The Santa Barbara area has 9 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from IllumaNature: California Coastin' in Santa Barbara on November 11 to The Nutcracker Tutu Suite in Santa Barbara, on December 19. 2 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 9 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Santa Barbara for 2026, in Santa Barbara and Goleta
- First: IllumaNature: California Coastin', Santa Barbara, November 11. Runs latest: IllumaNature: California Coastin', Santa Barbara, through January 10
- Free: Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade and All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.
Santa Barbara Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Santa Barbara and Goleta
- Season
- November 11, 2026 to January 10, 2027
- Free events
- 2
- Kinds of events
- holiday show, holiday parade, holiday lights and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Santa Barbara Christmas event for kids happens
The first is IllumaNature: California Coastin' in Santa Barbara on November 11; the last runs to December 19. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- IllumaNature: California Coastin'Santa Barbara · Nov 11 to Jan 10
- Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday ParadeSanta Barbara · Dec 4
- Old Town Goleta Holiday ParadeGoleta · Dec 5
- Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box SculptureSanta Barbara · Dec 5
- The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet)Santa Barbara · Dec 5 to Dec 6
- Classic Holiday Movies on IceGoleta · Dec 12
- All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of TrainsSanta Barbara · Dec 12 to Dec 13
- Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter WonderlandSanta Barbara · Dec 13
- The Nutcracker Tutu SuiteSanta Barbara · Dec 19
Look inside the book
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Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
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Christmas events for kids in Santa Barbara
7 confirmed events for kids in Santa Barbara, soonest first.
Santa Barbara: IllumaNature: California Coastin'
Holiday lightsSanta Barbara Zoo · Santa Barbara
- Host
- Santa Barbara Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
- When
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (nightly, closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25), 5 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Children 2 to 12 $29.95, adults $39.95; ride add-on $35.95 and $46.95; parking $11
- Ages
- All ages; children 2 to 12 ticketed
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
IllumaNature runs every evening from November 11 through January 10 at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Guests wander past thousands of lights, glowing wildlife and interactive installations that tell the story of California's coast and landscapes. The event is rain or shine and strollers are welcome.
General admission is $29.95 for children ages 2 to 12 and $39.95 for adults. An Ultimate IllumaNature ticket adds one ride on the IllumaNature Express, a nighttime train through the Zoo. The Zoo closes at 4 pm on event days, so daytime visitors cannot simply stay on. Food and drinks are sold at the Ridley Tree-House Restaurant and concession stands, and families may bring their own food. A Low Sensory Night is set for November 12, and a 21 and over Adult Night is planned for December 10.
Parent tip: Parking is $11 per car and the event is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Choose November 12 for a calmer low sensory evening.
See dates and details from Santa Barbara Zoo (opens in a new tab)Santa Barbara: Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade
Holiday paradeDowntown Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara
- Host
- Downtown Santa Barbara (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- State Street (Arlington Theatre to Ortega Street), 1317 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 6:30 pm
- Cost
- Not stated on the event page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association is bringing the Holiday Parade back to State Street on Friday, December 4 at 6:30 pm. It is the 68th annual parade and the first since 2019. Organizers say it has long drawn more than 60,000 spectators.
The procession starts in front of the Arlington Theatre and travels down State Street, ending at Ortega Street. Expect marching bands and drumlines, local dance schools and rhythmic gymnasts, and illuminated walking ensembles with seasonal characters. This year's State Street Christmas tree will stand on the 1300 block. Motorized vehicles, floats and golf carts are not allowed in the parade, so the route stays walkable and people powered. Full staging and start line details are to be announced closer to the date.
Parent tip: Arrive early for a spot along State Street, since crowds are large. Check the Downtown Santa Barbara page for final route details.
See dates and details from Downtown Santa Barbara (opens in a new tab)Santa Barbara: The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet)
Holiday showGoleta School of Ballet · Santa Barbara
- Host
- Goleta School of Ballet (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 East Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
- When
- Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 3 pm
- Cost
- General admission; price not listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Goleta School of Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker at the Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, both at 3 pm. The cast is made up of student dancers from Level 1 through the Pre-Professional Division, so children get to see local young dancers in the story they know from the holidays.
Seating is general admission. The school sells tickets through its online store, and a past season's announcement said tickets could also be bought at the door on the day of the performance. A shorter children's version, The Nutcracker Tutu Suite, is scheduled for December 19. Afternoon start times make this an easy outing for families with school age children.
Parent tip: Check the school's ticket store for current prices and arrive early since seating is general admission.
See dates and details from Goleta School of Ballet (opens in a new tab)Santa Barbara: Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture
Holiday craftsSanta Barbara Museum of Art · Santa Barbara
- Host
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- SBMA Art Studio at The Downtown Club, 632 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 3 pm
- Cost
- $140 members, $160 non-members
- Ages
- Ages 6 to 12
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers a hands-on holiday workshop for children ages 6 to 12 on Saturday, December 5, from 9 am to 3 pm. Inspired by works of art on view at the museum, young artists create animal themed air dry clay pieces and shadow box sculptures meant to be given as gifts to friends and family.
