When winter rolls around, Paso Robles transforms from a bustling harvest destination into a cozy, peaceful escape. The crowds thin, the air cools, and the vineyards take on a golden, quiet beauty — perfect for sipping bold reds by the fire or wandering through twinkling downtown streets. From festive events and dazzling light displays to intimate wine tastings and local artisan finds, there’s no shortage of winter things to do in Paso Robles. Here’s your guide to making the most of the season in California’s wine country.
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4 Reasons to Visit Paso Robles This Holiday Season
Escape the crowds (and the heat!)
As harvest season winds down, Paso Robles settles into a slower, more relaxed rhythm. You’ll still find world-class wines, incredible food, and warm hospitality — just with more room to breathe (and a better chance to chat with winemakers who finally have time to share their stories).
With fewer visitors, it’s easier to snag reservations at your favorite wineries and restaurants, and tasting room teams have more time to offer personalized, in-depth experiences. Everyone’s still buzzing from harvest, so you’re bound to get an insider’s scoop on the latest vintage.
And best of all? The weather has finally cooled — perfect for lingering over the bold, full-bodied reds Paso Robles is famous for. Because let’s be honest: red wine just tastes better when it’s not 90 degrees outside.
Stunning Seasonal Scenery
Rolling hills stay lush from winter rains, and the evening skies are crystal clear — ideal for sunsets, stargazing, and wine tasting by the fire. Whether you’re exploring vineyards or wandering downtown, Paso Robles feels peaceful and cozy this time of year.
Festive Things to Do in Paso Robles This Winter
Just because it’s not high season doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do! In fact, Paso Robles offers numerous holiday things to do to help get you in the spirit:
Elegant Evening Downtown Paso Robles
- November 16, 2025, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
- FREE
- Kick off the season with a magical evening of twinkling lights, live entertainment, and festive shopping in downtown Paso Robles. Local boutiques and tasting rooms stay open late with special deals and treats.
The Annual Downtown Lighting Ceremony
- November 28, 2025, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.
- FREE
- Join the community in the town square as Santa and Mrs. Claus flip the switch to light up downtown for the holidays. There’s music, cocoa, and a warm, small-town glow that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch
- Fridays & Saturdays fromNovember 28 – December 21, 2025; open Sunday, December 21. Train rides available from 5pm – 7pm
- Tickets must be purchased in advance.
- All aboard for one of the Central Coast’s most enchanting holiday experiences! This family-friendly event features a train ride through the historic ranch, sparkling light displays, Santa’s Village, and cozy campfire vibes. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a nostalgic holiday outing.
Annual Paso Robles Christmas Light Parade
- December 6, 2025, 6:00 pm
- FREE
- A long-standing local favorite! Downtown Paso comes alive with floats, performers, and plenty of holiday cheer. Grab a hot drink, bundle up, and find a spot along the route to watch the magic roll by. This year’s theme is “Christmas Lights, Winter Nights”
Vine Street Christmas Victorian Showcase
- December 14, 2024, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
- FREE
- Vine Street is lined with beautiful & ornate Victorian homes that are festively decorated with Christmas lights and boasts some type of entertainment at nearly every house! Scrooge will be there along with Santa, local choirs, dance groups, bands, and more. Treat yourself to some hot chocolate and popcorn too.
Cambria Christmas Market
- November 29 – December 31, 2025
- $28 – $44 depending on the day
- Gates open at 5pm and close at 8:30pm. Give yourself 2-3 hours to view the Market and Lights.
Just 30 minutes from Paso Robles, this German-style market transforms Cambria into a winter wonderland with three million lights, artisan vendors, festive food, and glühwein (warm spiced wine). It’s worth the short drive for an unforgettable night.
Light at Sensorio
- Year-round
- $45 – $140
Bruce Munro’s world-famous light installation shines year-round — but it’s especially magical in the cool, dark evenings of winter. Stroll through the glowing fields of fiber-optic blooms and enjoy seasonal treats under the stars. Get there early and grab a glass of local wine/beer/distilled spirits and watch the landscape transform as the sun sets and the lights shine brighter.
- Use promo code TOAST for a discount
Cozy Activities Beyond the Holidays
Even when the holiday season winds down, there’s plenty to enjoy:
Wine tasting at boutique vineyards without the crowds and special events at wineries in Paso Roble
Olive oil tastings at local farms like Kiler Ridge or Pasolivo.
Hot springs soaking in Paso Robles or nearby Avila.
Comfort food dining in charming downtown spots like The Hatch or Il Cortile.
Gift-Worthy Experiences and Local Finds
Get your friends and family something they’ll actually love this year. Paso Robles is full of thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift ideas that capture the spirit of wine country.
A world of wine: With over 60 grape varieties grown here, Paso Robles offers everything from award-winning labels to small, boutique gems — at every price point. There’s a bottle for every palate and personality.
Wine tour gift certificates: A Toast Tours gift card blends thoughtfulness with fun — one of the most requested gifts year after year. Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or even as an employee incentive or thank-you gift.
Craft spirits & cocktail kits: Explore Paso’s distillery trail, home to more than a dozen small-batch producers. Pick up a favorite spirit or a ready-to-gift cocktail kit (Old Fashioned set, anyone?).
Local artisan products: Fill your gift basket with Central Coast favorites — olive oils, lavender goods, honey, cheeses, and all-natural cocktail mixers.
From custom wine bundles to experience-based gifts, Paso Robles makes it easy to give something memorable — and delicious.
TIP: When booking your wine tour, let us know that you’re looking to pick up some gifts during your excursion, as well as a little more about what you’re looking for – and we’ll include places that have exactly what you’re looking for!
Planning Tips for Winter Visitors
Dress in layers: Mornings can be brisk, but afternoons often warm up.
Book ahead: Even during the off-season, popular wineries and restaurants fill up around the holidays.
Start early: With shorter days, plan your tastings and scenic drives before sunset.
Make it special: Book a private wine tour for a more personalized (and chauffeured!) experience through wine country.
FAQs About Visiting Paso Robles in Winter
Expect daytime highs in the 60s °F (15–20 °C) and cooler nights that dip into the 30s °F (1–4 °C). It’s perfect sweater weather — and ideal for sipping red wine by the fire.
Yes, nearly all tasting rooms stay open throughout winter, with only limited closures on major holidays like Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Definitely! You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, more relaxed tastings, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s one of the best times to go behind the scenes and chat with winemakers.
Absolutely — events like Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch, the downtown lighting ceremony, and the Cambria Christmas Market are perfect for all ages.
Yes, you can often find lower lodging rates and weekday specials from local tour operators like Toast Tours.
Experience Paso Robles This Winter
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a wine-filled weekend with friends, winter in Paso Robles is full of charm, flavor, and sparkle. Fewer crowds, festive events, and cozy vibes — it’s the perfect time to slow down and soak in wine country magic.
Look forward to Toasting with you soon!
