Best Christmas Events in Santa Barbara County – 2025 Guide
Santa Barbara County, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season, offering a multitude of enchanting Christmas events perfect for family fun. From festive parades that light up the night to charming holiday markets brimming with unique crafts and treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local looking to partake in beloved traditions or a visitor seeking new festive experiences, this article will guide you through the best Christmas events in Santa Barbara County that promise to create lasting memories and fill your holiday season with joy and warmth.
Important Note: Please visit the websites of attractions before visiting for the latest information and particular guidelines that apply per listed attraction. Information may change after posting on our website.
Countdown to Christmas
The Places Where We Go contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you when you purchase using one of these Amazon links. Read our disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.
Christmas Events Buellton
Buellton – A Cowboy Christmas
A Cowboy Christmasu returns to Santa Ynez Valley for another year of unforgettable holiday activities for all ages! Bring the kids for some old-fashioned family fun, including animal encounters, holiday horse & pony rides, crafts, games, an obstacle course, a giant hay bale pyramid, Ultimate Hot Cocoa Bar, Santa, and so much more! 🤠🎄🎅
Dates: A Cowboy Christmas Will Return in 2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: 51 Sycamore Drive, Buellton
Admission: $19.95 per person
Tickets and info: www.ACowboyChristmas.com
Get Free Weekly Travel News Updates
Christmas Events Goleta
Goleta – Holiday at the Ranch – Stow House
Get into the festive spirit at Holidays at the Ranch in Goleta! This family-friendly open house is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Come say hello to Santa Claus and his adorable “rein-goats,” enjoy a scenic tractor ride around the ranch yard, and listen to festive live music. It’s also a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done by browsing unique items from local craft vendors, while the kids have a blast with special children’s crafts. Your adventure awaits at this can’t-miss holiday event!
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros, Goleta
Website: https://goletahistory.org/holiday-at-the-ranch/
Goleta – Goleta Holiday Parade
The Goleta Holiday Parade in Goleta is a must-visit event that captures the essence of the holiday season. This small-town parade offers a festive and engaging experience for everyone. With beautifully decorated floats, lively dance groups, and talented live bands, there is no shortage of entertainment along Hollister Avenue. The parade showcases the holiday spirit and brings the community together in the heart of Old Town Goleta.
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Free
Location: Old Town Goleta
Website: https://goletaholidayparade.org/
Christmas Events Los Olivos
Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas
Visit nearby Los Olivos to join in the celebration of Olde Fashioned Christmas. A 10-15 minute drive from nang will land you in another great place to ring in the season. This rain-or-shine event features holiday lights, Christmas shopping, snow, roasted walnuts, and hot cocoa. There’s cookie decorating for the kids and free photos with Santa.
You can also enjoy Bierstacheln – an old German winter beer tradition where the glass of malty beer is hit with a hot poker to get it warm and bring on a carmelized marshmallow aroma.
Live music enhances the event from 2 pm to 7 pm and a Tree Lighting takes place in the middle of town at 6 pm.
The event starts at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Los Olivos.
Date and Time: December 6, 2025, 2 pm – 7 pm – rain or shine
Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas Schedule:
2:00 – Festivities Begin
4:00 – Gingerbread Wonderland
5:00 – Santa Ynez Jazz Band
6:00 – Official Lighting of the Christmas Tree at the flagpole
https://losolivosca.com/olde-fashioned-christmas/
Christmas Events Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara – Christmas Patch at Lane Farms
Lane Farms Christmas Patch is the perfect spot to find your dream Christmas tree, featuring fresh Noble Fir, Nordman, or Douglas Fir options. These beauties are carefully grown at a tree farm in Oregon, ensuring top-notch quality. But it’s not just about trees at Lane Farms Christmas Patch! Lane Farms Christmas Patch has farm animals, tractors, and farm equipment, and a corn maze.
Dates: Begins November 28, 2025
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Location: 308 S. Walnut Lane, Santa Barbara
Website: https://www.lanefarmssb.com/christmas-patch/
Santa Barbara – Christmas at Lobero Theater
Celebrate the Holiday Season at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara. Check out this year’s selection of shows:
December 6, 2025: Rudolph – State Street Ballet
December 12, 2025: The Light So Shines
December 13, 2025: Christmas Mariachi Festival
December 20-21, 2025: The Christmas Revels
December 22, 2025: An Irish Christmas
December 27, 2025: Jim Brickman – The Gift of Christmas
Location: Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara – Parade of Lights
The annual event brings back one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Santa Barbara. Start in the late morning by visiting Winter Wonderland at Stearns Wharf. Later in the day, watch costumed kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. The evening concludes with a tree lighting ceremony and the grand finale: a boat parade featuring over 30 lighted vessels sailing to the sounds of festive holiday music.