This is a drop off workshop. Parents may leave their child at the start and must pick up no later than 15 minutes after it ends. Families should send a clearly labeled lunch, snack and water bottle. The workshop runs in the museum's Art Studio at The Downtown Club on East Canon Perdido Street, and it is led by instructors Jason Summers and Luna Vallejo-Howard. Tickets cost $140 for museum members and $160 for non-members and are purchased through the museum website.
Parent tip: Pack a labeled lunch, snack and water bottle, and plan to pick up within 15 minutes of the end time.
See dates and details from Santa Barbara Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)Santa Barbara: All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains
Model trainsFreeSanta Barbara Maritime Museum · Santa Barbara
- Host
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
- When
- Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free admission for visitors who mention "Trains" at the front kiosk
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Holiday Festival of Trains has delighted Santa Barbara families for more than 30 years, and this year it moves to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Local collector Dave Halbeisen sets up a sampling of his model train collection for the weekend of December 12 and 13.
Multiple trains chug along the tracks through winter landscapes filled with tiny people, buildings and animals. The display includes Lionel Standard gauge and three rail O gauge trains, with pieces from prewar Lionel through more modern trains and accessories. Younger visitors get a close look at model railroading in action, and the museum offers a free look at the layout for anyone who says the word Trains at the front kiosk. The museum sits at the harbor, so families can combine the visit with a walk along the waterfront.
Parent tip: Mention "Trains" at the front kiosk to get in free. Plan a harbor walk before or after.
See dates and details from Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (opens in a new tab)Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland
Santa and Mrs. ClausCity of Santa Barbara Waterfront · Santa Barbara
- Host
- City of Santa Barbara Waterfront (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Santa Barbara Harbor and City Pier, 132 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
- When
- Sunday, December 13, 2026, 2 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Not stated on the city listing
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa Barbara's waterfront hosts the 40th Annual Parade of Lights on Sunday, December 13. Earlier, from 3 to 5 pm, the City Pier by the harbor turns into a Winter Wonderland. The city promises seasonal elves, ten tons of snow, treat bags and Santa with Mrs. Claus.
The daytime portion, powered by people, starts at 2 pm as paddleboarders and kayakers in festive outfits circle the harbor and Stearns Wharf. Then, around 5:30 pm, roughly 30 lit boats travel from Leadbetter Beach to the Cabrillo Pavilion and come back up the coast toward Stearns Wharf. A short fireworks display follows around 7 pm. For viewing, the city suggests Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach or East Beach.
Parent tip: Save the snow fun for the 3 to 5 pm period, then settle on a waterfront viewing spot ahead of the 5:30 pm boats.
See dates and details from City of Santa Barbara Waterfront (opens in a new tab)Santa Barbara: The Nutcracker Tutu Suite
Holiday showGoleta School of Ballet · Santa Barbara
- Host
- Goleta School of Ballet (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 East Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1:30 pm
- Cost
- General admission; price not listed
- Ages
- Performed by pre-ballet through primary level dancers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Nutcracker Tutu Suite is a holiday performance by the youngest students of Goleta School of Ballet. The dancers come from the Pre-Ballet, Pre-Primary, Primary A and Primary B classes, along with Goleta Ballet Theatre. It takes place on Saturday, December 19 at 1:30 pm at the Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara.
Because the cast is made up of very young dancers, the show is a chance for small children to see classmates their own age on stage. Seating is general admission. The school sells tickets through its online store, so check there for the current price before you go. The youngest dancers perform in the Tutu Suite, while the longer full Nutcracker production with older students is held two weeks earlier, on December 5 and 6.
Parent tip: Seating is general admission, so arrive early for a good seat close to the stage.
See dates and details from Goleta School of Ballet (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Goleta
2 confirmed events for kids in Goleta, soonest first.
Goleta: Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade
Holiday paradeFreeGoleta Holiday Parade (Old Town Goleta) · Goleta
- Host
- Goleta Holiday Parade (Old Town Goleta) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Hollister Avenue, Old Town Goleta, Hollister Avenue between Orange and Kinman, Goleta, CA 93117 (near Santa Barbara)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Goleta Holiday Parade rolls through Old Town Goleta on Saturday, December 5, from 6 to 9 pm. The route runs along Hollister Avenue from Orange Avenue to Kinman Avenue, so families can pick a spot along the street and watch the entries pass.
The organizers invite the public to take part in several ways, as a parade entry, a sponsor, a volunteer or simply a spectator. The listing marks the event as free and tags it for children and families. The parade is run by a community committee, and the contact on the listing is goletaholidayparade@gmail.com or 805-455-2712 for questions about entries and volunteering. Hollister Avenue is the main street through Old Town, so expect some street closures and busy parking nearby, and consider arriving early to walk the neighborhood before the parade begins.
