🚨 Breaking news: We've just crossed the 2,000 subscriber milestone, growing faster than the holiday spirit spreads in Santa Barbara! As our community expands, so do the incredible experiences we bring to light—like the magical Paseo Nuevo Tree Lighting and the enchanting ZooLights at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

From sock skating at MOXI to festive concerts and soul-warming dining experiences, we're your insider's guide to the most exciting moments in town. Curious what magic awaits? Keep reading to discover the can't-miss events that make Santa Barbara shine this winter...

Local Businesses: Our community is booming! Reach over 2,000 engaged Santa Barbara locals at our lowest possible rates. Want to get in before we unwrap our next 1,000 subscribers? Contact our sales team today and light up your holiday advertising!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Shadows of Nihonmachi: Santa Barbara's Lost Japanese Community

In the heart of Santa Barbara, a forgotten Japantown once thrived—a vibrant community of Japanese immigrants who built lives, businesses, and dreams before being torn apart by World War II. Discover the powerful story of resilience, cultural preservation, and hope, as descendants of the Issei and Nisei continue to honor their ancestors' legacy and keep their memories alive. Read More (link)

Santa Barbara's Tastiest Secrets Revealed: Your 2025 Restaurant Guide Starts Here!

I'm putting together the 2025 Santa Barbara restaurant guide, and I need YOUR help! What are the hidden gems, the long-standing favorites, and the can't-miss dining spots that make our local food scene so incredible?

Whether it's that perfect family-owned taqueria, a cozy wine country restaurant, or the breakfast spot that always saves your morning, I want to hear about it. Hit reply and share your absolute favorite restaurant in town, what makes it so special, and a must-try dish from their menu.

Local recommendations from passionate food lovers like you will make this guide truly awesome. Can't wait to discover the spots that make Santa Barbara's dining scene so unique!

Paseo Nuevo’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Lights Up December 1

The holiday season comes alive this Sunday, December 1, 2024, with the highly anticipated Tree Lighting Ceremony at Paseo Nuevo. From 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, guests can immerse themselves in a magical evening of festive fun under the stars, complete with a touch of snowfall to enhance the holiday spirit.

Hosted by Mayor Randy Rowse, the event will take place between Center Court and De La Guerra Place, providing the perfect setting for this cherished community tradition. The festivities begin at 5:30 PM, with the grand tree lighting serving as the evening's centerpiece.

Adding to the festivities, DJ Darla Bea will energize the crowd with lively music, and Santa Claus will make a special appearance, spreading joy and delight to attendees of all ages. Families and friends are encouraged to gather around the brilliantly lit tree to celebrate the start of the holiday season together.

Slide into Winter Fun: Sock Skating Now Open at MOXI

MOXI’s rooftop now features Seaside Sock Skating, a seasonal attraction offering the thrill of skating on a specialty tile floor without ice or chill. Open through January 20, the exhibit is included with museum admission. Visitors need only bring socks—cotton or natural fibers work best—to participate. Socks are also available for purchase on-site. The exhibit may close during rainy weather. Learn More (link)

EVENTS

Tuesday, November 26th

CLUE | 7:30 PM | 11/26 & 11/27| The Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA | $25+ | A thrilling, laugh-out-loud whodunit based on the classic movie and board game. Runtime: 90 minutes, no intermission.

General Trivia | 6:30–8:30 PM | Third Window Brewing | Free | Test your knowledge, win prizes, and enjoy brews with friends!

Sunset Sessions | 5:00 - 8:00 PM | Dusk Bar, 524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Weekly live music, drinks, and sunset vibes every Tuesday at Dusk Bar.

Trivia Night @ Draughtsman Aleworks | Weekly on Tuesdays | 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Draughtsman Aleworks, 53 Santa Felicia Dr, Goleta, CA | Free | Enjoy trivia with prizes, food vendors, and team fun.

Head Games Trivia Night | Weekly on Tuesdays | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co, 137 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Join for multimedia trivia fun, prizes, and team competition in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

Wednesday, November 27th

The Hansen Family Songfest | 7:00 PM | SOhO, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Enjoy live music from SOhO friends and The Hansen Family Band. Dinner reservations recommended: call (805) 962-7776. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

L'Antica's Pizza Making Class - Santa Barbara | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele Taverna and Cafe, 1031 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | $66.82 | Hands-on pizza-making class with optional wine pairing and take-home kit.

