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Holiday Events in Santa Barbara

November 24, 2024


Ring in the holiday season with a warm and welcoming Santa Barbara! As the weather cools, the city transforms into a festive wonderland, filled with joyous events and activities. This enchanting destination is ready to embrace visitors from near and far, offering a delightful array of festivities to immerse yourself in. From one-of-a-kind holiday celebrations to captivating theater performances, unique shopping experiences, and delectable holiday-inspired cuisine, Santa Barbara has something for everyone this season. Uncover the magical lineup of events that await you in this holiday haven.




Thanksgiving Events


Thanksgiving 4-Miler

November 28, 2024 

Race starts at 9:00am


Event Location:  Thunderbird Park off Walnut Avenue just north of Hollister Avenue


The annual running of the original Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Day 4 Miler. The flat and fast course stands apart from local runs with a straight away start down Hollister Avenue to Turnpike and then along treed bike paths and finally through a local neighborhood finishing in Thunderbird Park just off Walnut Avenue. ON LINE Registration closes Wednesday at 10:00 am.  


Live registration Thursday morning 7:00 am to 8:45 am

Cost: $40 per person. 


Photo courtesy of Run Santa Barbara



Thanksgiving Wine Tour

November 28, 2024

10:00am to 4:30pm


Treat your palette the day before the big meal to a wine tour with Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours, where expert tour guides will conduct wine tastings at three local wineries, provide lunch and door-to-door shuttle service for a day in the Santa Ynez Valley. Your guide will discuss local history and insights about the region and what makes its wine so unique.


Cost: $215 per person. Price varies depending on the selected tour.


Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara The American Riviera



Thanksgiving Dining


Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Dinner at The Revere Room, Rosewood Hotel - November 28th from 5:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.


Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Revere Room and enjoy our a la carte brunch menu and a festive dinner menu crafted from the freshest locally sourced ingredients.



Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet at Finch & Fork, Nov. 28 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.


Celebrate Thanksgiving at Finch & Fork, located in the Kimpton Canary Hotel, with a beautifully curated harvest buffet. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce, a spectacular raw bar, carving stations, classic sides and new twists, along with soups, salads and a stunning dessert spread. Pair your meal with handcrafted cocktails, local wines or sparkling bubbles for a truly festive experience.Cost: $120 per adult, $55 per child under 12 years old.



Thanksgiving Buffet at El Encanto, Nov. 28 from 12-8 p.m.


Elevate your Thanksgiving experience at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel with a sumptuous lunch buffet. Delight in the delectable local flavors while sipping on complimentary champagne.


Cost: $175 per adult and $65 per child.


Photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Times



Christmas Events


State Street Ballet Acadamy Presents: RUDOLPH

December 7, 2024 @ 6:30 pm and December 8, 2024 @ 2:00 pm


Rudolph is the classic holiday tale of a misfit reindeer with a blinking red nose, who makes friends and embarks on a journey through the North Pole to save Christmas. Featuring the students of State Street Ballet Academy as well as the Cold Spring School Choir and Laudate Choir directed by Sara DiSalvo.


Event Location: Lobero Theatre

Tickets range from $19 to $31


Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara The Lobero Theatre



Santa Barbara Festival Ballet Presents the 49th Anniversary

The Nutcracker Ballet

December 14th at 2:30pm & 7pm and December 15th at 2:30pm


Event Location: Arlington Theatre


Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet proudly presents the 49th anniversary of The Nutcracker at the historic Arlington Theatre! This year’s production of the timeless holiday classic blends the elegance of Tchaikovsky’s cherished score with a fresh, modern energy and visual brilliance.

Audiences will be dazzled by mesmerizing costumes and radiant stage designs that bring to life the enchanting world of The Nutcracker. Our internationally renowned guest artists Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis, both from the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem, will grace the stage, showcasing their breathtaking skill and artistry. The powerful live symphony orchestra, conducted by Elise Unruh, will immerse the audience in the thunderous soundscape that enhances every magical moment.


Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Independent



38th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights

December 8, 2024 at 5:30 pm


Event Location: Santa Barbara Harbor


Celebrate the 38th Annual Parade of Lights in the Santa Barbara Harbor. Attendees can kick off the season with a visit to Winter Wonderland at Stearns Wharf, followed by a parade of costumed kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders, a tree lighting ceremony and the grand finale: the boat parade, where over 30 vessels will circumnavigate the wharf, adorned with holiday lights and oftentimes, festive music.


Free Admission.


Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara The American Riviera



Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights

December 8th to 21st, 2024


Visiting Santa Barbara is great any time of year, but winter has gotten even better! It’s time to celebrate the holidays in style during this 90-minute excursion by trolley through Santa Barbara’s most festive neighborhoods.


The Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights tour began in 1999 and quickly became a family favorite.


Join us and you’ll have a front-row seat as you experience the dazzling lights and spirit of the season, riding through town as sparkling lights fill the neighborhoods. Watch out as we may encounter a few carolers and Santa’s along the way! Our 14-day event welcomes guests from all over the country! Through the year’s we have witnessed our Santa Barbara holiday neighborhoods evolve to greatness!



Photo courtesy of SB Trolley



Miracle at the Funk Zone

November 16, 2024 - January 1, 2025 - Recurring every weekday


Experience the holidays in a whole new Christmas light, with over-the-top holiday decor, displays, and a cocktail menu like you’ve never sipped before. With merchandise—like kooky Christmas collectible ceramic cocktail vessels—and yuletide cheer aplenty, this scene is something everyone in Santa Barbara has to see to believe.


Miracle’s reservation-recommended experience is a must for every tinsel-loving, nostalgic Christmas fan and the ideal venue for your social or work crew to ring in the holidays with extra pizzazz. Click here to make your reservation! Space is limited and spots fill quickly.


Event Location: Pearl Social

This event is for ages 21+


Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara The American Riviera



Seaside Sock Skating at MOXI

November 20, 2024 - January 30, 2025 - Recurring every weekday


Event Location: MOXI Rooftop


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


Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara The American Riviera



Christmas Dining at the Miramar


Revere Room Christmas Eve Brunch and Dinner

December 24, 2024, 7:oo am - 2:30 pm December 24, 2024, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Celebrate Christmas Eve at The Revere Room and enjoy our a la carte brunch menu and a festive four-course dinner menu crafted from the freshest locally sourced ingredients. A la Carte Brunch: Regular menu pricing. Four-course Dinner: USD145 per adult, USD65 per child 4 to 12. Complimentary for children under 4 years old.




Christmas Eve Dinner at Caruso's

Seven Fishes 10-course Tasting Menu: ​

5:30–9 p.m.​, 2.5 hour seating time frames


Countdown to Christmas at Miramar. Dig into our feast of Seven Fishes on the coastline at Caruso’s, revel in the music of carolers in the Living Room, and delight in snowfall on the Great Lawn. Here’s to making this your most memorable Christmas Eve yet. USD285 per adult seasonal tasting menu. USD85 per child 4 to 12. Complimentary for children under 4 years old.




Revere Room Christmas Day Brunch and Dinner

December 25, 2024


Share an unforgettable holiday drawn from the bounty of Southern California. The Revere Room's brunch buffet and festive prix fixe dinner will pair regionally influenced Christmas classics with an extraordinary assortment of seasonal dishes.


A La Carte Breakfast Menu: ​7–9:45 a.m.​

Festive Brunch Buffet: 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.Festive Brunch Menu: USD165 per adult, USD65 per child.

Festive Four-Course Dinner: 5:30–9 p.m.


Festive Four-course Dinner: USD145 per adult, USD65 per child 4 to 12. Complimentary for children under 4 years old.




Christmas Day Dinner at Caruso's

December 25, 2024


The holidays are synonymous with joyful moments and the flavors of the table. Savor a delectable meal, graciously served in a stunning oceanfront setting at Caruso's. Take in the views of the Pacific Ocean as you toast to the season and enjoy selections from a sumptuous menu crafted for the occasion by Chef Massimo Falsini. USD265 per adult, 75 per child. Complimentary for children under 4 years old.


Festive 6-Course Pre-Fixe Dinner

3–9 p.m., 2.5 hour seating time frames.





Celebrate the New Year like never before at LE BAL CRISTAL EN ROUGE

December 31, 2024


Step into a world of enchanting allure as Rosewood Miramar Beach presents Le Bal Cristal en Rouge – a captivating new chapter of our annual New Year’s Eve tradition. For its third year, we’ve reimagined the night with a daring crimson twist, inviting you to ignite the night and lose yourself in the magic of Miramar. Under the adorned collection of Baccarat chandeliers, celebrants commemorate and toast the arrival of a new year as we take you through an unforgettable evening of passion, elegance, and electric energy of expecting the unexpected.


Montecito Ticket | 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. | USD549 Late Night Ticket | 10:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. | USD395 

Use the link below for package information or email. 



Photo courtesy of The Rosewood Miramar Hotel




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