- Santa Barbara Spotlight
- Posts
- Issue #008
Issue #008
Celebrate the season with live music, festive markets, and local cheer happening all weekend in Santa Barbara!
Happy Holidays, Santa Barbara!
This weekend is packed with festive cheer. Stop by the Farmer & Flea Holiday Market at El Presidio for live music, wine tastings, and adorable adoptable pets. Over at Hook & Press, donate a toy for a free donut and spread some holiday joy. And if you’re still shopping, the Mosaic Makers Market has unique, handmade gifts perfect for the season.
Scroll for all the details and more ways to celebrate locally!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Farmer & Flea Market Wraps Up 2024 with Live Music and Festive Cheer
The Farmer & The Flea Community Market is closing out 2024 with its Holiday Market on Saturday, December 21st, at the historic El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. The event will celebrate the season from 10 AM to 3 PM with live music, local vendors, wine tastings, and adoptable pets looking for loving homes.
A special highlight of the day will be a performance by the talented father-son duo, Palmer and Bryce Jackson, starting at noon. Palmer Jackson, known as the frontman of Santa Barbara’s legendary Doublewide Kings, recently led the band through a sold-out ‘Next Waltz’ concert at The Granada Theatre in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Symphony, marking the band’s final show of 2024. Now, he and his son Bryce will share their passion for acoustic music and community in an intimate live performance.
In addition to live music, visitors can explore offerings from 70+ local vendors, sip wine, and meet adorable adoptable pets while learning about fostering and volunteering opportunities. Shoppers can find unique gifts, tasty food, and festive vibes, all while enjoying the beautiful setting of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara.
Friends, families, and furry companions are all welcome to celebrate the season together at this heartwarming community event.
Donate a Toy, Get a Donut: Hook & Press Spreads Holiday Cheer
Hook & Press is spreading holiday cheer this season with a Toys for Tots donation drive running now through December 18th. In a sweet gesture of gratitude, participants who donate a new, unwrapped toy (minimum value of $10) will receive a free donut as a thank-you.
Donors can choose from classic cake, vegan, or brioche donuts as a reward for their generosity. The drive encourages giving to children in need, with a special emphasis on toys for tweens and teens, a group often overlooked during holiday donations.
For those seeking the perfect toy to contribute, Hook & Press suggests stopping by The Crafter’s Library next door, a local spot offering creative and crafty toys for kids of all ages. Donations can be handed directly to the cashier at checkout.
Hook & Press invites the community to come together, enjoy a delicious treat, and help make this season a little brighter for children in need.
See Instagram video for more.
Wrap Up Holiday Shopping at Santa Barbara’s Mosaic Makers Market
The final Mosaic Makers Market of the year is set to take place on Saturday, December 21st, and Sunday, December 22nd at Mosaic Locale, 1131 State Street, Santa Barbara, from 11 AM to 4 PM each day. This festive event promises a vibrant atmosphere perfect for last-minute holiday shopping, featuring unique, locally crafted goods.
Shoppers can explore a wide array of offerings from talented artisans, including handmade jewelry, art, clothing, soaps, home goods, pet products, greeting cards, and even local honey.
Adding to the holiday cheer, visitors can enjoy live music performed by Ben Betts and savor tasty bites and drinks from Goodland Waffles & Melts and Draughtsmen Aleworks.
The Mosaic Makers Market is an excellent opportunity to support small businesses, find one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoy the season’s festive spirit. Don’t miss this chance to shop local and wrap up your holiday gift list!
Enjoy a Night of Greek Dance, Cuisine, and Culture at SOhO
SOhO Restaurant & Music Club is set to host an enchanting Mediterranean Nights dinner and dance show on December 17th, 2024, in support of the Alexandra King Ballet: Seraglio. This festive evening will combine delicious food, cultural dance, and community celebration.
The event kicks off at 6:00 PM with a free Greek dance class, giving guests a chance to learn and embrace traditional moves. At 6:30 PM, attendees will enjoy a flavorful Mediterranean buffet featuring a spread of regional cuisine.
The highlight of the night is the dance show, scheduled from 7:30 to 8:30 PM, offering a dazzling performance inspired by Mediterranean culture and ballet. Following the show, guests can take to the dance floor for open dancing from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, making for a lively and interactive celebration.
Hosted at the vibrant SOhO Restaurant & Music Club at 1221 State Street in Santa Barbara, this event promises an unforgettable evening of food, culture, and movement, all while supporting a local ballet production.
EVENTS
Tuesday
Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas | 8:00 PM | Lobero Theatre | $67-$87 | Enjoy holiday classics with comedy and music featuring Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, and The Tony Guerrero Quintet.
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes | 7:30 PM | Arlington Theatre | Price Varies | A festive holiday show blending jazz, classical, and pop with songs in multiple languages.
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
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.
Lotería Night | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Institution Ale Co, 516 State Street | Free | Play Mexican Bingo! All ages welcome; 21+ to win prizes. Six rounds, six chances to win.
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.
Home Alone Trivia | 7:00 PM | Captain Fatty’s (Goleta) | Free | Test your knowledge, win prizes, and enjoy brews with friends!
