December weather in Santa Barbara
December is mild by almost anyone's standards. According to NOAA's 30-year climate averages for downtown Santa Barbara:
- Average high: about 66°F.
- Average low: about 46°F.
- Rain: about 3 inches for the month, so pack a rain jacket just in case.
- Daylight: the sun sets between about 4:49 and 4:59 p.m. all month, so plan outdoor time for earlier in the day.
Rainy day? Our Santa Barbara with kids guide lists museums and indoor fun, and the Funk Zone tasting rooms are a cozy place to wait out a shower.
December 2026 holiday calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| All month | IllumaNature nighttime lights at the Santa Barbara Zoo (through January 10). See our Christmas lights guide. |
| All month | Solvang Julefest (through January 3). |
| Fri, Dec 4 | Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade on State Street, 6:30 p.m., back for the first time since 2019. Solvang's Tree Lighting is the same night at 5:30 p.m. |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Solvang Julefest Parade, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Dec 8–21 | Trolley of Lights neighborhood tours. |
| Sun, Dec 13 | Parade of Lights: paddle parade at 2 p.m., lighted boat parade at 5:30 p.m., fireworks at about 7 p.m. |
| Sundays + Sat, Dec 19 | Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show on Cabrillo Boulevard, 10 a.m. until dusk. Great for local gifts. |
| Thu, Dec 31 | New Year's Eve. See the note below. |
Dates and times change. Everything here comes from each organizer's official site as of October 2026. Check the links in our event guides before you go.
Gray whale season starts
December is when gray whales start passing Santa Barbara on their way south from Alaska to Baja California, and they keep coming through January. Common dolphins are spotted all year. Our Santa Barbara whale watching guide explains the seasons and how to pick a boat.
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Christmas lights and holiday sparkle
From a free self-guided neighborhood tour to the Trolley of Lights and the zoo's brand-new IllumaNature, there are plenty of ways to see the lights. Our Santa Barbara Christmas lights guide has times, prices and tips. Don't miss the lighted boats at the Parade of Lights on December 13.
Day trip: Solvang Julefest
About 35 miles from Santa Barbara, the Danish-style village of Solvang celebrates Julefest from November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Highlights include:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, December 4, at 5:30 p.m. in Solvang Park.
- Julefest Parade: Saturday, December 5, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with more than 400 participants.
- Maker's Market: Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16 and 23, from 3 to 7 p.m. in Solvang Park.
Get the full schedule at solvangusa.com. Pair it with a stop in wine country using our wine tasting guide.
New Year's Eve in Santa Barbara
If you're hoping for a big midnight fireworks show, plan accordingly. The City of Santa Barbara's event calendar doesn't list a New Year's Eve fireworks show for 2026, and personal fireworks of any kind are illegal in the city. December's waterfront fireworks happen earlier in the month, after the Parade of Lights on December 13. For New Year's Eve, look for concerts, shows and dinners around town, and check the City's calendar closer to the date in case anything is added.
FAQ
Is Santa Barbara nice in December?
Yes. Average highs are about 66°F downtown, the holiday events are in full swing, and gray whales start migrating past the coast. Bring layers and a rain jacket, since December averages about 3 inches of rain.
How cold is Santa Barbara in December?
Not very. NOAA's 30-year averages for downtown Santa Barbara show a December high of about 66°F and a low of about 46°F.
What are the best things to do in Santa Barbara in December?
See the Parade of Lights on December 13, tour the Christmas lights, visit IllumaNature at the zoo, go whale watching for gray whales, shop the Sunday Arts & Crafts Show, and take a day trip to Solvang Julefest.
Does Santa Barbara have fireworks on New Year's Eve?
The City's 2026 event calendar doesn't list a New Year's Eve fireworks show, and personal fireworks are illegal in the city. December's waterfront fireworks follow the Parade of Lights on December 13. Solvang's Copenhagen Countdown celebrates at 3 p.m. on December 31.
Plan your trip
Heading to Julefest? See our Solvang day trip guide. Coming for Thanksgiving first? See our Thanksgiving weekend guide. New to town? Start with getting to Santa Barbara and our one-day itinerary.