A Guide to Holiday Lights in Morro Bay

Looking for a little holiday cheer? Discover over 20 illuminated trees throughout Morro Bay during the month of December.

And these aren’t just any trees – the town celebrates its commercial fishing roots during the festive period with lighted holiday displays made from old crab pots! For the perfect evening activity, that the whole family can enjoy, use this guide and visit all Morro Bay’s crab pot trees.

What Is a Crab Pot Tree?

Before we dive into where to see them, here’s the backstory behind Morro Bay’s signature holiday displays:

A crab pot tree is built by stacking old crab pots or crab traps in a pyramidal shape and wrapping them with string lights and decorations. In Morro Bay, this nods to the town’s commercial fishing roots and gives each display a distinctly maritime twist. For a fun local touch, most are topped with a crab instead of a traditional star or angel.

The structure is sturdy and weather-resistant, and each tree is a creative, hand-assembled work of art. And because each one is built by community members or local businesses, no two are exactly alike which makes the “tour” feel like a treasure hunt.

How to tour the crab pot holiday trees:

This time of year, the sky gets dark early, making it the perfect time to fully appreciate the lights. After the sunset it’s time to take a walk or a drive and become a part of the age-old tradition of looking at outdoor holiday lights.

By Car –
The tree hunt starts as soon as you take the Morro Bay Boulevard exit and pull off Highway 1 into town. Or wait until after checking into your hotel. Jump in the car, bring some warm drinks, turn on the holiday tunes, and watch out the windows as trees pass by. This guide of Downtown and the Embarcadero is the perfect place to start before heading to the neighborhoods for more decorative lights.

By Foot –
Take an after-dinner stroll past the crab-pot trees, gather friends and family for a festive tour of Morro Bay, and sing some carols along the way. Visit all 20 locations taking food, drink, and shopping breaks along the way, or spread it out and see a couple each day. You could even make it into an advent calendar activity where you check a tree off everyday of the month!

Don’t miss:
This year, the Morro Bay Commercial Fisherman’s Organization’s large commercial crab pot tree (stop #13) is located on the waterfront in Anchor Park. Topped with a crab instead of a star, you’ll find this tree at the heart of the Embarcadero with uninterrupted views of the bay and Morro Rock – perfect for the family holiday photo-op. Look for the Morro Bay selfie stop to help you line up the perfect shot!

Morro Bay is ready for the holidays all month long. With over 20 trees celebrating the town’s commercial fishing history around town, use this guide to find them all! And be sure to check out the event page for more festive activities or call the Visitor Center at 805-225-1633 for more information.

  1. Sinclair Gas Station - Morro Bay Boulevard & Quintana Road
  2. Pacific Premier Bank – 898 Morro Bay Boulevard
  3. Morro Bay Police Station – 850 Morro Bay Boulevard
  4. City Park Official City Tree – 734 Harbor Street
  5. Morro Bay Fire Station – 715 Harbor Street
  6. Morro Bay City Hall – 595 Harbor Street (look up)
  7. Morro Bay Community Center – 1001 Kennedy Way
  8. Masterpiece Hotel – 1206 Main Street
  9. La Serena Hotel – 990 Morro Avenue
  10. Art Center Morro Bay – 835 Main Street
  11. The Mermaid Boutique - 725 Embarcadero
  12. Under the Sea Gallery - 833B Embarcadero
  13. Anchor Park Commercial Crab Pot Tree – 925 Embarcadero
  14. Poppy – 911 Embarcadero
  15. Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley – 1001 Front Street
  16. South T-Pier – 1185 Embarcadero (three trees)
  17. Tango – 699 Embarcadero
  18. Windows on the Water – 699 Embarcadero
  19. Suite 1 Gallery – 601 Embarcadero
  20. Marina Square – 601 Embarcadero
  21. Estero Inn – 501 Embarcadero

Local Tip: Still want more décor after touring all the crab pot trees? Head to Hearst Castle decorated for the holidays...with a giant tree or two of its own.

More Holiday Lights Events for 2025

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

  • When: December 5, 2025, activities begin 3:30 PM, lighting at 5:00 PM City Park
  • Where: 734 Harbor Street
  • The official “flip-the-switch” event. Festivities, music, and community gathering.

Lighted Boat Parade

  • When: December 13, 2025, 6:30 PM
  • Where: Morro Bay Embarcadero
  • Decorated boats glide along the waterfront. Enjoy the best views from Tidelands Park to Franklin Riley Park.

Santa’s House at the Embarcadero

  • When: Early December weekends, evenings (e.g. 5:00–8:00 PM)
  • Where: 714 Embarcadero
  • Holiday meet-and-greet with Santa and a festive atmosphere.

Before you go:

  • Confirm event dates with the city or the Morro Bay Visitor Center
  • Check for any tree location changes or additions
  • Dress in warm layers (coastal evenings can be chilly)
  • Bring a camera or phone — many displays make fun holiday photo backdrops
  • Share your own favorite tree on social media. Tag us at @morrobayca

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