December Calendar of Events
November 18, 2022
Tis’ the season! Santa Barbara is known for its many festive events and celebrations that will get you into the holiday spirit. Whether these events are unique holiday festivities, seasonal theater acts & performances, gift shopping, or holiday-inspired dining, there is something for everyone.
Make Merry at Miramar
December 1st
To kick off the holiday season, Rosewood at Miramar Beach invites resort guests and locals to join in for a festive holiday tree lighting at the grand staircase starting at 5 p.m. on December 1st. Following the ceremony, make your way to The Great Lawn for a special holiday concert starring Annie Bosko. Come gaze in awe at the snowfall and greet Santa Claus himself. This event is in honor of Toys For Tots Santa Barbara, so if you’re in the giving mood this year, we encourage you to bring a toy to donate.
Photo courtesy of Rosewood at Miramar Beach
ZooLights at Santa Barbara Zoo
Now Through January 15th
For the first time ever, the Santa Barbara Zoo is introducing ZooLights, a holiday walk-through light show featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns. Starting now and through January 15th, experience the joy with your family with a display of 50,000 LED bulbs illuminating festive lights, browse the many interactive zones, enjoy the festive light foods, and visit Santa Claus for a family photo (on select dates).
$22 for adults, $20 for children ages 2-12 (prices vary by day).
Photo courtesy of The Santa Barbara Zoo
Holiday Card, Gift Tags, and Postcard-Making Workshop
December 2nd
If you’re looking for something creative to partake in this holiday season, the Holiday Card, Gift Tags, and Postcard-Making Workshop hosted by Art From Scrap is the perfect activity to prepare you for your holiday wrapping! Learn how to collage materials to make fun & creative holiday designs, and use the vintage typewriter to type your holiday greetings on your handcrafted card. This event occurs December 2nd between 6-8 p.m.
$25 per ticket, materials included.
Kids Holiday Activities Presented by Miracle
See Below For Dates
Located at Santa Barbara Wine Collective, Miracle in the Funk Zone will be hosting several classes for the little ones - including a Cookie Decorating class (November 20th & December 18th), a Stocking- Making class (December 11th), and an Ornament- Making class (November 27th). These classes include decorative materials, a letter to Santa, and an exclusive walk-through of Miracle at Pearl Social.
$40 per child, $20 per additional sibling.
Photo courtesy of Miracle Pop-Up
Lane Farms Christmas Patch
November 25th
Nothing puts you into the holiday spirit like Christmas tree shopping. Lane Farms Christmas Patch, located on the corner of Walnut Lane and Hollister Avenue, has a vast selection of Oregon-grown trees such as Noble Fir, Nordman, and Douglas Fir. Decorate your entrance with festive wreaths also available for purchase. Doors open on November 25th through December 20th from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.
Photo courtesy of Lane Farms
Holiday Events at Paseo Nuevo
November 25th
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center will be hosting holiday events through December 24th. These festive events include live music and carolers, a photo opportunity with Santa Claus, and a nightly snowfall (which takes place from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m). On December 6th, 13th, and 20th bring your beloved pets for a special pet only photo opportunity. This event takes place from 5 p.m. to closing.
Photo courtesy of Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center
Olde Fashioned Christmas
December 3rd
Just outside of Santa Barbara, the small town of Los Olivos will be celebrating Christmas with Olde Fashioned Christmas, a festival including holiday treats, Christmas shopping, discounts from local shops & restaurants, and a town tree lighting. This event will take place on December 3rd between 4- 7 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Santa Maria Times
Goleta Holiday Parade
December 3rd
On December 3rd, the 5th Annual Goleta Holiday parade will take place in Old Town Goleta from 6- 9 p.m. Featuring holiday-themed floats, dance groups, and local musicians & bands, you and your family will not want to miss this!
23rd Annual Trolley of Lights Tour
Starting December 8th
Santa Barbara’s famous Trolley of Lights Tour will begin December 8th and run through December 21st. Celebrate the holidays with loved ones by touring Santa Barbara’s most decorative neighborhoods while singing along to Christmas favorites! Make sure to bundle up and bring warm cocoa for this unforgettable experience. Reservations are required!
$32.50 for adult, $19.50 for child under 12. Children under 2 years old are free.
Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Talk
36th Annual Parade of Lights
December 11th
Ring in the holidays with the Parade of Lights, one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic celebrations that brings in many visitors each year! Watch the 20 decorated boats glide along the waterfront starting from the Santa Barbara Harbor. This event takes place on December 11th starting at 5 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Noozhawk
Holiday Candle-Making Workshop
December 21st
If you’re looking for a special gift idea, join Golden Arrow Goods at Stik N Stuck Creative Studio for a personalized candle-making project. With many holiday-inspired fragrances to choose from, your candle will be one-of-a-kind. Included in this workshop, enjoy wine and snacks, along with a box to take your candle home in.
