While Santa Barbara is not a winter wonderland in the traditional sense, we still have many terrific ways to make merry memories—including a European-inspired market, ice skating, photos with Santa, special performances, and glittery pop-ups for gathering with friends.
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HOLIDAY MARKET AT PEAKE RANCH: This Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., sip and shop for unique gifts on the beautiful terraced courtyard of Peake Ranch Winery in Buellton. The festivities include curated vendors, craft bites, and the region’s best wines. Adding to the magic, Sam Blasucci of Mapache will be spinning vinyl. Round-trip shuttle from Santa Barbara available. Visit moonlight-market.com/tickets
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Celebrating 10 years in the community, Ice in Paradise is the premier destination for fun, fitness, and connection. More than an ice rink, it’s a vibrant gathering place where all ages come to learn, play, and celebrate. Families and athletes enjoy a wide range of programs—from youth and adult hockey to figure skating, learn-to-skate classes, and energetic seasonal camps that keep kids active and engaged. Public skating sessions offer an easy way to get on the ice, while our popular birthday parties and group events create unforgettable memories. Ice in Paradise also hosts community events, tournaments, and themed skate nights that bring neighbors together and foster local pride. Guests can relax at our full-service Rinkside Café, the perfect spot to enjoy snacks, meals, and time with friends. With a welcoming atmosphere and inclusive programs, Ice in Paradise is where the community comes to glide, grow, and connect.
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Kick off the holiday season tomorrow evening with the 30th-annual Christmas Walk at La Arcada Plaza! It’s totally free and a tradition long enjoyed by hundreds of Santa Barbara families. We’ll have photos with Santa, holiday music and carolers, lots of holiday treats, and even a chance of snow flurries. With twinkling lights, festive decorations, and charm you won’t find anywhere else, it’s the perfect spot to shop, dine, and create holiday memories. Come experience the merriment of the holidays at La Arcada Plaza—your holiday destination awaits!
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Grace Fisher’s 8th Annual Winter Music Showcase returns on Sunday, December 14 at 6 p.m. at the Granada Theatre. This year’s lineup features a special guest appearance by Grammy Award–winning artist Michael McDonald, alongside local favorites like the Santa Barbara Chamber Players, Jackson Gillies, Will Breman, the Waymarkers, Timo Nuñez’s Arte Flamenco Dance Studio, and Chris Fossek. What began as a vision by award-winning artist and composer, Grace Fisher, to make the arts accessible to people of all abilities, has now become one of the region’s most impactful events raising awareness and funds to advance disability inclusion in the arts. All proceeds support the Grace Fisher Foundation’s adaptive art, music, and dance programs at the Inclusive Arts Clubhouse. Get tickets here: https://ticketing.granadasb.org/21515/21516. Group sales of 10 or more receive a $10 discount by calling the box office at 805-899-2222.
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Miracle at Pearl Social returns for its fifth smash year as Santa Barbara’s original and most beloved Christmas pop-up bar (through January 4). Pearl Social set the Christmas bar standard with floor-to-ceiling holiday decor, over-the-top cocktails served in festive glassware, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that feels like stepping into your favorite Christmas movie. Guests come back year after year for the playful drinks, the nostalgic soundtrack, and the sense of community that has become the heart of the experience. Miracle also gives back. A portion of this year’s proceeds supports Wilderness Youth Project, turning your night out into real support for local kids and families. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made on the Pearl Social website. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but the bar and patio fill quickly during peak season.
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Tinsel Tavern at Paloma: Tinsel Tavern transforms Paloma into the coziest and most delightfully over-the-top Christmas bar in the neighborhood (through January 4). Now in its second big year, this seasonal takeover feels like a holiday hangout locals claim as their own. The room glows with lights, garlands, ornaments, and joyful touches in every corner, all built around a menu of playful holiday cocktails and comforting small bites. Unlike many holiday pop-ups, Tinsel Tavern has no entry fee, making it an easy spot to meet friends, unwind after work, or make a spontaneous night of it. This year also supports the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation through toy donations and a featured Blitzen Mule that gives back to local families. It has quickly become one of Santa Barbara’s favorite ways to celebrate the season without leaving the comfort of a great local bar. Reservations are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome throughout the season.
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EARL MINNIS PRESENTS & Lobero Theatre Foundation present Tina Schlieske & Friends on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM. Join us for a holiday celebration you’ll feel from your head to your mistletoes! This acclaimed musical experience, featuring Tina’s sister, Laura Schlieske, alongside an exceptional lineup of Minneapolis musicians, brings together seasonal classics, joyful covers, and heart-warming originals in one spectacular performance. A Brubeck Circle show. Get your tix today at lobero.org/events/
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At The Good Lion, enjoy a decorated bar and cozy up with seasonal craft cocktails like the Coco Nog, Vodka Crampus, or Sleigh Ride. Shaker Mill brought back its Nightmare Before Christmas inspired Holiday pop-up. Sip on cocktails inspired by the film like Jack Skellington, What’s This?, and Lock, Shock and Barrel. Guests can roll the dice like Oogie Boogie for Dice Shot with 11 different options. In Ventura, Strange Beast and Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust are facilitating Stranger Things–inspired pop-ups. At Strange Beast, 80s rock meets Dungeons & Dragons. Enjoy tiki-style cocktails like the Scoops Ahoy Daiquiri or Vecna’s Curse. Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust channeled the Snow Ball ’84 finale. Sip from punch bowls and cocktails like The Neverending Story and The Rightside Up. All pop-ups are available until January 1st! Good Lion Hospitality is also available to cater holiday events. Inquire for details at [email protected].
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Recent Comments
What if, and bear with me here because this is complicated, restaurants just paid their staff normally and charged prices that reflected those expenses, i.e.… — Rich
Little Mountain just isn’t organized. Everyone is very nice and the atmosphere stylish, but there is something wrong with it. The food is weird, portions… — Joan
I intensely to test Sur charges for the cost of doing business. Will they give back 5% profits to the patrons when they do extremely… — Geo
Just call it "The Copper" — Bob
The lack of generosity above is truly astonishing. Santa Barbara is an extraordinarily expensive place to live, as we all know. The 5% toward team… — OJ
Extra charges/fees are cash grabs that diminishes the dining experience. Tipping is out of control, then layer in the fees, and I ask myself if… — David
Instant drop to 15% and a comment on the ticket explaining why. Should be illegal for restaurants to create extra charges out of thin air. — Cee Oh
The Copper Coffee Pot name will be the kiss of death unless it’s another breakfast spot. — Cee Oh
Agreed. The Pizza Social name and concept was doomed from the start. Great idea to leverage the history of the place. I hope they bring… — Heather
The Copper Coffee Pot gets my nod. — Michael