Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara Announces Holiday Activities

By the Downtown Organization

The Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara’s Staff and Board of Directors is pleased to share our series of  holiday happenings: Downtown Santa Barbara:  “Season of Cheer”.

Please join us and mark your calendars for one or more of these happenings in November and December. All activities are free unless noted.

This year’s event series is presented by Consumer Fire Products, Inc (CFPI). A longtime supporter of Downtown Santa Barbara’s holiday events, they have sponsored the Holiday Parade, Christmas Tree installation and other Holiday activations for the past 9 years. “We are thrilled to partner with Downtown SB for yet another year of fun holiday events,” said Irene Rhodes, CEO of CFPI. “Giving back to the community brings us a lot of joy, and we can’t wait to see people young and old take part in this year’s celebrations. CFPI wishes everybody a wonderful holiday season!” Montecito Bank and Trust is a supporting sponsor.

Our Season of Cheer festivities kick off with a free Candlelight Concert Series each Wednesday, November 9 – December 14 (with the exception of Nov. 23rd). Enjoy live entertainment surrounded by holiday candles on the steps of the historic Santa Barbara Museum of Art from 5-7 pm. Grab a delicious meal from one of the many nearby restaurants or a beverage at Mosaic Locale (Draughtsmen Aleworks, Old Town Coffee, Buena Onda Empanadas). Take $2 off beer and wine from 5 pm until close, $1 off orders of 3 empanadas or more! Dress warmly.  Free seating will be provided. Full concert details available here: https://www.downtownsb.org/events/downtownlive

The Season of Cheer series continues with additional activations including a Friendsgiving Rock the Block: block party Thursday, November 17, 5-8 PM on the 700 and 800 blocks of State Street. Enjoy live music, performances, arts & crafts, themed photo ops. Youth ages 6-10 may also participate in the annual Prince & Fairy Art Contest. The winners of the Prince & Fairy Art Contest will get the privilege of lighting the annual Christmas Tree at the December 2 Tree Lighting Ceremony. (more details below). All Rock the Block events are free and open to the entire community.

The 1st Thursday Art Walk will be hosting an open-air Holiday Market as well as over 20+ business and gallery venues with live music, art, and wine on December 1, 5-8 PM. Free and open to the entire community.

The following day, Friday, December 2 from 5-8 PM we will host a Christmas Tree Lighting & Block Party: “Winter Wonderland”; on the 1300 Block of State Street (near the Arlington Theatre) including a Santa meet and greet, live music with DJ Darla Bea,  performances by San Marcos High School Band and more. Free and open to the entire community. The Christmas Tree is once again donated from Consumer Fire Products, Inc and sourced from a sustainable farm in Oregon.

Don’t miss some of the final celebrations of the season including a Downtown Community Holiday Mixer at Broad Street Oyster Company (418 State Street) on Monday, December 13, 5:30-7:30 PM. The $25 ticket price includes a drink and appetizers.

Saturday, December 17, 12-3 pm enjoy a free Big Brass Tuba Christmas concert in Storke Placita (between 722-724 State Street) and the Youth Makers Market on that same block.

Holiday lights and décor will be up from thanksgiving through January 1. Stay tuned for our Shop Local holiday gift guide for unique gifts for all the special people in your life.

Visit  www.downtownsb.org for full details.