The only place to see a parade of Santas and elves on the ocean water during the holiday season is in Morro Bay. The year-round sunshine means year-round playtime, especially during the 1st annual Winterfest celebration. The 12 days of town-wide winter-themed activities begin with the Lighted Boat Weekend, on December 1st through December 3rd. However, this year is special as the first-ever Non-Motorized Paddle Parade will be the weekend finale, setting the stage for month-long holiday spirit.

Perfect for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, or inflatables, the Paddle Parade requires all paddlers to decorate their non-motorized vessel with holiday cheer. On December 3rd, the vessels will glide across the waterfront creating a festive procession for all to watch. Participants will want to put their best paddle forward, as this parade is a competition with big prizes. Some $1,000 worth of cash prizes will be awarded to the best costumes and decorations. All participants will receive a bag of $50 worth of Morro Bay swag. For more information about participating in the parade, click HERE. To find a participation application, click HERE.

For those who want to watch the fun, the parade will begin at 1pm at Tidelands Park. There will be family friendly activities during this time, like paper boat building and Santa’s House. The parade will proceed toward Morro Rock, making any of the waterfront restaurants a perfect location to watch the parade. 

For more information about Winterfest events, check out the website HERE.