At Haller Coastal Homes, we believe in the power of creating cherished, lifelong holiday memories. And what better way to do that than by spending the holidays on the California coast? Join us on a festive journey filled with the warm glow of twinkling lights, the joyous sounds of the holidays, and the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the crisp ocean air. Get ready to explore the best that Santa Barbara has to offer, ensuring that your Christmas memories will sparkle brightly for years to come.
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without the twinkling of millions of lights. And the Santa Barbara area has an abundance of places where you can take in the sights and sounds of the season. Let’s start at the Santa Barbara Zoo for their annual Zoolights event! Running Nov 14 through Jan 14, 2024 (4:30pm-8:30pm daily) you’ll experience the zoo like never before, as it features thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns lit with more than 50,000 LED bulbs. Walk through the interactive light exhibits and spend the whole evening soaking up the holiday spirit!
Or hit the streets aboard the Santa Barbara Trolley for their Trolley of Lights Tour. A huge favorite of both locals and folks from all over the country, this tour sells out quickly each year…..so don’t delay and buy your tickets today. You’ll cruise in style during this 90-minute excursion among the festive lights of Santa Barbara…hot cider included!
Want a spectacular light show that is uniquely Santa Barbara? Check out the Harbor Parade of Lights. For 36 years, this event has been warming the hearts of onlookers and never disappoints. You can view best from Stearns Wharf, West Beach, East Beach and more. It’s an amazing boat parade and features fireworks too! Our West Beach Villa 3 is the perfect property nearby. With its historic past and amazing restoration, you’ll have a holiday to remember as you settle in there after each day of festivities.
Ready to jumpstart the Christmas season with some holiday shows? Well Santa Barbara can deliver. Grab the crew and head to The Granada Theatre, which has been a local landmark for almost a century, and offers many shows and performances during November and December. This year those include: The Westmont Christmas Festival, Samara Joy, A Winter Music Showcase, and The Nutcracker.
The Lobero Theatre is another icon, and offers a great holiday slate of performances including: Rudolph, Christmas with the Petersens, Jose Feliciano, and The Revels-Tales from Ellis Island.
When you are ready to hit the town with the family and enjoy some great holiday shopping, you’ll find a ton of options in the State Street area. It’s the hub of shopping in Santa Barbara, and on the first Thursday of each month, the Promenade Market showcases many local artisans and makers…and you’ll find some great food and drink, as well.
For a real taste of the local art scene, stop in at The Yes Store, an arts & crafts cooperative offering handmade goods by local artisans. For over 50 years they’ve been spotlighting the local talent in their holiday showcase, and begin again this year on November 2!
And when you are ready to wind down and reflect on your unforgettable holiday vacation, venture out to take in the seasonal atmosphere. The Pearl has long been a local favorite, and each year during this time it transforms into a winter wonderland of sorts as The Miracle at Pearl Social. With its 90’s-esque feel, cheery colors, kooky Christmas collectible cocktail vessels and more, you can’t help but smile as you spend an evening here. This pop-up Christmas bar runs from mid-November through December 31 each year, and is a popular hangout for anyone seeking some yuletide cheer.
Our Palisades Beach House is the perfect place to experience the holiday season and create those new memories. With its great location and spacious open floorplan, it’s a favorite of many and one you’ll be excited to return to.
We hope you’ve been inspired to make this holiday season truly special. The memories created here are not just moments in time; they are the stories you’ll cherish and share for a lifetime. If you’re ready to turn these dreams into reality, we invite you to explore our fantastic roster of vacation properties at Haller Coastal Homes, meticulously curated to ensure your stay is as magical as the moments you’ve experienced.
