The American Riviera
Winter in Santa Barbara is the season for festive merriment, tasty culinary delights and extra time with loved ones. As the season changes and stars sparkle through the night sky, come explore all of the events and other holiday happenings in Santa Barbara. We hope you use this events guide to make lasting memories in Santa Barbara this holiday season.
Looking for somewhere extra-festive to stay? Here’s a list of hotels dressed and ready for the season with themed events and decor galore.
Consider your holiday calendar booked, Santa Barbara has endless holiday events and activities that are guaranteed to fill you with glee. With new events added daily, be sure to check back so you don’t miss a single jovial moment.
ZooLights at Santa Barbara Zoo, Now through Jan. 11, 2026 from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
To ring in the holidays, Santa Barbara Zoo debuts its walk-through light show, ZooLights. Here, guests will experience a glowing display of handcrafted, silk-adorned animal- and nature-themed lanterns with interactive zones, photo opportunities with Santa Claus (select dates) and festive libations and snacks for purchase. New this year, experience Adult Nights at Santa Barbara Zoolights on Nov. 20 and Dec. 18.
Cost: $20-$34 per person
Seaside Sock Skating at MOXI, Now through Feb. 1, 2026
This winter is about to get a whole lot cooler — without the chill. Sock skating is coming to MOXI’s rooftop! This new seasonal exhibit will allow kids and adults to kick off their shoes to enjoy frictionless fun by sliding across a specialty tile floor reminiscent of ice, without the chill.
Cost: Included with the price of admission
Christmas at The Manor Bar, Dec. 24 and 25
Enjoy live entertainment and seasonal cocktails at The Manor Bar this Christmas Eve and Christmas night — a festive, spirited way to celebrate the holiday.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Snowfall at Rosewood Miramar Beach, Dec. 24 and 25
Rosewood Miramar Beach is bringing snow to the California coast. This Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, gather on the property and experience snowfall on the resort’s event lawn. This magical experience is accompanied by hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, kid’s activities and more.
Cost: Admission is free.
Holiday theater, musical acts and festive performances in Santa Barbara will surely get you into the joy and merriment of the season. From annual productions to one-of-a-kind shows, the stage is set for a bright winter season.
Check back next year for more performances!
Artisan pop-ups and seasonal marketplaces are in plentiful supply this holiday season. Show your support for local makers and shop local goods straight from the source! Another way to shop small is by visiting local independent retailers. This gift-buying guide will steer you to shops and products that can only be found on The American Riviera®, along with premier purveyors of Santa Barbara’s signature style and some delectable Central Coast goodies to boot.
The Yes Store, Ongoing
Santa Barbara’s original artists’ gift gallery, The Yes Store is continuing its tradition of highlighting the finest area artisans including woodworking, ceramics, fine jewelry, glasswork, fabric, leather and more.
Cost: Varies per item.
Nightmare Before Christmas Pop-up, Now through Dec. 31
Shaker Mill’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” holiday pop-up features giant Oogie Boogie and Jack Skellington inflatables, festive décor and movie-inspired cocktails like the “Ghost Dog Nog.”
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Miracle at Pearl Social, Nov. 13 through Jan. 6, 2025
Experience the holidays in a dazzling new way with over-the-top décor, festive displays and an unforgettable cocktail menu at Miracle (at Pearl Social Cocktail Club). Featuring whimsical collectible ceramic cocktail vessels and plenty of yuletide cheer, this event is a must-see for every Christmas lover in Santa Barbara. Perfect for social gatherings or work celebrations, reservations are highly recommended as spots fill quickly.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Tinsel Tavern at Paloma, Now through Jan. 1, 2026
Step into the holiday spirit at Tinsel Tavern, Paloma’s festive seasonal pop-up. This local favorite transforms into a cozy winter wonderland with twinkling lights, themed cocktails and holiday cheer. Enjoy creative seasonal drinks, bites from Paloma’s menu and a merry atmosphere perfect for gatherings with friends or a festive night out.
Cost: Varies by menu item
12 Days of Cocktails at Plow & Angel Speakeasy, Dec. 14-25 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Escape to the holiday wonderland of San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, where luxury meets rustic charm. The property sparkles with over 60,000 lights, festive decor and roaring fireplaces. Don’t miss Plow & Angel Speakeasy, adorned with thousands of ornaments, serving 12 days of festive cocktails, all set to live holiday music in a cozy, magical setting.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Christmas Eve Brunch at The Revere Room, Dec. 24
Celebrate Christmas Eve at The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach and enjoy a la carte brunch menu crafted from the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Christmas Eve Dinner at The Revere Room, Dec. 24
Celebrate Christmas Eve at The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach and enjoy a festive four-course dinner menu crafted from the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Cost: $165 per adult, $65 per child
Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes at Caruso’s, Dec. 24
Embrace la dolce vita of the American Riviera with ocean views, fine wine and dinner at Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach. For the occasion, the beachfront restaurant will offer chef Massimo Falsini’s Feast of the Seven Fishes. Also known as La Vigilia or The Eve, this traditional Italian-American meal consists of exquisite fish and seafood dishes.
