There’s something magical about December in Santa Barbara. While much of the country bundles up against winter storms, we’re enjoying calm winter waters, festive evenings on State Street, and holiday traditions that feel distinctly coastal. This is the season when Santa Barbara holidays shine—where winter events meet year-round outdoor living.
Embrace Our Winter Waters
December brings one of Santa Barbara’s best-kept secrets: seasonally light winds and glass-like ocean conditions that make this the ideal time for paddle boarding in Santa Barbara during winter. The Santa Barbara Channel becomes a front-row seat to migrating whales and playful dolphins, with visibility so clear you can often spot leopard sharks gliding beneath your board.
Winter light sharpens the views of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, making Santa Barbara sailing and paddle boarding especially memorable this time of year. For equipment, lessons, and local expertise, connect with SB Sailing, a trusted local outfitter for experiencing the channel at its best:
https://www.sbsailing.com
Where Wonder Meets Wildlife
One of the most beloved Santa Barbara winter events is ZooLights at the Santa Barbara Zoo, running each evening through January 11th. Thousands of illuminated displays transform the zoo into a festive holiday experience that blends wildlife, creativity, and seasonal magic.
Arrive early to catch sunset views from the zoo’s hilltop perch before the lights come alive—an experience that feels uniquely Santa Barbara and perfect for families looking to create meaningful holiday traditions.
Learn more about ZooLights Santa Barbara here:
https://www.sbzoo.org/zoolights/
Classic Elegance on State Street
For timeless holiday tradition, nothing compares to the Nutcracker in Santa Barbara, performed annually by State Street Ballet at the historic Granada Theatre Santa Barbara. This is more than a performance—it’s a multi-generational ritual for locals who savor dressing up and making an evening of it.
The Granada’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture sets an elegant tone, while the energy along State Street adds to the festive atmosphere before curtain call.
Event and ticket information:
https://www.granadasb.org
https://www.stateballetsb.org
Find Your Winter Rhythm
For those craving classic seasonal fun, ice skating in Santa Barbara delivers unexpected joy. Ice in Paradise Santa Barbara offers open skating sessions throughout December, creating a delightful contrast to our coastal climate.
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Saturdays: 1:30–4:30 PM
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Sundays: 1:30–3:30 PM
There’s something charmingly offbeat about ice skating just minutes from the beach—one of the many reasons it’s become a favorite local tradition.
Open skating schedule:
https://www.iceinparadise.org
Feast Like a Local
The Feast of Seven Fishes in Santa Barbara is a celebration of our coastal abundance, with seasonal seafood taking center stage. Fresh Dungeness crab, oysters from up the coast, and local spiny lobster define holiday tables across the city.
For sourcing the best seafood, locals turn to the Santa Barbara Fish Market, known for pristine quality and its highly sought-after pre-order cioppino—making holiday hosting effortless and exceptional.
Pre-orders and market details:
https://www.sbfishmarket.com
The Perfect Vantage Point
If you want to experience the Santa Barbara Parade of Lights like a local, skip the parking stress and head to Stearns Wharf between 3–8 PM. Walking or biking in allows you to enjoy the festivities without the crowds, while offering unobstructed views of illuminated boats cruising the harbor.
With holiday treats, Santa sightings, and the Santa Barbara coastline as your backdrop, Stearns Wharf holiday events provide one of the best viewing experiences in town.
Event information:
https://www.harborlightsparade.org
https://stearnswharf.org
Living the Season Well
These traditions reflect what makes living in Santa Barbara so special during the holidays: the balance of natural beauty and cultural richness, sophistication without pretension, and a lifestyle shaped by our environment rather than constrained by it.
This is the holiday season Santa Barbara locals cherish—morning paddles with dolphins, evening walks beneath palm trees wrapped in lights, and festive meals centered around the day’s freshest catch. It’s not about recreating another place’s winter wonderland, but embracing our own version of seasonal magic on the California Coast.
For more insider perspectives on Santa Barbara lifestyle, neighborhoods, and coastal living, explore our local guides at:
https://www.SearchingSantaBarbara.com
