Thanksgiving weekend at a glance
| Day | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 26 | Run (or walk) the Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler at 9:05 a.m., visit the zoo before its early 3:30 p.m. close, and catch the 4:49 p.m. sunset. |
| Fri, Nov 27 | Skip the malls. Hike, hit the beach, or drive to Solvang for the first day of Julefest. |
| Sat, Nov 28 | Shop local at the Arts & Crafts Show on Cabrillo Boulevard, then go wine tasting. |
| Sun, Nov 29 | The Arts & Crafts Show again, a whale watching trip, or a slow beach morning before the drive home. |
Thanksgiving Day
Run the Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler
Earn your pie. The 25th annual Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler starts at 9:05 a.m. on Thursday, November 26. The flat course heads down Hollister Avenue, follows tree-lined bike paths and finishes at Thunderbird Park, just off Walnut Avenue in Goleta. You can register online or sign up at the park that morning from 7 a.m. Day-of entry is $40, cash or check only. Details are on runsantabarbara.com.
Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is open on Thanksgiving but closes early, at 3:30 p.m., so go in the morning. Its new nighttime light show, IllumaNature, is closed on Thanksgiving Day but open the rest of the weekend from 5 to 9 p.m. See our Christmas lights guide for details. For more family ideas, see Santa Barbara with kids.
Walk off dinner at sunset
The sun sets at about 4:49 p.m. on Thanksgiving, so a pre-dinner stroll along the waterfront or a bluff-top park works perfectly. Our sunset spots guide has the best places. If you're eating out, book your Thanksgiving dinner reservation well ahead.
The rest of the long weekend
Shop local at the Arts & Crafts Show (Saturday and Sunday)
Skip the Black Friday crowds and pick up gifts made right here. The City's Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show sets up along Cabrillo Boulevard, between Stearns Wharf and Calle Cesar Chavez, on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29, from 10 a.m. until dusk. Look for paintings, jewelry, photography and ceramics. It doesn't run on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Hit the beach or the trails
Late November is a lovely time for a beach walk or a hike. See our best Santa Barbara beaches and best hikes guides. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is another easy, peaceful outing. It's usually open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. by reservation, but check its holiday hours first.
Go wine tasting
Walk between tasting rooms in the Funk Zone, or spend a day in the Santa Ynez Valley. Our wine tasting guide covers both. Many wineries suggest reservations on busy weekends, and this is one of them.
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Kick off Christmas in Solvang
Solvang's Julefest holiday celebration starts on Friday, November 27, in the Danish-style village about 35 miles from Santa Barbara. On Saturday evening, carolers stroll downtown Solvang from 5 to 8 p.m. See solvangusa.com for the schedule.
Look for whales
Whale watching boats leave from the harbor all year, and gray whales start heading south past Santa Barbara in December. Our whale watching guide explains what you might see.
FAQ
What is there to do in Santa Barbara on Thanksgiving Day?
Run or walk the Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler at 9:05 a.m., visit the Santa Barbara Zoo (it closes early, at 3:30 p.m.), take a beach walk, or watch the sunset at about 4:49 p.m.
Is the Santa Barbara Zoo open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, but it closes early, at 3:30 p.m. The zoo's IllumaNature light show is closed on Thanksgiving Day and open the rest of the weekend.
What time is the Santa Barbara Thanksgiving 4-Miler?
The race starts at 9:05 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026. It finishes at Thunderbird Park in Goleta, where day-of registration opens at 7 a.m.
Is the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show open Thanksgiving weekend?
Yes, on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. until dusk on Cabrillo Boulevard. It does not run on the Friday after Thanksgiving.