Illustration of a knitted family in hats and mittens in a snowy street with a snowman and glowing string lights (Santa Barbara Parade of Lights)

Santa Barbara Parade of Lights

Visitors can explore a Winter Wonderland on the City Pier featuring snow play, holiday elves, goodie bags for children, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Spectators line the waterfront to watch a human-powered parade of costumed kayakers and standup paddlers, followed by dozens of illuminated vessels cruising along the coastline. The seaside celebration concludes with an aerial fireworks display launched from the beach.

Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

santabarbaraca.gov

When

Tickets

Competition entry is free; no visitor admission price or ticket price is stated.

Hours

Event: 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; human-powered parade: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Winter Wonderland: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; boat parade: 5:30 p.m.; fireworks: approximately 7:00 p.m.; no-host awards party: approximately 7:30 p.m.

Parking

Waterfront Parking Lots will be open as usual. Stearns Wharf closes to vehicular traffic at 3:30 p.m. during the event. Vehicles still parked on the wharf may exit at approximately 7:30 p.m. after the fireworks, but delays are expected due to increased pedestrian traffic.

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive waterfront celebration

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Choose a viewing spot from the listed waterfront locations, such as West Beach or Stearns Wharf, to watch the boat parade and fireworks.
  • If you are visiting Winter Wonderland, allow time for the snow play, elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and children's goodie bags.
  • Avoid driving onto Stearns Wharf during the event; vehicles remaining there can exit afterward but should expect delays.
  • Paddlers should bring a USCG-approved personal flotation device, which is required for the human-powered parade.
  • Parade participants entering the competition should obtain a bib number at the staging area so they can be considered for prizes.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Winter Wonderland on the City Pier is a separate afternoon session on December 13.
  • Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit Winter Wonderland on December 13.
  • Children can receive goodie bags at Winter Wonderland.
  • The 2026 parade theme is Hawaiian Holiday.
  • Parade entrants can compete for prizes in five categories.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the event suitable for families with children?

Families can visit Winter Wonderland on the City Pier, where Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves, snow play and goodie bags for children are featured.

Where are good places to watch the boat parade and fireworks?

Suggested viewing spots include Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach and East Beach.

What happens during the parades?

The human-powered parade features costumed kayakers and standup paddlers looping the Harbor and Stearns Wharf. Illuminated watercraft take part in the boat parade along the waterfront.

Can visitors enter the parade competition?

Yes. Participants can enter one of five categories: human-powered, power, sail, commercial fishing or commercial other. Competition entry is free; entry forms are available at several waterfront locations or online.

What should paddlers bring or wear?

Paddlers must wear a USCG-approved personal flotation device. Participants wishing to compete for prizes must obtain a bib number at the staging area.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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Contributors & Updates

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