Parent tip: Spectating is free. Bring warm layers, since the parade runs into the evening.
See dates and details from Goleta Holiday Parade (Old Town Goleta) (opens in a new tab)Goleta: Classic Holiday Movies on Ice
Holiday showIce in Paradise · Goleta
- Host
- Ice in Paradise (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Ice in Paradise, 6985 Santa Felicia Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 (near Santa Barbara)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 6 pm
- Cost
- $20 upstairs seating, $30 on-ice seating (per local listing)
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Ice in Paradise in Goleta presents Classic Holiday Movies on Ice on Saturday, December 12. Skaters bring favorite holiday films to life on the rink in three one hour shows, at 12:00, 2:30 and 5:00 pm.
Tickets are sold online for either upstairs seating or on-ice seating. A local event listing shows $20 for upstairs seats and $30 for on-ice seats. The rink also has a Rinkside Cafe, which makes it easy to turn the show into a snack stop. Because the shows are an hour long and spread through the day, families with young children can choose the time that fits nap schedules. Ice in Paradise is a recreational rink in Goleta used by youth, adults and families across the greater Santa Barbara community.
Parent tip: Pick the time slot that suits your kids and book tickets online ahead of time.
See dates and details from Ice in Paradise (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Modesto, Oxnard, Santa Rosa and Palm Springs. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonSanta Barbara Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Santa Barbara in 2026?
We confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Santa Barbara for 2026 on each host’s own page: IllumaNature: California Coastin' in Santa Barbara (November 11), Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade in Santa Barbara (December 4), Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade in Goleta (December 5), The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet) in Santa Barbara (December 5), Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture in Santa Barbara (December 5), All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains in Santa Barbara (December 12), Classic Holiday Movies on Ice in Goleta (December 12), Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland in Santa Barbara (December 13) and The Nutcracker Tutu Suite in Santa Barbara (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Santa Barbara, California?
For families in and around Santa Barbara, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: IllumaNature: California Coastin' (Nightly, Nov 11 to Jan 10, 5 to 9 pm, children 2 to 12 $29.95, adults $39.95; ride add-on $35.95 and $46.95; parking $11); Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade (Fri, Dec 4, 6:30 pm, not stated on the event page); The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet) (Sat and Sun, Dec 5 and 6, 3 pm, general admission; price not listed); Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to 3 pm, $140 members, $160 non-members); All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains (Sat and Sun, Dec 12 and 13, 10 am to 5 pm, free admission for visitors who mention "trains" at the front kiosk); Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland (Sun, Dec 13, 2 to 7:30 pm (Winter Wonderland 3 to 5 pm), not stated on the city listing); The Nutcracker Tutu Suite (Sat, Dec 19, 1:30 pm, general admission; price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Santa Barbara section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Goleta, California?
For families in and around Goleta, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade (Sat, Dec 5, 6 to 9 pm, free); Classic Holiday Movies on Ice (Sat, Dec 12, shows at 12, 2:30 and 5 pm, $20 upstairs seating, $30 on-ice seating (per local listing)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Goleta section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Santa Barbara?
Yes. 2 of the 9 events here are free: Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade in Goleta and All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains in Santa Barbara. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Santa Barbara this December?
Santa appears at Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland in Santa Barbara (December 13). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Santa Barbara on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: IllumaNature: California Coastin' in Santa Barbara (through January 10).
How much is IllumaNature: California Coastin' in Santa Barbara?
Children 2 to 12 $29.95, adults $39.95; ride add-on $35.95 and $46.95; parking $11. IllumaNature: California Coastin' is on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (nightly, closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25), 5 to 9 pm at Santa Barbara Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade in Santa Barbara?
Not stated on the event page. Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6:30 pm at State Street (Arlington Theatre to Ortega Street). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade in Goleta?
Free. Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at Hollister Avenue, Old Town Goleta. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet) in Santa Barbara?
General admission; price not listed. The Nutcracker (Goleta School of Ballet) is on Sat December 5 and Sun December 6, 2026, 3 pm at Marjorie Luke Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture in Santa Barbara?
$140 members, $160 non-members. Winter Gift-Making Workshop: Clay Animals and Shadow Box Sculpture is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 3 pm at SBMA Art Studio at The Downtown Club. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains in Santa Barbara?
Free admission for visitors who mention "Trains" at the front kiosk. All Aboard for the Holidays: Festival of Trains is on Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Classic Holiday Movies on Ice in Goleta?
$20 upstairs seating, $30 on-ice seating (per local listing). Classic Holiday Movies on Ice is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 6 pm at Ice in Paradise. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland in Santa Barbara?
Not stated on the city listing. Santa Barbara Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 2 to 7:30 pm at Santa Barbara Harbor and City Pier. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Nutcracker Tutu Suite in Santa Barbara?
General admission; price not listed. The Nutcracker Tutu Suite is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1:30 pm at Marjorie Luke Theatre. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Santa Barbara?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Santa Barbara Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
