CVR Tree Lighting

By Montecito Journal | December 9, 2025

Light up the holiday spirit this Dec. 4 from 4-6 pm with the community and Coast Village businesses. The tree is already in place in front of Richie’s Barber Shop, and the lighting will be accompanied by Rosewood Miramar hot chocolate, Santa Barbara Youth Symphony Quartet, letter box for Santa letters, and more.

Montecito County Mart Holiday Events

•Santa Visits and Photo Op: Saturdays December 6 and 13 and 20, 11 am – 2 pm

•La Ligne NYC Pop Up: December 6 and 7

•Press Eyewear Trunk Show: December 6, 12-6 pm

•Amber O’Neill Jewelry & Book Signing: Emily Joubert, December 6, 1-3 pm

•Bruce Johnston (Beach Boy and I Write the Songs composer) Book Signing: December 7

Greek Christmas Concert

Santa Barbara-born mezzo-soprano Xeni Tziouvaras will return from Florence to headline the fourth annual “Sounds & Stories of Greek Christmas” concert on Saturday, December 13 at 3 pm at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. A Dos Pueblos High School graduate and Manhattan School of Music alumna, Tziouvaras has built an international performing career spanning Italy, the U.K., Spain, and the U.S. Earlier this year, she won First Prize from the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, strengthening her ties to the local arts community. The concert will feature traditional Christmas music, Byzantine hymns, and Greek carols, with guest artists including Kostis Protopapas and Anastasia Malliaras.

Milpas Holiday Parade Canceled

The Santa Barbara Eastside Society has announced that the 2025 Milpas Street Holiday Parade will be canceled, citing concerns from local families and community partners about ongoing immigration-related fears. Organizers said many longtime participants felt unsafe joining a large public event this year, noting that to proceed would conflict with the parade’s tradition of unity and inclusion. The Society hopes to bring the parade back in 2026 as a more secure and empowering celebration for all.

Chabad of Montecito Events for Community

December 3, 6:30 pm: Guys Night Out Sushi and Sake, host Doug Brown

December 13, 10:30 am: Monthly Shabbat Experience

December 14, 10:30 am: Bagels, Lox and Torah

December 16, 5 pm: Annual Montecito Menorah Lighting at Corner Green

411: www.jewishmontecito.org

Summerland & Carp Holiday Events

Summerland Beautiful Annual Holiday Party, December 5, 5 pm: Food, drinks, local art for sale and music by the San Marcos High School Madrigals, at 2330 Lillie Ave, Summerland

Miss B’s Children Holiday Party, December 6, 3-5 pm: With Santa, gingerbread, hot cocoa, arts, wreaths and more at 2500 Lillie Ave.

Carp-Summerland Fire Department Santa Run, Saturday, December 13, 6 pm: Starts on Lillie Ave in front of the Summerland Fire Dept, toy and money donations collection along the route.

Carpinteria’s Holiday Parade, Saturday, December 13, at 3 pm: Parade will be down Linden Avenue.

Adam’s Angels Serves 600

One hundred Adam’s Angels volunteers and 600 turkeys brought a little holiday cheer this Thanksgiving (courtesy photo)

Adam’s Angels founders Adam McKaig and Melissa Borders hosted their 6th annual Thanksgiving celebration on November 27 at First United Methodist Church, where board members John Stampe and Lillian Warkentin led 100 volunteers in preparing 600 turkey dinners for dine-in, pickup, and delivery. Shalhoob provided the turkeys, while pumpkin pies stretched “for miles.” Guests who dined in enjoyed a lively musical program curated by music director Maitland Ward, featuring performers including Jan & Henry, Michael Henszey, Jackson Gillies, and more. SB Humane offered treats for four-legged visitors, and transportation was provided by Jim Crook and the Boys & Girls Club van.

Friendship Center Hosts Thanksgiving Luncheon

The Friendship Center welcomed more than 65 members, caregivers, loved ones, and volunteers for its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on November 26, offering a free holiday meal in a safe, compassionate environment for individuals living with dementia. Guests gathered to enjoy food, connection, and seasonal cheer, creating a supportive space for families who rely on the Center’s programs. The loving event highlighted the warmth and community spirit of the afternoon.

The Friendship Center hosted its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon last week for its members and their friends and families (courtesy photo)

Organic Soup Kitchen Turns 16

As the holidays approach, Organic Soup Kitchen (OSK) is celebrating 16 years of providing nutrient-dense, medically tailored meals to Santa Barbara residents facing cancer, chronic illness, and food insecurity. Executive Director Anthony Carroccio reflected on the organization’s mission to “nourish with dignity,” noting that OSK avoids pressure-driven fundraising and instead lets its year-round impact speak for itself. Thanks to strong community support, OSK has expanded partnerships with local health organizations and continues to serve thousands with compassion and consistency. Entering its 17th year, OSK remains committed to ensuring every resident has access to healing at their own kitchen table.