Santa Barbara is celebrating this winter season with a variety of holiday events. Whether attending a local festivity or volunteering for community organizations, there are many ways to get into the holiday spirit in town.

First off, there are numerous community gatherings this year that provide engaging holiday experiences at little to no cost: 

Lane Farms Christmas Patch – now to December 23, 10 a.m to 8 p.m.

Visit this local farm to purchase a Christmas tree, navigate the corn maze, pet adorable farm animals, and pick up fresh produce for holiday baking. Admission is free.

A Crimson Holiday – now to December 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday through Saturday), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)

Browse through a collection of local artisan holiday gifts including candles, clothing, and jewelry. This charming seasonal store is located in La Cumbre Plaza. The shop is hosting their “Celebrate The Season of Giving” event on December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m., with over 40 free raffle gifts.

38th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights – December 8, 5:30 p.m.

Join a vibrant crowd at our coastline for a festive boat parade and waterfront firework display. The best spots for viewing this dazzling light show are Stearns Wharf, the Breakwater, West Beach, and East Beach. Admission is free.

Movie Nights at The Steward – December 13, 19, and 20, 6 p.m.

Cozy up on the garden lawn at Goleta’s The Steward hotel for community showings of classic holiday movies. Watch The Grinch on December 13 and Home Alone on December 19 and 20. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the movies start at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

The First Night of Hanukkah at El Encanto – December 26, 5 p.m to 7:30 p.m.

Share an evening of storytelling, traditional songs, and prayer and bring a menorah to light at the beautiful El Encanto Hotel in the Riviera. Complimentary latkes will be provided, with options including apricot preserves and smoked salmon. Admission is free, with a reservation required on the El Encanto website.

Rudolph from the State Street Ballet Academy – December 7 at 6:30 p.m., December 8 at 2 p.m.

Enjoy a dance adaptation of the classic story Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. The performance will take place at the Lobero Theatre, featuring the local Cold Spring School Choir and Laudate Choir. Tickets cost $25 for students.

The Nutcracker from the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet – December 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and December 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s 49th anniversary production of this timeless tale, in which Clara is gifted a doll on Christmas Eve and embarks on an exciting journey. The performance is at the historic Arlington Theatre. Admission is $60 for students, but group sales of 12 people cost $25 per person.

The Nutcracker from State Street Ballet – December 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and December 22 at 2 p.m.

Attend this magical production of The Nutcracker with a dazzling set at the Granada Theatre. This performance brings holiday joy to all ages, as professional dancers collaborate with young ballet students from State Street Ballet Academy. Admission is $24 for students with ID. 

Perhaps the most rewarding way to celebrate the holidays is by giving back to our community through charity work. Both on and off campus, there are many festive volunteer opportunities available in Santa Barbara:

Mr. Dodson’s Canned Food Drive

Join SBHS teacher William Dodson in collecting food donations for Unity Shoppe, a non-profit providing food to Santa Barbara families. For the last two weeks before winter break, bring canned goods to school and find Mr. Dodson in the main hall dressed as Santa Claus. Some teachers even offer extra credit for donating, and there is typically a prize for the teacher who collects the most cans. “Every year we [donate] more than 10 to 15 times any other school,” says Dodson. “I love getting dressed up as Santa Claus in the main hall and blasting terrible Christmas music.”

The Mental Health Awareness Club’s Holiday Wellness Kits

Join the SBHS Mental Health Awareness Club in creating “Wellness Kits” for members of PathPoint, a local homeless shelter. The kits contain items like hygiene essentials, cozy socks, and holiday sweets, which will be placed under the shelter’s Christmas tree. For more information on donating items, contact Lexi Horton at [email protected].

Toys for Tots

This U.S. Marine Corps program collects toys, books, and games for economically-disadvantaged children each winter season. Help spread holiday joy by donating new, unwrapped toys to any of the following Fire Departments: Gaviota, Goleta, Isla Vista, Mission Canyon, and Santa Barbara. December 20th is the last collection date.

Image courtesy of William Dodson