NYE, Santa Barbara Style
Eventbrite lists the many ways to usher in 2023 in Santa Barbara. Here are some of my favorites:

New Year’s Eve with the Santa Barbara Symphony
One of the area’s most popular celebrations is New Year’s Eve with the Santa Barbara Symphony at the Granada Theater. “Few events evoke as many emotional, nostalgic, and visceral responses as New Year’s Eve with The Symphony. Fan favorite Bob Bernhardt returns to guest conduct a rousing program of glitz, glamor, and symphonic joy. This program sells out quickly; reserve your seats early!”

Gatsby's House NYE 2023 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Head to the Hilton Santa Barbara for the area's most upscale New Year's Eve event, Gatsby’s House 2023. At this premier countdown experience, revelers can drink champagne or sip premier drinks while dancing the night away in celebration of the coming year. Besides drinks and dancing, there will also be delicious hors d'oeuvres, D.J.s, complimentary party favors and a casino night speakeasy. Because, after all, it is the roaring 20s!
New Year’s Eve and Day Dining
Santa Barbara has a wide variety of restaurants for those seeking a quieter NYE or those looking to enjoy a meal on New Year’s Day. From incredible multi-course prix fixe dinners to simple New Year’s Eve and Day menus featuring fresh, local, and healthy ingredients, locals can start the new year off right in Santa Barbara and let someone else do the dishes!
Alternative Ways to Celebrate NYE
There are also some fun, healthy ways to celebrate. A romantic way to ring in the new year is a trip by Celebration Cruises departing from Stearn's Wharf. You may want to spend New Year’s Day kayaking with Santa Barbara Adventure Company at Channel Islands National Park, where you’ll find beauty at every turn. If you’re looking to relax and venture inland, how about a New Year’s Day wine tour with Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours? All you have to do is sit back and relax while you visit several vineyards and tasting rooms.
Celebrations Throughout January

The Lobero Theatre
January performances at California's oldest continuously operating theatre don’t fall short in the new year either. In January, locals can take in shows like John Tesh Live in Santa Barbara, Amplified Los Lobos at Lobero Theatre, and An Evening with Los Lobos (Acoustic).
The Granada Theatre
This Santa Barbara landmark boasts a spectacular lineup of musical talent in January, from musicals to live performances. The entertainment begins with R.E.S.P.E.C.T. on January 3 and 4, 2023. First, music lovers will enjoy hearing a moving tribute band celebrating the queen of soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Then on January 17 and 18, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: The Musical will have audiences laughing in their seats as they watch the smash hit movie musical come to life.
More Fun Ideas
Make 2023 the year you really get to know your town. On New Year’s Day or anytime in 2023, take a stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens or Montecito’s Lotusland, "recognized as one of the most breathtaking public gardens in the world." Santa Barbara is also home to a wide array of yoga studios for those who want to get their om on in the new year. There are also hiking and biking trails and water sports galore. The sky’s the limit when you live on the American Riviera!
However you want to spend NYE 2023, Santa Barbara has you covered. And if you're planning to move to or within any of the Santa Barbara area communities in 2023, please call me at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com for a free consultation regarding selling and buying. I will happily add your home to my list of outstanding properties on my comprehensive website and help you find your new home sweet home too. Have a safe and Happy New Year!
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