Updated for 2023
When is the right time to start planning for the holidays? We think the 2023 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
37TH ANNUAL PARADE OF LIGHTS AT THE HARBOR
2nd Sunday in December | 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 15, 2023 – January 14, 2024 | 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.
SEASIDE SOCK SKATING
November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024 | All day
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
Beginning of December – December 25 | After dark
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
Fridays and Saturdays in December | 4 pm
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
November 24 – December 17 | 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 2 | 4 – 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 in the tree lighting.
GOLETA HOLIDAY PARADE
December 2 | 6 – 9 pm
Route is along Hollister Ave, Goleta
Who doesn’t love a parade? The 6th 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
December 2 at 7 pm & December 3 at 3 pm
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 “Fullness of Joy.” This event features the Westmont Orchestra, College Choir, and Chamber Singers.
THE REVELS: A WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
December 16 & 17 | 3 performances
Lobero Theater, 33 E Canon Perdido St
The time is December 1924, and it is Christmas Eve for immigrant families on Ellis Island, stalled before being allowed into the United States. Through song, music, dance, and stories, the histories of these varied families are revealed to the audience.
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
December 9 & 10 | 3 performances
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.
AN IRISH CHRISTMAS
December 23 | 2 pm and 7 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.
MARIACHI SOL DE MEXICO
December 6 | 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.
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
December 31 | 8:30 pm
Granada Theater, 1214 State St
Enjoy music from Broadway and popular songs, with a special performance by Grammy winner Mela Dailey.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CHAMPAGNE CRUISE
December 31 | 3:15 pm
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.
NEW YEAR’S DAY KAYAKING
January 1, 2024 | various times
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Start the year with a trip to the Channel Islands. You will never forget this adventure into the pristine sea world.
This impressive list of 2023 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!