Happy first day of December! Holiday shopping can seem daunting, and the best of us can leave our shopping until the very last minute (been there). Last year, I compiled this local holiday shopping guide to help you all cross off your gift lists. Requests were made, so I’ve updated this post for the final month of 2021! I’ve divided shopping by different regions of Santa Barbara to make it even easier to shop, and I’ve included can’t-miss-holiday events and markets. If you still aren’t comfortable going to stores in person, or if you don’t live locally, you can support many of these local businesses by shopping online. Whether you need Secret Santa gifts or stocking stuffers, we are lucky to live in a place with so many creative people, amazing shops, and weather that allows us to shop outside all year round. Thanks for doing your part to shop small and support our incredible S.B. community!
Unfortunately, I can’t cover every place, so please keep in mind the local spots that you also love and frequent! As for me, shopping comes naturally, so for better or worse, I know I’ll definitely be supporting lots of local shops this holiday season. Wishing you very merry holidays and joyous holiday shopping. Be sure to let me know if you use this list or stop by any of these wonderful markets! I can’t wait to witness the magic that is in store this holiday season.
Places to Go:
Carpinteria:
Rincon Designs – surf shop
Santa Barbara Hives – gifts
Heritage Goods & Supply – home goods
A-Frame Surf Shop (Santa Claus Ln.) – surf shop
The Garden Market (Santa Claus Ln.) – gifts
Rowan Boutique (Santa Claus Ln.) – women’s clothing
Whimsy Antiques – gifts
Seastrand – women’s clothing
Seaside Makers – gifts
Summerland:
Botanik – home and garden
Hacienda – women’s clothing
Porch – home and gifts
Field + Fort – gifts and furniture
The Well – home and garden
Bikini Factory – swimwear
The Sacred Space – gifts
Montecito:
Lily – gifts
Whiskey + Leather – women’s and men’s clothing
Tecolote Book Shop – independent bookstore
Imagine – gifts
Upstairs at Pierre LaFond – home, children’s, and women’s items
K. Frank – women’s and men’s clothing
Maison K – home and gifts
The Nurture Cottage – children’s shop
Montecito Country Mart – cute collection of shops and dining
Jenni Kayne – women’s clothing
Coda Studio – furniture
Angel – women’s clothing
Mandana Montecito – women’s clothing
Lemondrop – children’s shop
Kismet Montecito – women’s lingerie
Funk Zone:
SeaVees – shoes for the whole family
Jules by the Sea – gifts
Sirena – women’s clothing
Loveworn – art and clothing
The Shopkeepers – women’s and men’s clothing
The Blue Door – antiques
Dylan Star – women’s and men’s clothing. They also have another location downtown.
Mollusk – surf shop
Channel Islands Surfboards – surf shop
Downtown:
Santa Barbara Company – gifts & gift baskets
Seaside Makers Collective (Paseo Nuevo) – all local artists and businesses. They also have another location in Carpinteria.
Locals’ Collective (State St.) – gifts. A collection of local businesses.
Dylan Star (Paseo Nuevo) – women’s and men’s clothing
Jake & Jones – women’s and children’s clothing
Evangelina Boutique (Paseo Nuevo) – women’s clothing
Lewis & Clark (State St.) – gifts
Blissful Boutiques Holiday Store (Paseo Nuevo) – local business collective.
Miss Behavin’ (Paseo Nuevo) – women’s clothing
The Yes Store (Paseo Nuevo) – Artists’ pop up holiday shop
Barefoot Boutique (State St.) – women’s clothing
Renaissance (State St.) – women’s consignment
Anna Janelle Jewelry (Paseo Nuevo) – jewelry
The Closet Trading Co. (State St.) – women’s consignment
Chapala & Parker – women’s clothing
Folio Press & Paperie – letterpress studio & gifts
DIANI Living – home goods (there’s also a women’s boutique & shoe store too)
Pura Luna Apothecary – gifts
Room & Gardens (State St.) – home and gifts
Rêver Atelier – women’s clothing
Santa Barbara Novella (next to Rêver Atelier) – soaps & perfumes
Mountain Air Sports (State St.) – sporting goods
The Beach House (State St.) – surf shop
Lovebird – women’s clothing
The Riviera Towel Company – gifts
Chicken Little (State St.) – children’s shop
Ace Rivington (State St.) – men’s clothing
SB Urban Flea Market (Paseo Nuevo) – vintage
Parker Clay – women’s and men’s accessories
Goleta:
Santa Barbara Gift Baskets – gifts featuring local brands
Lazy Eye Shop – vintage
Paperback Alley – independent used bookstore
Markets and events:
Makers & Wares Market – Outdoor market at De la Guerra and State St. Fridays 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Museum of Contemporary Art Gift Studio – Holiday market on the Upper Arts Terrace at Paseo Nuevo December 4th & 18th from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Holiday Music & Carolers – Now until December 24th at Paseo Nuevo. See schedule for performers, dates, and times.
Snowfall at Paseo Nuevo Mall – Now through December 31st at 5:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. (with the exception of the 25th).
Silent Night, Silent Disco – Free silent disco dance party on December 2nd 5:30 – 7:30 p.m at Paseo Nuevo.
Farmers’ Markets – There are six markets a week in different parts of town. Whether it’s pistachios, hot sauces, or jams, there are plenty of gifting opportunities.
State Street Promenade Market – Every Thursday from 3 – 7:30 p.m. on the 900-1000 area of State Street.
Santa Barbara Outdoor Christmas Market – Located downtown at Paseo Nuevo at De La Guerra Place. Saturdays/Sundays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesdays 3 – 6 p.m., Thursdays 3 – 8 p.m., Fridays (beginning 12/4) 3 – 8 p.m.
Farmer & the Flea – Summerland’s monthly artisan market. The next one will be held on December 19th.
Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show – Local art show located along the beach on Cabrillo Blvd. from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. Takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m. until dusk.
Holiday Zoo – Visit the zoo decorated for the holidays from December 1st – 31st.
Parade of Lights at the Harbor – The annual boat parade brings lots of family friendly festivities and fireworks on December 12th.
The Nutcracker at The Arlington Theatre – Catch the annual ballet on December 11th and 12th.
The Nutcracker at The Granada Theatre – State Street Ballet performs on December 18th.
Mujeres Makers Market – The holiday market will take place on December 4th & 5th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Folk & Tribal Arts Marketplace – Taking place December 3rd – 5th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the S.B. Museum of Natural History.
Miracle Cocktail Pop-Up Bar – Now through December 31st, visit Pearl Social for a Christmas takeover. Reservations recommended.
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