California Christmas Tree Ceremony

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Photo: Chris Bell, City of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 10, 2023, 5 p.m.

Stearns Wharf (held on the shoreward finger of Stearns Wharf next to the Sea Center)
Santa Barbara, CA
Free, StearnsWharf.org

Before the start of the Parade of Lights boat parade, they will switch on the lights of a beautiful 25-foot Green White Fir on Stearns Wharf to officially open the holiday season for the waterfront. The 36th Annual Parade of Lights starts at 5:30 p.m. with some 30 boats motoring, sailing, and paddling the Santa Barbara coastline. Judging for the parade takes place from the east side of Stearns Wharf. Take advantage of the opportunity to start your holiday season by having dinner, a treat, or do some holiday shopping for your family and friends. Gift certificates are available at Wharf businesses. Parking is available on Stearns Wharf (if parked prior to 3:30 p.m.) as well as at the Chase Palm Park & Garden Street parking lots. The first 90-minutes of parking on the wharf is free!   Wharf Merchants Association represents the merchants and business owners on Stearns Wharf. Stearns Wharf is located at the end of State Street between East Beach and the Santa


Santa Barbara Christmas Tree Lighting & Block Party

December 1, 2023, 5-8 p.m.

1300 Block of State Street
Santa Barbara, CA
downtownsb.org

Santa Barbara has a great affinity for its holiday trees. In the early 1950s an annual tradition involved decorating State Street with 40 foot tall Douglas fir Christmas trees during the holidays. These trees lined the center divider lines of what used to be a four lane street.

Past info:

The trees were officially dedicated and lit during the Children's Christmas Parade now known as the Downtown Holiday Parade. A Community Christmas Tree, a beautiful Douglas Fir, is officially lit. They light up the night with the lighting of the large Christmas tree at State & Victoria Streets before the big Santa Barbara Downtown Holiday Parade in which more than 50,000 people line the parade route to see the magic of the night.

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


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