‘Tis the Season

A Guide to Holiday Happenings

FRIDAY DECEMBER 1

Bells and Whistles

UCSB Chamber Choir and the University Singers — This double
performance kicks off UCSB’s holiday music season with a selection
of sacred music. 8pm. St. Anthony’s Seminary, 2300 Garden St. Call
893‑3261.

Parading Around

54th Annual Downtown Holiday Parade — More than 40,000
spectators are expected for this Magic of Toyland-themed parade
featuring high-stepping marching bands, dazzling holiday floats,
and Grand Marshal Christopher Lloyd. 6:30pm. Parade runs on State
St. from Sola to Cota sts. Call 962‑2098.

Seasonal Stagings

It’s Christmas, Snoopy! On Ice — The world’s most famous beagle
skates his way into the Arlington for the first Snoopy on Ice in
S.B. history. 8pm. Arlington Theatre. $25-$47. Call 963‑4408.

Stepping Out

Catholic Charities Mistletoe Ball — This year’s event will
feature cocktails, dinner, dancing, and holiday entertainment.
6:30pm. Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, 1260 Channel Dr. Call
965‑7045.

Wrap it Up

Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace — For those in search of gifts
you can’t find just anywhere, the S.B. Museum of Natural History
hosts a three-day world marketplace. The event features more than
30 vendors selling goods from across the globe, as well as ethnic
food and exotic music and dance performances. 10am-5pm. S.B. Museum
of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd. Call 682-4711 x123.

Holiday Card Making — JoAnn McGeever Metzger will help you
transform native flower and plant sketches into holiday greeting
cards. 11am-3pm. Arroyo Rm., S.B. Botanic Gardens, 1212 Mission
Canyon Rd. $25-$35. Call 682‑4726.

Winchester Commons Holiday Boutique — The perfect place for some
holiday shopping, Winchester will host vendors selling decorations,
ornaments, and more. 11am-7pm. Winchester Commons Clubhouse, 7965
Winchester Circle. Call 685‑5968.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 2

Bells and Whistles

City College Holiday Choral Concert — As part of the Harold Dunn
Memorial Concert Series, the SBCC music department presents a
130-voice choir performing works by Ticheli, Copland, Clausen, and
Mechem. 7pm. First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St.
$6-$10. Call 965‑5935.

Seasonal Stagings

Amahl and the Night-Visitors — Traditional holiday opera
performed by the S.B. Children’s Chorus. 3 and 7pm. Marjorie Luke
Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. Call 563‑7474.

The Holiday Show — The early show by the Gustafson School of
Dance showcases its younger dancers (there’s nothing more
delightful than witnessing a young child first discovering her own
two feet), while the evening show offers a version of The
Nutcracker as dancers earn their fairy wings. 2 and 7pm. Lobero
Theatre. Call 963‑0761.

The Nutcracker — December ushers in a month of sweet-tooth
treats as dancers spin through pirouettes and prance through
parties as they execute the GVCC School of Ballet’s version of The
Nutcracker. San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Ave. $10-$12.
Call 967‑1237 or visit gvccschoolofballet.com.

It’s Christmas, Snoopy! On Ice — The world’s most famous beagle
skates his way into the Arlington for the first Snoopy on Ice in
S.B. history. 2, 5, and 8pm. Arlington Theatre. $25-$47. Call
963‑4408.

Wrap it Up

7th Annual RAWA Holiday Bazaar — For an unexpected holiday gift,
shop the RAWA Bazaar for Afghan handcrafts, including embroidered
purses, wallets, shirts, shawls, mirrored pillows, and more.
Proceeds benefit Afghan women and children. 9am-4pm. 435 E.
Pedregosa St. Call 569‑2331.

Hassle-Free Shopping Day — Get Your Christmas shopping done
while the kids play music, games, and more. 2-5pm. Kindermusik,
1213 State St. Visit kindermusikwithkathy.com.

