The Concierge Edit Spotlight: Festive 2025
A curated look at the most magical happenings on the American Riviera this holiday season — beautifully organized so you can plan the entire month at a glance.
🎄Tree Lightings & Signature Holiday Moments
Paseo Nuevo Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, November 30 | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Festive kickoff on State Street with live entertainment, extended shopping, and the lighting of the Paseo Nuevo Christmas tree.
Stearns Wharf Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 5 | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
The Wharf glows with a 25-foot holiday tree, musical performances, and a cheerful sweater contest (humans + pets).
Merry Miramar
Friday, December 5 | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Rosewood Miramar Beach
A dazzling evening of snowfall, carolers, children’s activities, reindeer encounters, and Santa’s grand arrival. Benefits Toys for Tots SB.
Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party
Saturday, December 6 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
The 1200 block of State Street transforms into a lively holiday block party with food vendors, live entertainment, and the festive State Street tree lighting.
39th Annual Parade of Lights
Sunday, December 14 | 2:00 PM–7:00 PM
A beloved SB tradition with free festivities at the Santa Barbara Harbor.
2–5 PM: “Winter Wonderland” with 10 tons of snow
5–7 PM: Holiday boat parade with fireworks finale
For the best views, experience the Parade of Lights from the water with a cruise on the Double Dolphin | 5:30 PM-7:30 PM | $102 per person
🛍 Holiday Markets & Local Shopping
Sip & Shop Holiday Market at Pali Wine Garden
Saturdays & Sundays | Nov 29–Dec 7 | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Discover unique gifts, handmade goods and holiday treasures while sipping Pali wines in the Funk Zone.
Sip & Stroll Holiday Market at Old Mission Santa Barbara
Friday, December 5 | 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
Enjoy a festive courtyard market with sips from local wineries and breweries, bites to eat and shopping from local artisan vendors at the Mission.
Admission: $50 per person (includes unlimited food and drink while shopping)
The Post Montecito Holiday Fair
Saturday, December 6 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
A festive neighborhood holiday fair featuring a curated holiday market, food pop-ups, seasonal treats, hot cocoa, festive cocktails, and complimentary kids’ activities. A warm, family-friendly gathering ideal for holiday shopping and community spirit.
Presidio Neighborhood Holiday Stroll
Saturday, December 6 | 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Stroll through local wineries, shops, cultural sites and restaurants offering bites, drinks and seasonal specials in the Presidio neighborhood.
Admission: $60 per person
Holiday Boutique at Santa Barbara Tennis Club
Saturday, December 13 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Browse handcrafted gifts, pick up fresh seasonal produce and garden tips, and let kids enjoy baby goats, baked treats and a holiday-themed contest.
🌲 Family Fun Activities
Christmas Patch at Lane Farms
Through Dec 23 | 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, festive photo ops, and warm holiday farm charm.
Santa Barbara ZooLights
Through Jan 11 | 4:30 PM–8:30 PM
A sparkling walk-through holiday light experience at the Zoo, perfect for all ages.
Tickets: $22–$36
Seaside Sock Skating at MOXI
Through Feb 1
Indoor “ice” skating without the cold — kids love it.
Included with museum admission
Breakfast with Santa at Hilton Beachfront Resort
Saturday, December 13 | 7:00 AM–11:00 AM
Meet-and-greet with Santa, kids’ crafts, and a festive holiday breakfast.
Santa’s Village (Part of Parade of Lights)
Sunday, December 14 | 3:00 PM–6:00 PM
Snow play, Santa photos, and family fun at the Harbor before the boat parade.
🍸 Themed Holiday Experiences & Festive Pop-Ups
Miracle at Pearl Social
Through Jan 6
A treasured SB tradition — over-the-top Christmas décor, themed cocktails, and holiday magic.
Reservations highly recommended
Tinsel Tavern at La Paloma
Through Jan 1
Cheerful décor, seasonal drinks, and a joyful holiday bar takeover.
Sippin' Santa at La Arcada
Through Jan 4
Santa has holiday tiki flair with surfboards, reindeer, and rum punch under festive lights in the SB Courthouse Distillery.
Reservations recommended
Nightmare Before Christmas at Shaker Mill
Through Dec 31
A spirited Halloween-meets-Christmas mash-up with themed drinks and décor.
Holiday Cocktails at The Manor Bar
December Evenings
Elegant seasonal cocktails served fireside in Rosewood Miramar Beach's library bar.
Wreath-Making Workshop with Amber Rose
Friday, December 5 | 5:30 PM–6:45 PM
A hands-on, festive workshop creating a custom seasonal wreath at Candle Bar 111 in partnership with Sorelle.
Pricing: $75 per person (all materials are included)
12 Days of Cocktails at SYR's Speakeasy
December 14–25 | 5:00 PM–12:00 AM
A rotating selection of handcrafted festive cocktails in the cozy glow of San Ysidro Ranch.
🎭 Holiday Performances & Cultural Events
Downtown Holiday Sing-Along with the Prime Time Band
Friday, December 12 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
A lively outdoor community event with a 60+ piece band and cheerful holiday tunes set on the steps of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Admission: Complimentary | Reserve a Seat
Nutcracker 50th Anniversary at Santa Barbara Festival Ballet
December 13–14 | Arlington Theatre
A cherished holiday tradition celebrating its 50th year with guest international artists.
