Updated for 2025.
When is the right time to start planning for the holidays? We think the 2025 Holiday Events in Santa Barbara will be the best we have had in several years. All your favorites will be back, including the 37th Annual Parade of Lights at the Harbor and some new events that will surely become your favorites.
Start planning now, set your dates and reserve rooms. Get tickets early if you have your heart set on a specific performance. If you have questions, please ask us! We are always happy to help make your stay in Santa Barbara perfect.
Holiday Events & Activities
38TH ANNUAL PARADE OF LIGHTS AT THE HARBOR
2nd Sun in Dec | Begins at 5:30pm
City Pier, Santa Barbara Harbor
Then, at 5:30pm, around 30 illuminated watercraft will circle from Ledbetter Beach to the Cabrillo Arts Pavillion, then back along the coast to Stearns Wharf. The finale of this fantastic celebration is a fireworks show. The best viewing locations for the boat parade and the fireworks include Stearns Wharf, West Beach, East Beach, and the breakwater.
ZOOLIGHTS AT THE SANTA BARBARA ZOO
Nov 12, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 | 4:30–8:30pm
Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Drive
Start a brand new tradition this year with the first annual Zoolights. Meander through the grounds of the Zoo lit by thousands of hand-crafted silk lanterns with more than 50,000 LED bulbs. Enjoy the butterfly display, interactive exhibits, and a visit to the African plains and the Australian outback. Ticket prices start at $20 and vary by day.
SEASIDE SOCK SKATING
Dates & Times TBD
MOXI, 125 State Street
Come to the Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation and climb to the roof to glide across a special tile floor in your socks for simulated skating fun. This activity is included with your museum entrance fee; just remember to bring your socks!
SANTA BARBARA HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR
Dates & Times TBD
Self-driving Tour in Five Parts
If you love holiday light displays, this is a self-directed tour to show you all of the fantastic and original decorations in the Santa Barbara area. Notable attractions include the largest decorated tree and the musical house.
LIL’ TOOT HOLIDAY HARBOR CRUISE
Fri & Sat in Dec | Duration: 1 hr
237 Stearns Wharf
Lil’ Toot is Santa Barbara’s original water taxi, and in December, she gets dressed up for the holidays. This one-hour tour is narrated with stories about Santa Barbara’s history and engaging holiday stories.
LANE FARMS CHRISTMAS PATCH
Nov 28 – Dec 23 | Open daily 10am – 8pm
(End of Season: Dec 19–23 | 10am – 5pm)
308 S Walnut Lane
Come to the farm and inhale the scent of fresh evergreen trees! Wander around, see the farm animals and equipment, and stop by the produce stand. Talk about an old-fashioned Christmas.
OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
1st Sat in Dec
Grand Avenue and Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos
Celebrate small-town holiday cheer in Los Olivos with free roasted walnuts, Christmas cookies, and hot chocolate. The town will be filled with holiday music and great shopping opportunities, culminating in the tree lighting.
2025 Old Town GOLETA HOLIDAY PARADE
Dec 6 | 6–9pm
Route is along Hollister Ave, Goleta
Who doesn’t love a parade? The Annual Goleta Holiday Parade will amaze you with floats, bands, and certainly a visit from Santa. Before or after the parade, get your holiday shopping started or finished in local shops.
Holiday Performances
WESTMONT CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Dec 6 at 7pm & Dec 7 at 3pm
Granada Theater, 1214 State St
The 19th annual Westmont Christmas Festival celebrated the birth of Jesus through a narrative and music. This year’s theme is “Christ the Redeemer.” This event features the Westmont Orchestra, College Choir, and Chamber Singers.
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
Dec 13 & 14
Arlington Theater, 1317 State St
Few things are more iconic than the music of the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker ballet. Escape to the childhood world of dancing mice and Sugarplum Fairies for three performances.
THE Christmas REVELS: A WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Dec 20 & 211 at 2:30pm
Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St
This year’s theme is “The Celestial Fools — A Magical Winter’s Tale.” The place is a small village somewhere in Europe. The hearts and minds of the simple villagers are opened and inspired with the brilliant color, music, and vibe these mythical beings bring. Additional shows at Lobero Theatre are available throughout December.
New Year’s Eve
Here is just a sampling of ways to ring in the New Year in Santa Barbara. Check with us; many restaurants and clubs will have special performances and menus.
NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE SYMPHONY
Dec 31 at 8:30pm
Granada Theater, 1214 State St
Enjoy music from Broadway and popular songs, with guest conductor Stuart Milani and guest soloist Madison Claire Parks. Dress to impress as you uncork a new year!
NEW YEAR’S EVE CHAMPAGNE CRUISE
Dec 31 at 3pm
Double Dolphin Cruises, Santa Barbara Harbor
Enjoy a toast to the New Year aboard the Double Dolphin as you cruise around the harbor. With bottomless champagne and Riviera views, you will remember this year’s ending.
This impressive list of 2025 Holiday Events in Santa Barbara will help put you in the holiday spirit, no matter your favorite tradition. Reserve your room at the Eagle Inn, bring your shopping list, and before you know it, you will be humming carols and looking forward to the season!