The Concierge Edit
Festive Season on the American Riviera
December arrives wrapped in its own kind of magic — twinkling lights, spirited gatherings, cherished traditions, and those gentle pauses that invite us to reflect on the year behind us. Whether your month ahead is filled with elegant soirées, cozy nights in, family celebrations, or quiet moments of gratitude, I’m here to help you enjoy the season with grace, ease, and a touch of festive sparkle.
This month’s edition highlights hosting inspiration, holiday giving opportunities, important festive dates to remember, as well as The Concierge Edit Spotlight: December Festive Guide — your comprehensive roundup of Santa Barbara’s holiday markets, tree lightings, performances, dining, and New Year’s happenings.
Here’s to a beautiful, joy-filled December on the American Riviera.
📅 Events & Happenings
Santa Barbara is overflowing with festive events this month — from tree lightings and family activities to themed cocktail lounges, holiday markets, and seasonal dining. To make planning a little more effortless, I’ve gathered everything into a dedicated special edition:
✨ View The Concierge Edit Spotlight: December Festive Guide →
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This comprehensive guide includes:
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Tree lightings & signature holiday moments
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Holiday markets & seasonal shopping
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Family activities & kids’ events
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Themed bars & festive pop-ups
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Holiday dinners & special menus
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Cultural performances
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New Year’s Eve celebrations
🌟 Important Dates to Note
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Tuesday, December 2 — Giving Tuesday
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Sunday, December 7 — Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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Sunday, December 14 – Monday, December 22 — Hanukkah
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Sunday, December 21 — Winter Solstice
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Wednesday, December 24 — Christmas Eve
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Thursday, December 25 — Christmas Day
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Friday, December 26 – Thursday, January 1 — Kwanzaa
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Wednesday, December 31 — New Year’s Eve
🏡 Hosting & Entertaining
December is one of the most beautiful times to open your home — whether for an intimate dinner, fireside cocktails, or a festive gathering.
HLC members are invited to enjoy a full suite of holiday hosting services, thoughtfully curated to ensure a merry and joyful occasion:
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Tablescapes & Florals — winter greenery, candlelight, and refined décor
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Private Staffing — chefs, servers, bartenders, and service support
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Welcome Gifts — for overnight guests and visiting family
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Pre- & Post-Event Home Services — cleaning, stocking, rentals, décor
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In-Home Experiences — wine tastings, mixology, baking & cooking classes
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Custom Itineraries — for out-of-town guests (wine country, cultural stops, coastal highlights)
Whether you’re envisioning a cozy gathering or a polished holiday soirée, I’d love to help bring it to life.
✈️ Travel & Wanderlust
Many members choose to stay close to home in December — but if your month includes holiday travel, I’m here to coordinate flights, hotel stays, ground transportation, and thoughtful, personalized itineraries.
For those staying local, I can also secure:
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Holiday dining
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Spa appointments
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Fireside lounges
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Seasonal experiences at SB & Montecito favorites
🎁 Holiday Giving
This season is a meaningful time to support local organizations doing incredible work in our community. Here are just a few wonderful places to give back:
CASA of Santa Barbara County
Mission: CASA provides trained volunteer advocates for children in the foster care system, ensuring every child has a voice and a safe, stable, and nurturing home. Their work supports some of the most vulnerable youth in our community, offering consistency, encouragement, and trusted guidance during difficult transitions.
How to Help:
Hope Through the Holidays — A gift of $250 ensures a foster child is supported throughout the month of December by a dedicated and highly trained CASA volunteer.
Sponsor a Christmas Wish List — With a gift of $150, you provide a personalized Christmas gift for a local foster child. Each year CASA distributes more than 500 gifts, ensuring every child feels seen and celebrated.
All-In Advocacy — An investment of $3,000 provides comprehensive advocacy for a child for an entire year, including:
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A trained and supported CASA volunteer
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A personalized Christmas gift
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A celebrated birthday
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A consistent voice in court and in care
Donors are matched with a child (with details protected for confidentiality) and receive quarterly updates, offering a meaningful connection to the impact of their support.
Website: sbcasa.org
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
Mission: The Foodbank works to eliminate hunger throughout Santa Barbara County by distributing nutritious food, fresh produce, and educational programming to children, seniors, and families. Their mission is rooted in ensuring that every member of our community has reliable access to nourishing meals.
How to Help: You can donate funds — which stretch significantly thanks to their distribution network — or contribute non-perishable food items at local drives. Volunteers are also welcomed for sorting, packing, and delivering food during the busy holiday season.
Website: foodbanksbc.org
Santa Barbara Humane
Mission: Santa Barbara Humane provides compassionate animal care, sheltering, and veterinary services to pets and families across the county. Their mission centers on keeping pets safe, healthy, and connected to loving homes whenever possible.
How to Help: You can sponsor a pet’s stay, contribute to medical and emergency treatment funds, or donate supplies such as blankets, enrichment toys, and food. Adoption is another powerful way to make a lasting impact.
Website: sbhumane.org
The Salvation Army – Santa Barbara Corps
Mission: The Salvation Army supports individuals and families facing hardship through a wide range of programs, including food pantries, shelter support, and year-round community assistance. Their holiday-focused initiatives help ensure that families experience warmth, dignity, and hope throughout the season.
How to Help: Support their Angel Tree program by sponsoring gifts for local children, donate goods or funds, or volunteer during the holidays for toy sorting, food distribution, or community outreach.
Website: salvationarmyusa.org
Unity Shoppe
Mission: Unity Shoppe empowers families in crisis by offering essential goods — groceries, clothing, and home items — in a dignified “shopping-style” experience. Their mission centers on preserving stability and independence, especially during the holiday season when needs are highest.
How to Help: You can donate toys, household essentials, or food items, all of which directly support local families. Volunteering at the Community Toy Shop is another meaningful way to help families choose holiday gifts with joy and dignity.
Website: unityshoppe.org
💌 I’d Love to Hear From You
As we close the final chapter of the year, I’d love to hear from you:
What tradition or festive moment brings you the most joy in December?
And how can I help make the season feel even more meaningful for you or your loved ones?
Wishing you peace, connection, beauty, and warmth this holiday season.
Best,
Harrison
Your private, trusted resource on the American Riviera
Harrison Lifestyle Concierge
📞 +1 805 245 7007
📧 harrison@harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
🌐 www.harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