Tickets required
Christmas Mariachi Festival at the Lobero Theatre
Saturday, December 13 | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Vibrant holiday celebration with top mariachi musicians.
Tickets required
🎄 Christmas Eve Dining
Tuesday, December 24
The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach
A festive, coastal-inspired brunch crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Pricing: À la carte
Reservations
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Caruso’s
A luxurious, multi-course interpretation of the Italian holiday tradition.
Pricing: $295 per adult | $125 per child (under 4 free)
Reservations
Opal Restaurant & Bar
A cozy, lively holiday dinner featuring a festive menu and warm atmosphere.
Pricing: À la carte
Reservations
The Set at Hilton Beachfront Resort
Seasonal entrées and coastal comforts in a relaxed oceanfront setting.
Pricing: À la carte
Reservations
🎁 Christmas Day Dining
Wednesday, December 25
The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar
A festive 3-course family-style dinner menu in a cozy downtown setting.
Time: Opening at 3:00 PM
Pricing: $95 per person
Reservations
bouchon Santa Barbara
Serving their full seasonal wine country cuisine dinner menu in three-course format, in a charming, intimate dining room.
Time: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Pricing: $125 per person
Reservations
Finch & Fork at The Canary
A festive holiday buffet with carving stations, sides, and desserts.
Time: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
Pricing: $120 per adult | $55 per child
Reservations
The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
A candlelit four-course Christmas dinner at one of Montecito’s most iconic destinations.
Time: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Pricing: $290 per adult | $115 per child
Reservations
The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach
Seasonal Miramar favorites with festive enhancements for both brunch and dinner.
Pricing: $185 per adult | $65 per child
Reservations
Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach
An elevated coastal Italian holiday dinner with refined flavors and oceanfront elegance.
Time: 12:00–Evening
Pricing: $265 per adult | $125 per child
Reservations
Lulio at Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Upscale coastal dining with seasonal specials.
Time: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Pricing: À la carte
Reservations
Terra at The Steward
A warm, abundant holiday buffet with seasonal favorites.
Time: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Pricing: $35–$95 per person
Reservations
🥂 New Year's Eve Celebrations
Wednesday, December 31
New Year’s Eve Champagne Cruise on the Double Dolphin
A celebratory sunset cruise with bottomless champagne and stunning coastline views.
Time: 3:00–5:00 PM
Pricing: $110 per person
Reservations
New Year’s Eve with The Santa Barbara Symphony at the Granada Theatre
A sophisticated musical celebration featuring symphonic favorites, Broadway classics, and a complimentary champagne toast.
Time: 8:30–10:00 PM
Pricing: Starting at $71 per person
Tickets
The Set at Hilton Beachfront Resort
Festive coastal dining with seasonal dishes in a relaxed oceanfront setting.
Time: 3:00–10:00 PM
Pricing: À la carte
Reservations
The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar
A lively, chef-driven 3-course family-style tasting menu in an intimate downtown atmosphere.
Time: Opening at 3:00 PM
Pricing: $115 per person
Reservations
Lulio at Ritz-Carlton Bacara
An elegant Mediterranean-inspired holiday prix-fixe dinner in a refined coastal setting.
Time: 4:00–9:00 PM
Pricing: $165 per adult | $65 per child
Reservations
San Ysidro Ranch Gala
A glamorous Champagne & Caviar Reception followed by a four-course dinner, moving into the Speakeasy to ring in the New Year with style.
Time: 5:00–10:00 PM (dinner), lounge until midnight
Pricing: $500 per person
Reservations
The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach
A five-course New Year’s Eve celebration crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Time: 5:00–9:30 PM
Pricing: $185 per adult
Reservations
Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach
A refined oceanfront evening featuring truffles, caviar, and a luxurious tasting menu.
Time: 5:00–11:00 PM
Pricing: $425 per person
Reservations
Le Bal Cristal at Rosewood Miramar Beach
A glamorous gala with live performances, dancing, and a luxury-infused midnight celebration.
Time: 8:30 PM–1:30 AM
Pricing: $395+ per person
Reservations
Countdown to Midnight in The Manor Bar at Rosewood Miramar Beach
A luxurious fireside celebration with live music, rare spirits, and a refined midnight moment.
Time: Late evening into the New Year
Pricing: Complimentary admission
NYE Kid’s Bash at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara
A family-friendly celebration with games, crafts, a buffet dinner, a movie screening, and a fun kids’ countdown.
Time: 8:30 PM–12:30 AM
Pricing: $183 for children (5–12) | $80 for teens (13–16)
Reservations
NYE ‘O’ Bar & Cigar Lounge Soirée at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara
A lively late-night DJ party with cocktails, party favors, and a festive midnight toast.
Time: 9:30 PM–12:00 AM
Pricing: $85 per person
Reservations
New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Through Downtown Santa Barbara
A multi-venue bar crawl featuring drink specials, DJs, and a vibrant downtown celebration.
Time: Begins at 6:00 PM
Pricing: $46 per person (21+)
Tickets
💌 I’d Love to Hear From You
Whether you’re hosting, dining out, traveling, or simply savoring the season, I’m always here to support you with thoughtful, curated recommendations.
Best,
Harrison
Your private, trusted resource on the American Riviera
Harrison Lifestyle Concierge
📞 +1 805 245 7007
📧 harrison@harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
🌐 www.harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