Dates: December 14, 2025
Time: Festivities begin at 2 PM
Location: Santa Barbara Harbor
Admission: Free
Website: Santa Barbara Parade of Lights
Santa Barbara – Seaside Sock Skating
MOXI presents a climate-friendly and fun-filled winter attraction called Seaside Sock Skating. Visitors can enjoy this cool experience on the museum’s rooftop. Kids and adults alike can kick off their shoes and glide effortlessly with a specialty tile floor that mimics ice without the chill. Designed to engage the next generation of climate enthusiasts, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to have fun while embracing sustainable practices. Take advantage of this exciting and iceless skating adventure included with your museum admission. Just remember to bring your socks!
Date: Opening November 22, 2025
Admission: Included with MOXI admission
Location: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Website: https://santabarbaraca.com/events/seaside-sock-skating/
Santa Barbara – Sip, Stroll, & Shop at Old Mission Santa Barbara
Experience the enchantment of the Santa Barbara Sip, Stroll, & Shop at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. This annual event invites guests to indulge in the finest local wines, beers, and culinary delights while immersing themselves in a delightful mix of art, culture, and holiday cheer.
Wander through the beautiful grounds of the Mission, glass of wine in hand, as you explore a curated selection of handmade goods from local artisans and vendors. From unique holiday gifts to one-of-a-kind treasures, there’s something for everyone! Be sure to come hungry—delicious food will be available as you shop and sip your way through this festive evening.
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Old Mission Santa Barbara
Website: Santa Barbara Sip & Stroll
Santa Barbara – The Nutcracker At The Arlington
Join us for the unforgettable magic of Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s 50th anniversary season of the Nutcracker at the Arlington. The production features internationally recognized guest artists, including Misa Kuranaga with San Francisco Ballet, Angelo Greco from Houston Ballet, Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis with Dance Theatre of Harlem, and a live symphony orchestra conducted by Elise Unruh. The stunning stage elements and powerhouse performances will captivate even the youngest audience members!
Date: December 13-14, 2025
Location: The Arlington Theater – 1317 State St., Santa Barbara
Website: https://www.arlingtontheatresb.com/upcoming-events
Santa Barbara – Christmas Shows at the Granada Theater
Celebrate the Christmas Season at Santa Barbara’s Granada Theater. Check out this year’s offerings:
December 6-7, 2025: Westmont Christmas Festival
December 12, 2025: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
December 14, 2025: A Winter Music Showcase
December 19-21, 2025: The Nutcracker presented by State Street Ballet
Location: Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara
Website:
Granada Theater Events
Santa Barbara – ZooLights
The Santa Barbara Zoo’s ZooLights returns. This new immersive event features thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs. Enjoy the zoo in a new way this holiday season.
Dates: November 12, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Location: 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
https://www.sbzoo.org/zoolights/
Christmas Events Solvang
Solvang – Julefest
Solvang brings together Santa’s village, a Julefest Parade, Maker’s Market, Nativity pageant, a tree-lighting ceremony, food tours, candlelight tours, and so much more. The celebration lasts for weeks in this unique California town. On the final day, a tree burn closes the annual festivities. Visit Solvang’s website for Julefest to see the entire schedule of events.
Read our Complete Guide to Solvang Julefest
13+ Ways to Celebrate Julefest – Solvang Christmas
Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: Solvang, CA
https://solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/
Stay Nearby – ForFriends Inn Bed and Breakfast
Rated 4.9 on Expedia
More places to stay in Solvang
Bookmark our Santa Barbara County Christmas Events Guide
Santa Barbara County offers many things to do between November and January to keep you in the holiday spirit. We hope you’ve found this Santa Barbara County Christmas Events directory helpful and wish you a wonderful winter season. Thanks for visiting our website.
We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Check out more seasonal event guides
Halloween events in Southern California – Bookmark it for next year!
Julefest Christmas in Solvang, California
Celebrate Victorian Christmas in Nevada City, California
