When is the right time to start planning for the holidays? We think the 2022 Holiday Events in Santa Barbara will be the best we have had in several years. All of your favorites will be back, including the 36th Annual Parade of Lights at the Harbor and some new events that will surely become your favorites.
Start planning now; get your dates set and rooms reserved. Get tickets early if there is a specific performance you have your heart set on. If you have questions, please ask us! We are always happy to help make your stay in Santa Barbara perfect.
Holiday Events & Activities
36TH ANNUAL PARADE OF LIGHTS AT THE HARBOR
December 11, 2022 | Noon – 9 pm
City Pier, Santa Barbara Harbor
The fun begins at noon with a real-life Winter Wonderland. It includes elves, holiday music (remember, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear), and 10 TONS of real snow. Rumor has it that Santa may make an appearance.
At 4 pm, a flotilla of festively attired paddle-boarders and kayakers will make a loop around Stearns Wharf. Following them at 5 pm is a tree lighting ceremony next to the Sea Center. Then, at 5:30 pm, 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
November 3 – January 15 | 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
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 $22 and vary by day.
SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS SING ALONG
December 4 | 2:30 pm
Lobero Theater, 33 E Canon Perdido St
Whether or not you believe yourself to be an able singer, it’s fun to join a group and sing familiar holiday songs. Don’t worry; you won’t be singing alone. An orchestra and choir will join you! Tickets start at $31.
SANTA BARBARA TROLLEY OF LIGHTS
December 8 – 21 | Weekdays 6 pm, Weekends 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm
1 Garden St
A holiday tradition, with a 90 ride through Santa Barbara’s most festive neighborhoods. Tickets start are $32.50.
LANE FARMS CHRISTMAS PATCH
November 25 – December 20 | Open daily 10 am – 8 pm
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
December 3 | 4 pm – 7 pm
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 with the tree lighting.
GOLETA HOLIDAY PARADE
December 3 | Starting time 6 pm
Route is along Hollister Ave, Goleta
Who doesn’t love a parade? The 5th 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
SCOTTISH CELEBRATION OF WINTER SOLSTICE
December 17 & 18 | 3 performances
Lobero Theater, 33 E Canon Perdido St
The Christmas Revels returns for its 15th year. Celebrate the holidays Scottish-style with a gathering of the clan, stories, bagpipes, and dancing.
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
December 17 & 18 | 3 performances
Granada Theater, 1214 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.
AN IRISH CHRISTMAS
December 23 | 7:30 pm
Lobero Theater, 33 E Canon Perdido St
This performance is the same show featured on PBS, showcasing your favorite carols, great Irish holiday traditions, and the high-stepping dancing you see on Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Wings. You will even see dancers previously featured in those groups.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY ICE SKATING SHOW
December 17 | 2 performances
6985 Santa Felicia Dr, Goleta
Come and see a magical holiday performance of local skaters. You will be amazed at their talents.
A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
November 28 | 7:30 pm
Granada Theater, 1214 State St
Get into the spirit of the season with performances you have come to expect from Cirque performers. See amazing acrobatics set to holiday music with a charming, family-friendly story. Tickets start at $49.
VENICE HOLIDAY CONCERT
December 11 | Doors Open 6:30 pm, Show starts 8:30 pm
SoHo Restaurant and Supper Club, 1221 State St
Come and enjoy a holiday concert presented by Venice, an American-pop quartet known for its fantastic harmonies. You can choose dinner with the concert or concert-only tickets.
MARIACHI SOL DE MEXICO
December 7 | 7:00 pm
Arlington Theater, 1317 State St
Mariachi Sol de Mexico is a musical tribute to Mexico’s holiday traditions. The show includes traditional songs as well as elements of Las Posadas. The group is one of the leading mariachi performers with credits at the White House and with Lady Gaga.
HOLIDAY “IN”
December 2 | 7:00 pm
Lobero Theater, 33 E Canon Perdido St
Travel back in time for a swinging show that recreates the atmosphere of the old-time Christmas specials of such greats as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. With comedian Dan Cronin as host, get ready for a jazzy good time.
This impressive list of 2022 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!