Anonymous
Source: City of Santa Barbara
This year has been hard on us all, but it has been especially difficult for our small, independent businesses and the local workforce. During this holiday season there are many ways to assist local businesses while still adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.
Order Takeout or Delivery
Please show your favorite local restaurants, specialty food and coffee shops, wineries, and breweries your support by ordering takeout, delivery and curbside pick-up services. The City has expanded loading zones on the 00 blocks of cross-streets, right off State Street. Many restaurants are offering a full or limited menu for takeout and/or delivery. Wine and beer tasting rooms are closed and your beverage order is appreciated so you can enjoy local wines and brewed items from the comfort of your home. Check out this guide compiled by Visit Santa Barbara to learn what’s available.
Shop Local Stores
Purchase holiday gifts, clothing, or supplies from your favorite local merchants online. Many local retailers have a presence online where you can place an order and have items shipped. You can also buy a gift card for a future purchase. You can find updates and promotions from stores on the Downtown Santa Barbara website, the Visit Santa Barbara website, Coast Village Association Instagram, or Stearn’s Wharf website. You can also browse gifts by local artisans, outdoors while socially-distanced, at the Arts & Crafts Show on Cabrillo Boulevard.
Source: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Although our exhibits are temporarily closed, we can still help you find great gifts. Both the Sea Center and Museum Stores are open daily from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM for safe in-person shopping.
This weekend is the last of our Folk & Tribal Arts Pop-ups at the Museum. We’ll be welcoming La Calenda, a very popular Folk & Tribal Arts Marketplace vendor, offering a variety of colorful handmade items from artisans in Oaxaca. La Calenda is owned and operated by Oaxaca native Bany Vargas, who has been living in Santa Barbara since 1993.
For last-minute Christmas shoppers and those staying home, we’re offering low-cost, contact-free delivery on December 23 and 24 for Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Montecito with a minimum purchase of $25 from our online store.
Want to share unique experiences instead of objects this year? Our virtual Nature Adventures Winter Camps for ages 4–12 offer peace for parents and hours of fun for kids. Camps begin on December 21, so register now to be ready for a winter staycation.
Thinking further ahead? Plan for a year of learning and excitement for your loved ones by taking advantage of our buy one, get-one-half-off gift membership offer(only available through December 31).
