Santa Barbara Parade of Lights

December 13, 2026, 5:30 p.m. 

Hawaiian Holiday is the 2026 theme

Route: from Ledbetter Beach down the coast to the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion, then back along the coast to Stearns Wharf.

santabarbaraca.gov
Event admission is free!

The 40th Annual Parade of Lights festivities begin at noon with a Winter Wonderland. The Human-Powered category competition will be held during daylight starting at 2 p.m. Dozens of standup paddlers and kayakers dressed in festive attire loop Stearns Wharf spreading holiday cheer.

Best viewing

• Stearns Wharf
• the breakwater
• West Beach
• East Beach.

Beginning at 3 p.m. families can visit a Winter Wonderland on the City Pier in Santa Barbara Harbor.

Schedule

• 2-3:30 p.m. Human-powered parade with standup paddlers and kayakers dressed in festive attire.
• 3-5 p.m. Winter Wonderland opens with 10 tons of snow, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and goodie bags!
• 5 p.m. Stearns Wharf Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with holiday tunes sung by the Dos Pueblos Jazz Choir.
• 5:30 p.m. Boat Parade begins at Leadbetter Beach and goes down the coast to the Cabrillo Pavilion, then back along the coast to Stearns Wharf.
• 7 p.m. approx. Fireworks Show!

This year's event is sponsored by the Parade of Lights Committee, City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants Association, Stearns Wharf Business Association, and Santa Barbara Yacht Club. So mark your calendars to get in the holiday spirit Santa Barbara style and head down to the Waterfront for an afternoon and evening of fun.

At 5:30 p.m. distinguished judges, along with thousands of spectators will cheer on 25-30 boats as they parade the Santa Barbara coastline. A short fireworks display will follow the boat parade, followed in turn by an awards ceremony. Admission is free.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.