Santa Barbara County - Goleta Holiday Parade

2026 event to be determined

December 6, 2025, 6-9 p.m.

 Hollister Avenue
Goleta, CA
Free to see, goletaholidayparade.org

Parade route:  Hollister Ave. from Orange to Kinman

Join hundreds of spectators who line downtown Goleta streets to see California's finest Central Coast display of holiday patriotism and pride. with marching bands, fabulous holiday floats, spectacular performance groups, local personalities, and Santa Claus riding into town.

 

 

Santa Barbara Christmas Parade - no current info

Santa Barbara's Downtown Holiday Parade first was launched as part of a downtown State Street holiday celebration of decorations that included 40 foot tall Douglas fir Christmas trees lining the boulevard during the holidays. These trees actually lined the center divider lines of what used to be a four lane street.

The trees were officially dedicated and lit during the Children's Christmas Parade by the Christmas Fairy. The Children's Christmas Parade is now known as the Downtown Holiday Parade and is held annually, one week after Thanksgiving.

In 1998 the parade was changed to be held at night, in contrast to its previous 30+ years as a daytime event. When the parade switched to an after dark event, it became the city's only parade held at night. It is a festive, cherished tradition to see the event, a magical display of lights. Definitely, they should stick with nights to host this parade!

 

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