While the events might look a little different this year, there are still plenty of fun Santa Barbara Christmas activities to get you into the holiday sprit! It can be hard to decide which activities to join in on when there are so many great options, so here are a few of our favorites guaranteed to bring you some Christmas cheer.
Movies under the stars
When: December 9th, 8:00 pm & December 16th, 5:30 pm & 8:00 pm
Join in on the holiday fun by seeing a drive in movie at the West Wind Drive-In! Watch from the comfort of your car (or bring chairs to set up in your socially distanced parking space) and enjoy these Christmas classics. On December 9th you can catch Elf, while It’s a Wonderful Life will play on December 16th. Come see either movie, or both!
Admission is free. Arrive early to guarantee your spot and enjoy the concessions.
Holiday painting
When: December 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 13th, 19th, & 20th
Holiday painting is one of the Santa Barbara Christmas activities you can participate in from your own home. With classes offered over Zoom, The Painted Cabaret will walk you through creating your own painted winter wonderland. Paint a Christmas in Paris, a seasonal twist on the classic The Starry Night, a cheery gingerbread house, and more!
Cost: $35 per person
Nightly Snowfall
When: November 27th – December 31st, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm
At Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center, step into a winter wonderland! Walk through the outdoor shopping center and make your way to Center Court before one of the snowfalls to see magic unfold in front of your eyes as “snow” falls from the sky. Guests can also write Santa a letter or greet him in his workshop.
There will not be a snowfall on December 25th.
Which Santa Barbara Christmas activities are you most looking forward to?
Let us know! And while it might not be a specific event, we know shopping for loved ones is a holiday tradition like no other. Check out some of the Santa Barbara markets where you can find local artwork and other great gifts!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see more about Santa Barbara this holiday season.
