HOTEL CALIFORNIANPUTS A FUNK ZONE SPIN ON THE HOLIDAYS
Djinn’s Tinsel Bar, snowfall in the Paseo, and holiday gatherings bring a spirited mix of glamour, music, and local creativity to Santa Barbara.
This holiday season, Hotel Californian brings a little festive excess to the Funk Zone. Beginning Friday, November 27, 2026, the hotel welcomes guests and Santa Barbara locals for holiday cocktails at Djinn’s Tinsel Bar, snowfall beneath the Paseo’s Christmas tree, a rooftop ugly sweater party, and a holiday bazaar celebrating the neighborhood’s creative community.
Halloween Weekend
Sunset Sessions | Mystic Nights
Your Future Awaits.
Step into the unknown high above Santa Barbara at Mystic Nights at Hotel Californian, an elevated Halloween celebration on the Mirador Rooftop, where Moroccan-inspired glamour meets after-dark intrigue. Lose yourself in a spellbinding world of rich jewel tones, glowing lanterns, dramatic décor, seductive cocktails, hypnotic beats, and unexpected thrills hidden around every corner.
Dress to enchant and enter our costume contest for the chance to win a complimentary one-night stay at Hotel Californian, complete with dinner at The Knock Kitchen and Cocktails.
Come curious. Leave spellbound.
Thanksgiving
Enjoy the festive season at Hotel Californian this year with seasonal specials in Goat Tree, The Knock and The Society: State & Mason.
Goat Tree Thanksgiving Pies
Bring something worth fighting over to the Thanksgiving table. Pre-order your pick of pumpkin, apple, or pecan pie for $45 each, and leave the sweet finale to us. The only hard part? Saving room for a slice.
Goat Tree Leftovers, Upgraded
Tender roasted turkey served with creamy mashed potatoes, savory casserole, and all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Benedict served with stuffing cakes, roasted turkey, poached egg, sage hollandaise, cranberry-orange relish or cranberry-date chutney, dressed greens.Goat TreePumpkin Spice Latte + Seasonal Treats
Sip into the season with our cozy Pumpkin Spice Latte, paired with a selection of freshly baked seasonal treats.
The KnockA Little Drama For Dinner
Duck breast takes the spotlight at The Knock, paired with carrot purée, pomegranate glaze, braised parsnips, and acorn squash. Rich, vibrant, and ready for its close-up. Save room for pumpkin pie for a sweet seasonal finale.
The KnockFall with a Twist
Harvest Old Fashion-Bourbon Maple, Black Walnut, Aromatic Bitters, Orange
Spiced Pear Margarita Reposado Tequila, Pear, Cinnamon, Lemon, Agave
The Society: State & MasonThe Art of Grazing
Linger over a Harvest Meat & Cheese Board featuring triple-cream Brie, aged cheddar, blue cheese, and soppressata, alongside candied pecans, apple butter, cranberry mostarda, fresh pear and apple, local honey, and grilled bread. Made for sharing, with plenty to savor.
Festivities In The Funk Zone
We’re decking the halls and turning up the Funk. Watch snow fall in the Paseo, sip something spirited at Djinn’s Tinsel Christmas Bar, and indulge in hot chocolate and cookies in the lobby. Then slip into your most gloriously ugly sweater for Sunset Sessions. A little sparkle, a little mischief, and plenty of reasons to linger.
Djinn Tinsel Bar
Opening Friday, November 27
Djinn turns up the holiday spirit with a Christmas pop-up that brings retro glamour and a playful dose of nostalgia to Hotel Californian. Shimmering tinsel, festive lights, and a disco-ball sparkle set the scene, complementing the bar’s distinctive interiors.
Holiday cocktails and an inviting atmosphere make it a natural gathering place for seasonal catch-ups, celebratory drinks, and evenings that linger.
Snowfall in the Paseo
November 27–December 31 | Nightly times to be announced
A large Christmas tree anchors the Paseo courtyard, where nightly, simulated snowfall brings an unexpected winter moment to Santa Barbara. Holiday photo opportunities invite visitors to capture the scene, gather with friends and family, and make the courtyard part of their seasonal celebrations.
The Paseo’s snowfall and photo opportunities are open to the public, with children welcome.
Sunset Sessions | Holiday Edition: Ugly Sweater Party
Saturday, December 5 | 5–9 p.m. | Mirador Rooftop
$35 per person | Ages 21+ | Tickets required (coming soon)
Sunset Sessions gets a holiday remix on the Mirador Rooftop. A live DJ sets the evening’s rhythm with holiday-themed house music and hits, taking the celebration from sunset into the night above Santa Barbara.
Guests are encouraged to arrive in their most gloriously over-the-top holiday sweaters. Rooftop views, festive energy, and a deliberately unserious dress code make this a holiday party with personality. Open to hotel guests and locals ages 21 and older.
Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 19 | Noon–5 p.m.
Hotel Californian brings together local Funk Zone vendors for an afternoon of last-minute holiday shopping, live music, and food stations. The Holiday Bazaar celebrates the neighborhood’s independent spirit, inviting visitors to discover gifts with a local point of view and enjoy an afternoon in good company.
Open to hotel guests and the local community, with children welcome.