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.
IllumaNature at Santa Barbara Zoo, Now through Jan. 10, 2027 from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
To ring in the holidays, Santa Barbara Zoo debuts its walk-through light show, IllumaNature. Here, guests will experience a glowing display of animal- and nature-themed lights with interactive zones and festive libations and snacks for purchase.
Cost: $25-$40 per person
Seaside Sock Skating at MOXI, Nov. 21 through Jan. 31, 2027
This winter is about to get a whole lot cooler — without the chill. Sock skating is coming to MOXI’s rooftop! This 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
Solvang Julefest, Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2027
Take a festive day trip from Santa Barbara to the Danish-inspired town of Solvang for its annual Julefest celebration, featuring twinkling lights, European-style holiday markets, a seasonal parade, candlelight tours and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping.
Cost: Admission is free
Wreath Making Workshop at Candle Bar 111, Dec. 3-4 from 5:30-7 p.m.
Get creative at Candle Bar 111’s holiday wreath-making workshops with Amber Rose Wines, where guests can craft their own wreaths using fresh seasonal greenery and decorative accents while sipping wine and enjoying hands-on instruction on Dec. 3 and 4.
Cost: $75 per person
Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
After a six-year hiatus, the Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade makes its long-awaited return to State Street, bringing marching bands, illuminated ensembles, festive performers and seasonal characters to the heart of downtown.
Cost: Admission is free
Sunset Sessions: Holiday Ugly Sweater Edition, Dec. 5 from 5-9 p.m.
Break out your tackiest holiday sweater for Hotel Californian’s Sunset Sessions on the Mirador Rooftop, featuring festive cocktails, live DJ beats and an ugly sweater contest with a chance to win an overnight stay.
Cost: $30 per person
Classic Holiday Movies on Ice, Dec. 12 from 12-6 p.m.
Watch classic holiday films come to life on the rink at Ice in Paradise, where talented figure skaters bring beloved seasonal stories to the ice in a family-friendly performance.
Cost: $20-$30 per person
Santa Barbara Parade of Lights, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.
Watch the Santa Barbara waterfront come alive during the 40th annual Parade of Lights, featuring festively decorated boats, a winter wonderland with real snow, visits with Santa and a dazzling fireworks finale over the harbor.
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.
Candlelight Concerts: Christmas Carols on Strings, Dec. 18 from 8:15-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy a candlelit evening of Christmas classics at the Music Academy of the West, where Santa Barbara’s Vapour String Quartet performs beloved carols like “Silent Night,” “Carol of the Bells” and “O Holy Night” in an intimate setting.
Cost: $46-71 per person
The Nutcracker, Dec. 18-20
A beloved holiday tradition returns to the Granada Theatre as State Street Ballet presents The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, elaborate costumes and more than 100 young dancers alongside an international cast of professionals.
Cost: $25-$145 per person
A Very Sinatra Christmas Special, Dec. 19 from 7-8:15 p.m.
Celebrate the sounds of the season with A Very Sinatra Christmas Special at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, featuring live jazz renditions of Frank Sinatra favorites like “White Christmas,” “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Cost: $40-$70 per person
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.
Festive Marketplace at Bacara, Dec. 6 from 2-6 p.m.
Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s Festive Marketplace, featuring local artisans, handcrafted goods, seasonal treats, live entertainment and family-friendly activities, all set against a scenic coastal backdrop.
Cost: Admission is free
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.
Miracle at Pearl Social, Nov. 13 through Dec. 31
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
Nutcracker Winter Tea, Dec. 12-13 from 1-4 p.m.
Step into the world of The Nutcracker at Finch & Fork‘s Winter Tea featuring an afternoon of delicate pastries, buttery scones, tea sandwiches and seasonal sweets, complemented by specialty teas and festive cocktails.
Cost: $65 per person
Nightmare Before Christmas Pop-up, dates TBA
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.
Tinsel Tavern at Paloma, dates TBA
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
Christmas Eve Dinner at The Revere Room, Dec. 24
Celebrate Christmas Eve at The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach and enjoy a festive brunch buffet to start the day or a four-course dinner menu crafted from the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Cost: $175 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: $325 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 Eve & Christmas Day Dinner at Bouchon, Dec. 24-25 from 4-9 p.m.
Enjoy a three-course holiday dinner at Bouchon on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, featuring seasonal Wine Country cuisine and festive specialties like herb-crusted prime rib, persimmon and goat cheese tart and spiced date cake.
Cost: $125 per person
Christmas Buffet at Brass Bear, Dec. 25 from 2-6 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas Day at Brass Bear Uptown with a holiday buffet featuring prime rib, glazed ham, seasonal sides and desserts, all without the hassle of cooking.
Cost: $75 per adult, $20 per child (children under three are free)
Christmas Day Brunch and 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 festive brunch buffet in the morning or a four-course, prix fixe menu for dinner that skillfully combines regional Christmas favorites with an exceptional array of seasonal culinary creations.
Cost: $175 per adult, $65 per child (ages four to 12 years old; children under four dine for free).
Christmas Day Dinner at Caruso’s, Dec. 25
Celebrate the holidays with an unforgettable oceanfront dining experience at Caruso’s. Savor a festive tasting 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)
Christmas at The Manor Bar, Dec. 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