Peabody Holiday Craft Boutique — Enjoy a pancake breakfast, a
tamale lunch, and tons of finely crafted holiday gifts. 9am-1pm.
Exploration Ctr. Quad, 3018 Calle Noguera. Call 563‑1172.

Stepping Out

Light Up a Life — Hospice of S.B. hosts a memorial tree lighting
for loved ones we have lost. The Montecito Union Children’s Choir
will perform. 5:30pm. Camino Real Marketplace, Goleta. Visit
hospiceofsantabarbara.org.

Santa Paws — Bring the pup to meet Santa Paws and get a picture
of the whole family on Mr. Paws’s lap. 10am-1pm. Off Leash, 1103
State St. Call 275‑2205.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 3

Bells and Whistles

Mahlon E. Balderston Jr. — Trinity Episcopal kicks off its
seasonal free community music series with organist Balderston
performing his “Autumn Rhapsody” for the first time publicly.
3:30-4:30pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. Call
965‑7419.

Seasonal Stagings

Amahl and the Night Visitors — Traditional holiday opera
performed by the S.B. Children’s Chorus. 3pm. Marjorie Luke
Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. Call 563‑7474.

The Holiday Show — The early show by the Gustafson School of
Dance showcases its younger dancers (there’s nothing more
delightful than witnessing a young child first discovering his own
two feet), while the evening show offers a version of The
Nutcracker as dancers earn their fairy wings. 2 and 7pm. Lobero
Theatre. Call 963-0761.

Stepping Out

Light Up a Life — Hospice of S.B. hosts a memorial tree lighting
for loved ones we have lost. The Cold Spring Children’s Choir will
perform. 5:30pm. Lobero Theatre. Visit hospiceofsantabarbara.org.

Teddy Bear Tea — Tea, sandwiches, and pastries await parents
while Santa’s elves entertain the kids. All proceeds from the
afternoon benefit the Council of Christmas Cheer and Cottage
Hospital’s Neonatal Care Unit. 3pm. Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel,
1260 Channel Dr. $30-$45. Call 969‑2261.

MONDAY DECEMBER 4

Rock the Halls

Headless Household — Charter members Dick Dunlap, Tom Lackner,
Joe Woodard, and Chris Symer perform their 17th annual Christmas
concert. The evening will be a tour through the band’s two most
recent albums, Blur Joan and Post Polka. 8pm. Center Stage Theater,
Paseo Nuevo. $7-$10. Call 963‑0408.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6

Rock the Halls

Kathrin Shorr with Crosby Loggins — The duo reunites for an
evening of seasonal music. 8:30pm. SOhO, 1221 St. $10. Call
962-7776.

Stepping Out

Westmont’s Christmas Tree Lighting — Witness the lighting of
Westmont’s 70-foot redwood Christmas tree. Carols and pictures with
Santa Claus will follow. 5pm. Kerrwood Hall, Westmont College, 955
La Paz Rd. Call 565‑6245.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 7

Bells and Whistles

Advent Organ Series — Celebrate the season of anticipation,
expectation, and meditation at the 23rd annual organ concert.
3:30-4:30pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. Call
965‑7419.

Tri-City Sound Christmas Chorus — The public is invited to come
listen and sing along at the annual Christmas Family and Friends
Concert. 7pm. St. Andrew Methodist Church, 3945 S. Bradley Rd.,
Santa Maria. Call 736‑7572.

Seasonal Stagings

The Night Before Christmas and Les Patineurs — This annual
performance offers an alternative to Clara’s party beneath a tree
with a retelling of the beloved night before the packages are torn
open by the Montecito School of Ballet’s trained and costumed
dancers. 7:30pm. Lobero Theatre. $16-$22.50. Call 963‑0761.

