Hey Santa Barbara! Get ready for a weekend of festive fun and holiday magic! The 38th Annual Parade of Lights is setting sail this Sunday, December 8th, with a sparkling boat parade and fireworks finale. Don't miss the Sip & Stroll Market on December 6th for wine, gifts, and holiday cheer at Old Mission Santa Barbara.

We’ve got a roundup of local events, from comedy nights to tree lightings, to help you make the most of this merry week.

Keep reading for the best spots to watch the parade, catch live music, and soak in the holiday spirit!

Local Businesses: Our community is booming! Reach over 2,300 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

Santa Barbara’s 38th Parade of Lights Brings Festive Fun and Fireworks

The 38th Annual Parade of Lights in Santa Barbara on December 8th features a day of holiday festivities, including Winter Wonderland at 3:00 p.m., a human-powered lights competition at 3:30 p.m., a holiday tree lighting at 5:00 p.m., and the dazzling Boat Parade at 5:30 p.m., capped off with fireworks. Key viewing spots include Stearns Wharf or local cruises for an unforgettable experience.

Kick Off the Holidays at the Annual Sip & Stroll Market

The annual Sip & Stroll holiday market returns on December 6th, 2024, at Old Mission Santa Barbara's St. Francis Courtyard from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This festive event features beer and wine tastings, a curated selection of handcrafted goods from local artisans, and delicious food—all included in the admission price. Guests can enjoy shopping for unique gifts, mingling with the community, and soaking in the holiday spirit at this cherished Santa Barbara tradition. Buy tickets (link)

Bettina Celebrates Six Years of Community, Food, and Growth in Santa Barbara

Bettina in Santa Barbara celebrates its sixth anniversary with gratitude for community support and team dedication. Owners Brendan and Bettina, originally from NYC, reflect on their journey and growth in the area. They also announce the upcoming opening of Tina's Pizza in Carpinteria.

Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting Brings Festive Cheer This Friday

The holiday spirit is about to come alive as the Annual Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting returns this Friday, December 6, from 5 to 7 PM. The event promises an evening full of festive cheer, featuring appearances by Santa Claus, live music, holiday performances, and creative wreath-making activities. Guests can soak up the seasonal atmosphere and enjoy the community celebration at the 1300 block of State Street, right in front of the Arlington Theatre. Don’t miss this heartwarming kickoff to the holiday season!

Happy Cat Eats Adds Asian Fusion Flair to Santa Barbara's Waterfront

Happy Cat Eats, a new addition to Santa Barbara's waterfront dining scene, combines casual beachside vibes with a creative menu packed with Asian-inspired flavors. From sushi sandos and Wagyu burgers to vegan-friendly Dole Whip, the eatery offers something for everyone at affordable prices—all with stunning ocean views. Read More (link)

EVENTS

Tuesday, December 3rd

The Polar Express Screening | 6:00 PM | Granada Theatre, 1214 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | $5 | Enjoy this holiday classic, plus a special talk with producer Steve Starkey. Part of the Granada Centennial series. 🎥🚂🎄

Holiday Spirits | 5:30–8:30 PM | Lobero Theatre Patio, 33 E. Canon Perdido | Festive fun with live music, food, and drinks! Tickets: Click here.

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, December 4th

Live Jazz Nights | Every Wednesday | 6:30–9 PM | The Lion's Tale Bar, Montecito Inn, 1295 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108 | Enjoy @sbjazzcollective's swanky jazz trio in a chic setting. 🎷

La Arcada Annual Christmas Walk | 5:00–8:00 PM | La Arcada Plaza | Free | Enjoy caroling, photos with Santa, holiday fun, and a magical snowfall!

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.

General Trivia | 7:00 PM | Captain Fatty’s (Goleta) | Free | Test your knowledge, win prizes, and enjoy brews with friends!

Thursday, December 5th

First Thursday: Winter Otherland | 5–8 PM | Art & Soul, 116 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA | Fine art, live music, portrait sessions, holiday treats, and enchanting decor in the Funk Zone. 🎨✨

Dorrance Dance: The Nutcracker Suite | 7:30 PM | Granada Theatre, 1214 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Tickets Vary (link) | Tap and jazz meet Tchaikovsky in this vibrant reimagining with live music. Pre-show festivities 5–7 PM. 🎄🎶

Christmas Comedy Show | 7:30 PM | The Red Piano VIP Backstage, 519 State St, Santa Barbara | Tickets via SBComedyClub.com | Laugh with MC Those Klein Boyz and a hilarious lineup!

