Downtown Santa Barbara: Season of Cheer is the theme of this year’s holiday happenings announced by the Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara’s staff and Board of Directors. All activities are free unless noted.
Th 2022 event series is presented by Consumer Fire Products, Inc (CFPI). A longtime supporter of Downtown Santa Barbara’s holiday events, CFPI has sponsored the holiday parade, Christmas tree installation, and other holiday activations for the past nine years. Montecito Bank and Trust is a supporting sponsor.
“We are thrilled to partner with Downtown SB for yet another year of fun holiday events,” said Irene Rhodes, CEO of CFPI. “Giving back to the community brings us a lot of joy, and we can’t wait to see people young and old take part in this year’s celebrations. CFPI wishes everybody a wonderful holiday season.”
Season of Cheer festivities open with a Candlelight Concert Series each Wednesday, Nov. 9-Dec. 14 (except for Nov. 23). There will be live entertainment surrounded by holiday candles, 5-7 p.m. on the steps of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Full concert details available here.
The Season of Cheer series continues with a Friendsgiving Rock the Block: block party, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, in the 700 and 800 blocks of State Street. The event featurees live music, performances, arts and crafts, and themed photo ops.
Kids ages 6-10 may also participate in the annual Prince & Fairy Art Contest. Winners of the Prince & Fairy Art Contest will get the privilege of lighting the annual Christmas Tree at the Dec. 2 Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The 1st Thursday Art Walk will host an open-air Holiday Market, as well as 20-plus business and gallery venues with live music, art, and wine, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1.
Winter Wonderland, a Christmas tree lighting and block party is set for 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 in the 1300 block of State Street (near the Arlington Theatre). The holiday event will include a Santa meet-and-greet, live music with DJ Darla Bea, and performances by San Marcos High School Band.
The Christmas tree is again donated from Consumer Fire Products, Inc and sourced from a sustainable farm in Oregon.
Seasonal celebrations also feature a Downtown Community Holiday Mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 13 at Broad Street Oyster Company, 418 State St. The $25 ticket price includes a drink and appetizers.
A free Big Brass Tuba Christmas concert will be held noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 in Storke Placita (722-724 State St.); and the Youth Makers Market in the same block.
To learn more, www.downtownsb.org.