Santa Barbara Christmas Tree Lighting

November 30, 2025, 6-9 p.m.

Paseo Nuevo
651 Paseo Nuevo
Santa Barbara, CA
Free, public invited, downtownsb.org | santabarbaraca.gov

Join the Santa Barbara Mayor in lighting the beloved Christmas Tree. 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.

Stearns Wharf Tree Lighting, Santa Barbara

December 5, 2025, 4-6 p.m.

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

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 37th 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

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