Holiday Events at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Experience the Magic of the Season at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The holiday season at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is a time of warmth, wonder, and unforgettable coastal traditions. Crisp ocean breezes, festive décor, and thoughtfully curated seasonal experiences create the perfect setting for a holiday escape along the California coast. Gather with family and friends for exceptional holiday dining experiences, discover festive fun during our beloved 12 Days of Wonder programming in Village Hall, and celebrate the season at our Festive Holiday Market on December 6, featuring holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and activities for all ages. Whether you're strolling the resort's scenic grounds, relaxing in oceanfront luxury, or creating cherished memories with loved ones, every detail is designed to capture the spirit of the season. From festive celebrations to peaceful moments of relaxation, Bacara offers a truly magical winter getaway. Celebrate the holidays by the sea. The season of wonder awaits at Bacara.

Holiday Memories Begin Here

Experience the magic of the holidays along the Santa Barbara coast with Bacara's cherished 12 Days of Wonder program in Village Hall. Step into Santa's Workshop and celebrate the season through daily family activities, festive keepsakes, seasonal entertainment, Santa experiences, and creative holiday workshops designed for guests of all ages. From December 15-26, create lasting memories with hands-on experiences including a Luxury Ornament Atelier, Santa's Reindeer Workshop, Holiday Wreath Workshop, Stocking Decorating, Luxury Gift Wrap Studio, Holiday Frame Making, a commemorative Christmas Day Ornament Collection, and a Snow Globe Workshop. Young and young-at-heart guests can also enjoy Letters to Santa, Winter Woodland Tree Decorating, Candy Cane Creation Studio, and Holiday Keepsake Clay Studio. Daily Craft Workshops take place from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, inviting families to gather, create, and celebrate the warmth, wonder, and traditions of the holiday season at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.

A Coastal Holiday Tradition Awaits
Various fresh ripe pumpkins as background

Discover Thanksgiving at Bacara

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a weekend of festive family activities and exceptional dining experiences. Enjoy Harvest Cookie Decorating, Fall Arts & Crafts, Family Movie Night, seasonal photo opportunities, and the Grateful Tree near the Lobby. Gather with loved ones for our Thanksgiving Brunch in our Ballroom, seasonal specials at Lulio, and Fall flavors in Mission Market.

Chef preparing gourmet dish indoors

Bacara Michelin Chef Series

On November 6 & 7, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara welcomes Chef Rachel Haggstrom of MICHELIN Green Star-awarded The Restaurant at JUSTIN for the Bacara Signature Chef Series. Enjoy an intimate multi-course dinner at Lulio, thoughtfully paired with JUSTIN wines, along with a hosted reception and exclusive opportunity to meet the chef and explore her sustainability-focused culinary philosophy.

Spa composition with bath bombs and candle

Romanticize your Holiday Routine

Unwrap a new holiday tradition with Soak in Forever, a signature partnership with Bathorium. Available in every guest room and suite throughout the holiday season, this luxurious bath ritual transforms quiet moments into a restorative escape, blending premium wellness ingredients with the serenity of Bacara's coastal setting.

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Festive Holiday Market

Step into a nostalgic European-inspired holiday market on December 6 in The Ritz-Carlton Bacara's arrival Square. Browse a curated collection of local and regional luxury artisans, specialty retailers, and seasonal vendors while enjoying the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season. This festive community celebration is complimentary to attend and includes free parking.

Ginger bread man and handmade Christmas toys on the street market, backdrop. Colorful New Year fair decor sale background.

Holiday Cheer for All Ages

Celebrate the season with festive experiences for every age. From creative holiday workshops and seasonal art classes to family movie nights, enchanting Lantern Walks, magical Elf Deliveries, and visits with Santa, every moment is designed to inspire wonder. Gather with loved ones, create cherished traditions, and discover the warmth and magic of the holidays at Bacara.

Red holiday table setting with wine and candles

A Festive Feast Awaits

Gather with family and friends at Lulio for festive holiday dining on December 24 & 25. Savor seasonal Christmas Eve specialties alongside a curated à la carte menu and children's offerings, then celebrate Christmas Day with a warm and welcoming family-style dining experience. Thoughtfully crafted holiday flavors, coastal elegance, and cherished traditions come together to create an unforgettable Christmas.

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12 Days of Wonder

Step into Santa's Workshop and experience 12 Days of Wonder at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. From December 15-26, families are invited to enjoy daily holiday craft workshops, festive keepsake making, Letters to Santa, ornament decorating, wreath and stocking workshops, gift wrap design, and a magical Snow Globe Workshop. Held daily from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM in Village Hall.

Gardens and building at Bacara

Hanukkah Celebrations

Honor the Festival of Lights with meaningful traditions and memorable gatherings at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Join us each evening in the lobby for a menorah lighting ceremony and experience the warmth of the season through festive Hanukkah offerings at Lulio throughout all eight nights.

Elegant dining room with arched windows

Sip the Season at Obar

Embrace the spirit of the season with a month of festive cocktails at O Bar. Discover a spirited collection of handcrafted holiday libations inspired by seasonal flavors, winter traditions, and coastal charm. From cozy classics to elevated seasonal creations, each cocktail is thoughtfully designed to be explored, sipped, and savored while gathering with friends and family throughout the holidays at Bacara.

Friends with champagne glasses and sparklers

Ring in the New Year

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable evening. Savor a special four-course prix fixe dinner at Lulio, gather for festive celebrations in our Lobby & Obar, and embrace the season of possibility with our New Year Vision Board Workshop. From elevated dining and handcrafted cocktails to meaningful moments of reflection, welcome the year ahead in coastal luxury and style.

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