Best Santa Barbara County Christmas Events To Enjoy The 2026 Season

Last Updated October 3, 2026. We check dates against official event organizers whenever possible. Events without confirmed 2026 dates are marked TBD.

Looking for the best Christmas events in Santa Barbara County in 2026? From holiday parades and sparkling light displays to Christmas markets, Santa visits, and seasonal performances, the county offers festive celebrations throughout.

This year’s highlights include the return of the Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade on December 4, Solvang’s month-long Julefest, and Christmas celebrations in Santa Maria, Goleta, Lompoc, and the Santa Ynez Valley.

Use our guide to discover events, find confirmed dates, and plan your holiday outings. We’ve checked schedules against event organizers and clearly identified attractions still awaiting their 2026 announcements.

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.

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Christmas Events Buellton

Buellton Winter Fest

Celebrate the season at Buellton Winter Fest, a full day of family-friendly holiday activities in the Santa Ynez Valley. The festivities begin with a ticketed Breakfast with Santa at the Buellton Recreation Center, followed later in the day by a free Holiday Village at River View Park featuring local vendors, live entertainment, food and drinks, and 20 tons of snow for some wintry fun on the Central Coast.

The celebration continues into the evening with the community Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. New for 2026, the City of Buellton is also adding a holiday drone show, with hundreds of drones creating festive designs in the night sky. The Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden’s Holiday Lights Festival takes place at River View Park the same evening as a separate ticketed attraction.

Date: December 6, 2026, approximately 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Location: Buellton Recreation Center and River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton, CA
Website: Discover Buellton – Buellton Winter Fest

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 Is Scheduled To Return in 2027
Website: www.ACowboyChristmas.com

Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Holiday Lights Festival

Experience the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden after dark during its annual Holiday Lights Festival in Buellton. The garden is transformed into an immersive holiday display where visitors can stroll through a maze of colorful lights and the Enchanted Garden.

The all-ages festival also features falling snow, photos with Santa, Christmas carolers on select nights, food and merchant vendors, and beer and wine for adults. The event offers a distinctly different way to enjoy the holidays in the Santa Ynez Valley while supporting the nonprofit Botanic Garden.

Date: December 2026 — exact dates to be announced
Location: Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden at River View Park, 151 Sycamore Drive, Buellton, CA 93427
Website: Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Holiday Lights Festival

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 5, 2026
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 Old Town 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, entertainment is abundant along Hollister Avenue. The parade showcases the holiday spirit and brings the community together in the heart of Old Town Goleta. 

Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Free
Location: Old Town Goleta
Parade Route: Hollister Avenue from Orange to Kinman
Website: https://goletaholidayparade.org/

Christmas Events Lompoc

Lompoc Valley Children’s Christmas Season Parade

Celebrate the season at the Lompoc Valley Children’s Christmas Season Parade, a longtime community holiday tradition featuring festive floats, local organizations, and plenty of Christmas spirit in downtown Lompoc.

After the parade, visitors can continue the celebration at Centennial Square with the lighting of the community Christmas tree, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from Santa. The event is family-friendly and free to attend.

Date: December 4, 2026, 6–8:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Lompoc, followed by festivities at Centennial Square
Website: Lompoc Valley Annual Children’s Christmas Season Parade

Christmas Events Los Olivos

Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas

Visit nearby Los Olivos to join in the celebration of Olde Fashioned Christmas. This rain-or-shine event features holiday lights, Christmas shopping, snow, roasted walnuts, and hot cocoa.  Kids can decorate cookies, and you can take 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 caramelized marshmallow aroma.

Live music runs 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 5, 2026, 2 pm – 7 pm – rain or shine

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 27, 2026
Time: 10 am – 8 pm (Reduced hours of 10 a.m.–6 p.m. from December 19–23)
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 11 2026: The Milk Carton Kids — Lost Cause Lover Fool Holiday Tour
December 12, 2026: Tina Schlieske & Friends — A Holiday Get Together
December 19-20, 2026: The Christmas Revels: A Victorian Celebration of the Winter Solstice
December 22, 2026: An Irish Christmas

Location: Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara
Website: Lobero Theater

Santa Barbara: Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade

The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association announced that the holiday parade will return to State Street for the first time since 2019.

Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Route: State Street, from Sola Street to Cota Street
Website: Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade

Arlington Nutcracker: Santa Barbara Festival Ballet

Celebrate the holiday season with Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker at the historic Arlington Theatre. Now in its 51st year, this Santa Barbara holiday tradition brings Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet to life with elaborate sets, a live symphony orchestra, local dancers, and internationally recognized guest artists.

