Starr King Parent-Child Workshop invites the community to start the holiday season at its Winter Holiday Market & Silent Auction, 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1525 1/2 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara.
The family event will transform the Starr King campus into a festive marketplace featuring bounce houses, face painting, snow, and kid-friendly crafts, alongside local vendors, food and drinks, and a silent auction for checking items off holiday shopping lists.
Entry to the market is free, with both free and paid children’s activities offered.
Pre-register online and receive a free children’s activity ticket. Families who register in advance will receive one complimentary ticket for a child activity of their choice.
Registration is free and helps the Starr King team plan for a great community day. Sign up at https://www.starrking-pcw.org/winter-market.
Guests can enjoy pretzels and bratwurst from Dutch Gardens; waffles from the German Language School; traditional Glühwein (mulled wine); and local beer from Figueroa Mountain, all while browsing handcrafted gifts, local art, and unique finds from community vendors, the pre-school said.
“This event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to gather in community and celebrate the season,” said Calais Storey, director of Starr King Parent-Child Workshop. “At our cooperative preschool, families play an essential role in their children’s development.
“The support and generosity of our community allows us to continue providing an enriching, play-based environment where young children and their families grow and thrive together.”
This year’s market is made possible in part with support from Kellow Construction, and through collaboration with the German Language School, whose participation brings authentic European flavors and traditions to the event.
“Our goal is to bring the warmth and joy of a traditional German holiday market to downtown Santa Barbara,” said Starr King development director Megan Birney Rudert.
“It’s a fun, festive way to connect families, support local businesses, and give back to a school that’s been part of this community for generations,” Rudert said.
The event is free, with proceeds from the silent auction, drinks, selected activities and a percentage of vendor sales directly supporting Starr King’s cooperative preschool program, scholarships, and classroom resources.
For more information or to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer, or donor, visit https://www.starrking-pcw.org/winter-market.
Starr King Parent-Child Workshop is a cooperative preschool, dedicated to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in young children. Starr-King is co-located with the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara and is grateful for its 76 year partnership.
“Through hands-on, play-based education and active parent participation, Starr King fosters a strong community of learners, caregivers, and families,” the school said.