The city of Goleta is getting in the holiday spirit with the 3rd Annual Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade Window Decorating Contest, designed to help create a festive atmosphere along the Hollister Avenue parade route.

Old Town Goleta businesses with a storefront along on Hollister Avenue from Orange to Kinman avenues are encouraged to participate.

Larry’s 8 Day Auto Parts, sporting a festive storefront with green trees and holly and snowflakes, took top prize in the 2024 Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade Window Decorating Contest. (Courtesy photo)
Larry’s 8 Day Auto Parts took top prize in the 2024 Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade Window Decorating Contest. (Courtesy photo)

Here is how it works:

• Decorate your storefront windows in time for the Goleta Holiday Parade (6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.)

• Keep decorations family-friendly, festive and fun.
• In support of the city’s Plastic-Free Ordinance, avoid using Mylar balloons.
• Decorations must be visible from the sidewalk but must not block pedestrian pathways.
• The decorated windows will be reviewed during the parade, and winners announced the following week. Winners will receive a Fuel Depot gas card and car wash.
• All participating businesses will be featured on the city’s social media channels.
• Winners will have bragging rights for the entire year.

Award Categories:

• Best Overall Window – The most outstanding display that captures the spirit of the season.
• Most Creative Theme – Recognizing originality and artistic design.
• Most Festive Display – Awarded for the most cheerful and holiday-spirited window.
• People’s Choice Award – Voted on by the community.
 
People’s Choice Award:
 After the parade, photos of all decorated windows will be posted on the city’s social media channels (@CityofGoleta). Community members can vote by leaving a comment with their favorite entry or by emailing to PIO@cityofgoleta.org during the designated voting period.
 
Those with questions or in need of assistance can contact Marcos Martinez at mmartinez@cityofgoleta.gov.


For more on the Holiday Parade put on the by the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club, including how to sponsor, volunteer or participate, visit https://goletaholidayparade.org/.

With nearly 20 businesses participating last year, Larry’s 8 Day Auto Parts took home the top prize with Hollister Barbershop and Goleta Bakery receiving honorable mentions.

The Edge Salon & Barbershop earned the title of People’s Favorite; The Lazy Eye Shop was People’s Favorite Runner-Up. View photos here.