Celebrate the Holidays California-style in Santa Barbara

  • November 28, 2012
Celebrate the Holidays California-style in Santa Barbara
That is, until you stumble upon the Parade of Lights (Sunday, December 9th)–a string of sailboats and water craft aglow in holiday spirit and cruising across Santa Barbara Harbor. Or maybe you find yourself on State Street on November 30th when all of a sudden, a parade of holiday floats, live music, spectacular performance groups and local personalities make their way through town in a true demonstration of holiday spirit during the Downtown Holiday Parade. (Insider Tip: keep your eyes toward the sky on this night for a glimpse of Santa making some early rounds.)

Santa Barbara might not strike you as a traditional holiday destination, which is why we like it so much. It's not. But that doesn't mean it won't be one of your most memorable holidays ever. Go sledding–that's right, sledding!–at the Santa Barbara Zoo during the Snow Leopard Festival (Sunday, December 2nd) when zookeepers haul in 80 tons of snow that is fashioned into sledding runs and children's play areas, all amidst exquisite furry friends, such as elephants, otters and the snow leopards themselves.

The holiday spirit can be felt throughout town during the season. Plan to do your holiday shopping at the area's many shopping districts. Couple your holiday purchases with a gift or two for yourself, be it Santa Barbara's world-class wine, renowned art and culture or the perfect plate for the foodie in your family. Getting here is easy and getting around is even easier. Santa Barbara's streets are pedestrian-friendly and full of alternative transportation from pedicabs to cruiser bikes, trolleys and segways.

You might not have considered palm trees and breaking waves, sunset cruises and fresh sustainable seafood part of your holiday tradition, but maybe this is the year you swap the skis and snow for sun, sand castles and holiday spirit well lit by a vibrant southern sun in Santa Barbara.