It’s December and there is so much going on in Santa Barbara this time of the year! From holiday markets and parades to wine tours and concerts, there is something for everyone in the American Riviera.
If you still need gift ideas, don’t forget about Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s Gift Certificates! Everyone wants to experience the “Best Kayak Tour” in the nation (yes, we were voted #1 by USA Today’s readers!) or Santa Barbara’s best wine tour (and yes, we were voted #1 Best ‘SB Wine Tour Company’ by The Independent)!
As the year comes to a close, we would like to wish all of our friends and guests a happy and healthy holiday season. Enjoy the events below, cheers!
38th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights
WHEN: Sat, Dec 8th
TIME: 5:30 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
This evening of fun will be capped off by a brief fireworks show. Best viewing locations for the boat parade and fireworks include Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach, and East Beach.
Holiday Wine Tour in Santa Ynez
WHEN: Every day in December
TIME: 10 AM to 5 PM
WHERE: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season in Santa Barbara Wine Country! Experience a festive wine tour featuring cozy tasting rooms, seasonal decor, and the crisp beauty of the vineyards in winter. Make your December extra special with this delightful holiday getaway. — Book Now
7th Annual “A Winter Showcase” by The Grace Fisher Foundation
WHEN: Sat, Dec 7th
TIME: 6 PM
WHERE: Granada Theatre
This premier event is dedicated to promoting the arts and disability inclusion and highlighting the incredible talent in Santa Barbara County. The night will include the premiere of a brand new original composition and short film by Grace Fisher, a highly anticipated moment of the evening. Performers include the Santa Barbara Chamber Players, Jackson Gillies, Will Breman, Music Academy of the West- Sing, Elite Dance Company, and more.
Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
WHEN: Every evening in December
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Winter is the best time of year for sunsets in Santa Barbara due to seasonal weather patterns including offshore winds. These winds keep the coast fog-free and carry medium and high-level clouds across the sky. Join us for a spectacular twilight sky viewing on our very special Sunset Kayak Tour! — Book Now
3rd Annual ZooLights
WHEN: Every day in December
TIME: 4:30-8:30 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Zoo
Walk through the Zoo and enjoy an interactive light exhibit, featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns lit with more than 50,000 LED bulbs showcasing animal and nature scenes representing wild places worldwide.
Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Every day in December
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Yes, it’s true, our Channel Islands kayak tours run year-round! Join us as we explore world-renowned sea caves, giant kelp forests and recreate alongside wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. — Book Now
Very cool. I will have to come back to Santa Barbara to do some of these things. This is time with my family, the last time I was there solo nearly 25 years 🙂