Stepping Out

S.B. Therapy Christmas Party — Herald the beginning of the
holiday season with the Wildcat Lounge’s regular dance maniacs and
DJ Colette, the only deejay in town who can boast mezzo soprano
vocals. 9pm. Wildcat Lounge, 15 W. Ortega St. Visit sbtherapy.com.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8

Parading Around

55th Annual Old-Time Milpas Street Holiday Parade — Word is this
year’s Milpas Parade will be the best in the event’s 55-year
history, and with City Councilmember Grant House serving as Grand
Marshal to the festivities, it may just be. Expect dancing, floats,
and top-notch musical performances. 6pm. Milpas St., from Cota to
Mesa sts. Email carolyn@boysgirls.org.

Bells and Whistles

Annual Christmas Concert — Santa Barbara High School’s A
Cappella Choir and Madrigal Singers perform under the direction of
Phillip McLendon. 7pm. St. Anthony’s Seminary, 2300 Garden St. $10.
Call 682‑6787.

Dos Pueblos High School Holiday Festival of Voices — Featuring
the members of the Dos Pueblos Vocal Music Program. 7pm. First
Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance St. $10-$12. Call
683‑6934.

Forever Gloria — A Christmas cantata presented by the Unity
Shoppe singers, Katie Ingersoll and the Celebrations, and musical
director Noreen Brokke. 7:30pm. Unity Church, 227 E. Arrellaga St.
Call 966‑2239.

My Soul Magnifies the Lord — Westmont College presents a
multi-genre performance festival with music, visual arts, theater,
and dance. 8pm. First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance Ave.
Free. Call 565‑7234.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 9

Bells and Whistles

Seasonal Stagings

The Nutcracker — For the 32nd year, S.B. Ballet presents
Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas tale with live orchestra. 2:30 and
7pm. Arlington Theatre. $17-$42. Call 963‑4408.

Stepping Out

Santa Paws — Bring the pup to meet Santa Paws and get a picture
of the whole family on Mr. Paws’s lap. 10am-1pm. Healthy Pet, 3018
State St. Call 275‑2205.

Light Up a Life — Hospice of S.B. hosts a memorial tree lighting
for loved ones we have lost. 5:30pm. 789 Linden Ave., Carpinteria.
Visit hospiceofsantabarbara.org.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 10

Bells and Whistles

Dos Pueblos High School Holiday Festival of Voices — Featuring
the members of the Dos Pueblos Vocal Music Program. 7pm. Marjorie
Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. Call 683‑6934.

Weihnachtskonzert — The Edelweiss Choir of S.B invites the
public to its Christmas concert featuring songs in a variety of
languages, including English, German, and Spanish. A sing-along
will conclude the event. 3pm. Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 N. La
Cumbre Rd. Visit edelweisschoir.com.

Rock the Halls

Rebekah Scogin — No stranger to playing Santa Barbara venues,
Rebekah Scogin will be sharing her talents on the harp with
Christmas shoppers. Expect her strings to sing the classics as well
as holiday hits. 2pm. Borders, 900 State St. Call 899‑3668.

The Christmas Rose — The Song Tree Concert Series presents
Patrick Ball’s one-man Celtic harp and spoken word performance The
Christmas Rose, a retelling of English and Irish folk tales.
3:30pm. Live Oak Unitarian Church, 820 N. Fairview Ave. Visit
songtree.org.

Seasonal Stagings

The Night Before Christmas and Les Patineurs — This annual
performance offers an alternative to Clara’s party beneath a tree
with a retelling of the beloved night before the packages are torn
open, by the Montecito School of Ballet’s trained and costumed
dancers. 2pm. Lobero Theatre. $16-$22.50. Call 963‑0761.

The Nutcracker — For the 32nd year, S.B. Ballet presents
Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas tale with live orchestra. 2:30pm.
Arlington Theatre. $17-$42. Call 963‑4408.

Stepping Out

13th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Gala — Enjoy the best
indoor view of the S.B. Boat Parade of Lights with festive food,
wine tasting, music, and a silent auction. 5-7:30pm. Cabrillo Arts
Pavilion. Call 963‑4757 x16.

