Paseo Nuevo is celebrating the spirit of the season with its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sunday, Nov. 30, highlighting its partnership with Make-A-Wish Central Coast and Southern Central Valley (CVS).
This year’s event marks the official start to Paseo Nuevo’s holiday programming and spotlights the work of Make-A-Wish CVS, the featured nonprofit for 2025.
Paseo Nuevo’s relationship with Make-A-Wish CVS began earlier this year when the mall hosted a shopping spree wish experience on the property for a local child who dreamed of being “the best dressed at school.”
The experience deepened the connection between the organizations and inspired Paseo Nuevo to dedicate this year’s holiday season to supporting the Make-A-Wish mission. The partnership reflects a broader commitment from Paseo Nuevo’s parent company, Prism Places, which has helped raise funds for Make-A-Wish across its portfolio of properties.
Additionally, Paseo Nuevo’s Peppermint Parlor will include a space to support Make-A-Wish CVS, offering guests a chance to write letters to Santa and local Make-A-Wish kids; make donations to help grant future wishes; or sign up to volunteer with the Central Coast & Southern Central Valley chapter.
The Peppermint Parlor will be open every Saturday and Sunday Nov. 30 to Dec. 24, 11 am-7 p.m.
“This event is all about coming together and celebrating the magic of the season,” said Caroline Mayhew, Marketing Manager for Paseo Nuevo. “Partnering with Make-A-Wish CVS makes it even more meaningful. They do incredible work for kids right here in our community, and we’re so excited to kick off the holidays and help their mission of granting life-changing wishes.”
The Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 6 p.m. with Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse officially welcoming the community, followed by Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez with a bilingual greeting. A Make-A-Wish family will also take the stage to speak before the tree is lit at 6:30 p.m.
Characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, will be joined by DJ Darla Bea performing holiday favorites throughout the evening. Local curbside coffee bus, Considered Coffee, will be on site so visitors can sip free hot cocoa and peppermint mochas and enjoy the festivities.
Members of a UC Santa Barbara athletic team will greet visitors, and Eureka will offer complimentary mocktail samples. At the Mistletoe Market in De La Guerra Plaza, local vendors will be selling vintage clothing, handmade gifts, and holiday items.
Donation-based gift wrapping will be provided by local Boy Scout Troop 4’ carolers will sing, and there will be selfies with Santa.
For more on the event, visit https://www.paseonuevosb.com/events.
To learn more about Make-A-Wish CVS, email info@cvs.wish.org, call 805-676-9474, or visit wish.org/cvs. Tax ID # 77-0098671.