Repeal Day Celebration | Evening | The Good Lion, 1212 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | Enjoy classic cocktails, live jazz by @sbjazzcollective, and revelry marking Prohibition's repeal. 🍸

Xmas Party: Canadian Christmas | 5–8 PM | Idyll Mercantile, 703 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Sip, shop, dance to Hi-Jams Duo, and enjoy festive Canadian vibes! 🎄🍻🎶

Friday, December 6th

Stand-Up Comedy Night | Doors 7:00 PM, Show 7:30 PM | La Fonda Café | $15 | Laugh with headliner Leigh Cummings and a hilarious lineup hosted by Lauren Kruszyna!

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​

Lights, Love & Community | 5:00–8:00 PM | 889 Camino Del Sur | Free | Isla Vista Rec & Park District hosts live music, gingerbread houses, and delicious food!

Friday Night Laughs Christmas Special | 7:30 PM | Java Station, 4447 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara | Tickets via JavaComedy.com | Hilarious comedy sets by Luis Moro, Jessica Winter, and Keith Graber!

Saturday, December 7th

A Winter Music Showcase | 6:00 PM | Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA | Tickets Vary | Celebrate inclusion and creativity with diverse performances, plus a new composition and film premiere by Grace Fisher. 🎶

Holiday Workout with 805 Beach Fitness | 10:00 AM | East Beach, near volleyball courts, 1118 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA | $25 (2-for-1 deal) (link) | Energizing 60-minute workout, music, coffee, and ocean views. Bring a friend for free! 🏖️💪🎄

Candle Bar 111 Grand Opening | Time TBD | 111 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | Experience elevated candle-pouring while supporting local at this unique new space! Follow their Instagram for more

Holiday Concert: Santa Barbara Strummers | 2:00–4:00 PM | Plaza del Mar Band Shell, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Sing along to holiday favorites at this family-friendly outdoor event. ❄️✨

Brazilian Cultural Arts Holiday Party | 7–10 PM | 5370 Hollister Ave, Suite 2, Goleta, CA | Potluck, gift exchange, and holiday cheer for all ages. Bring a dish to share! 🎄✨

Sunday, December 8th

Final Clean-Up of 2024 | 9–11 AM | East Beach, by the Skate Park, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Join us to wrap up the year with an impactful community beach clean-up! 🌍✨

Parallel Stories: Why Empathy Matters | 2:30–4:30 PM | SBMA, Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | $0–$15 | Artist Dario Robleto and author Emily Rapp Black discuss love, memory, and the golden record. 🖤✨

Become A Santa Barbara Spotlight Sponsor

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LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Thursday, December 5th

40 oz. to Freedom: Sublime Tribute Band | 8:30 PM | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | $18 at the door | Enjoy live performances of Sublime's greatest hits. 🎸🎤

DJ Fuckoff | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | New Zealand-born DJ brings high-energy beats to the dance floor. 21+ event. 🎧🔥

21 Thursdays @ Backstage | 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Backstage Kitchen & Bar, 409 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | College night with country pop line dancing, DJs, and a mechanical bull every Thursday.

Friday, December 6th

TVLI Album Release Party | 7:30–11:55 PM | Kiva, 1117 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | $25 | Celebrate TVLI’s debut album with deep/melodic house beats in an intimate downtown venue. Limited tickets available. 🎶✨

Jackroy, Justin Vihauer & Patrick Loda | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Dance the night away with high-energy performances. 21+ event. 🎶🔥

Saturday, December 7th

Regularfantasy w/ Special Guest Biata | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA | Free | Enjoy a night of cutting-edge beats with Regularfantasy and Biata. 21+ event. 🎧✨

Sunday, December 8th

Jazz Jams with Woody Demarco, Hank Allen & Craig Thatcher | 1–3 PM | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | Tickets at door | Enjoy a lively afternoon of jazz. Doors open at 12:30 PM. 🎷✨

Raw Silk with Leslie Lembo | 6:30 PM | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara, CA | $15 | Enjoy soulful live music with Leslie Lembo. Dinner reservations available with show tickets. 🎶✨

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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