The Holiday Parade Returns
Friday, December 4, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Location: State Street (Sola St. to Cota St.)
The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) is pleased to announce the return of the Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, bringing one of the community's most cherished traditions back to State Street for the first time since 2019.
For generations, the Holiday Parade has welcomed more than 60,000 spectators to downtown Santa Barbara, with families lining the mile-long State Street route to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Its return marks the revival of a beloved tradition that has created lasting memories for generations of residents and visitors while supporting the vitality of downtown during the holidays.
“Bringing the Holiday Parade back is an exciting overdue milestone for our community. This event is about bringing our community together, celebrating the holiday season, and creating an unforgettable experience for residents, visitors, and local businesses alike. We are thrilled to welcome this tradition back to State Street as well as support our downtown business community during the holiday season.”
— Robin Elander, Executive Director of the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association
What to Expect
High-stepping brass and percussion ensembles setting the rhythm for the night.
Spectacular local dance schools and rhythmic gymnasts wowing the crowds.
Glowing, creative arrays and seasonal characters lighting up the corridor.
Are you a local school group, cultural non-profit, dance troupe, marching band, or creative performance ensemble? We want you to help us bring the music, rhythm, and light back to State Street!
Additional details—including this year's parade theme, Grand Marshal, and community participation opportunities—will be announced in the coming weeks. However, you can lock in your interest right now.
The DSBIA is working to raise approximately $150,000 through sponsorships and community partnerships to help underwrite the costs of producing the parade. Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting this community tradition are encouraged to get involved.
Position your brand at the absolute center of Santa Barbara's most anticipated community comeback. To learn more about our sponsorship packages, do not hesitate to contact us.
It takes a village to bring this level of holiday magic alive. If you want to help the DSBIA team behind the scenes with route coordination, parade staging, or event greeting, we want to hear from you.