CRISTAL’S PICKS: SANTA BARBARA EVENTS IN JANUARY, 2025

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As we step into 2025, Santa Barbara opens its doors to a year brimming with unique opportunities and memorable moments. Whether you're looking to start the year with a focus on wellness, embark on thrilling adventures, or indulge in world-class entertainment, this coastal paradise has something for everyone. Santa Barbara’s vibrant cultural scene also shines with live music, theater performances, and art exhibits that promise to inspire and entertain. To make the most of the month, I’ve curated a list of must-attend Santa Barbara events in January 2025, designed to help you start the new year on a high note!

A black derby hat with the words 'Happy New Year' on the front and a bottle of sparkling wine peeking out from underneath it, with both against a sparkling gold backgrouind

Champagne Cruise Anyone?

For a truly unique way to cast off into 2025, embark on the New Year’s Eve Champagne Cruise aboard the Double Dolphin. Set sail along the breathtaking California coastline and indulge in an afternoon of endless champagne and spectacular views of the Riviera. With each ticket, guests can partake in bottomless champagne in their reusable nautical Govino glass, the perfect vessel for toasting to new beginnings in style. Don't miss this unforgettable experience—celebrate the arrival of 2025 while surrounded by the serene beauty of the coast.

Enjoy a Luxurious New Year's Eve

Ring in the New Year in true sophistication at the Gin + Jazz New Year’s Eve event hosted by El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel. Sip on expertly crafted vintage gin cocktails and enjoy an array of gourmet bites as a live jazz quartet fills the air with soulful melodies. The speakeasy-inspired atmosphere will transport you to a glamorous era of charm and refinement, creating a truly unforgettable evening. With stunning views and immaculate resort grounds, El Encanto provides the perfect blend of elegance and serenity to begin the new year.

A crowd of people in swimming attire participating in the annual new years eve polar dip on the beach in Santa Barbara. — Photo credit, John Palminteri

Dive into a Bold New Year

Start 2025 with a revitalizing tradition that invigorates the body and refreshes the spirit. While the annual Polar Dip is taking a hiatus this year, the invitation to embrace the challenge independently is open to all. Gather your friends, family, or even just your sense of adventure, and head to your favorite Santa Barbara beach for a bracing New Year’s Day swim in the crisp Pacific waters. This New Year’s tradition is more than just an adrenaline rush—it’s a powerful way to set an adventurous and optimistic tone for the year ahead. Dive in and make your first memories of 2025 as bold and refreshing as the waters of the Pacific.

A head and shoulders photo of the musician Prince singing into a microphone against a purple backdrop.

January Brings Exciting Performances to Santa Barbara’s Iconic Theaters

The cultural scene shines among Santa Barbara events in January 2025 with a stellar lineup of musical and theatrical talent. The Lobero Theatre is kicking off the new year with an impressive schedule. Highlights include Prince Again: A Tribute to Prince on January 18 and the renowned Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment on January 21. Fans of storytelling and music will appreciate Colin Hay’s performance on January 22, while piano enthusiasts can enjoy Garrick Ohlsson on January 23. For comedy lovers, Paula Poundstone takes the stage on January 24, and comedian Marc Maron on January 30.

At the historic Granada Theatre, enjoy an array of captivating performances, including Mozart Marathon: The Symphony’s Musicians as Soloists! on January 18 and the high-energy sensation STOMP on January 21.

An Australian Shepherd dog on a verdant hiking trail in Santa Barbara. — Image by Susan Hartzler

Rejuvenate and Reconnect in Santa Barbara

Reignite your fitness goals after the holidays and take advantage of the breathtaking landscapes of our coastal paradise. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the best hikes in Santa Barbara, where even furry friends are welcome. Cyclists can revel in the coastal enclave's popular bike trails, which range from beginner to intermediate and offer sweeping vistas from various lookouts. For a guided experience, join local outfitters like Santa Barbara BCycle or Cal Coast Adventures to make the most of your ride through this stunning landscape.

For other guided outdoor experiences, consider a kayaking expedition to Channel Islands National Park with the Santa Barbara Adventure Company. You'll paddle through pristine waters, explore stunning sea caves, and encounter incredible marine life in one of California’s most breathtaking natural settings. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature and launch into 2025.

For a more leisurely celebration, indulge in a New Year’s Day wine tour with Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours. Journey through picturesque vineyards and charming tasting rooms as expert guides lead you to some of the region's finest wineries. Savor a curated selection of wines while soaking in the beauty of the rolling hills and learning about the art of winemaking.