Thursday
Winter Candle Making Workshop | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Canary Hotel | $50 | Create a scented holiday candle with guidance, plus enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine.
MUNI Mega Mall | Every Thursday until Xmas, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Municipal Winemakers, Santa Barbara | Shop local makers, enjoy food by Rascals Vegan, and live music in the wine garden.
Friday
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
Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show | December 21-22, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Cabrillo Boulevard | Free | Explore local artisans’ creative works along the waterfront from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez.
The Christmas Revels: The Ghosts of Haddon Hall | December 21, 7:30 PM & December 22, 2:30 PM | Lobero Theatre | $20-$80 | Celebrate Winter Solstice with music, dance, and stories in a spirited holiday tradition.
The Nutcracker | December 21, 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM; December 22, 2:00 PM | Granada Theatre | Price Varies | State Street Ballet’s magical holiday classic with live orchestra, professional dancers, and young performers.
LET IT GLOW Winter Solstice | 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | 500-700 Block of State Street | Free | A lighted costume party with live music, food, drinks, art projections, and glowing winter festivities.
Captain Fatty's Ugly Xmas Sweater Party | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Captain Fatty's Beer Garden, 739 State Street | Wear your ugliest sweater and enjoy beer, a local DJ, and festive vibes!
Sunday
Holiday 5K Run | 9:00 AM | Peppermint Parlor, Paseo Nuevo | Join the Santa Barbara Run Club for a festive community 5K run through downtown.
LIVE MUSIC & DANCE
Wednesday
A Christmas Tradition with Shawn Thies & Friends | 7:30 PM | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State Street | Enjoy Americana, World, and Jazz sounds in a festive holiday celebration.
The Little Bar Holiday Special | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St | Enjoy seasonal cocktails in a vintage-inspired, intimate setting—perfect for toasting the holiday season. Ages 21+.
Thursday
K-LITE Listener's Holiday Party | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club | Free | Enjoy holiday trivia, sing-alongs, DJ Scott Topper, prizes, and photos with Santa. Bring a toy for Unity Shoppe!
IV'iza Island w/ Jiggy, Juggan & JMP | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St | Free Before 11 PM | Dance all night to sexy beats with 2-for-1 Happy Hour drinks until 11 PM. Ages 21+.
Friday
Alastair Greene Band | 9:00 PM | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club | Ages 21+ | Guitar virtuoso Alastair Greene delivers blues rock mastery, featuring tracks from his latest album Standing Out Loud. Doors at 7:30 PM.
Perreolandia Vs Y2K | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St | Celebrate the holidays with Latin EDM and throwback hits across two music rooms. Ages 21+.
Trap The Halls: A Christmas Showcase | 9:00 PM - 1:30 AM | Backstage on State | Ages 21+ | Featuring DJs Valdeez, Son of Ed, HMMY, D.I.G, and Danny Welch. Bangers, fast beats, and holiday vibes!
Saturday
Invasión Latina | 8:30 PM | ME Sabor Dance Studio | Ages 21+ | Dance to Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, and more with two dance floors, a full bar, and outdoor patio. Salsa class at 9 PM!
Chance Makers | 7:00 PM | The Brewhouse, Santa Barbara | The boys are back with live music—don’t miss this Saturday night!
Holiday Pop-Up with Special Guest | December 21, 2024 | 9:00 PM | EOS Lounge, 500 Anacapa St | Free with RSVP or canned food donation | Ugly sweater canned food drive featuring DJs Shilo, Beard & Stache, X&Z, Aiden Roth, and a special guest. Ages 21+.
PASEO NUEVO HOLIDAY EVENTS
Mistletoe Mall | Every Weekend Until Christmas | De La Guerra Place | Free | Shop local vendors and discover unique holiday gifts at these festive markets.
Holiday Cheer Live Music | Saturdays, November 30 - December 21, 2024 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Paseo Nuevo | Free | Enjoy live holiday music every Saturday throughout the season.
Let It Snow! | Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in December | 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Center Court, Paseo Nuevo | Free | Experience magical snowfall every weekend in December.
Letters to Santa | Ongoing | Peppermint Parlor, Paseo Nuevo | Free | Write and send letters to Santa through USPS Operation Santa and spread holiday joy.
Selfies with Santa | Sundays, December 8, 15, 22, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Peppermint Parlor, Paseo Nuevo | Free | Snap festive selfies with Santa in your best holiday attire.
Gift Wrapping Hosted by Life Chronicles | December 21-23, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM; December 24, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Peppermint Parlor | Donations Benefit Life Chronicles | Get your gifts wrapped while supporting a local nonprofit.
Learn More About Events Here (link)
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
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)
Thank you for reading Santa Barbara Spotlight today! If you enjoyed it, please share it with someone who might appreciate it too.
I love hearing from you! If there's anything you'd like to see more or less of, please reply to this email and let me know.
How Did We Do On This Week's Issue? |
Was this email shared with you? Sign up here
Want to advertise to over 2,700 locals? Reply to this email.