Santa Barbara, the quintessential California coastal town often called the American Riviera, is about 150 kilometres (95 miles) north of Los Angeles and widely known for its beautiful beaches, chic shopping and dining, and a Mediterranean climate, making it the perfect place to celebrate the season —especially if you prefer palm trees and crashing surf in your holiday photos.
The city of around 87,000 is getting ready to celebrate the holiday season California-style, with the area’s hotels, attractions, and bars pulling out all the stops to deliver cheer. While Santa Barbara is worth a visit any time of year, the holiday season is especially merry and bright thanks to the city’s abundant
Santa Barbara’s downtown holiday parade is fun for all ages (courtesy Visit Santa Barbara)
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Take part in a beloved local tradition with the 38th annual Santa Barbara Parade of Lights on Dec. 8! With the theme of “Yule Tide Pirates,” the evening of festivities includes a tree lighting ceremony and kayakers donned in holiday attire, all leading up to the illuminated watercrafts that light up the night around the harbor, capped off by a fireworks show. On land, visitors can catch several other holiday parades including the Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade, featuring local school bands and cars decked out in holiday lights.
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ZooLights, the wildly colorful celebration at the Santa Barbara Zoo returns Nov. 15 to Jan. 12, 2025 with all-new light displays, featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs.
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Check out the MOXI for its unique take on traditional ice skating with seaside sock skating from Nov. 20 to Jan. 20. Families can slide across the specialty tile floor reminiscent of ice without the chill and skates and with the cost included in the price of museum admission.
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With a refreshed design and new cocktail menu that debuted this summer, the swanky Pearl Social Cocktail Club will celebrate with a must-see holiday pop-up, Miracle at Pearl Social Cocktail Club, complete with over-the-top holiday decór, festive cocktail menus, and Christmas collectibles from Nov. 16 to Jan. 1.
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El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel is hosting a robust lineup of holiday activities this winter including a variety of workshops including succulent wreaths, holiday trim calligraphy class, holiday chocolate making, challah braiding, and more. Join the hotel for its Mindful Holiday Market on Dec. 4, a carefully curated selection of conscious wellness and lifestyle wares made by local artisans. Guests can also enjoy a Nutcracker afternoon tea, complete with a ballet performance, as well as Christmas tree and Menorah candlelightings, decadent holiday-themed meals, and more, throughout December.
- At Rosewood Miramar Beach, the property comes alive in December with carolers in the lobby, letters to Santa, and even “snowfall” for a White Christmas. Stockings, Christmas trees, matching pajamas, and gingerbread house kits are available for purchase for guests celebrating at the hotel. On Christmas Eve and Day, indulge in a Seven Fishes 10-course tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Caruso’s. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with live music, champagne specials, and caviar service at The Manor Bar or an authentic Japanese New Year’s experience with an omakase meal at Michelin-recognized AMA Sushi. The dinner features Chef Scott Yonamine’s ozoni (Japanese New Year’s soup) with ebi, daikon and mochi, and elevated nigiri such as toro, nodoguro, and local Santa Barbara uni.
Ice skate in your socks near the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara (courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara)
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