Photo courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch
During the holiday season, Santa Barbara transforms into a festive coastal haven, with twinkling lights, elaborate decorations and seasonal events creating a magical atmosphere. From luxurious hotels offering holiday-themed experiences to local restaurants serving up festive menus, the city embraces the season in style.
Whether you’re enjoying a stroll through decorated streets, attending a holiday event or simply soaking in the seaside charm, discover these Santa Barbara hotels and restaurants to experience during the most magical time of the year.
Santa Barbara Hotels
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
As the largest hotel in the Santa Barbara South Coast, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort embraces the holiday season in a grand way. The grounds are adorned with festive decorations, offering a cheerful holiday ambiance, yet the beachside location brings a touch of “Christmas in July.” With a wide array of holiday programming, including a special visit from Santa and Christmas dinner at The Set, this resort perfectly blends festive spirit with the vibes of a beach vacation.
San Ysidro Ranch
Nestled in the quiet hills of Montecito, San Ysidro Ranch offers a secluded, all-inclusive retreat that feels like a world away. Add the sparkle of over 60,000 twinkling lights, magical Christmas trees, roaring stone fireplaces and unique ornaments, and it transforms into the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday escape. The Stonehouse, one of the dining options on the property, offers a special holiday afternoon tea service and a special dinner on Christmas day. Between Dec. 14-25, enjoy 12 Days of Cocktails at Plow & Angel Speakeasy, which will be decked in over 6,000 ornaments to capture the essence of the season.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
A stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara in Goleta is like checking into a secluded, private island — yet it’s just a short drive to town. What better way to celebrate the season than by strolling the grounds, adorned with holiday cheer (including a poolside Christmas tree) and plenty of festive activities for all ages that are sure to get you in the spirit. The resort also boasts many delicious dining options, like Marisella and Lulio.
Rosewood Miramar Beach
Rosewood Miramar Beach transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays: think tall, elaborately decorated Christmas trees at every turn, Christmas carolers, holiday shopping, a festive holiday pianist and select evenings where “snow” falls upon the resort. Many holiday events put on at Rosewood Miramar Beach are open to all to attend, including mouthwatering multi-course meals at the property’s restaurants. Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred Caruso’s offers a lavish Feast of the Seven Fishes-inspired tasting menu on Christmas Eve or a six-course prix fixe dinner on Christmas Day, paying homage to the fresh seafood available in Santa Barbara’s backyard. Or, opt for a reservation at The Revere Room on Christmas Day with brunch or dinner to toast to the season. Also at The Revere Room, celebrate Hanukkah all week long with special dishes inspired by the holiday, honoring tradition through fresh, seasonal flavors.
KIMPTON CANARY HOTEL
Celebrate the holiday season in style at the Kimpton Canary Hotel, where the property is reimagined as a winter wonderland. Finch & Fork, the hotel’s signature restaurant, enhances the season with Nutcracker High Tea (on select days).
Santa Barbara Restaurants
AlessIa Patisserie & Café
Alessia Patisserie usually has a line out the door when it opens in the morning — and for good reason. During the holidays, expect to find festive sweets in the shape of reindeer, Santa’s hat, Christmas trees and more. Pair one of those with a peppermint hot chocolate topped with a healthy dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate holiday experience.
Opal Restaurant & Bar
Serving up California cuisine is Opal’s specialty. With fresh seafood entrées, pasta dishes and a variety of pizza options, there’s no wrong choice to be made. The restaurant decorates for the holidays and presents a special prix fixe menu for Christmas Eve.
Miracle Bar
Miracle Bar — making its highly anticipated return to Pearl Social Cocktail Club this year — takes it literally when it comes to the phrase, “deck the halls.” As soon as you step foot in this Christmas-lover’s paradise, you’re greeted with classic Christmas music, holiday knick-knacks and enough tinsel to trim every palm tree from Montecito to Goleta. The over-the-top holiday drinks tie the whole theme together, with a new menu offered each year.
Joe’s Cafe
An iconic anchor to Santa Barbara’s downtown dining (and nightlife) scene, Joe’s Cafe is open morning through night, boasting specialties like filling omelets, tasty sandwiches and rich pastas. Each year, the restaurant hangs its upside down Christmas tree from the ceiling, and you can enjoy the strings of twinkling lights overhead for a festive evening in the heart of downtown.
Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant
Christmas cookies, chocolate truffles decorated like presents and festive marzipan kringles — the list goes on at Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant. During the holidays, you’ll feel like you’re the star of a Christmas movie while surrounded by décor and noshing on post-brunch holiday-themed sweet treats. Grab a seat outside on a late sunny morning for some added ambiance.
Shaker Mill
Each year, Shaker Mill transforms into a “Nightmare Before Christmas” inspired holiday pop-up. The bar features festive decor, including giant Oogie Boogie and Jack Skellington inflatables and a decked-out Christmas tree. Drinks are served in festive, themed mugs that overflow with holiday spirit.
Paloma
Tinsel Tavern at Paloma transforms the beloved restaurant into a cozy winter hideaway just a few blocks off State Street, complete with twinkling lights, festive cocktails and plenty of holiday cheer. Sip seasonal drinks, enjoy Paloma favorites and soak up the merry atmosphere all season long.
Where to See More Holiday DÉcor in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with decor and lights adorning every corner of the city. Downtown Santa Barbara becomes a hub of holiday cheer, as State Street twinkles with lights and festive window displays. La Arcada Plaza and Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center both offer cozy, holiday vibes with illuminated arches, enchanting Christmas trees, and charming decor (Paseo Nuevo also offers various seasonal programs like gift-wrapping, live performances and a visit from Santa).
Over at Stearns Wharf, the pier sparkles with strands of lights that reflect beautifully off the water and a towering Christmas tree, creating a perfect backdrop for a seaside stroll. Meanwhile, the Santa Barbara Harbor hosts its spectacular Parade of Lights on Dec. 14, where festively decorated boats glide across the water, capped off with a dazzling fireworks show.
For even more holiday magic, the Santa Barbara Zoo hosts ZooLights, an immersive light experience where the zoo’s pathways come alive with vibrant, animal-themed displays that add a wild twist to the season. Don’t forget to hop on the Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights Tour to experience the city’s neighborhoods lit up with some of the best displays, from private homes to iconic landmarks.
