The 40th annual Parade of Lights takes over the Santa Barbara waterfront on Sunday, December 13, 2026, from 2 to about 7:30 p.m. It's free to watch, and this year's theme is "Hawaiian Holiday."
2026 schedule at a glance
| Time | What's happening |
|---|---|
| 2:00–3:30 p.m. | Paddle parade. Dozens of stand-up paddlers and kayakers in holiday costumes start in the harbor and loop around Stearns Wharf. |
| 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Winter Wonderland on the City Pier in the harbor, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves, snow and goodie bags for kids. |
| 5:30 p.m. | Boat parade. About 30 lighted boats cruise from near Leadbetter Beach along the waterfront to the Cabrillo Pavilion at East Beach, then back to Stearns Wharf. |
| About 7:00 p.m. | Fireworks from West Beach, right after the boat parade. The show is short, about five minutes. |
Times can shift. These come from the City of Santa Barbara's Parade of Lights page. Check it the week of the event for any changes.
Best places to watch
The City names four favorite viewing spots for the boat parade and fireworks:
- Stearns Wharf. Front-row seats. The boats finish here, and the fireworks go up from the beach right next door.
- The breakwater. The long walkway at the harbor gives you water views in every direction.
- West Beach. The sand between the harbor and the wharf, right by the fireworks.
- East Beach. More room to spread out, and the boats turn around near the Cabrillo Pavilion.
The sun sets at about 4:50 p.m. that day, so by the time the boat parade starts at 5:30 it's dark and the lights really pop. For the afternoon paddle parade, stand along the harbor or on Stearns Wharf.
Parking and getting there
- Waterfront lots stay open as usual. City waterfront lots cost $3.50 an hour, with a $20 daily maximum, and you can pay by phone. Arrive early on parade day to get a spot close to the action.
- Stearns Wharf closes to cars at 3:30 p.m. If you park on the wharf, you can't leave until about 7:30 p.m., after the fireworks, and expect slow going through the crowds.
- Make a day of it. The Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show runs along Cabrillo Boulevard that Sunday from 10 a.m. Browse for gifts, then walk over for the paddle parade.
Bonus: the Downtown Holiday Parade is back
Coming the weekend before? The Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade returns to State Street on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., its first time back since 2019. It starts in front of the Arlington Theatre and heads down State Street to Ortega Street, with marching bands, dance groups and glowing walking groups. The organizers say the parade has drawn more than 60,000 spectators in past years, so grab your curb spot early. Details are on downtownsb.org.
While you're downtown, look for the State Street Christmas tree on the 1300 block. For more holiday sparkle, see our Santa Barbara Christmas lights guide and our Santa Barbara in December guide.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Santa Barbara Parade of Lights?
Sunday, December 13, 2026. The paddle parade starts at 2 p.m., the boat parade at 5:30 p.m., and the fireworks follow at about 7 p.m.
Where is the best place to watch the Parade of Lights?
The City recommends Stearns Wharf, the harbor breakwater, West Beach and East Beach. Stearns Wharf and West Beach are closest to the fireworks.
Is there a fireworks show at the Parade of Lights?
Yes. A short fireworks show of about five minutes launches from West Beach right after the boat parade, at about 7 p.m.
Where do I park for the Parade of Lights?
The City's waterfront lots are open as usual, at $3.50 an hour with a $20 daily maximum. Stearns Wharf closes to cars at 3:30 p.m., so park elsewhere if you want to leave before the fireworks end.
When is the Santa Barbara Christmas parade on State Street?
The Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade is Friday, December 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. It runs down State Street from the Arlington Theatre to Ortega Street.
Make a day of it
Spend the morning on a whale watching trip (gray whales pass by in December), walk Stearns Wharf, and see what else is on in our December guide. Coming for Thanksgiving instead? Try our Thanksgiving weekend guide.