The 2026 production features Misa Kuranaga of San Francisco Ballet, Angelo Greco of Houston Ballet, and Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis of Dance Theatre of Harlem. Audiences can follow Clara into the magical world of dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Land of Sweets in a production designed for the entire family.

Date: December 12, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; December 13, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Arlington Theatre, 1317 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website: Santa Barbara Festival Ballet

Santa Barbara – Parade of Lights

The annual event brings back one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved holiday traditions. Start in the late morning with a visit to 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.

The best viewing locations for the boat parade and fireworks include Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach, and East Beach.

Dates: December 13, 2026
Time: Festivities begin at 2 PM, Fireworks at 7 PM
Location: Santa Barbara Harbor
Admission: Free
Website: Santa Barbara Parade of Lights

Santa Barbara – Rudolph

Celebrate the season with Rudolph, a family-friendly holiday ballet presented by State Street Ballet Academy and State Street Ballet Young Dancers at the historic Lobero Theatre. This festive production brings the beloved story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to the stage through dance, colorful costumes, and holiday music as Rudolph sets out on an adventure, makes new friends, and ultimately helps save Christmas. With its familiar story and young performers, Rudolph makes a charming seasonal outing for families visiting Santa Barbara during the holidays.

Dates: December 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.; December 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website: Lobero Theatre – Rudolph 2026

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: Returning winter 2026–2027; exact dates TBA
Admission: Included with MOXI admission
Location: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

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 cuated 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: 2026 announcement pending
Location: Old Mission Santa Barbara
Website: Santa Barbara Sip & Stroll

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 13, 2026: A Winter Music Showcase
December 18-20, 2026: The Nutcracker presented by State Street Ballet

Location: Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara
Website:
Granada Theater Events

Santa Barbara – Una Noche de Las Posadas

Experience one of Santa Barbara’s most distinctive holiday traditions during Una Noche de Las Posadas, presented by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. The annual candlelit procession recreates Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging and reflects a Christmas tradition still celebrated throughout Latin America.

The evening begins at the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, where participants gather before processing through the streets while singing traditional Spanish-language carols. The procession concludes at Casa de la Guerra, where the community comes together for food, music, and a festive evening market.

Date: December 11, 2026, 7–10 p.m.
Location: El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, 123 E. Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, with the procession ending at Casa de la Guerra
Website: Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation – Una Noche de Las Posadas

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: 2026 Dates Pending
Location: 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
https://www.sbzoo.org/zoolights/

Christmas Events Santa Maria

Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights

The Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights brings illuminated floats, marching bands, community groups, and holiday displays to Broadway for one of Santa Barbara County’s largest traditional Christmas parades. Presented by the Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria and Nipomo, the event celebrates the holiday season and the spirit of giving throughout the community.

The parade travels along Broadway, with the route running between Enos Road and Main Street. Broadway closes to traffic beginning at 4 p.m., so visitors should arrive early and expect street closures throughout the surrounding area. The parade is held rain or shine.

Date: December 5, 2026 at 5:20 p.m.
Location: Broadway, Santa Maria, CA — between Enos Road and Main Street
Website: Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights

Santa Maria Community Christmas Tree Lighting

Kick off the holiday season at the Santa Maria Community Christmas Tree Lighting, a free annual celebration held at the City Hall Courtyard. Families can gather for an evening of holiday music, festive treats, and a visit from Santa before the community Christmas tree is illuminated for the season.

The 2026 celebration will feature Santa, holiday waffles, and music, making it an easy family-friendly addition to a holiday visit to Santa Maria. The event takes place the evening before the Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy two major community Christmas traditions on the same weekend.

Date: December 4, 2026, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Santa Maria City Hall Courtyard, corner of Cook Street and Broadway (Highway 135), Santa Maria, CA
Admission: Free
Website: City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks

Christmas Events Solvang

Solvang – Julefest

Solvang brings together Santa’s village, a Julefest Parade, a Maker’s Market, a Nativity pageant, a tree-lighting ceremony, food tours, candlelight tours, and 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 Julefest website to see the full schedule of events.

Read our Complete Guide to Solvang Julefest
13+ Ways to Celebrate Julefest – Solvang Christmas

Dates: November 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Location: Solvang, CA
https://solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/

Stay Nearby –  ForFriends Inn Bed and Breakfast
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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.

Julie & Art

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

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