Cost: $295 per adult, $125 per child (children under four are free)
Christmas Eve Dinner at Opal Restaurant and Bar, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Opal Restaurant and Bar with a special three-course prix fixe menu featuring festive appetizers, entrées and desserts, or enjoy selections from the regular dinner menu. Seatings are available at 5, 5:30 or 6 p.m., and again at 7:30 or 8 p.m. and later.
Cost: TBA
Christmas at The Set, Dec. 24-25 from 3-10 p.m.
Celebrate the season with coastal flair and festive flavors at The Set. Enjoy holiday specials like roasted prime rib with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, crispy chili salmon with jasmine rice pilaf and seared chicken breast with roasted broccolini. Pair your entrée with family-style sides such as crispy brussels sprouts or mushroom and blue cheese risotto, and end on a sweet note with apple galette, carrot cake or the signature wave breaker brownie sundae.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Christmas at Marisella, Dec. 24-25
Celebrate Christmas at CAYA Restaurant with a festive three-course meal that balances comfort and refinement. The menu features seasonal starters, classic holiday entrées like prime rib, salmon or New York strip and a choice of indulgent desserts to finish.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Christmas at Marisella, Dec. 24-25
Celebrate Christmas at Marisella with a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining experience. Enjoy the full menu plus a seasonal chef’s special, including a California Wagyu Chateaubriand for two with creamy polenta, wild mushrooms and black truffle jus. Open Christmas Eve from 5-9 p.m. and Christmas Day from 3-8 p.m.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Christmas Buffet at The Steward, Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas Day at Terra at The Steward, Santa Barbara with a festive holiday buffet featuring seasonal favorites like butternut squash soup, bibb salad and a seafood display, along with hearty mains including rosemary-encrusted prime rib, chicken marsala and seafood stew. Classic sides, Yukon whipped potatoes, seaside mac and cheese and decadent desserts round out the menu. The buffet is served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with à la carte dining available until 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $35-$95 per person
Christmas Day Buffet, Dec. 25 from 12-7 p.m.
Gather your loved ones and celebrate Christmas Day with a festive holiday buffet at Finch & Fork, featuring a lavish raw bar, carving stations, classic sides, soups, salads and decadent desserts. Set in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this downtown favorite, it’s a perfect way to savor the season together.
Cost: $120 per adult, $55 per child
Christmas Day Dinner at San Ysidro Ranch, Dec. 25 from 12-8 p.m.
Savor the holiday spirit with a four-course Christmas Day dinner at San Ysidro Ranch. Surrounded by poinsettias, glowing fireplaces and candlelight, guests will enjoy a gourmet menu of seasonal ingredients and refined flavors, accompanied by live carolers on the veranda for a touch of timeless cheer.
Cost: $290 per adult, $115 per child
Christmas Dinner at Convivo, Dec. 25 from 3-9 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas at Convivo with a refined prix fixe dining experience. The seasonal menu features a range of antipasti, housemade pastas, signature mains like porchetta, halibut or miso honey-roasted short ribs and indulgent desserts to finish.
Cost: Three-course $125 per person; Four-course: $150 per person
Christmas Day Dinner at The Revere Room, Dec. 25 from 5:30-9 p.m.
Experience a memorable holiday inspired by the abundance of Southern California. At The Revere Room, indulge in a four-course, prix fixe dinner that skillfully combines regional Christmas favorites with an exceptional array of seasonal culinary creations.
Cost: $145 per adult, $65 per child (ages four to 12 years old; children under four dine for free).
Christmas Dining at Lulio, Dec. 25
Celebrate Christmas Day at Lulio at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara with festive dining options, including a special holiday breakfast, a lavish brunch with buffet and live stations, and enhanced seasonal specials offered alongside the à la carte dinner menu.
Christmas Day Delights at The Revere Room, Dec. 25
Share an unforgettable holiday repast drawn from the bounty of Southern California at Rosewood Miramar Beach. The Revere Room’s brunch buffet and festive prix fixe will pair regionally influenced Christmas classics with an extraordinary assortment of seasonal dishes.
Cost: $185 per adult, $65 per child
Christmas Day Dinner at Caruso’s, Dec. 25
Celebrate the holidays with an unforgettable oceanfront dining experience at Caruso’s. Savor a festive menu crafted by executive chef Massimo Falsini and toast to the season as you take in sweeping Pacific views and the flavors of the occasion.
Cost: $265 per adult, $125 per child (children under four are free)
