The Holiday Parade Returns
Friday, December 4, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Location: State Street, concluding at Ortega Street
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 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.
The Presenting Sponsor of this year’s holiday parade is Consumer Fire Products, Inc. (CFPI). Their continued partnership is instrumental in bringing back this community staple. A longtime supporter of downtown holiday festivities, this is also CFPI’s 13th year donating the State Street Christmas tree that will stand at the 1300 block of State Street.
Additional sponsors of the parade include: Major Sponsor, Yardi Systems, and Parade Sponsor, Visit Santa Barbara.
“We at CFPI are thrilled to return as the Presenting Sponsor of the 68th Annual Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade. After a six-year hiatus, the community has been waiting in anticipation for this special holiday tradition. We look forward to lighting up Santa Barbara’s holiday season with the State Street Christmas Tree and presenting this beloved parade once again. It's a joyful time of year, and we're grateful for the opportunity to support our community.”
— Irene Rhodes, owner and CEO of Consumer Fire Products, Inc.
“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!
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.
Presenting Sponsor
Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
The parade takes place on Friday, December 4, 2026, starting promptly at 6:30 PM.
The procession kicks off in front of the Arlington Theatre and travels down State Street, concluding at Ortega Street. Full staging block and start line details will be announced closer to the event.
Applications can be submitted online via our Parade Registration Form. Space is strictly limited per city permits and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Entry Fee ($275) & Application Due: Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Announcer Script Due: Friday, November 13, 2026
Motorized vehicles, floats, and golf carts are strictly prohibited. Non-motorized, human-powered equipment (such as decorated wagons, push-carts, or bicycles) may be used. Sound systems must stay under 50 decibels.
Entry coordinators will check in at their assigned staging zone. Registered coordinators will receive complete packet instructions, including check-in times, numbered stations, and disband instructions the week of November 16.