Monthly Archives: December 2019

Architecture enthusiasts should visit the Casa when it’s all dressed up for the festive season. Visitors are invited to enjoy a cup of hot spiced cider as they tour the gardens and have a glimpse of how a Montecito Christmas in the 1930’s might have looked. Painstakingly conceived, built and furnished, the estate was designed by George Washington Smith. It is a stunning Moorish and Mediterranean unification of art, gardens and space. Boasting European treasures, intricate tilework and one-of-a-kind metalwork, Casa del Herrero (“house of the blacksmith”) pays tribute to its owners’ machinery industry. A small number of December dates are allotted for visitors wishing to see the home decked out in its holiday splendor. Reservations must be made in advance.

Don’t miss the annual La Arcada Christmas Walk! Enjoy strolling carolers, freshly popped popcorn and a visit from Santa at this quaint, character-filled shopping venue that’s as good for relaxing as it is for shopping. Marked by a multi-faced, chiming clock, the entrance leads to a variety of shops, restaurants and art galleries. If the folks accompanying you don’t want to browse the shops, they can admire La Arcada’s landscaping, fountains and many statues. Plus there are plenty of benches where you (and they) can catch your breath before moving on. And did we mention the turtle pond? Yes, there’s a turtle pond. Located in the heart of downtown, this is one Christmas shopping destination you don’t want to miss.

Nothing says Santa Barbara like, surf, sun and… ice skating?!? Yep, after years of waiting, Santa Barbara has it’s very own ice rink for sport and leisure. And wouldn’t you know it — they put on an awesome holiday ice skating show every December. Head out to Goleta with the whole family for a little winter fun. It’s also a great place to learn to skate or catch a hockey game. There is a restaurant onsite, so you don’t have to worry if your time on the ice causes you to work up a powerful thirst or ravenous appetite. Lots of free parking right out front. Follow their Facebook page to stay in the know about upcoming events.

If you want to say hello to Santa and catch a nightly flurry of snowflakes, Paseo Nuevo is your destination this season. Santa’s taken up residence in a charming cottage right in the heart of this outdoor shopping mall. Want your picture taken but hate lines? Visit their website to schedule an appointment. There’s also a giant Christmas tree, weekly live acts and nightly snowfall at 6 and 7 p.m. (Spoiler alert: it’s very magical, but it’s not actual snow.) While you’re there, satisfy your gift-giving needs for the whole family. You can find shoes for Mom, gadgets for Dad, toys for the kids and pick up a little something for yourself while you’re at it.

Catch the Nutcracker Ballet at the Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara’s most splendid and impressive performing arts venue, boasting over 1,500 seats, multiple patron lounges and a custom orchestra shell. Originally built in 1924, the theater underwent a dramatic restoration and re-opened in 2008. A vibrant mural decorates the proscenium arch, seats have been refreshed with improved sightlines, and the original chandelier is sparkling once again in its place of honor. Nationally recognized ballet troupes perform here regularly, as well as famous comedians, legendary musicians and inspiring lecturers. Visit their website for a list of upcoming shows and holiday events. Located near many of Santa Barbara’s best restaurants, so plan on dinner and a show!

Enjoy a festive day in this charming wine community just north of Santa Barbara. A short drive brings you to a busy main street lined with shops, wine tasting rooms and restaurants. Los Olivos celebrates on Olde Fashioned Christmas every year, often on the first Saturday of December. This year, it falls on December 7, 2019. Enjoy an artisan boutique and open houses as well as crafts and train rides for the kids. Holiday treats and carolers make the afternoon extra cheery and, perhaps unsurprisingly, Santa is the special guest. The event is capped off by the official tree lighting by the flagpole at the center of town with live music in the park nearby.

Explore the best Christmas light displays in Santa Barbara during this jolly, open-aired trolley tour. A caravan of lighted trolleys take groups around town after dark for a 90-minute ride. Hot cider is sipped, carols are sung, neighbors come out and say hello… it’s all very magical. The open sides of the trolleys allow you to easily capture your favorite moments on camera. The one drawback is that this tour always sells out — usually in October. So book early if you think you even kind of, might possibly want to go. Santa Barbara Trolley cars also operate during the days for classic town tours and can be chartered for private parties, weddings and wine tasting tours.

For the best Christmas lights in Santa Barbara, look no further than this house on the East Side. Local man Peter Estrada layers on the twinkles at this private residence that draws a crowd from far and wide. We feel sorry for the other homes in the neighborhood; even if they put forth a solid effort, it’s pretty much impossible to compete with this fantasy display that you may be able to see from space (slight exaggeration). There are lots of tasty Mexican restaurants in the area, so plan on a dinner outing and consider bringing some cash for La Super-Rica, a legendary local taqueria.

What could be more magical than a twinkling, sparkling holiday parade just a few blocks from the beach? Head to downtown Santa Barbara during the week after Thanksgiving to catch this festive parade on Friday night. Beautifully lit floats and graceful dancers stroll the blocks after dark in the only evening street parade of the year. For more than 65 years, this parade has welcomed the Christmas season in Santa Barbara. As the floats glide toward the downtown Christmas tree, Santa Claus himself brings up the rear. Get ready to cheer on a colossal contingent of high-stepping marching bands, fabulous holiday floats, spectacular performance groups and local personalities.

What’s better than a parade? A boat parade! And what’s better than a boat parade? A boat parade with lights and fireworks! The annual Santa Barbara Parade of Lights happens December 8, 2019. It boasts all of this and more. Join the locals for this Santa Barbara holiday tradition along the coastline. The boat parade is preceded by Santa’s Village activity on the City Pier in the Harbor, starting around 3 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., the annual boat parade begins as dozens of boats motor, sail and paddle along the Santa Barbara coastline and compete to win prizes. Admission is free. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars on both the pier and the harbor where you can relax and enjoy the view.