CVR Holiday Tree Lighting

If you walked along Coast Village Road this week you may have noticed that there have been some holiday elves (okay, let’s just call them what they are – very hard workers) adding festive color and décor – including the monolithic 25+ foot tree that stands in front of Renaud’s – along the Lower Village’s main boulevard. Once again, the Coast Village Association (CVA), in partnership with Rosewood Miramar, will host an evening of Santa, sweet treats, and songs that inspire the holiday spirit – a gathering that culminates in the annual tree lighting. Make sure to be there on Saturday, December 7, from 4-6 pm to revel in candy canes, hot chocolate, caroling, and of course – Santa lighting up the tree. The evening will include performances from Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and The Adderley School, and you can even bring a letter for Santa or give your own gift to the Toys for Tots drive. 

411: https://www.coastvillageroad.com/events/holiday-tree-lighting

All Saints-by-the-Sea Christmas Festival & Tree Lighting

Keep the tree lights going by visiting All Saints-by-the-Sea the following day – Sunday, December 8^th, from 4-6 pm, for their own Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting. This family-friendly Christmas celebration will have something for all ages with craft-making stations, classic caroling, and even a petting zoo. Enjoy a delicious treat and enjoy some seasonal entertainment at All Saints while keeping an eye out for a special visit from good ole St. Nicholas. 

Annual Christmas Open House at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art

The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art in Solvang invites the community to join in their annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 8, from 5:30-8 pm. This museum members and friends event is open to the public. It will feature local Danish appetizers, festive beverages, Christmas music, Santa Claus, and dancing around the Christmas Tree. Visit https://elverhoj.org

Santa & Gifting at Montecito Country Mart!

Santa Claus will be sitting in at the Montecito Country Mart on Saturdays before Christmas – December 7, 14 and 21, from 1-4 pm. It’s that time of year again to get your “sweater weather” and holiday brooches on and dress the kiddos in matching prints for their photo with Santa. Don’t forget your gift-wish lists to give Santa as well! Or buy Santa and yourself a goodie from Oat Bakery, Café Luxxe, or Merci!

Have all your holidaze shopping done? Or want to give that little bit more to someone who may have a need this year? Truck on over to the Montecito Country Mart’s annual Giving Tree. It will be filled with tags that have information on a gift for the person in need. Stop by, select a tag, buy the gift and drop it off at Poppy Marché.

According to the MCM’s press release, “The annual Giving Tree returns on December 1^st in support of Unity Shoppe – a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free essential services to residents impacted by temporary conditions of poverty, natural disaster, or health crisis.” 

And… don’t forget the Grand Opening of Sunspel on December 7!

411: Instagram @montecitocountrymart

Holiday Magic Car Parade & Sip & Shop

Come to the Upper Village from 3-5 pm on Saturday, December 14^th, for some sips, some shops, and some holiday cheer from the local businesses before the main event gets going around 4:30 pm – that’s when the Holiday Magic Car Parade will stroll through Montecito. Decorate your vehicle or simply enjoy the sights as the parade passes gaudily by. Think you have what it takes to roll with the festivity’s best? Register your car and be part of the magic that lights up our streets! 

Visit https://montecitoassociation.org/events/winter-holidays to register but do it soon – there’s only 30 entries and they fill up quick!

Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Need a palate cleanser from all of the hot chocolate and candy canes? Then how about some savory latkes and delicious donuts, along with live music, arts, and crafts. The whole community is invited to the Upper Village’s Corner Green for a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 26^th – the second night of Hannukah – at 4 pm. This celebration, filled with warmth and community, is a reminder of the light we bring to the world, together.