Santa Barbara Parade of Lights 

December 10, 2023, 5:30 p.m.  

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 36th Annual Parade of Lights festivities begin at noon. Different from years past, the Human-Powered category competition will be held during daylight starting at 4 p.m. Dozens of standup paddlers and kayakers dressed in festive attire will loop Stearns Wharf spreading holiday cheer.

Best viewing

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

2023 To Be Confirmed:

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

• There will be holiday elves
• 10 tons of snow
• holiday music
• Santa may make an appearance but there will be no sit-with-Santa photos. At 5 p.m. a holiday tree lighting ceremony will be held on the shoreward finger of Stearns Wharf next to the Sea Center. 
• 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 the 36th Annual Parade of Lights on Sunday, December 12th. For more information, contact Waterfront
• Santa's Village event at 3 p.m. on the City Pier. There will be a visit from Santa and tons of snow for kids to play in. Starting with fun for the entire family at Santa's Village, the event culminates with a 5-7 minute fireworks display at approximately 7 p.m. The boat parade is preceded by Santa's Village activities beginning at 3 p.m. on the City Pier in Santa Barbara Harbor (by the boats).

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.