Santa Maria Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Santa Maria and surrounding areas
Santa Maria welcomes the Christmas season with Holiday lights and festive events centered on Broadway and the downtown corridor, where the Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights showcases illuminated floats and seasonal cheer. Local vendors and seasonal markets accompany the parade, and repeated Santa visits keep children smiling among twinkling lights. Between holiday performances, family activities, and charming downtown displays, Santa Maria offers many things to do that capture the warmth and community spirit of the season.
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Christmas Shows
8 eventsBaroque holiday concert featuring Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Christmas Markets
7 eventsDanish-style holiday celebration with unique traditions
Christmas Lights
6 eventsMusic-synced light and snow show in Mission Plaza
Other Christmas Activities
18 eventsAnnual holiday parade with community floats and marching bands.
Editor's Picks (6)
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48th Annual Holiday Parade
(San Luis Obispo)
Annual holiday parade with community floats and marching bands.
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Solvang Julefest
(Solvang)
Danish-style holiday celebration with unique traditions
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Santa Maria Parade of Lights
Hometown holiday parade celebrating the spirit of giving
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Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights
Community parade with illuminated floats and cash awards
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ZooLights at Santa Barbara Zoo
(Santa Barbara)
Thousands of handcrafted lanterns illuminating the zoo at night.
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San Luis Obispo Holiday Plaza
(San Luis Obispo)
Music-synced light and snow show in Mission Plaza
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Santa Maria
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Santa Maria.
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Santa Maria Christmas FAQ
Santa Maria typically hosts a variety of community-focused holiday events rather than one single massive annual Christmas event. Look for local tree lighting ceremonies, holiday craft fairs, and community gatherings that bring residents together.
While Santa Maria shares many common holiday traditions with other communities, the emphasis is often on local gatherings and neighborhood spirit. The community's charm lies in its residents' efforts to decorate homes and participate in local events.
Santa Maria's Christmas lights are best enjoyed by exploring its various residential neighborhoods. While there isn't one specific 'best' neighborhood, driving through different areas will reveal many homes decorated with festive displays.
Christmas markets and local makers in Santa Maria can often be found at pop-up events hosted by community centers, churches, or local businesses throughout the holiday season. Keep an eye on local event listings for announcements.
Free and budget-friendly holiday activities in Santa Maria include admiring neighborhood Christmas lights and attending community events like tree lightings. Many local churches and organizations also host free seasonal gatherings.
Families with kids in Santa Maria can enjoy exploring neighborhood light displays, looking for Santa meet-and-greets at local venues, and attending community holiday events. Many local organizations host family-friendly activities throughout the season.