Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights Tour
Celebrate the holidays aboard a 90-minute open-air trolley excursion through Santa Barbara's most festive neighborhoods. Guests enjoy front-row views of dazzling holiday light displays and seasonal decor throughout town. Along the route, riders may also spot carolers and appearances by Santa.
What to Expect
90-minute trolley ride through Santa Barbara's most festive neighborhoods
Event Details
Duration
The tour is 90 minutes.
Ages
Not suitable for Children 5 and Under
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Santa Barbara Trolley
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-lights fans
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: General admission: $42 per person, gratuity not included. Lap children under 2 do not require a ticket. Private trolley for up to 30 guests: $975, gratuity not included. Pricing is not inclusive of all convenience fees. – Get tickets
- Hours: Thursday–Monday: check-in at 4:30pm and 6:30pm, with two tours each night. Tuesday and Wednesday: check-in at 6:00pm. Tours depart 15 minutes after check-in.
Tips & Advice
- Get to check-in on time, because the trolley departs 15 minutes later and the drivers will not wait for anyone who is late.
- Bring rain gear if the forecast looks wet, since tours run rain or shine and tickets cannot be refunded or transferred to another date.
- Budget a little extra for the gratuity and convenience fees, because neither one is included in the listed ticket price.
- For a group of up to 30, book a private trolley so your whole party can ride the lights tour together.
- Dress warmly for an evening ride through the neighborhoods, since the tour runs after dark and lasts a full 90 minutes.
Special Events & Promotions
- More tours are on offer this season, with two tours a night Thursday through Monday.
- Private trolleys for groups of up to 30 guests are sold separately.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The trolley ride takes 90 minutes and winds through Santa Barbara's most festive neighborhoods.
What will we see along the way?
Holiday lights fill the neighborhoods along the route, and you may come across carolers and Santas.
What if we're running late?
The trolley leaves 15 minutes after check-in and won't wait for late riders.
Does it run if it rains?
Yes. Tours run rain or shine, and tickets can't be refunded or transferred.
Do babies need a ticket?
No. Lap children under 2 ride without a ticket.
More Christmas Events Near Santa Barbara
More Christmas Events near Santa Barbara
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.