Heading out to Santa Barbara for the holidays? The city has endless opportunities for holiday fun for your entire family, and trust us- everyone will be in the holiday spirit after checking out some of our favorite things to do in Santa Barbara at Christmas.
From artisan markets to holiday tree-light festivities, these events are sure to bring a smile to even the Scrooge in your group (there is always one, right?)
Quick Guide to Things to do in Santa Barbara at christmas
Annual Downtown Holiday Parade
- Address: State Street from Sola to Cota
- Dates: beginning of December
- Website
Tens of thousands of people line the streets to see the State Street’s nighttime parade each year to catch sight of spectacular traditional bands marching in high-step fashion, the holiday floats, and even local personalities, such as the Grand Marshall.
A local Holiday Prince and Holiday Fairy are chosen from the cast of spectators to light the way down the road, leading the parade to its final destination.
For those looking for a smaller event, Santa Barbara offers smaller events, such as tree-lighting festivities, outdoor markets, and community performances.
1st Thursday Art Walk
- Address: downtown Santa Barbara
- Dates: First Thursday of the month
- Website
On the first Thursday of every month, Santa Barbara’s streets are luminous and vibrant with the bustle of vendors selling their wares. We love it particularly during the holiday season, as it is quite the sight to see.
Those in search of the perfect Christmas or Hanukkah gifts may also sip on wine as they stroll through the stalls.
Art galleries and boutiques that were formerly closed (open by appointment only) are also open for public viewing.
Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace
- Address: 2559 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- Dates: First weekend in December
- Website
It may be hard to fathom, but for over 35 years Santa Barbara’s Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace has been an annual exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Importing goods from all over the globe, this hub is a spectacle of global decor, including intricately woven baskets, classic pottery, and hand-crafted jewelry and artwork. Bring your wallets, as this is the largest folk art show in Southern California, and you won’t want to miss out on buying one (or 12!) unique items you are sure to find.
Milpas Holiday Parade
- Address: Starting from De La Guerra Street down MILPAS to Mason Street
- Dates: mid-December
- Website
Join your neighbors on Milpas Street for the annual TRADICIONES NAVIDEÑAS / CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Milpas Street Holiday Parade. Take photos of Santa, his elves and even the Grunch, and then watch performances by Oaxacan Puppet Dancer, and a jumble of parades and floats as they pass by.
The Parade of Lights
- Address: Downtown Santa Barbara/ City Pier in Santa Barbara Harbor
- Dates: mid-December
- Website
As December steps into midswing, the annual Parade of Lights kicks off. Festivities begin early in the day, heralding the beginning of the real Christmas season in Santa Barbara. Every year there is a different theme for this event, which is hosted on the waterfront of City Pier in Santa Barbara Harbor.
Watch the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony before you watch more than 30 boats illumiate the azure coastline of Santa Barbara.
Some will be motor boats. Some will be sail boats. Some may even be a simply kayak. This is one of the most picturesque things to do at Christmas in Santa Barbara, and you will want to plan your California travel and Solvang wine tasting trips around it.
Christmas at Paseo Nuevo Center Court
- Address: Paseo Nuevo Shops and Restaurants, 651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Dates: various dates in December
- Website
Photos with Santa
Santa is ready to check your list and grab a photo with your little one. At the Center Court, you can take your child to see Santa for a festive photo opp and even get a gift from Santa himself.
The whole family, including Fido, is welcome to join in on the fun. Pet photos are specifically from 5 pm to 8 pm, and admission is free.
Write a Letter to Santa
- Dates: 11am-7pm
Running until Christmas Eve, everyday from 11 am to 7 pm, kids can write their letter to Santa with their Christmas wishes, but also draw and get creative at the Center Court at Paseo Nuevo Shops & Restaurants.
Kids will be super happy to know that the crayons that are for them to keep… and expect a postcard reply for Santa himself!
Let it Snow
- Dates: Last three weeks in December, 5:30pm and 6:30pm
While shopping at the Paseo Nuevo, you can be welcomed with snow to help bring the holiday season around.
Twice an evening, one at 5:30 pm and the other at 6:30 pm, snow will fall for shoppers to enjoy and snap photos or videos with their family.
Note that no shows will be happening on Christmas Day.
Holiday Music and Carolers
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you can enjoy live music and carolers that roam the outdoors at the Paseo Nuevo Shops. This holiday musical celebration is free for all to enjoy, so you can take a moment to enjoy to stop and enjoy the Christmas season in the middle of your holiday shopping hustle.
Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights Tour
- Address: 1 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Dates: Three weeks leading up to Christmas Eve
- Website
For ten years and running, Santa Barbara’s Rockstar Trolley has hosted the Trolley of Lights Tour. Take a tour through various neighborhoods in Santa Barbara to see the glittering displays of Christmas lights that will help to bring the holiday cheer.
State Street Promenade Market
- Address: 1000 block of State Street between Carillo and Figueroa
- Dates: Every Thursday of the season
- Website
The 1000 block of State Street between Carillo and Figueroa has been transformed into the ultimate Christmas market experience. Walk through artisan stall decked out with holiday lights and displays of their goods for sale, plus many have delectable samples of holiday goodies and wine.
Photos with Santa at La Cumbre Plaza
- Address: La Cumbre Plaza, 121 S Hope Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- Dates: First weekend in December through Christmas Eve
- Website
Take the family to La Cumbre Plaza to see if they’re on Santa’s nice list by asking Saint Nick himself. You can
meet Santa at the La Cumbre Center across from Chico’s until Christmas Eve. Admission is free, and there are photo packages available for purchase.
Make sure you visit their website as well since reservations are required.
