2022 Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Events
In lieu of the 2022 Downtown Holiday Parade this year, and with community safety in mind, Downtown Santa Barbara staff has planned a plethora of intimate holiday offerings!
Festivities kickoff with Small Business Saturday in November, and include a Christmas tree lighting event, 1st Thursday ArtWalk, outdoor market, concerts, and community performances throughout the month of December.
We hope the community will come together to celebrate the holidays in a safe and festive manner.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
All holiday happenings listed below are free and open to the public! All ages welcome.
Small Business Saturday (Saturday, November 26, All day)
Help support local businesses as we kick off the Holiday Season. Join us on Saturday, November 26 (the day after Black Friday), for Small Business Saturday. It’s all about supporting small businesses, helping to boost our local economy, and getting some of your holiday shopping done early! Many local businesses offer special promotions for this nationwide shopping event — come see what goodies you might find. FREE EVENT
1st Thursday ArtWalk (Thursday, December 1, 5:00 - 8:00 PM)
Join us for complimentary art and cultural happenings at participating venues downtown. Enjoy holiday performances and visit one of our many participating venues for entertainment, shopping, and tasty treats! FREE EVENT
State Street Promenade Market (Thursday, December 1)
State Street becomes a bustling market on the 600 Block for this exciting locals’ night. Shop local Santa Barbara businesses, makers, and artisans in a family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, enjoy live entertainment at the Market, and grab a delicious meal from one of the many nearby restaurants. Come join in all the holiday festivities that the market has to offer from letter writing to Santa, special holiday performances, and maybe even a special appearance from Santa Claus himself! FREE EVENT
Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Block Party (Friday, December 2, 6:00 - 9:00 PM)
Join us for a holiday block party on State Street (Sola St. to Victoria St.) and in front of the Arlington Theatre! Enjoy live entertainment, Holiday festivities, and of course the lighting ceremony of the State Street Christmas tree by the Holiday Prince & Fairy. The Christmas tree is generously sponsored by Consumer Fire Products, Inc. to help make State Street holiday festivities even more magical. Santa Claus will be onsite for photos. FREE EVENT
Sign up to participate: Holiday Prince & Fairy application (Coming Soon)
Downtown Live - Holiday Candlelight Concert Series (Wed, November 9, 16, 30 & December 7, 14 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM)
Join us for special holiday performances under candlelight by local music and dance groups performing live on the steps of the historic Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1130 State Street). Bring your folding chairs and snacks or enjoy a beer and an empanada at Mosaic Locale. FREE EVENT
Big Christmas Brass Show (TBD, December)
Enjoy a special holiday performance by Big Christmas Brass Show. Located in beautiful Storke Placita (next to McConnell’s Ice Cream), 700 block of State St. Seating will be provided. FREE EVENT
Holiday Decor Contest (Tuesday, December 13th, 5:00 - 8:00 PM)
Business Owners, feel the winter spirit and help spread holiday cheer around Downtown Santa Barbara by decorating your windows, storefronts, rooftops, and inside your business. Show shoppers your beautiful display and strive to win the Grand Prize! FREE EVENT
Click here to enter! (coming soon)
Is YOUR business hosting a holiday activity or New Years Eve event for the community?
Let us know! Share your special activity, offering, or promotion and we’ll add it to our Downtown Santa Barbara holiday shopping guide, calendar of events, and/or on our social media.
Questions? Want to get involved? Contact us!
Small Business Saturday/Big Christmas Brass Show: Erik@downtownsb.org
1st Thursday ArtWalk/State Street Promenade Market/Holiday Decor Contest: Amy@downtownsb.org
Downtown Live - Holiday Candlelight Concert Series: Molly@downtownsb.org
Christmas Tree Lighting & Block Party: Daniel Ramirez, Daniel@downtownsb.org
Holiday Shopping Guide/Marketing/Social Media/E-newsletter: Tim@downtownsb.org
Sponsorship: Robin Elander, Executive Director, Robin@downtownsb.org
**Sponsorship opportunities are still available!**
Please join us as a sponsor and help make the Downtown Santa Barbara holiday season even more magical!!
Thank you to our 2021 Sponsors!
