The Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara’s Staff and Board of Directors is pleased to share our series of holiday happenings: Downtown Santa Barbara: “Season of Cheer”.
Please join us and mark your calendars for one or more of these happenings in November and December. All activities are free unless noted.
This year’s event series is presented by Consumer Fire Products, Inc (CFPI). A longtime supporter of Downtown Santa Barbara’s holiday events, they have sponsored the Holiday Parade, Christmas Tree installation and other Holiday activations for the past 9 years. “We are thrilled to partner with Downtown SB for yet another year of fun holiday events,” said Irene Rhodes, CEO of CFPI. “Giving back to the community brings us a lot of joy, and we can’t wait to see people young and old take part in this year’s celebrations. CFPI wishes everybody a wonderful holiday season!" Montecito Bank and Trust is a supporting sponsor.
Our Season of Cheer festivities kick off with a free Candlelight Concert Series each Wednesday, November 9 - December 14 (with the exception of Nov. 23rd). Enjoy live entertainment surrounded by holiday candles on the steps of the historic Santa Barbara Museum of Art from 5-7 pm. Grab a delicious meal from one of the many nearby restaurants or a beverage at Mosaic Locale (Draughtsmen Aleworks, Old Town Coffee, Buena Onda Empanadas). Take $2 off beer and wine from 5 pm until close, $1 off orders of 3 empanadas or more! Dress warmly. Free seating will be provided. Full concert details available here.
The Season of Cheer series continues with additional activations including a Friendsgiving Rock the Block: block party Thursday, November 17, 5-8 PM on the 700 and 800 blocks of State Street. Enjoy live music, performances, arts & crafts, themed photo ops. Youth ages 6-10 may also participate in the annual Prince & Fairy Art Contest. The winners of the Prince & Fairy Art Contest will get the privilege of lighting the annual Christmas Tree at the December 2 Tree Lighting Ceremony. (more details below). All Rock the Block events are free and open to the entire community.
The 1st Thursday Art Walk will be hosting an open-air Holiday Market as well as over 20+ business and gallery venues with live music, art, and wine on December 1, 5-8 PM. Free and open to the entire community.
The following day, Friday, December 2 from 5-8 PM we will host a Christmas Tree Lighting & Block Party: “Winter Wonderland”; on the 1300 Block of State Street (near the Arlington Theatre) including a Santa meet and greet, live music with DJ Darla Bea, performances by San Marcos High School Band and more. Free and open to the entire community. The Christmas Tree is once again donated from Consumer Fire Products, Inc and sourced from a sustainable farm in Oregon.
Don’t miss some of the final celebrations of the season including a Downtown Community Holiday Mixer at Broad Street Oyster Company (418 State Street) on Monday, December 13, 5:30-7:30 PM. The $25 ticket price includes a drink and appetizers.
Saturday, December 17, 12-3 pm enjoy a free Big Brass Tuba Christmas concert in Storke Placita (between 722-724 State Street) and the Youth Makers Market on that same block.
Holiday lights and décor will be up from thanksgiving through January 1. Stay tuned for our Shop Local holiday gift guide for unique gifts for all the special people in your life.
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
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Rock the Block: Winter Wonderland Block Party & Christmas Tree Lighting (Friday, December 2, 5:00 - 8:00 PM)
Celebrate Season of Cheer with this year's Rock the Block: Winter Wonderland block party and Christmas Tree Lighting on State Street (Sola St. to Victoria St.) in front of the Arlington Theatre! Enjoy live entertainment, holiday festivities, photos with Santa Claus, and the joyous lighting ceremony of the State Street Christmas tree by the Holiday Prince & Fairy. A very cheerful thank you to the Presenting Sponsor of "Season of Cheer" Consumer Fire Products, Inc.
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 (Saturday, December 17th, 12:00 - 2:00 PM)
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 (Saturday, December 17th, 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!!
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