65th Annual Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade

Colors of the Season

More than 65,000 spectators line State Street each year in anticipation of Santa Barbara’s only nighttime parade, the Annual Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade! Officially kicking off the holiday season, this signature Downtown Santa Barbara event brings a colossal contingent of high-stepping marching bands, fabulous holiday-themed floats, spectacular performance groups, local personalities, and our soon to be announced Grand Marshal! The Holiday Prince and Fairy, selected from winning artwork best capturing the parade theme, lead the parade and light up the street on their way down the parade route.

When: Friday, December 1^st, 6:30 pm

Where: State Street, from Sola to Cota

This year, we're celebrating the Colors of the Season via the many traditions, holidays, and colors of the Winter season. We are inspired by vibrant colors, kaleidoscopes, rainbows, and anything festively neon or colorful! For more inspiration, check our our style guide HERE. Share your ideas and pictures with our official hashtag #DSBHolidayParade.

Applications are LIVE. Please click HERE to apply for entry in the 65^th Annual Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade.

Deadlines for Application

Early Bird Application Deadline: Friday, September 15^th at 5:00 pm 

Application Deadline: Friday, September 29^th at 5:00 pm

Creative Workshop: Wednesday, October 25^th (5:00-7:00 pm)

Parade Script Deadline: Friday, November 3^rd

Parade Confirmations: Received week of November 13^th  

 

 * Applications MUST include ALL of the following or they will not be accepted:

1. Participant Application

2. Parade Rules initialed on every line and signed at the bottom

3. Parade Hold Harmless Waiver Form

4. Payment

This website will be updated throughout the entirety of parade season, so keep checking back for additional updates!

For more information, please contact Downtown Santa Barbara staff: (805) 962-2098

64^th Annual Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade: Holiday Under the Sea

Photo Credit: Fritz Olenberger