Santa Barbara in December: 21 Best Things to Do and More!
Santa Barbara is a gorgeous California beach city to visit at any time of year – even in the winter! With mild weather year-round and an aptitude for putting on spectacular events, there is plenty to see and do in Santa Barbara in December. This is the best guide (written by a local) for discovering holiday events, things to do, weather, and more.
How Is Santa Barbara in Winter?
Santa Barbara in the winter takes on a quieter, more laid-back charm compared to the bustling summer months. While the temperatures remain relatively mild, it can certainly get a bit chill. The city embraces a festive look with twinkling lights decorating streets and shops.
Winter is an ideal time to visit Santa Barbara for those who prefer to explore the city’s beautiful landscapes, visit local wineries, and savor seasonal cuisine without the crowds. While beach activities might be limited, the more local-centric scene comes alive with art exhibitions and cozy gatherings.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Santa Barbara?
December is an excellent time to visit Santa Barbara if you want holiday charm and a quieter atmosphere. There is an exciting holiday spirit that fills the city with festive events and cozy parties. Plus, I find this to be a great time to enjoy more strenuous hiking in the mountains and outdoor activities while the air is cool.
Weather in Santa Barbara in December
In December, Santa Barbara experiences mild and pleasant weather, making it an attractive destination for winter travelers. Average daytime temperatures range from 60 to 65°F (15 to 18°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to the mid-40s to low 50s°F (7 to 12°C).
You can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional rainfall, so it’s a good idea to pack layers and bring an umbrella just in case. Santa Barbara often is more enjoyable and has many more sunny days in November/December as opposed to January through March.
Is It Cold in Santa Barbara in December?
The cold is subjective! For many people who experience winter storms and snow, Santa Barbara is a welcome escape from the cold. However, for those who are used to year-round HOT temperatures, yes, Santa Barbara can be considered a bit cold in December.
Can You Swim in Santa Barbara in the Winter?
Sure, you CAN swim in Santa Barbara in winter – but it likely will be pretty chilly! The ocean water ranges as low as 57°F and typically as high as 60°F. You will definitely want a wetsuit to spend any extended amount of time in the water.
Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara in December
1. Annual Parade of Lights
On the second Sunday of December each year, Santa Barbara hosts the popular “Parade of Lights” on the waterfront. Boats will be displaying bright, fun holiday light decorations to admire, ending with a brief fireworks show. Dozens of local boaters from the harbor compete in this exciting water parade!
The event kicks off at 3pm with a Santa’s Village on the City Pier by the harbor, where kids can play in the snow and have the pleasure of meeting Santa Claus himself. The best viewing locations for the parade and fireworks include Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach, and East Beach.
2. Meet Santa Claus at Paseo Nuevo
Take the kids for a visit with Santa Claus at the popular downtown shopping center. From November 25th to December 24th, Santa will be waiting to eagerly listen to wishlists and strike a pose for photos. And on limited days in December, Santa does pet photos!
To add to the magical holiday ambiance, Paseo Nuevo “snows” every night at 5:30pm and 6:30pm in the Center Court, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
No reservations are required, but make sure to check their website for updated information on hours and photo pricing.
3. Christmas Patch at Lane Farms
Located in the charming city of Goleta, just a bit north of downtown Santa Barbara, Lane Farms hosts an annual Christmas Patch. Whether you are a local in need of the perfect Christmas tree or a visitor looking for a fun thing to do in December, Lane Farms is an excellent holiday activity.
The Lane Farms Christmas Patch has farm animals, tractors, farm equipment, and a corn maze. It’s open every day usually starting around November 24th.
4. Old Mission Santa Barbara’s Holiday Sip ‘N’ Stroll
The Santa Barbara Mission holds an annual “Holiday Sip ‘N’ Stroll” where visitors can wander the beautifully decorated grounds while enjoying appetizers, wine, beer, and live music. Guests can also explore a curated selection of local artisans offering handmade treasures, just in time for your holiday shopping.
This ticketed event typically happens very early in December.
5. Goleta Holiday Parade
Old Town Goleta hosts a charming holiday parade, typically in early December. The parade features local school groups, decorated cars and floats, marching bands, and more. The route is on Hollister Avenue from Orange to Kinman.
6. Miracle at Pearl Social
Miracle is a new annual Christmas party pop-up experience at Pearl Social in the Funk Zone. Get into the holiday spirit with over-the-top holiday decorations, whimsical displays, and a fully unique cocktail menu.
As you wander through this festive scene, you’ll discover a treasure trove of holiday-themed merchandise, such as charming collectible ceramic cocktail cups.
A reservation is recommended for the best experience but walk-ins are welcome. The pop-up typically runs from mid-November through December.
