The Concierge Edit
November's Gatherings, Gratitude, and the First Spark of the Holidays
As autumn deepens across the American Riviera, November invites us to gather close, be cozy, and celebrate good company — whether around a candlelit table, at a favorite restaurant, or on a weekend retreat to the valley. From Thanksgiving inspiration to local events and travel ideas, here’s your guide to making this month a little more effortless and a lot more memorable.
📅 October Highlights
Saturday, November 1 – Thursday, November 6
Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival → at The New Vic Theatre
A thoughtful selection of international films celebrating Jewish culture and storytelling.
Sunday, November 2
Godmothers Gather: Brené Brown → at Godmothers Bookstore
An evening of courage, connection, and wholehearted storytelling.
**Daylight Saving Time Ends — we fall back an hour!**
Tuesday, November 4
ZZ Top: The Elevation Tour → at the Santa Barbara Bowl
Classic rock icons close out the Bowl’s fall season in legendary fashion.
Friday, November 7 – Sunday, November 9
Santa Barbara Half Marathon & Funk Zone Festival
A weekend of fitness and fun featuring live music, local brews, and the best of downtown energy.
Saturday, November 8 – Sunday, November 9
The Great Gatsby Ballet → at the Granada Theatre
A dazzling, jazz-age reinterpretation of Fitzgerald’s classic by State Street Ballet.
Wednesday, November 12
Godmothers Gather: Nate Berkus & Oprah Winfrey → at Godmothers Bookstore
A special conversation celebrating design, creativity, and purposeful living.
Wednesday, November 12 and onward
ZooLights → at the Santa Barbara Zoo
A holiday-ready lightscape spectacular, perfect for families and date nights alike.
Saturday, November 15
Godmothers Gather: Laura Lynn Jackson → at Godmothers Bookstore
A fascinating discussion with the renowned intuitive and author of Signs.
Monday, November 17
Godmothers Gather: Mary Morris & Leslie Zemeckis → at Godmothers Bookstore
A lively conversation on writing, memory, and creative transformation.
View All Godmothers Events →
Tuesday, November 18
Samantha Fish + Robert Jon & The Wreck → at the Lobero Theatre
A soulful night of blues and rock in one of California’s most intimate venues.
Friday, November 21 – Sunday, November 23
Santa Barbara Antique Decorative Arts & Vintage Show → at the Earl Warren Showgrounds
A treasure trove of timeless finds and inspired home accents.
🎄 Holiday Pop-Up Season Begins
Holiday pop-ups open mid-November with three over-the-top holiday themed bar experiences, each offering festive cocktails, twinkling décor, and plenty of holiday cheer. Reservations are now available for mid November through January dates!
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Miracle at Pearl Social → November 13 – January 6
The beloved Christmas cocktail bar returns with extravagant décor, themed glassware, and playful twists on classic holiday drinks.
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Sippin’ Santa at La Arcada → November 18 – January 4
A tropical holiday pop-up with tiki flair — think surfboards, reindeer, and rum punch under twinkle lights.
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Tinsel Tavern at La Paloma → November 20 – January 1
A glittering celebration in downtown Santa Barbara, decked out in silver and gold with festive cocktails and cozy holiday vibes.
🗓️ Important Dates
Sunday, November 2 — Daylight Saving Time ends and we fall back an hour
**Note: Europe will have already changed back on Sunday, October 26.
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Thursday, November 27 — Thanksgiving Day
✨ Holiday Entertaining & Hosting
Thanksgiving is a season built on connection, and Santa Barbara makes it easy to host beautifully.
Tablescape & Décor Inspiration
When it comes to elevating your holiday table, I always turn to Williams Sonoma for inspiration. (Fun fact: as a teenager, I worked in the back as a gift wrapper — so yes, I’m biased!) Their seasonal linens, dinnerware, and serving pieces make even simple settings feel special. Add local touches — olive branches, citrus, or dried herbs — to bring in Santa Barbara’s natural elegance.
I can also assist in coordinating floral arrangements for your home and dining table, tailored to your color palette, aesthetic, and guest experience.
Host & Hostess Gifts
We’re fortunate to have global award-winning olive oils grown right here in Santa Barbara County — try Luretík Olive Oil or Global Gardens. Pair a bottle with a linen tea towel, or include one in a curated gift basket from Santa Barbara Company filled with regional favorites like artisanal honey, sea salt caramels, and candles.
Pre-Order Favorites
If you prefer to stay in or just lessen the load of cooking, a few local favorites make it easy to add something special:
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Shalhoob’s → Order your locally raised holiday turkey or premium cuts for roasting.
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Helena Avenue Bakery → "Everything But The Turkey" Order freshly baked rolls, sides, and pies to round out your meal.
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Rori’s Artisanal Creamery → Cinnamon Pumpkin Holiday Pie and Maple Pecan Holiday Pie are delicious options for a delightful ice cream twist on classic pies.
👩💼 Concierge Support for the Holidays
Allow me to make arrangements, help plan, coordinate, and generally make these gatherings more joyful for everyone. A few ideas to consider:
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Creating local itineraries, securing dining reservations, or wine-tasting adventures for the long weekend.
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Private chefs, servers, bartenders, and housekeeping before or after the holiday.
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Elegant host gifts curated and delivered to your door.
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Food donation coordination to ensure leftovers are shared safely, not wasted.
Remember that it will all happen again throughout December, and I can handle it all again so you can focus on the joy in your world and spreading cheer. When you need to plan out your wardrobe for festive holiday parties, intimate gatherings, and fabulous nights dancing into the next day or New Year, I can be there to strategize and consult. Glass of bubbly in your hand seems appropriate while planning for these occasions!
In the meantime, have you finalized your holiday card list and sent designs to print? Holiday stamps are already available for those ahead of schedule! (USPS Holiday Postage →)
🚙 Travel Inspiration: Ojai for an Easy Getaway
If you’re tempted to trade in the coastline for a change of scenery, Ojai makes for an idyllic Autumn getaway.
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Stay: The iconic Ojai Valley Inn → unwind with spa treatments, golf, and golden-hour strolls under oak trees. Or Try Something New at Hotel El Roblar.
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Dine: The Duchess — a modern Burmese-Californian restaurant beloved for its warmth and inventive flavors. Another new option to try: reserve a table at The Rochers at The Ranch House → for a romantic garden dinner.
I can help secure preferred rates, exclusive amenities, and special touches to make your escape extra special.
🦃 Spotlight Preview: Thanksgiving Tables & Tastes
This month’s Concierge Edit Spotlight is devoted entirely to Thanksgiving dining in Santa Barbara — from the grand tables of The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch and the oh so many options at Rosewood Miramar Beach to cozy local favorites like Black Sheep, Bouchon, and Finch & Fork.
You’ll also find resources for pre-order holiday items from local favorites such as Helena Avenue Bakery and Shalhoob’s, along with sommelier wine recommendations from Santa Barbara’s best vineyards and boutique importers.
✨ Visit the full Spotlight for an evolving list of local menus, pricing, and Thanksgiving offerings as restaurants release their final details.
💌 I’d Love to Hear From You
What’s on your Thanksgiving table — or your travel calendar?
Whether you’re planning to host, escape, or simply unwind, I’d love to make your holiday season even better.
Best,
Harrison
Your private, trusted resource on the American Riviera
Harrison Lifestyle Concierge
📞 +1 805 245 7007
📧 harrison@harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
🌐 www.harrisonlifestyleconcierge.com
