See all Santa Barbara Christmas happenings this year!
Santa Barbara delivers Christmas 2025 across State Street and the waterfront, where mission-style architecture is draped in lights. Activities include holiday attractions, winter celebrations, and Christmas markets offering seaside strolls, live music, and artisan gifts.
Find the best Santa Barbara Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Santa Barbara
- New Year's Eve with The Symphony
- ZooLights at Santa Barbara Zoo
- 38th Annual Parade of Lights
- The Christmas Revels: A Magical Winter's Tale
- The Nutcracker by State Street Ballet
- Westmont Christmas Festival
- Solvang Julefest (Solvang)
- Downtown Ventura Tree Lighting Ceremony (Ventura)
- 49th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks: Let It Glow (Ventura)
- Solvang Julefest: Copenhagen Countdown (Solvang)
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Santa Barbara Christmas Events
Santa Barbara Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Ring in the New Year with a magical evening of music at the Santa Barbara Symphony's New Year's Eve celebration. Held at the historic Granada Theatre, this special concert promises an unforgettable experience with a program designed to usher in the new year with elegance and joy. It's the perfect way to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with a captivating orchestral performance.
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Step into a magical winter's tale with The Christmas Revels, presenting 'The Celestial Fools.' This enchanting performance unfolds in a mythical European village where mystical visitors from the East – the Sun, Moon, and Stars – bring color, music, and story. Witness their hearts and minds open to new perspectives, restoring the light of a New Year. The event features lively dances, a wealth of music from various ages, visual spectacle, and plenty of laughter.
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State Street Ballet presents a magical rendition of The Nutcracker, a cherished holiday tradition. Follow Clara on her enchanting journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, brought to life by a cast of professional dancers and over 100 local young performers. Accompanied by the live Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra, this production promises a dazzling spectacle of glittering snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and unforgettable characters.
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Experience the magic of the holiday season at the 21st annual Westmont Christmas Festival. This cherished event features a special performance designed to usher in the Christmas spirit. Held at the historic Granada Theatre, it's a perfect way to celebrate the season with festive music and cheer.
Santa Barbara Christmas Light Displays
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Step into a world of enchantment at ZooLights, where the Santa Barbara Zoo is transformed into a dazzling spectacle of light. Wander through thousands of handcrafted lanterns, illuminated by over 50,000 LED bulbs, depicting vibrant animal and nature scenes from across the globe. This immersive holiday experience offers a magical evening for all ages, with special adult nights featuring cocktails, live music, and photo opportunities.
Santa Barbara Other Christmas Activities
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Experience the magic of the 38th Annual Parade of Lights in Santa Barbara Harbor. Families can delight in a Winter Wonderland on the City Pier, complete with snow, holiday elves, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event features a unique 'Yuletide Pirates' theme, with a human-powered parade of paddlers and kayakers, followed by a festive tree lighting ceremony and a breathtaking illuminated boat parade. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show over the water.
Christmas Events Near Santa Barbara
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With 20 years of experience, we use AI technology to build the most comprehensive list of christmas events events.
Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.
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