7. Lobero Theater Holiday Shows
This historic building, originally built as an opera house, is a lovely venue to catch a performance in Santa Barbara. The shows range from opera and musical performances to ballet and dance showcases. They often host a variety of festive holiday-themed shows during December such as:
- An Irish Christmas
- Christmas with The Petersens
- Rudolph
- Holiday ‘In’
- THE REVELS – A Winter Solstice Celebration
Make sure to check out the Lobero Theater’s current programming.
8. Milpas Holiday Parade
The annual Milpas Holiday Parade is typically hosted in mid-December (around the 10th) and features decorated parade floats, dancers, and various performances. There is usually a theme for the parade (last year was Surfin’ Santa) and it draws hundreds of locals and visitors alike.
9. Arlington Theatre
The Arlington Theatre is another exceptionally gorgeous venue in Santa Barbar to see a live show. The theatre hosts first-run films, live performances, and major film festival events. In December, you can catch shows such as “Merry-Achi Christmas, Sol de Mexico” or “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.”
Check their website for the latest show information.
10. Soho Restaurant and Music Club
Soho is a lively music venue that is constantly hosting exciting events. They have been known to host some fun holiday events such as the Venice Holiday Concert or the Hometown Holiday Hoedown featuring the Chris Shiflett Band.
Keep an eye on their calendar as they release more December events.
11. Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights
The Santa Barbara Trolley is always an enjoyable way to tour the city, but it gets even better during the holidays! In December, the trolleys get decked out in festive light decorations. The 90-minute excursion takes you through Santa Barbara’s most festive neighborhoods to admire the holiday decor.
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12. Christmas Dining Experiences
Many of the hotels and restaurants around Santa Barbara create special Christmas Eve and Day brunch and dinner menus for a scrumptious holiday dining experience. Here are some places to check out:
- The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach – holiday morning Christmas buffet
- Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach – Christmas Eve prix-fixe dinner menu and Christmas morning brunch offering a five-course prix-fixe menu
- La Paloma Cafe – Christmas Eve brunch
- The Lark – Christmas Eve brunch and dinner specials
- CAYA Restaurant at The Leta Hotel – special curated prix-fixe Christmas dinner
- Costa Kitchen & Bar at the Mar Monte Hotel – four-course Christmas dinner from a pre-fixe menu
13. See the Nutcracker at the Granada Theatre
Experience the holiday enchantment of State Street Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Granada Theater. This beloved tradition, cherished by Santa Barbara residents, comes to life with over 150 talented professional dancers, musicians, and ballet dancers in three mesmerizing performances.
14. Holiday Shopping
Holiday shopping in Santa Barbara during December is a delightful experience filled with artisan pop-ups and seasonal marketplaces. The State Street Promenade Market, held every first Thursday of the month on the 1000 block of State Street between Carrillo Street and Figueroa Street, sets the stage for an array of unique finds.
Meanwhile, The Yes Store pop-up gift gallery continues its tradition of showcasing the finest local artisans, offering a diverse range of handcrafted treasures from woodworking and ceramics to fine jewelry and fabrics.
Additionally, the Blissful Boutiques Holiday Store, located at 621 Paseo Nuevo is a must-visit. This seasonal pop-up store, open Wednesday through Sunday, features over 30 vendors offering an eclectic selection, from quartz rocks to gourmet foods, providing the perfect opportunity to discover special gifts while supporting local artisans.
Of course, there are plenty of other boutique stores as well as bigger department stores scattered along State Street and downtown Santa Barbara.
15. ZooLights at Santa Barbara Zoo
Experience the Santa Barbara Zoo like never before during ZooLights, a magical holiday event running from mid-November to mid-January.
This immersive experience transforms the zoo into a luminous wonderland, with thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns adorned with over 50,000 LED bulbs. Stroll through the zoo and marvel at these illuminated lanterns, each depicting scenes of animals and nature from different corners of the globe.
16. Seasonal Spa Treatments at Sense, A Rosewood Spa
Indulge yourself with a seasonal, holiday-inspired spa treatment at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel’s spa. This tranquil haven seamlessly blends the laid-back elegance of California luxury with aromatic gardens and breathtaking mountain vistas, establishing itself as a favored day spa destination.
If you’re looking to set aside a few moments for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the hustle and bustle of this traditionally hectic season, these treatments offer a means to embrace the spirit of the holidays while prioritizing wellness.
17. Ice in Paradise Goleta
Ice skating is a favorite activity in the wintertime, and this skating rink in Goleta is the perfect place to get your fix. They have daily open skate times and often host holiday-themed events in December.