MONDAY DECEMBER 11

Rock the Bells

KJEE’s Winter RoundUp — Our local purveyor of rock music treats
its faithful to the sounds of Jet, 30 Seconds to Mars, and Angels
& Airwaves. 7:30pm. Arlington Theatre. $34.50. Visit kjee.com.

The Roman Glowlights — This jazz quartet breathes new life into
classic songs from the early 20th century, including tunes by
George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, and others. 8pm.
SOhO, 1221 State St. $5. Call 962-7776.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 13

Rock the Bells

Gary Hoey’s Ho! Ho! Hoey Rockin’ Christmas Show — He loves his
guitar as much as he loves the holidays. Catch his renditions of
hits like “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr.
Grinch.” 9pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. $15. Call 962‑7776 or visit
sohosb.com.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 14

Rock the Bells

S.B. Freaks Holiday and All-Star Jam — The Motet’s Dave Watts
and Garrett Sayers and ALO’s Dan Lebowitz team up as magic gravy to
play an all-out night of hard-hitting, jazz-rooted psychedelic
improvisation. 9pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Call 962‑7776 or visit
sohosb.com.

Wrap It Up

LifeChronicles Gift Wrapping — Get your gifts wrapped for a good
cause at Borders. All donations benefit LifeChronicles, a nonprofit
dedicated to creating films of the terminally ill as keepsakes for
their families. Volunteers are still needed. 11am-10pm. Borders,
900 State St. Call 899‑3668 or email Sharon@lifechronicles.org.

Stepping Out

Dreidels, Latkes, and Laughter — Enjoy an afternoon celebrating
Jewish culture and traditions with a family program. 3:30pm.
Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St. Call
957‑1115.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 15

Bells and Whistles

Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along — Learn to bust a tune with
the best of them. 7:30-9pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State
St. Call 965‑7419.

Seasonal Stagings

The Nutcracker — Each December the Curtis School takes on The
Nutcracker for the classic’s Carpinteria performance, where the
stage transforms into a party for the fairytale. 7pm. Carpinteria
Middle School, 5351 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. $12. Call
684‑4099.

Wrap It Up

SATURDAY DECEMBER 16

Bells and Whistles

Mysteries of Christmas — Performed by the Quire of Voyces. 7pm.
St. Anthony’s Seminary, 2300 Garden St. Call 965‑5935.

Christmas Concert by Candlelight — Shawn Thies and friends play
original music and an array of Christmas songs from around the
world. Featured guest artists include Himalayan flautist Manose,
flamenco artist Robert Boyd with Pilar Moreno, violinist Benedikt
Brydern, and the Vanessa Isaac Dance Company. 7:30pm. Unitarian
Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St. $25 adults; $20
students and USSB members; $15 children 12 and under. Call 966‑3113
or visit shawnthies.com.

Old Mission Caroling — Santa Barbara Mission holds its annual
Christmas caroling in front of the mission, as well as blessing the
Christmas manger. 7pm. Old Mission, 2201 Laguna St. Call
682‑4713.

Rock the Halls

Damizza’s Christmas/Birthday Party Weekend — Hot off the release
of his 2006 album Guilty by Association, local rapper and one-time
Mariah Carey collaborator Damizza gives the holiday a whole new
vibe. 9pm. Velvet Jones, 423 State St. Visit velvet-jones.com.

Seasonal Stagings

The Nutcracker — Each December the Curtis School takes on The
Nutcracker for the classic’s Carpinteria performance, where the
stage transforms into a party for the fairytale. 1pm. Carpinteria
Middle School, 5351 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. $12. Call
684‑4099.

State Street Ballet’s Hollywood Nutcracker — The roaring ’20s
make a glamorous backdrop for one of Santa Barbara’s favorite
traditions. Each year, State Street’s company gives a shining
retelling of the classic holiday tale. 8pm. Lobero Theatre.
$14-$44. Call 963‑0761.

The Nutcracker Tutu Suite — This free performance by the GVCC
School of Ballet is yet more proof that there’s nothing sweeter
than dance for frosting the holiday season. 1:30pm. Goleta Valley
Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave. Call 967‑1237.