Head Games Trivia Night | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Longoria On State, 732 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Live multimedia trivia with prizes. Teams up to 6. Arrive early for best seats.

Thankful TOGETHER - Soul Food Dinner | 5:00–9:00 PM | Isla Vista Community Center, CA | $20+ | Enjoy soul food, games, karaoke, art, and community celebration led by Chef Guidance Moon.

Thursday, November 28th

Thanksgiving Celebration | 3:00–8:00 PM | Mar Monte Hotel, Santa Barbara, CA | $110 adults, $35 kids | Enjoy a three-course Thanksgiving feast with ocean views by Chef Sean Conway.

Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet | 12:00-7:00 PM | Finch & Fork, Santa Barbara, CA | $120 adults, $55 kids | Enjoy a gourmet buffet featuring seasonal dishes, a raw bar, carving stations, and decadent desserts. Drinks not included.

Friday, November 29th

Bingo After Dark - B.A.D. Friday | 9:00 PM | The Cruisery | Free | Join Bear Cave Productions for a lively comedy bingo night featuring cash prizes, gift cards, surprise performances, and themed activities. Perfect for a fun evening out with friends​

Saturday, November 30th

Dinner with Strangers: College Edition | 7:00–10:00 PM | Secret Venue, Santa Barbara, CA | $20 | Meet new people over dinner, curated for spontaneity and connection. Restaurant details provided upon registration.

Mistletoe Mall | 12:00–6:00 PM | Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Shop unique holiday gifts from local vendors at Streets of Vintage Flea Market. Celebrate Small Business Saturday!

Holiday Cheer Live Music | 4:00–6:00 PM | Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Enjoy festive live music in Center Court near Captain Fatty's Winter Beer Garden every Saturday before Christmas!

Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show | 11/30 & 12/1 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Explore fine art and crafts by 150 local artists and artisans during this special holiday weekend event.

You Should Be Dancing | 7:30–9:30 PM | The Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA | $35+ | Experience the Bee Gees' timeless hits performed live with soaring falsettos and captivating visuals. Don't miss this disco-filled night!

Sunday, December 1st

Tree Lighting Ceremony | 5:00–8:00 PM | Paseo Nuevo | Free | Celebrate with live music, snow, Santa, and an after-party!

Selfies with Santa | 6:00–8:00 PM | Peppermint Parlor, Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Snap selfies with Santa in a festive setting during the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Fun for the whole family!

Pajama Beats & Brunch | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Finch & Fork, Santa Barbara, CA | $50+ | Enjoy DJ Darla Bea's beats, endless mimosas, farm-to-table bites, and a Winter Chalet photo kiosk. Pajamas enter you in a prize drawing!

Stow House First Sunday Concert | 2:00–4:00 PM | Rancho La Patera & Stow House, Goleta, CA | Free | Enjoy live music by The Chaps featuring swing, bluegrass, folk, and rock. Bring a picnic and relax on the lawn!

Become A Santa Barbara Spotlight Sponsor

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LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Friday, November 29th

Funk it Up with Area 51! | 8:30 PM | SOhO, Santa Barbara, CA | $25+ | Dance to the funky beats of Area 51, featuring world-class musicians. Ages 21+. Dinner reservations: (805) 962-7776.

Beau Red | 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM | SEVEN Bar & Kitchen, 235 West Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Live music and vibrant atmosphere!

Saturday, November 30th

THE CURE vs THE SMITHS vs DEPECHE MODE DJ Night | 9:30 PM | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, Santa Barbara, CA | $15+ | Groove to iconic hits at this 21+ DJ event. Doors open at 9:00 PM.

Sunday, December 1st

Glen Phillips with Chris Beland | 7:30 PM | SOhO, Santa Barbara, CA | $25+ | Celebrate SOhO's 30th anniversary with Glen Phillips' introspective acoustic melodies. Doors open at 6:30 PM. All ages welcome.

Experience the Magic of ZooLights at the Santa Barbara Zoo This Holiday Season

The Santa Barbara Zoo's annual ZooLights event runs from November 13, 2024, to January 12, 2025, offering nightly displays of handcrafted lanterns illuminated by over 50,000 LED lights. Ticket prices vary from $21 to $35, with discounts for children, members, and groups. Parking costs $11 per vehicle, free for zoo members. Get More Information (link)

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