San Luis Obispo Shines as Top Christmas Destination With Rod & Hammer’s 3rd Annual Christmas at the Carissa

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., October 23, 2024 (Newswire.com) - The community of San Luis Obispo has come to look forward to a new holiday tradition that attracts visitors from not just the Central Coast but around the country: Christmas at the Carissa. Now in its third year, this season’s transformation will step visitors directly into the scenes of their favorite holiday movie classics: Home Alone, Elf, The Grinch and The Polar Express. The historic downtown SLO Carissa Building will be reimagined into a Christmas wonderland that takes guests through a journey of the classics, with a Rod and Hammer’s beverage in hand. 

Rod & Hammer has tapped the creative talents of local wedding and event planner Brooke Nicole Events to curate a nostalgic ride through four beloved holiday movie classics while new Executive Chef Jeremy Fike will prepare whiskey-centered libations such as the Gingerbread Martini, the Pomegranate Fizz and the Cindy Lu Who Punch, as well as scrumptious nibbles like Snow Crab Mac & Cheese and Reindeer Meatballs. Visitors from all over the country have come to look forward to this immersive transformation of one of downtown San Luis Obispo’s most iconic and historical buildings.

“We’re a whiskey house that has now become the go-to Christmas destination for holiday magic,” says Rodney Cegelski, the "Rod" of Rod and Hammer’s California Whiskey. “Our goal every year is to bring something new and exciting to the experience, and who doesn’t love a good Christmas movie? Many people have cherished memories tied to Christmas classics. This theme creates a cozy environment where guests can relive those moments and share them with family and friends. With so many photo opportunities and immersive experiences, this season offers a captivating holiday experience like no other.”

The extravagant installation includes five festive features:

• Ticket to Ride The Polar Express — Grab a hot cocoa and jump on board.
• Buddy’s Hall — Buddy and the Elves have created a special hall to welcome Santa and guests with Christmas cheer.
• Whoville Christmas — Be a Who in Whoville and gather around the giant lit Christmas tree to help make the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes larger.
• Visit Kevin at His Home — Kevin won't be home alone when you visit and see all the crazy pranks he has in store.
• Max’s Patio: Christmas for the Dogs — Furry friends are invited to join in the Christmas spirit on the heated creekside patio. 

Installation is set to begin the first week of November and doors will open to the public Friday, Nov. 8, and due to its popularity, Christmas at the Carissa will extend through January 2025, creating more opportunities for post-holiday cheer with family and friends. For private parties of 12 or more, contact april@rodandhammer.com. Hours, reservations and more information is available at www.thecarrisa.com/xmas.

Press Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FWkBdCni1pEEgKP297eKlY-B1PHnAcCG

Source: Rod & Hammer's