The heart of Montecito beat with festive energy as families, friends and four-legged companions gathered for the second annual holiday tree lighting on Coast Village Road.
The Dec. 7 celebration brought together multiple generations, all bundled in holiday attire, to usher in the season with the community spirit that makes Montecito so special.
As the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony quartet filled the air with melodic tunes and performers from The Adderley School shared beloved holiday songs, children lined up eagerly at the popular hot chocolate cart, returning for seconds and thirds of the peppermint and traditional marshmallow-topped treats.
Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro offered prime viewing spots of the towering Christmas tree, donated by the Rosewood Miramar Beach and carefully selected from the venerable Anthony’s Christmas Trees.
The evening’s highlight arrived in distinctive style as Santa Claus made his entrance in the Miramar’s signature teal Fiat Jolly car, ready to collect written wish lists from wide-eyed children.
One of my granddaughters, who clutched my hand as she shyly inched closer to Santa, innocently observed with some disappointment, “Grammy, I guess there are no laps this year.” Out of the mouths of babes …
Montecito’s second annual Coast Village Road tree lighting was a family-friendly community celebration. Among those taking advantage of the holiday festivities were the author’s family, Julia, Matt Vivienne and Eloise Meyer. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
Coast Village Association executive director Beth Sullivan with the 35-foot Nordmann fir Christmas tree that stands at the heart of the street’s holiday celebration. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
The Tennis Shop of Montecito is all window-dressed for Christmas. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
Coast Village Association board members, from left, Rob Kooyman, Trish Davis, Jeff Harding, Trey Pinner and Kevin Frank. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
Santa Claus hanging loose at the Rosewood Miramar Beach before heading over to the Coast Village Road tree lighting in a more Montecito-appropriate sleigh. Credit: Gavin Stay photo 
Hot chocolate, anyone? Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo 
Nancy and Trey Pinner get a photo op with Santa Claus. Credit: Gavin Stay photo
Although Santa wasn’t taking whispered requests, he and Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse led the crowd in a countdown to illuminate the majestic 35-foot Nordmann fir.
The event, spearheaded by Coast Village Association board president Trey Pinner and executive director Beth Sullivan, alongside Rosewood Miramar managing director Rick Fidel, showcased the community’s collaborative spirit.
The celebration marked another successful effort by the Coast Village Association to enhance the area’s charm.
Thanks to Derrick Bailey and Adam Zeits of the Santa Barbara Public Works Department providing electrical infrastructure, the street sparkled with decorated storefronts, as merchants embraced the holiday spirit with stunning displays.
Local leaders, including Montecito Association executive director Houghton Hyatt and Montecito Community Foundation board president Ruthie Green, joined a host of board members and community figures in celebrating this growing tradition.
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