18. Go Surfing
Now this might sound like a weird suggestion of something to do in December… but hear me out! The winter months are actually some of the best times to surf in most spots in California. We get our biggest, most consistent swells that bring excellent wave quality.
Yes, you will definitely need a wetsuit. And no, this might not be the best time for a brand-new surfer to try their hand at the sport. But if you have some experience, definitely check out the surf while in Santa Barbara in December!
>>> READ MORE: 15 Best Surf Spots in Santa Barbara
19. La Arcada Christmas Walk
This annual Christmas event that happens on State Street is definitely one to check out. The La Arcada Christmas Walk features local musicians, free popcorn, photos with Santa, snow flurries, and many more goodies! Typically held at the very end of November or the beginning of December.
20. Solvang’s Julefest
Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, about an hour’s drive north of Santa Barbara, lies the picturesque Danish village of Solvang. With its enchanting European ambiance, this town feels as if it were created to be a Christmas wonderland.
During the holiday season, Solvang comes alive with decorated trees, a symphony of colorful lights, and holiday festivities earning it the title of one of Time Magazine’s “Most Christmassy Towns in America.”
From November 27th to January 1st, you have the opportunity to enjoy Solvang’s annual “Julefest Christmas Celebration.” Highlights include the mesmerizing Tree Lighting Ceremony and the lively Julefest Parade.
Throughout this festive period, you’ll be treated to joyful caroling, captivating live entertainment, and the enchanting Santa’s Village. And, of course, there’s no shortage of delicious food, fine beer and wine, delightful shopping, and lovely music to round out your Julefest experience.
21. Enjoy the New Year’s Eve Festivities
If you’re still in town at the end of December, stick around and celebrate NYE! You will find everything from delectable dining experiences and all-night dance parties to outdoor wellness activities and bar crawls. Some of the best activities include:
- New Year’s Eve Drag Pre-Party – Miracle at Pearl Social
- New Year’s Eve Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park
- Noon Year’s Eve at the MOXI
- New Year’s Eve Bash at SOhO
- New Year’s Eve dinner at Caruso’s, Blackbird, The Palace Grill, Bouchon, The Bistro, etc.
Additional Things to Do in Santa Barbara in December
Beyond the exciting holiday events happening around town, there are always plenty of great things to do year-round in Santa Barbara such as:
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara in December
There are a handful of excellent hotels in Santa Barbara that offer Christmas packages to take your stay to a new level. Two of the best include:
Festive Holiday Celebrations at Rosewood Miramar Beach
★★★★★ | 🏆 Rating: 9.4/10 | 💲💲💲💲
🏨 Check Pricing + Availability
The Rosewood is a luxury hotel located on the beach in Montecito. The property features two pools, a full spa, and oceanview dining.
The hotel offers several unique holiday celebration opportunities such as a nightly lighting of the Menorah at sunset, special performances, a special Christmas Eve Turn Down amenity of milk and cookies for Santa delivered to guests’ doors, an assortment of dining offerings, and holiday-inspired spa treatments.
Plus, they typically host a black-tie soirée for New Year’s Eve as well.
Christmas in Bed at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
★★★★★ | 🏆 Rating: 8.6/10 | 💲💲💲
🏨 Check Pricing + Availability
The Bacara is one of the most renowned hotels in Santa Barbara, known for its stunning beachside property with pools, a private beach, and a full-service spa.
On Christmas Eve or Day, enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu delivered directly to your doorstep, featuring timeless Christmas favorites alongside delightful treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, champagne, and an exquisite caviar pairing.
Other holiday experiences include holiday dining, champagne brunches, a Caramel Coffee Scrub & Pick Me Up Mini Facial for the holidays, Christmas concerts, and other free activities.
If you are simply looking for a comfortable place to stay in Santa Barbara, there are many excellent mid-range hotel options such as the Kimpton Canary Hotel or Harbor View Inn.
For budget travelers, check out my guide to the 7 Best Cheap Hotels in Goleta.
What to Pack for Santa Barbara in Winter
When packing for Santa Barbara in the wintertime, layering is essential! The day might be comfortable but it can get cold as soon as the sun sets or if the wind picks up. Here are a few things to consider in your suitcase, with links to what I personally use in Santa Barbara:
- Layered Clothing: As temperatures can vary throughout the day, pack a mix of long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and lightweight jackets.
- Jeans or Pants: Opt for comfortable pants or jeans that you can wear throughout your trip.
- Comfortable Shoes: Bring walking shoes or sneakers for exploring the city (the downtown areas are all very walkable) and any hiking you might do. Don’t forget a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach.
- Rain Gear: While it doesn’t rain heavily, showers occasionally happen. Pack a compact umbrella and a waterproof jacket just in case.
