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Santa Barbara’s Complete Guide to Holiday Splendor and Merrymaking
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by Terry Ortega with Jake Blair l and Ginny Chung
o matter what time of year, Santa Barbara remains charming, but it’s safe to say that our county is at its most enchanting during the holiday season. From walking down State Street amid its twinkling
Parades
st Annual Downtown Holiday Parade
Kicking off with the lighting of the tree by the Christmas prince and fairy, this king of holiday traditions in Santa Barbara brings the city alive with holiday cheer. More than 50,000 spectators will line the sides of State Street and wave at a brilliant host of floats, bands, entertainers, Parade Marshall Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos), and of course … Santa! And, immediately following the parade, more good tidings will be exchanged in De la Guerra Plaza.
Fri., Dec. , pm. Parade travels down State St. from Sola ( block) to Cota ( block) sts. Free. Call -.
Solvang Julefest Christmas Parade
Solvang continues its tradition of taking the holidays to entirely new levels in its annual Julefest Celebration, kicked off by a parade that travels through Solvang’s charming downtown. This year’s lineup includes Danish dancers (because it’s Solvang), vintage vehicles, horses, and Santa!
Sat., Dec. , am. Parade starts at Old Mission Santa Inés ( Mission Dr.), travels west on Mission Dr. (Hwy. ), turns left on Fourth Pl., left on Copenhagen Dr., left on Alisal, and ends on Mission Dr. Free. Call -.
Annual Parade of Lights
What better way to celebrate the holidays on the coast than watching festively decorated boats from along the breakwater or on Stearns Wharf? This “Rock’n & Roll’n Holiday”–themed parade
lights to sipping hot cocoa at a neighborhood coffee shop with a friend, it’s the little things that make this time of year so enjoyable. So, be sure and take a well-deserved break from working, shopping, parenting, or homework to gaze at the
glittering boats in the harbor or attend the 61st Holiday Parade, featuring this year’s grand marshal, actor Michael Imperioli, or, another favorite, the living nativity at the Old Mission on Christmas Eve — because honestly, who doesn’t love goats?
Tree Lightings
Parade of Lights
is preceded by a Santa’s Village activity celebration on Stearns Wharf in the Harbor with a short fireworks display immediately following the parade.
Sun., Dec. ., pm. Parade: :pm. Parade occurs in the water visible from Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf, and West Beach (off of Cabrillo Blvd.). Free. Call -.
Carpinteria Holiday Spirit Parade
Area dancers, musicians, and all-around cheer-spreaders will assemble in this unique community celebration of the holidays. Who knows, Santa might even show up!
Sat., Dec. , pm. Parade kicks off at the intersection of th St. and Linden Ave. and finishes on th St. in Parking Lot #. Free. Call -.
th Annual Milpas Holiday Parade
In an exciting development, this year’s parade will take place at night, meaning all floats and participants will be lit by street and twinkle lights, truly making this a “A Magical Night on Milpas,” which is this year’s theme. Preceding the parade will be a toy drive and classic-car show.
Sat., Dec. . Car show and toy drive: -pm. Parade: pm. The parade travels down Milpas St. from Canon Perdido to Mason sts. Free. Call -.
Downtown Santa Barbara Christmas Tree Lighting
At the kickoff of the downtown parade, the tree is lit by this year’s prince and fairy!
Light Up a Life Celebration
Fri., Dec. , :pm. State and Sola sts. Call -.
Solvang Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony
This holiday tradition includes free treats, dancers, and the triumphant arrival of Santa Claus!
Fri., Dec. , pm. st St., Solvang. Call -.
Bacara Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
For four nights, this magical tree sculpture by area artist David Shelton will be lit, complemented by plenty of hot cider and cookies.
Sat., Dec. - Tue., Dec. , :pm. Bacara Resort & Spa, Hollister Ave. Call -.
Hospice of Santa Barbara will host thre e special nights of remembrance this holiday season, giving folks a chance to celebrate the lives and memories of their loved ones with a memorial star.
Goleta: Sat., Dec. , :pm, Camino Real Marketplace, Marketplace Dr.; Santa Barbara: Sun., Dec. , :pm, Casa de la Guerra, E. De la Guerra St.; Carpinteria: Sat., Dec. , :pm, Seal Fountain at Linden Plaza, Linden Ave. Suggested donation for a star: $. Call -.
Schedule of
Holiday Singing
Noël Carolers Stro lling Along State St . Sat., Dec. , : am
-pm. Strolling do wntown State St.
San Marcos High Sc hool Choir Sat., Dec. , -: p
m. Marshalls Patio , State St.
Monroe Elementa ry Glee Sat., Dec. , -: p
Club
m. Santa Barbara Mus corner of State an eum of Art, d Anapamu sts.
D’Palmsemble Mus ic Project Sun., Dec. and
, -pm. Marshalls
Patio, State St .
Inner Light Comm unity Gospel Choi r Sun., Dec. , noon
-pm. Strolling do wntown State St.
Channel City Chor us
Sat. and Sun., Dec. and , noon Strolling downtow -pm. n State St.
The Holiday Horns
Sat., Dec. , -pm .
Marshalls Patio,
december 5, 2013
State St.
continued >>>
THE INDEPENDENt
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