It is never too early to start planning ahead for your much-needed holiday getaway. When looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Christmas this year, we highly recommend our home of Santa Barbara. Enjoy the beauty of California, comfortable weather, exciting holiday events, and the best vacation rentals you can find around the area. Seriously, the average temps in December typically stay in the mid-60s! Check out how you can spend Christmas in Santa Barbara this year:
Locals know that the best place to find your holiday gifts is over at Paseo Nuevo. This beautiful outdoor shopping center features a variety of winter activities to hold you over until Christmas Day. From November 27th to December 31st you can find it "snowing" at Paseo Nuevo so you can get your white Christmas. The "snowfall" takes place at four different times each evening so guests can come and still maintain social distancing. While you are waiting for the "snow" make sure you go visit Santa! That's right, Santa will be at Paseo Nuevo on November 27th and 28th and December 19th and 20th to hear all about what you kids want for the holidays. The kids will even be able to get a photo with Santa in front of the beautiful Christmas tree! They can also drop off handwritten letters asking for gifts for Christmas and possibly get a response back. Santa is available on these days from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Residents of Santa Barbara really know how to go all out for the holiday season. Local neighborhoods are always in the festive spirit and will decorate their homes with beautiful displays and lights. You can go see all of this in person by reserving a charter with Rockstar Trolley. Each year they take exciting charters out to the neighborhoods on their rustic trolleys. Due to COVID-19 restrictions Rockstar Trolley is unable to host public trolleys but private charters are available. You and a group of up to 32 passengers can enjoy this festive trip to go see all the lights. The Trolley of Lights Tour takes place from December 5th to the 24th.
Each year Santa Barbara hosts Santa's Village by the City Pier in Santa Barbara Harbor. Similar to Paseo Nuevo's event, the City Pier will be covered in fake snow to make the holiday feel even more festive. Children can play and meet Santa and tell him what they want for the holidays. The holiday culminates with the Holiday Parade of Lights at the Harbor that is viewable from the pier and is all things festive. Approximately 30 boats take to the water and put on their dazzling display of holiday lights. Each contestant works hard in having the best display to win one of five cash prizes. Fireworks will shoot of into the sky to bring the event to a close. Do not miss out on the 34th consecutive year of this incredible event. While COVID-19 has caused other large events to be canceled, the Holiday Parade of Lights at the Harbor is still scheduled to take place. Do not miss out on the 34th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights at the Harbor on December 13th. Regular activities start at 3:00 PM with the parade and fireworks starting at 5:00 PM.
You can plan all you want for an exciting vacation getaway but having the perfect vacation rental will make the trip one to remember. Our holiday vacation rentals can be found all around Santa Barbara allowing you to stay close to each of these exciting events. Pick a rental that is near the beach and see our beautiful shore. Or choose to stay in the fabulous downtown district with urban floor plans. Our rentals come in a variety of sizes so you can pick a property that best suits your family's needs. Enjoy a variety of amenities such as open floor plans, flat-screen TVs, full-size appliances, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and so much more. Reserving a private vacation rental lets you maintain your social distancing by staying away from large crowds found at local resorts. Once you have enjoyed the holidays in one of our exclusive vacation rentals you will never want to go back!
We cannot get over how incredible Santa Barbara is for the holiday season. Take the vacation getaway you deserve and come see it for yourself. Reserve one of our vacation rentals today so you can be close to all of these exciting activities and more during Christmas in Santa Barbara!
