Eager for holiday fun in Santa Barbara? Dive into our guide for the best festive events! Locals and travelers, get ready to explore the holiday magic of Santa Barbara with our ultimate guide.
Popular Events: Step into a winter wonderland at the Solvang Julefest, where Danish traditions meet holiday cheer through charming decorations and festive activities. Experience the enchanting atmosphere of the Santa Ana Winter Village, known for its dazzling light displays and seasonal market. And the Santa Ana Winter Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a spectacular array of illuminated installations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Santa Barbara
- Solvang Julefest (Solvang)
- Santa Ana Winter Village (Santa Ana)
- Santa Ana Winter Lights (Santa Ana)
- Festival of Winter (Fontana)
- Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico (Rancho Cucamonga)
See these and even more events listed below!
Santa Barbara Holiday Markets and Shopping
Solvang Julefest
What to Expect:
City-wide hunt for mischievous Solvang Nisser.
Description:
Solvang Julefest is a month-long holiday celebration featuring lights, events, and holiday cheer. It includes the Solvang Tree Lighting Ceremony, Julefest Parade, Makers Market, and daily Light & Music Show. Visitors can enjoy family fun, seasonal music, holiday shopping, culinary delights, and wine. The event also features a city-wide hunt for the mischievous Solvang Nisser and visits with Santa in Solvang Park.
Where: Solvang | More Info: Solvang Julefest
Santa Barbara Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Rich cultural tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions.
Description:
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande present Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, a vibrant show weaving cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season. The event features the joyous rhythms of mariachi and colorful Mexican dance, capturing the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Santa Barbara Other Holiday Activities
Santa Ana Winter Village
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with ice skating and festive activities.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long event featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and more. It includes special events like a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, and a toy giveaway.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village
Santa Ana Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating and holiday light show in Southern California.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long celebration featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and special events like a toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Lights
Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and festive activities for all ages.
Description:
The Festival of Winter at Miller Park features train rides, rides and attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It also includes snow play and the chance to sled down over 40 tons of fresh snow.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Festival of Winter
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Goleta (7 miles)
- Isla Vista (9 miles)
- Ventura (25 miles)
- Oxnard (34 miles)
- Port Hueneme (34 miles)
- Santa Paula (37 miles)
- Camarillo (40 miles)