- Swimsuit: If you plan to use the hotel pool/jacuzzi or take a dip in the ocean, a swimsuit is a must.
- Sun Protection: Even in winter, the sun can be strong. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself.
- Warm Accessories: If you get cold easily, include a scarf, gloves, and a beanie for cooler evenings and mornings.
- Casual Dress: Santa Barbara has a relaxed vibe, so casual attire is generally great for most activities and restaurants.
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the city’s beauty and your travel memories.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially if you’re out and about exploring.
- Daypack or Tote Bag: A small bag is handy for carrying essentials during your day trips.
- Electronics and Chargers: Ensure you have chargers and adapters for your devices, and consider bringing a portable charger for exploring all day.
Do You Need a Car in Santa Barbara?
Whether or not you need a car in Santa Barbara largely depends on your travel plans and preferences. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Not Necessarily Needed:
- Downtown Santa Barbara: If you plan to stay primarily in the downtown area, you can easily explore the city on foot. Most of the city’s attractions, restaurants, shops, and cultural sites are within walking distance of each other.
- Public Transportation: Santa Barbara has a public bus system, including the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD), which can take you to various parts of the city and nearby areas. Public transportation is a great option for getting around.
- Biking: Santa Barbara is a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and rental options. Biking can be a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the area.
Consider a Car if:
- Venturing Beyond the City: If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, such as wine country in Santa Ynez Valley or the picturesque landscapes of Los Padres National Forest, having a car can provide more flexibility.
- Visiting Remote Beaches: While some beaches in Santa Barbara are easily accessible by foot or bike, others may require a short drive, especially if you want to explore more remote or less crowded ones.
- Hiking and Camping: If you plan to do any exploring in the mountains, it’s best to have a car. While you might be able to Uber to the more popular trailheads, the ones that are further away or more remote might put you out of a good range to call a car to pick you back up.
- Convenience: If you prefer the convenience of having a car for grocery shopping or visiting destinations that are not well-served by public transportation, having a rental car can be beneficial. Parking is fairly easy in the city, either on the streets or in lots. The first 90 minutes are free in the lots then fairly cheap thereafter.
If you decide to rent a car, I highly recommend DiscoverCars. This is my go-to, trusted rental car company that has saved me and my clients thousands of dollars.
Santa Barbara in December FAQs
Absolutely! Santa Barbara is a gem on the California coast. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, wine tasting, or simply relaxing by the ocean, Santa Barbara offers a diverse range of experiences to suit various interests and budgets.
Spending 3 days in Santa Barbara is ideal. This allows you to explore the beautiful beaches, visit historic sites like the Old Mission, indulge in wine tasting, and savor the local cuisine. It strikes a balance between enjoying the highlights and experiencing the city’s relaxed atmosphere.
Solvang, often referred to as the “Christmas Town,” transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with its quaint architecture, decorated trees, and vibrant lights, making it a beloved destination for Christmas enthusiasts.
The coldest month in Santa Barbara is typically December. During this time, the city experiences its coolest temperatures, with average lows around 44°F (7°C) and highs averaging around 63°F (17°C).
The foggiest month in Santa Barbara tends to be May and sometimes June. Santa Barbara often experiences coastal fog, known locally as “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” before turning into a sunny summer.
Santa Barbara is highly desirable for its captivating blend of Mediterranean-style architecture, stunning beaches, and a mild, year-round climate. Its cultural richness, wine country proximity, and outdoor recreational opportunities make it a sought-after destination. The city’s charm and laid-back atmosphere add to its allure, making it a dream locale for many.
Santa Barbara is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. While no place is entirely without risk, Santa Barbara has a lower crime rate compared to many other cities in the U.S.
CONCLUSION: Santa Barbara in December
In December, Santa Barbara transforms into a captivating holiday destination. From the enchanting lights at the Santa Barbara Zoo to the festive Julefest celebration in the Danish-inspired village of Solvang, the city offers a plethora of seasonal delights.
You can also enjoy unique shopping experiences, indulge in holiday-themed treats, and savor special dining options at renowned establishments like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara and Angel Oak. With its mild winter climate and picturesque settings, Santa Barbara beckons travelers to celebrate the season in style and comfort.
Related Posts:
Day Trip to Solvang From Los Angeles
Guide to Moving to and Living in Santa Barbara
Is Napa Valley Worth Visiting?
☀️ California FAQs ☀️
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☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit California?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. Some parts of the state get “June Gloom” where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
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Hotels, vacation rentals, and house-sitting are all available for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
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I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in California?
I very highly recommend renting a car in California so you don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! California is fantastic for road trips – there is SO much to see up and down the coast. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option.
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