Photos with Santa in Montecito
- Address: Montecito Country Mart, 1016 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108
- Dates: Every Thursday in December 3-6 pm
- Website
Get the kids out of the house and head over to the Montecito Country Mart for arts and crafts fun. Your family can bring home artwork created by your little ones, and you can enjoy festive holiday snacks and treats.
Admission is free for this event.
Zoo Lights at the Santa Barbara Zoo
- Address: Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
- Dates: Month of December
- Website
During winter, the entire Santa Barbara Zoo transforms into a wonderful for the holidays. With the price of admission, guests can enjoy the scenes while visiting the animals.
Santa will be around on weekends for photos, and visitors are encouraged to wear ugly sweaters to the zoo.
There will also be seasonal treats and adult drinks available throughout the season.
The holiday zoo experience is free with any regular admissions ticket, and while some of it can be admired during the day, this display of lights and animal lanterns is best experienced at night.
The Yes-Store
- Address: La Arcada Plaza, 1100 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Dates: Open year round
- Website
With an over 50 year long history of appearing on the front-line of Santa Barbara’s highly-active Christmas season, the Yes-Store is a remarkable art gift gallery. Carpenters and woodworkers, ceramic, fine glass art, jewelry makers, and more are always ready to help you cross a few gifts of off of your holiday shopping list.
Up and coming artists debut their wares, sitting conveniently within proximity to those who have a long-time history of returning again and again to this marvelous pop-up scene.
Best of all- the Yes-Store is now open year round!
Solvang Julefest
- Address: Downtown Solvang, CA
- Dates: Month of December through the first week of January
- Website
Taking place in Solvang, California (noted by Oprah as one of the most ‘Christmas-y towns in the US) throughout most of December, Solvang Julefest truly seeks to embody all that is holiday cheer. With scenes best encapsulated by the words “hygge”, “holiday”, and “dog and kid friendly”, this festival is perfect for the whole family.
This incredibly walkable town is located in Santa Yvez Valley wine country and is decorated with lit-up displays, live ballerinas around the Solvang Christmas Tree, and even real carolers.
During Julefest you can sip on warm cocktails, check out local Solvang wineries and wine tasting, and participate in traditional Danish Christmas activities while walking around town.
One of our favorite annual features of the Solvang Julefest is the hunt for the Solvang Nisse (the Christmas elves), which is conducted and moderated via the participant’s (‘hunters’) scanning of QR codes.
There will be treats throughout the area, including European style pretzels, gingerbread and sausages. You’ll catch whiffs (and can purchase) foreign and locally-sourced spice blends, cheeses, and coffee.
Grab tickets on their website to attend!
Enjoy the Best Christmas Meals in Santa Barbara
There are several restaurants that offer incredible Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals at some of our favorite spots, including,
- Christmas at Caruso’s
- Christmas at the Revere Room
- El Encando, A Belmond Hotel.
- Angel Oak
- The Bluff of Ritz-Carlton
- Bacara, Santa Barbara
Santa BArbara Holiday Performances
Holiday musical performances, theatrical debuts, and high-intensity groups of dancers will delight with traditional songs and themes of merriment.
- A Cowboy Christmas
- Sing! Holiday Concert
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Grace Fisher Foundation: A Winter Musical Showcase
Christmas Markets in Santa Barbara
- Holiday Market at Beckmen Vineyards
- A Crimson Holiday at La Cumbre Plaza
- Streets of Vintage Holiday Market at De La Guerra Plaza
- Winter Chalet Rooftop Maker’s Market at the Kimpton Canary Hotel
- State Street Promenade Market
- Winter Gift-Making Workshop
- California Crafts Holiday Workshop at El Encanto
Christmas Pub Crawls
It doesn’t matter what time of month it is, you can bounce from bar to bar to get the most out of Santa Barbara’s holiday drink specials, which will be an experience for the books.
- Miracle Cocktail Pop Up Bar (check out Miracle Bar at Christmas in Long Beach too!)
- Holiday Bar Cart at Terra
- Santa Barbara Holiday Wine Walk
- Holiday Sip, Shop & Stroll Along Coast Village Road
More things to do in Santa Barbara at Christmas
- Holiday Movie Nights at the Steward
- Parade of Lights Kayak & SUP
- Seaside Sock Skating at MOXI
- Lane Farms Christmas Patch
- Holiday Harbor Cruise Aboard Lil’ Toot
- Weekly Snowfall at Rosewood Miramar Beach
- Una Noche de Las Posadas
- Hanukkah Candle Lighting Ceremony at El Encanto (first night of Hanukkah)
- Holiday at the Ranch at Rancho La Patera & Stow House
Christmas time is one of the best times to head out to Santa Barbara and enjoy the holiday season. The area is filled with great holiday opportunities for your entire family to have fun and enjoy the season together.
LOOKING FOR MORE CHRISTMAS EVENTS Near Me?
- Christmas in Solvang and Best Solvang Restaurants and Bakeries
- Christmas in Santa Barbara
- Christmas in Monterey
- Christmas in Carmel
- Christmas in Pacific Grove
- Christmas in Monterey County
- Christmas in Santa Cruz and Christmas Lights in Santa Cruz
- CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS NEAR ME IN SANTA CRUZ
- Christmas in Santa Monica and Venice Beach
- Christmas in Manhattan Beach
- Christmas in Hermosa Beach
- Christmas in Redondo Beach
Pin it and STart Traveling!
Christmas Travel Tips for Home and Abroad
- 10 Alternate Christmas Vacation Ideas
- How to take the kids to the Nutcracker Ballet: A Survival Guide
- How to Make Festive German Gingerbread Sandwich Cookie Recipe
- The Best Christmas Cookie Recipes From Across the Globe
- 10 Scandinavian Christmas Traditions to Try at Home
- Easy Do-It-Yourself Burlap Christmas Garland for the Holiday Season
