa’s House at 4:30 pm, get yourself a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and cookies, and see Santa himself and Mrs. Claus. Then walk your way to the South T-Pier at 5:30 pm to jam with Morro Bay’s very own White Caps Band as they play your favorite holiday hits. The Morro Bay boat parade will come right after at 6:30pm.
6. Visit the Museum Of Natural History
Business Hours: Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm
Where: 20 State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442
If the weather is too chilly to go on an adventure, spend the day at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History. It’s one of the best things to do in Morro Bay for visitors and even locals, young and old. Just a 4-minute drive from Ascot Suites, head out and learn about the natural history of the estuary, geology, Native American life tidal forces and the impacts of human forces on nature. You’ll learn it all at the museum through hands-on and interactive exhibits, lectures, and activities. Located in the heart of Morro Bay State Park, expect breathtaking views of the Central Coast, sand dunes, and Morro Rock, if weather permits.
7. Hunt for the best clam chowder in Morro Bay
It can sometimes get a bit chilly in Morro Bay in December, but nothing that a piping-hot bowl of chowder can’t cure. It’s hearty, warm, creamy, and comforting. Every spoonful warms up your insides.
Home to some of the best clam chowders in California, work your way through some of the best restaurants in town and find the best clam chowder around. Each restaurant has its own twist on this seafood classic, but they are all guaranteed to make your mount tingle with excitement every time. Start your hunt at any of these restaurants: Dutchman’s Seafood House, Harbor Hut, Rose’s Landing’s, The Galley Seafood Grill &