Wrap It Up

SUNDAY DECEMBER 17

Bells and Whistles

Advent Organ Series — Celebrate the season of anticipation,
expectation, and meditation at the 23rd annual organ concert.
3:30‑4:30pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. Call
965‑7419.

Mysteries of Christmas — Performed by the Quire of Voyces. 7pm.
St. Anthony’s Seminary, 2300 Garden St. Call 965‑5935.

Seasonal Stagings

Steppin’ Out

Winter Solstice Goddess Party — Gift and holistic fair to
celebrate the shortest day of the year. 11am-4pm. 1 N. Calle César
Chávez St. Call 568‑1558.

Rock the Halls

Venice Annual Holiday Concert — Expect both traditional
Christmas songs and some original surf-tinged singles of the season
at this year’s installment of the only local holiday concert that
mixes yuletide with the surfside. 8pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. $25.
Cal 962‑7776 or visit sohosb.com.

Wrap It Up

MONDAY DECEMBER 18

Wrap It Up

Art of Giving Holiday Craft Camp — The first of the five-morning
craft camp will teach two types of printing processes to make
cards. 9am-noon. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado
Ave., Los Olivos. $30 per day, $140 for full week. Call
688‑1082.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 19

Wrap it Up

Art of Giving Holiday Craft Camp — The second of the
five-morning camp, participants will make ornamental works of art
for the garden. 9am-noon. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo
Pintado Ave., Los Olivos. $30 per day, $140 for full week. Call
688‑1082.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20

Wrap it Up

Art of Giving Holiday Craft Camp — Plaster of Paris Fantasies is
the theme for the third of the five-morning camp. 9am-noon. Santa
Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos. $30
per day, $140 for full week. Call 688‑1082.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 21

Rock the Halls

Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show — A soulful marriage of
blues and gospel awaits those attending this special show,
featuring the four-time Grammy winners singing their favorite
Christmas songs. 8pm. Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. $36.
Visit lobero.com.

Dream Continuum Winter Solstice Celebration — This ensemble aims
to celebrate the most primal aspects of the holiday spirit with an
evening of world music, trance, and out-and-out dance music.
Reclaim the essence of the season. 7pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. $7.
Call 962‑7776 or visit sohosb.com.

Bells and Whistles

Unsilent Night — Phil Kline enlists more than 100 volunteers to
carry boom boxes playing his “Unsilent Night” throughout downtown
S.B. The result is a magical musical soundscape. 6:30pm.
Contemporary Arts Forum, Paseo Nuevo. Call 570‑8097.

Wrap it Up

Art of Giving Holiday Craft Camp — The fourth of the
five-morning camp finds campers making their own gift wrap.
9am-noon. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave.,
Los Olivos. $30 per day, $140 for full week. Call 688‑1082.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 22

Wrap it Up

Art of Giving Holiday Craft Camp — The fifth of the five-morning
camp features delectable delights for you, your family, and even
your pets. 9am-noon. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo
Pintado Ave., Los Olivos. $30 per day, $140 for full week. Call
688‑1082.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 23

Wrap It Up

SUNDAY DECEMBER 24

Holy Happenings

Old Mission Mass — For those celebrating Christmas, what better
place to honor the holiday than at a Santa Barbara Old Mission
mass? 5pm and midnight. S.B. Mission, 2201 Laguna St. Call
682‑4713.

Bells and Whistles

Advent Organ Series — Celebrate the season of anticipation,
expectation, and meditation at the 23rd annual organ concert.
3:30-4:30pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. Call
965‑7419.

Wrap It Up

MONDAY DECEMBER 25

Holy Happenings

Old Mission Mass — For those celebrating Christmas, what better
place to honor the holiday than at a Santa Barbara Old Mission
mass? 8 and 10am, and noon. S.B. Mission, 2201 Laguna St. Call
682‑4713.