Set the Stage For a Healthy New Year With Self-Care

Among Santa Barbara events in January 2025 are experiences that inspire beauty, balance, and renewal, setting the stage for a year of exceptional well-being. Begin the year with relaxation at one of Santa Barbara's renowned spas, where you can enjoy luxurious treatments like revitalizing facials and soothing massages designed to refresh your body and mind. Whether you prefer a tranquil seaside escape or a hidden retreat in the hills, these wellness sanctuaries will leave you feeling recharged and ready to embrace the new year's possibilities.

A yoga class on the beach with a women in a pose in the foreground looking at the camera. — Image courtesy of Sol Seek Yoga

For those seeking a more mindful start to the year, Santa Barbara is home to a wide array of yoga studios, offering classes that range from restorative to invigorating, some even at the beach. These studios provide a peaceful environment to center yourself, practice mindfulness, and set positive intentions for the year ahead.

You can also find serenity in any of the area’s beautiful gardens, including the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (bring your dog with you!), Montecito's Lotusland, or The Sacred Space. Or perhaps you’d like to venture into the city's landmarks with a self-guided Santa Barbara Courthouse tour.

Of course, purchasing or leasing a new home is an excellent way to kick off the new year. If you're considering a move to or within any of the Santa Barbara area communities in the coming year, I've got you covered. My comprehensive website features several outstanding property listings, any of which I would be honored to show you personally. In the meantime, if you want to add your existing property to my exclusive portfolio, I'm more than happy to assist you with that, too. Either way, feel free to call me at (805) 886-9378 or at Cristal@montecito-estate.com for a complimentary consultation on selling and buying. I wish you a safe and joyous 2025.

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Client Reviews

“It was an emotional experience selling our mother’s home in Montecito that we all loved so much but Cristal made the process easier on our whole family by guiding us through the transaction every step of the way. She knows the market so well and everything she recommended was on point including the asking price, painting, and staging the home, which looked beautiful and helped the buyer envision her new home. We sold it the first day it hit the market with an offer above asking! Cristal did an incredible job communicating with us and the buyer to ensure that the transaction would run smoothly. We highly recommend using Cristal, she was a pleasure to work with! ”

- J & A

“Cristal is a pleasure to work with! Her knowledge of the local real estate market coupled with her amazing listening skills resulted in her showing us an array of homes that were all excellent choices. Her low-pressure patient attitude made us feel extremely comfortable with the whole process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

- M.F.

“Cristal Clarke is #1 in her field - and you don't become #1 by luck. Cristal works harder, and longer, and with more charm and patience than any real estate agent I have ever worked with in the past; her calendar has no weekend, her days have no clocks, her only concern is selling your property as soon as possible and for the best price on the market. Am I a fan? You bet!”

- P.B.

“We have used Cristal now several times and cannot express how grateful we are for her expertise, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the entire home-buying process. Cristal is knowledgeable, patient and attentive. Her attention to detail is remarkable, and she consistently went above and beyond to provide us with all the information and resources we needed to make informed decisions. Cristal is a skillful negotiator and advocate. She can navigate complex negotiations with professionalism and grace and felt like a true partner to us in the home-buying process. Cristal has a genuine passion for real estate and a deep commitment to her clients' satisfaction. I cannot speak highly enough of Cristal and her exceptional service. She is a true expert in her field and her dedication to excellence, combined with unwavering support is the reason we choose to work with her for all our real estate buying needs.”

- T.C.

“Cristal is a top-notch realtor who sold my home before it ever went on the market. I had two competing offers that enabled me to get top dollar for my home. Not only is Cristal superb but her team is extraordinary. I cannot say enough about Cristal and her team. They are simply phenomenal, the consummate professionals, who took care of every possible detail, making the sale and transition period, smooth from our end. They are also lovely, caring people, who knew all the right professionals, to get the job done. Thank you, everyone!”

- D.R.

“I could list lots of cool adjectives to describe Cristal. All good by the way. But, that is not why I or anyone should hire Cristal. My reason for hiring her, which proved to be correct, is very simple. She got the job done. And, she does it time and time again and with zero issues. And, that is why she is one of the top agents in the country. End of subject. ”

- M.A.

“Working with Cristal was a complete pleasure. Cristal was extremely patient with us as we evaluated nearly 2 dozen homes over a span of 2 years. Her knowledge of the market is unmatched. Cristal provided us with exceptional counsel as we evaluated opportunities and negotiated pricing. The closing process was handled thoroughly and efficiently. We could not be happier with our purchase and even more happy to now call Cristal our friend.”

- D.K.

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

- Johan and Paula van den Berg

“Cristal is very straightforward, cheerful, helpful, professional and trustworthy….we felt very lucky to work with her.”

- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch