Up + Adam with Adam Montiel

Up + Adam with Adam Montiel


Glow Big or Go Home: Behind the 3 Million Lights of Cambria Christmas Market with its General Manager Mike Arnold!

December 01, 2025

GET YOUR TICKETS TO JINGLE JAM

LEARN ABOUT OUR B&E WINE COUNTRY XMAS MARKET

Welcome to a holiday edition of Up+Adam that glows a little brighter. Adam sits down with Mike Arnold, General Manager of the Cambria Christmas Market, to take you behind the scenes of one of the most magical events in SLO CAL. What started as a modest stroll for hotel guests has exploded into a nationally recognized winter wonderland with over 3 million lights, more than 30 local vendors, live music, wood-fired pizza, mulled wine, and selfie spots for days.

In this episode, Mike opens up about what it takes to pull off an event of this scale. From year-round planning and tree-trimming in August to coordinating 16 shuttles and keeping hotel guests happy, the operation is both massive and deeply thoughtful. We also dive into the German roots of the market, the evolution of the event, the challenges of logistics in a mountain neighborhood, and yes, the spicy little controversy of being named one of the most overcrowded Christmas markets in North America.

Plus, Adam gets the scoop on the secret to wrapping Christmas lights like a pro (seriously, life-changing), the story behind their crowd-favorite Glühwein, and why the Cambria Christmas Market is so much more than just lights. It is a love letter to the holidays, community, and the wonder of SLO CAL in December.

Want to go? Better act fast. Tickets sell out and rooms go quick.

cambriachristmasmarket.com

@cambriachristmasmarket on Instagram

Bring your jacket, your camera, and your sense of wonder. This one is worth the drive.

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Life Elements

City of SLO

WoodsHumaneSociety

Tin City Distillery



Original Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner Collective

Moonshiner on Spotify HERE



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