It’s December and there is so much going on in Santa Barbara this time of the year! From holiday markets and parades to wine tours and concerts, there is something for everyone in the American Riviera.
If you still need gift ideas, don’t forget about Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s Gift Certificates! Everyone wants to experience the “Best Kayak Tour” in the nation (yes, we were voted #1 by USA Today’s readers!) or Santa Barbara’s best wine tour (and yes, we were voted #1 Best ‘SB Wine Tour Company’ by The Independent)!
As the year comes to a close, we would like to wish all of our friends and guests a happy and healthy holiday season. Enjoy the events below, cheers!
Santa Barbara Parade of Lights
WHEN: Sat, Dec 14th
TIME: 2 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Head to the Santa Barbara waterfront for a festive celebration featuring a snowy Winter Wonderland, holiday elves, goodie bags, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy cheerful paddlers, glowing boats along the coast, and a fireworks finale.
Holiday Wine Tour in Santa Ynez
WHEN: Every day in December
TIME: 10 AM to 5 PM
WHERE: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season in Santa Barbara Wine Country! Experience a festive wine tour featuring cozy tasting rooms, seasonal decor, and the crisp beauty of the vineyards in winter. Make your December extra special with this delightful holiday getaway. — Book Now
A Winter Music Showcase
WHEN: Sat, Dec 14th
TIME: 6 PM
WHERE: Granada Theatre
This premier event is dedicated to promoting the arts and disability inclusion and highlighting the incredible talent in Santa Barbara County. The Showcase will feature a wide range of performances — from orchestral works to bands, choirs, dancers, and more — including Jackson Gillies, Will Breman, the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, the Waymarkers, Chris Fossek, and more.
Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
WHEN: Every evening in December
WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor
Winter is the best time of year for sunsets in Santa Barbara due to seasonal weather patterns including offshore winds. These winds keep the coast fog-free and carry medium and high-level clouds across the sky. Join us for a spectacular twilight sky viewing on our very special Sunset Kayak Tour! — Book Now
ZooLights
WHEN: Nov 12th, 2025 to Jan 11th, 2026
TIME: 4:30-8:30 PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Zoo
Walk through the Zoo and enjoy an interactive light exhibit, featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns lit with more than 50,000 LED bulbs showcasing animal and nature scenes representing wild places worldwide.
Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park
WHEN: Every day in December
WHERE: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
Yes, it’s true, our Channel Islands kayak tours run year-round! Join us as we explore world-renowned sea caves, giant kelp forests and recreate alongside wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. — Book Now