Santa Barbara Christmas Parade

December 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m.

Downtown Holiday Parade route: From Arlington Theatre  down State Street, concluding at Ortega Street

downtownsb.org/ happenings/ holiday-parade

Returning to State Street after a six-year hiatus, the 68th Annual Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade is back!

Tens of thousands of residents and visitors are welcomed to the heart of downtown to be part of the magic. Whether you’re looking to showcase your group along the route or gain major visibility as an official event sponsor, now is the time to secure your spot in this historic comeback.

• Marching Bands & Drumlines - High-stepping brass and percussion ensembles setting the rhythm for the night.
• Performance Groups & Troupes - Spectacular local dance schools and rhythmic gymnasts
• Illuminated Walking Ensembles - Glowing and seasonal characters lighting up the corridor

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!

Santa Barbara County - Goleta Holiday Parade

December 5, 2026, 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.

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