Holiday 2020

Of course many activities have been cancelled this year, but there are many things still happening! 

In place of the Snow Leopard Festival (at the Santa Barbara Zoo), the zoo will be decorated for all of December with places for holiday photos. Seasonal treats available for purchase. (Zoo temporarily closed 12/7)

While there is no Candy Cane train this year at the South Coast Railroad Museum, the train recently reopened and is doing rides from 12-4 on Saturday and Sunday. (SCRM is closed as of 12/11)

Lights Tour: the Trolley of Lights Tour is different this year, but still happening from December 8 to 21. The Rockstar Trolley is also doing tours from December 5 to 24 (12/9 no change on the website.) Create your own lights tour yourself). Check out the light show house on Carslie, generally up by first weekend in December. 

Lane Farms Christmas Tree Lot has farm animals, tractors and a corn maze, November 27 to December 20th 10am-8pm (12/9 no change on the website.)

Snow will fall at Paseo Nuevo daily every half hour from 5pm-7:30 (November 27-December 31, except Christmas) (12/9 no change on the website.) 

By Date:

(12/9 no change on the website.)

You can reserve a spot to visit Santa at La Cumbre Plaza and take socially distanced pictures December 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 and 24 (11am-7/8pm except Christmas eve). (12/16 website--Santa Reservations happening.)

Santa will come to Hollister Village on December 12 from 11am-2pm and will take socially distanced photos (photos are free and printed onsite). There will also be carolers and an opportunity to write Santa. (12/9 no change on the website.)

Santa will also be at Paseo Nuevo on November 28 and 29 as well as December 19 and 20 from 12pm-6pm. Santa reads virtually to kids on Thursday at 11am (12/9 no change on the website.) 

Did I miss anything? What are you favorite local holiday traditions? Please feel free to message me through Facebook, Instagram or on the blog! 

** Events cancelled Santa Barbara Holiday Parade, Snow Leopard Festival at the zoo, Candy Cane Train at the South Coast Railway Museum, Santa Barbara Wharf Parade of Lights, First United Methodist Living Nativity, and Old Town Goleta Parade 

Other Activity Ideas:

Choose toys to pass on to other kids 

Toys for Tots

Make a paper chain Christmas countdown

Make ornaments, maybe this one
Make Christmas cards for family 
Make nuts or cookies for the neighbors, one possibility Persimmon Bread 
Gingerbread houses 
* Jesse tree ornaments and readings

Make hot cocoa and listen to Christmas music

Christmas movies (Elf, Muppets Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Creature Comforts Christmas Special, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Nutcracker, Charlie Brown Christmas)

 

What are your favorite Christmas activities? Tell us in the comments here or on Facebook or Instagram!