Lots of Lights

La Arcada, the charming thoroughfare off State Street, had its 29th annual Christmas Walk with carolers in Dickensian costume, a real snow machine and free popcorn for 1,000 guests.

Youngsters were even able to send letters to Santa Claus with typewriters in the Crafter’s Library which, given their age, was probably the first time they’d encountered one!

Billionaire Rick Caruso’s Rosewood Miramar attracted a horde of families and children when the tony hostelry hosted its “Merry Miramar” Christmas tree lighting.

Hot chocolate, apple cider, and Prosecco cocktails were the order of the night as the five-star hotel lit the 17-foot pine that had been flat-bedded in from Silverton, Oregon, and festooned with 5,000 decorations by Petals of David in Los Angeles and Perla Mercado with her team of 15 “elves” completing the herculean task in just 24 hours.

The festive fête – which attracted more than 500 guests checking out the Great Lawn and two live reindeer to enchant children – also collected gifts for Toys for Tots Santa Barbara.