Starr King Parent-Child Workshop invites the Santa Barbara community to celebrate the season at its second annual Starr King Winter Market & Silent Auction 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St.

'Snow,' like that seen here falling on excited families, is in the forecast for the Starr King Parent-Child Workshop Winter Market. (Starr King Parent-Child Workshop)
‘Snow’ is in the forecast for the Starr King Parent-Child Workshop Winter Market. (Starr King Parent-Child Workshop)

“Inspired by the traditional German holiday markets that have brought communities together for centuries, the Winter Market offers a festive afternoon of shopping, food, drinks, family activities, and community connection, organizers said.

Admission is free, and proceeds from the silent auction and event activities will benefit Starr King’s cooperative preschool program.

“After marrying into a German family, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the joy of traditional German winter markets firsthand,” said Megan Birney Rudert, development director of Starr King. “For centuries, these markets have been places where people gather, celebrate, shop, and connect with their communities.

“We wanted to bring a little of that magic to Santa Barbara while supporting Starr King and the wonderful local businesses that make our community special.”

With “snow” in the forecast for the event, families can enjoy a little winter magic in Santa Barbara, along with free creative activities provided in partnership with FoundCreate and Art From Scrap.

Children’s activity wristbands, available for $20, will include face painting, parkour with Santa Barbara Trapeze, and treats such as hot chocolate, popcorn, and cotton candy.

Adults can enjoy food from Dutch Gardens, traditional German mulled wine, and local beer while browsing a variety of local small-business vendors and finding unique gifts for the holiday season.

The online silent auction opens Monday, Nov. 9, giving community members an opportunity to bid on experiences, gifts, and local offerings. To preview auction items, register and start bidding, visit https://givebutter.com/c/starr-king-winter-auction-2026/auction.

Auction highlights include Cupcakes with Calais, a one-on-one cupcake outing to Crushcakes with Starr King’s director Calais Storey; a weeklong Santa Barbara Trapeze camp; tickets to BottleRock Napa Valley; gift cards; local services; and restaurant experiences.

“Starr King is such a special community, and events like this bring our families together in a way that extends beyond the classroom,” said Storey. “The generosity of our community helps us continue providing a nurturing, play-based environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive. We’re grateful to everyone who helps make that possible.”

For event information or to learn more about supporting Starr King as a sponsor, volunteer or donor, visit https://www.starrking-pcw.org/winter-market.

Starr King Parent-Child Workshop is a cooperative preschool in Santa Barbara. Through hands-on, play-based education and active parent participation, Starr King works to foster a community of learners, caregivers and families.