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
El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel
Perched on the mountainside overlooking the city, complete with stunning ocean views, is El Encanto: a garden oasis that emulates holiday magic during the festive season. Garland-wrapped staircases, Christmas trees on the lawn and decadent four-course, seafood-centric holiday meals in The Dining Room accompanied by a warm and cozy ambiance make for a memorable stay. The resort also hosts an array of holiday events all season long, like a wellness-centric holiday market, Nutcracker afternoon tea, a challah braiding and mindfulness class and more.
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 himself, 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. Gift yourself a private wine tasting experience at the Ty Warner Wine Collective, where you have the option to taste high-end, exclusive vintages inside the wine cellar, or book an all-day adventure off-site to the Funk Zone or to select wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Stonehouse, one of the dining options on the property, offers a special holiday menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
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 [insert activities when they become available] for all ages that are sure to get you in the spirit. The resort also boasts many dining options, like Angel Oak, San Setto and the city’s only elevated cigar lounge, The Cohiba Experience. Reserve a table at Angel Oak for an unforgettable Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining experience, featuring a specially curated holiday menu.
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 10-course tasting menu on Christmas Eve, paying homage to the fresh seafood available in Santa Barbara’s backyard. Or, opt for a reservation at Caruso’s on Christmas Day with a prix fixe brunch or dinner to toast to the season.
KIMPTON CANARY HOTEL
Celebrate the holiday season in style at the Kimpton Canary Hotel, where the property is reimagined as a magical Winter Chalet. Embracing the charm of an après-ski escape, the Canary offers festive experiences like Crochet & Cocktails and a Minted holiday photo pop-up, where guests can capture cozy holiday memories and enjoy exclusive discounts on custom cards. Finch & Fork, the hotel’s signature restaurant, enhances the season with chalet-inspired bites, warming cocktails and charitable giving through special menu items benefiting No Kid Hungry. For intimate gatherings, the cozy “Book the Nook” private dining space offers retro-inspired punch bowls or a luxurious martinis and caviar experience.
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 seasonal menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Miracle Bar
Miracle Bar—making its highly anticipated return to Pearl Social this year, bringing its festive pop-up magic back from Nov. 16 through Jan. 1, 2025—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. Sip on seasonal cocktails like the Jack Skellington (London Dry Gin, French vermouth, Christmas Tree, creme de menthe and bitter orange), What’s This? (bourbon, Caribbean allspice, pineapple, lime and snow) and Lock, Shock and Barrel (vodka, espresso, peppermint, cacao and Amaro Braulio). Drinks are served in festive, themed mugs that overflow with holiday spirit.
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. 8, 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.
