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Santa Barbara in December: Complete Holiday Travel Guide

Group of people posing happily in a vineyard, one holding a wine bottle.

December Weather in Santa Barbara

December is the best season for you that brings a crisp yet inviting charm to Santa Barbara. With weather in Santa Barbara in December, highs around 62°F (17°C) and lows near 47°F (9°C). 

It is some of the best times to enjoy the cool but mild climate compared to much of the U.S. Sunshine is steady, rain is rare, and light layers are all you need.

December in Santa Barbara is just right for festive outings, weather offers time for candle lit dinners, soulful markets, and a vineyard journey through Sustainable Wine Tours, highlighting local, sustainable winemaking.

Holiday Events and Celebrations

Santa Barbara’s itinerary is filled with festive traditions:

  • Santa Barbara Parade of Lights – The time of the year where holiday decorated boats light up the harbor. You can reserve a waterfront restaurant table for the best scenic view with pleasant evenings with family and featuring snow, children’s activities, and a visit from Santa Claus.

  • Holiday Parade – it is a traditional side which you cannot miss. For nearly 65 years, the downtown street parade has welcomed the season with dazzling floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus.

  • La Arcada Christmas Walk – A charming evening of carolers, holiday shopping, and photo ops with Santa at this historic, fountain-filled plaza.

Live Entertainment and Performances

Live places to visit in Santa Barbara in December stages shine during December:

  • Lobero Theatre hosts shows like Rudolph, The JOHNNYSWIM Christmas Show, and Jane Lynch’s holiday performance.

  • Granada Theatre offers concerts like Hip to the Holidays and The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Christmas Rocks! Tour, mixing jazz, rock, and holiday classics.

Family-Friendly Activities

For families, Santa Barbara offers unique and traditional seasonal fun:

  • Christmas Tree Shopping – Pick out a Noble or Douglas Fir at Lane Farms.

  • Seaside Sock Skating – Slip and slide atop MOXI Museum’s rooftop sock skating rink (eco-friendly and fun for kids).

  • Ice in Paradise – An indoor rink in nearby Goleta with skating lessons, hockey, and holiday ice shows.

Holiday Shopping

December markets make gift shopping a delight:

  • Mindful Holiday Market at El Encanto blends sustainable shopping with Riviera views.

  • Pop-Up Markets across the city showcase local makers, from artisan foods to handcrafted goods.

Holiday Light Displays

Santa Barbara transforms into a wonderland of lights:

  • Trolley of Lights – A guided tour through neighborhoods’ most spectacular displays.

  • Miracle on East Quinientos Street – A dazzling private home display famous for its brightness and festive detail.

Community Celebrations

Smaller community events bring cozy holiday vibes:

  • Goleta Holiday Parade – A small-town celebration with floats, bands, and dance troupes.

  • Winter Music Showcase – Local talent fills the ARTS District with seasonal music.

Why Visit Santa Barbara in December

Group of people seated at a dining table holding wine glasses, with a colorful poster in the background.

There are a lot of things to do in Santa Barbara in December which is ideal for visitors:

  • Santa Barbara shines with festive spirit all December long:
  • Parade of Lights – Boats glitter across the harbor in a magical holiday tradition.
  • Downtown Holiday Parade – Floats, bands, and Santa bring 60+ years of cheer.
  • La Arcada Christmas Walk – Carolers and lights fill this historic shopping plaza.
  • Lobero & Granada Theatres – Seasonal shows, concerts, and holiday classics.
  • Goleta Holiday Parade – A cozy, small-town-style community celebration.
  • Winter Music Showcase – Local musicians spread festive sounds downtown.
  • Holiday Light Tours – Trolley rides and dazzling neighborhood displays.

Six women smiling and holding wine glasses around a wooden table in an elegant room.

Between the lively parades and cozy performances,visitors can balance the holiday buzz with a relaxing wine country escape through private wine tours. 

Enjoy intimate tastings, and learn the stories behind family-owned wineries, a perfect way to round out your Santa Barbara holiday experience with one-of-a-kind incredible access to private vineyards and estates in a group wine tour of Santa Barbara. 

Suggested 3-Day Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 – Classic Santa Barbara & Lights

  • Morning: Walk Stearns Wharf, explore the harbor.

  • Afternoon: Shop at La Arcada Plaza and enjoy holiday carolers.

  • Evening: Watch the Santa Barbara Parade of Lights or take the Trolley of Lights tour.

Day 2 – Culture, Family Fun & Wine Country

  • Morning: Visit MOXI Museum (kids can sock-skate on the rooftop).

  • Afternoon: Tour the Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Garden.

  • Evening: Adults can add a wine country escape — with guided tastings at boutique vineyards and vineyard walks in the Santa Ynez Valley. Families may prefer a holiday show at the Lobero or Granada Theatre.

Day 3 – Wine & Coastal Adventure

  • Morning: Hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains with crisp December air.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Funk Zone for wine tasting or explore a private countryside vineyard for a more curated experience.

  • Evening: Stroll downtown, catch the Holiday Parade, or see neighborhood light displays.

Conclusion

December brings the best time of the month of the year featuring a blend of mild weather, festivities, traditional and cultural performances and most importantly family activities into one memorable holiday experience. 

With endless seasonal events, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the American Riviera by adding wine country experience that brings another layer of charm,  quiet vineyard visits, conversations with winemakers, and eco-friendly practices that align beautifully with the season of giving. 

It’s the perfect pairing of holiday magic and wine country elegance, making December in Santa Barbara truly unforgettable.

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