Santa Barbara invites everyone to celebrate Christmas in California style. We’ve collected the best Christmas lights in Santa Barbara to help you decide your next holiday destination. Take your loved ones and get ready to walk down the festive streets while enjoying the sparkles of the night sky.
Annual Parade of Lights (December 10, 2023)
If you are a boat parade lover, this Santa Barbara Christmas lights event has all the chances to steal your heart. Being by far one of the season’s stand-outs, the Parade of Lights gathers many locals and tourists to watch over 20 festively decked-out boats around Santa Barbara Harbor. The event begins at 3 pm on the City Pier, and the parade starts its journey at 5:30 pm sailing the Santa Barbara Coastline. In the end, there is a 5-minute fireworks display that sparkles the night sky, which helps you get into the holiday spirit.
Santa Barbara Trolley of Light (December 8–21, 2023)
Another way to make this Christmas season unforgettable is to book a seat on a festively decorated trolley, heading through Santa Barbara’s most festive neighborhoods. The Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights tour started in 1999 and quickly became one of the most favorite family traditions. 8-10 trolleys run each night for 14 days to help you immerse yourself in this holiday atmosphere. The general admission price is $29.50.
Santa Barbara Christmas Light Tour (December 2023, unconfirmed)
Santa Barbara resident Harley Hahn started publishing a free, self-guided holiday light tour (see External Resources) in 2009 and continues to help people find the best Christmas lights in Santa Barbara. This tour starts at State and Carrillo streets, including Santa Barbara’s tree light display in front of Ralphs on West Carrillo Street, downtown Santa Barbara, the Westside area, and nearby neighborhoods. If you have time to watch only one spot, head to the area near Las Positas Road and Veronica Springs Road. It has two remarkable displays on Veronica Springs Lane and in front of Hillside House. If you have more time and don’t want to rush, you can enjoy the whole route, which can take you about an hour.
Snow N' Glow Ventura Harbor (late November–late December, 2023, unconfirmed)
Ventura Harbor is one of the most colorful and breathtaking coastal destinations near Santa Barbara. This ocean-inspired holiday display tantalizes people of all ages, featuring thousands of twinkling seaside lights and the popular SEAson’s Greetings sign. In addition to lights viewing, you can enjoy shopping and spoiling yourself to delicious sweet treats, all hand-made daily! Grab a cup of hot chocolate and let yourself get lost among hundreds of lights.
