Santa’s Village & Parade of Lights

At 5:30 p.m., some 30 illuminated boats will decorate to this year’s theme, “Hollywood Holidays,” which should make for decorations filled with plenty of glitz, glamour, and bright lights. Prior to the parade, families can visit Santa’s Village on the City Pier in Santa Barbara Harbor. Beginning at 3 p.m. they’ll enjoy elves with goody bags for the first 300 children, 10 tons of snow, and holiday music provided by K-LITE 101.7. Of course, no Santa’s Village would be complete without the man himself—Santa Claus will be in attendance and ready for photos, so bring your camera to take a free family photo!

Best viewing locations for the boat parade and fireworks that follow include Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, and East Beach. The event concludes with a festive awards gala for boater participants at the Maritime Museum, complete with gifts and cash prizes.

Registration is now open for the five competition categories and, as always, it’s free to enter! Participants can enter human-powered, power, sail, power, or commercial other vessels. Pick up your entry form at the Harbor Market, Harbor Fuel Dock, Waterfront offices, or go online.

This year’s event is sponsored by the 2018 Parade of Lights Committee, City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants Association, Stearns Wharf Business Association and Santa Barbara Yacht Club.

So mark your calendars to get in the holiday spirit Santa Barbara style and head down to the Waterfront for an afternoon and evening of fun at the 32nd Annual Parade of Lights on Sunday, December 9th. Visit www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParadeofLights for additional details, including registration forms for interested boater participants.