Although Santa Barbara’s fantastic climate can often trick us into thinking summer is a year-round affair, the holiday season has arrived, whether we’re ready or not! Fortunately, Santa Barbara is packed with great holiday activities for people of all ages this time of year, and we have highlighted some of the area’s best events and activities:
Zoo Lights
WHEN: Open Wed-Sun in November. ZooLights will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays (except 11/22) and Thanksgiving Day
TIME: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Zoo
See the Zoo in a whole new light at the first-ever ZooLights! Enjoy this immersive holiday experience featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs.
Thanksgiving 4-Miler 2022
WHEN: Thanksgiving Day (11/24)
WHERE: Magnolia Shopping Center
Come out and enjoy the 24th annual running of the original Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler. The flat and fast course stands apart from many of the local run courses with a start along Hollister Avenue to Turnpike leading to a stretch along the bike path and then winding through neighborhood streets to the finish at Thunderbird Park (on Walnut Avenue – just off Hollister Avenue).
Online registration closes at 6:00 AM Thursday, November 24th. Feel free to show up on race day to join us! The race starts at 9:05am.
Santa Ynez Wine Tour
WHEN: Every Day in November from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Thanksgiving)
Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley.
Join us for a wine tour during this beautiful and festive time of year! — Book Now
Moxi Thanksgiving Camp
WHEN: November 21st & 23rd
WHERE: The Moxi
Enjoy a Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Dinner
WHEN: Thanksgiving Day
Visit Santa Barbara has compiled a list of where to get a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in town here.
Stroll the Botanical Gardens
WHEN: 10 am to 5 pm
WHERE: Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens
Stroll the beautiful gardens with your family. They have many fun events throughout November!