$75 per person.
Festive Food & Drink:
Miracle Cocktail Pop-Up Bar
Starting November 11th
Starting November 11th and running through the holiday season, The Funk Zone’s Pearl Social Miracle Pop-Up has been extravagantly decorated into a Winter Wonderland with wonderfully crafted seasonal cocktails. Reservations are recommended!
Photo courtesy of Lifestyle Magazine
Christmas Eve Wine Tour
December 24th
This Christmas Eve - partake in the Christmas Eve Wine Tour with Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours. Enjoy the festive scenery while shuttling to different wineries and relishing in the local wines.
Cost varies on the selected tour.
Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Christmas Eve Dinner at the Revere Room
December 24th
Skip the meal preparation and dishes by joining the Reserve Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach this Christmas Eve. The festive and uniquely crafted menu includes locally sourced ingredients and takes place between 5- 9 p.m. Be sure to make reservations in advance!
$125 per adult, $55 per child (ages 4 to 12 years old; children under 4 dine for free).
Christmas Eve at Caruso’s
December 24th
Rosewood Miramar Beach invites you to dine at Caruso’s this Christmas Eve for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, paired with fine wine and ocean views. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. and finishes at 9 p.m. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
Prix fixe dinner menu is $225 per adult, $85 per child (ages 4 to 12 years old; children under 4 dine for free).
Photo courtesy of The Santa Barbara Independent
Christmas Brunch at the Revere Room
December 25th
Spend this Christmas with loved ones dining at the Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach. The brunch buffet includes Christmas classics with a cut-your-own-salad garden and a variety of seasonal dishes. Reservations required.
$145 per adult, $65 per child (ages 4 to 12 years old; children under 4 dine for free).
Holiday Performances:
Holiday "In"
December 2nd
Performing on December 2nd at 7 p.m., Jazz at the Ballroom will be performing old Christmas specials including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and more at the Lobero Theatre.
Between $36-$81 per ticket.
Rudolph
December 3rd
State Street Ballet Academy presents Rudolph, the holiday story of the misfit reindeer, on December 3rd at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. Featuring students ages three and up, come enjoy this classic Christmas performance at the Lobero Theatre.
Between $19-$31 per ticket.
Photo courtesy of Lobero Theatre
The Sound of Christmas Sing-Along
December 4th
Spend the evening enjoying a festive sing-along, featuring Emmy-nominated conductor Charles Fernandez and The Sound of Christmas Chamber Players & Choir at Lobero Theatre on December 4th starting at 2:30 p.m.
$31-$66 per ticket.
Frank Stallone at the Manor Bar
December 10th
Partake in the holidays at Rosewood at Miramar Beach this year by attending an exclusive one-night-only New York City holiday inspired show performed by Grammy and Golden Globes nominee, songwriter & actor, Frank Stallone. The performance takes place at the Manor Bar on December 10th, starting at 5 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Rosewood at Miramar Beach
Holiday Shopping:
State Street Promenade Shopping
December 1st
Every first Thursday of the month, State Street Promenade will be hosting vendors & local makers of Downtown Santa Barbara. The 1000 block of State Street between Figueroa and Carrillo Street, will partake in the local holiday marketplace. While browsing through the promenade, enjoy the lights, food, and drink samples between 3- 8 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Ceramic Holiday Market
December 2nd
If you’re looking to gift one-of-a-kind items, visit the Ceramic Holiday Market on December 2nd from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. for ceramic products crafted by local artists. Between pottery, live music, and activities, there’s something for everyone here!
Holiday Sip ‘N’ Stroll
December 2nd
For a festive activity with beautiful scenery, look no further than Holiday Sip ‘N’ Stroll. Hosted at the Old Mission Santa Barbara on December 2nd from 5:30- 7:30 p.m., participants get to experience the Old Mission illuminated by candles and lights. As you make your way through the museum, enjoy local wine and beer while listening to holiday music provided by The Santa Barbara Symphony Brass Quintet. You must be 21 or over to attend this event.
$50 per person.
Haley Corridor Makers Market & Bar Hop
December 3rd
Stop by the Haley Corridor for an eventful afternoon of drinks and shopping. Peruse through and purchase from 30 markers while enjoying beer and wine from nearby wineries and breweries: Carr Winery, Potek Winery, & Third Window Brewing. Items for sale include handcrafted products such as jewelry, home decor, soap, candles, & much more! This event will take place on December 3rd from 12- 5 p.m.
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