It’s that time of year again. While every day is a great day to take a family vacation in Goleta, we are particularly partial to the holidays. There is just something about this time of year that feels special. As your Goleta travel guide, we are here to help you enjoy every minute of this most wonderful time of year. There are so many things to be thankful for, and Goleta activities to enjoy, it’s no wonder that families keep coming back year after year to take it all in.
Before setting off on your next Goleta family vacation, be sure to spend some time first at GoGoleta.com. We can help you get here with our insights on Goleta transportation. Then check our listings for Goleta hotel deals and make some reservations at a few of our Goleta restaurants. Once you have the travel basics in place, use our Goleta events guide to plan out your fun-packed itinerary. We have listed some of the best Thanksgiving events in Goleta, along with a few holiday celebrations that start in early December, but be sure to check our website often for up-to-the-minute ideas for Goleta family activities. It’s always a great time to visit Goleta, and we’re always thankful whenever you visit.
Happy Thanksgiving!
GoGoleta.com
Your Online Goleta Travel Guide
Things to be Thankful for in Goleta CA
How much do we love Goleta? There are long stretches of beautiful beaches, the famous Goleta restaurants, farmers markets with fresh California-grown fruits and vegetables, world-class golfing, spas, biking trails, winery tours and so much more. Let us count just a few of the many things to do in Goleta, and the many things that make our town so fun:
- The Weather: Goleta experiences a lovely, year-round temperate climate. On average, the warmest month is August, while December is usually the coolest. February tends to be the wettest.
- Welcoming People: Maybe it’s the sunshine but we think the people in Goleta couldn’t be nicer. They’re happy to welcome visitors and show them around our town. Our 30,000 residents love it here because Goleta is such a safe and active community. In fact, CNN Money listed Goleta as one of the “Best Places to Live” in 2008. Daily Goleta attire is generally California casual, while transportation and sightseeing services are abundant.
- An Exciting History: A variety of cultures are celebrated in Goleta. Until the early 1700s, the area was populated by the native Chumash people. In the late 1700s two Spanish expeditions came to the area and founded the Santa Barbara Mission and the Presidio. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, former Presidio soldiers turned the Goleta Valley area into a prominent lemon-growing region, which we celebrate to this day with the annual Goleta Lemon Festival. The second half of the 20th century saw a transition to residential, suburban, research, aerospace, and academic environments with the establishment of the University of California, Santa Barbara campus, which is home to six Nobel Prize winners.
- Shopping: Start now to pick up some beautiful items for holiday gift-giving occasions at some of the great stores in Goleta.
Thanksgiving Events in Goleta CA
- Goleta’s Finest Community Awards Ceremony: Friday, November 20 2015, 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Bacara Resort & Spa. Come celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to contribute to our local community. The Chamber honors those in the business, education, and non-profit sectors. Wine and ample food stations will be served.
- RamenFest at The Goodland: Saturday, November 14th, 2015. Help crown the Ramen King of Santa Barbara. Vote on the best ramen from the top chefs in town. Winning restaurant will donate proceeds to a charity of their choice. Participating restaurants include: Outpost, Sama Sama, Julienne, Hungry Cat, Wildwood Kitchen, Finch & Fork, The Black Sheep, Barbareno.
- Turkey Trot: Saturday, November 21st, 2015. UCSB Recreational Sports’ annual Turkey Trot began in 1978 as an opportunity for UCSB students and community members alike to kick off the fall season with a healthy run or walk around the UCSB Lagoon. The Turkey Trot, traditionally held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, offers both a 5k and a 10k for its participants – Both courses boast scenic ocean and lagoon views. The event benefits the Chad Briner Student Staff Development Fund, which was founded in honor of late Gauchosplay.com founder Chad Briner. Runners (and walkers) of all skill levels are welcome to register and take part in this rich tradition of fun, fitness, and supporting a noble cause.
- Thanksgiving 4 Miler: Thursday, November 26, 2015. The 21st annual running of the original Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Day 4 Miler. The flat and fast course stands apart from local runs with a straight away start down Hollister Avenue to Turnpike and then along treed bike paths and finally through a local neighborhood finishing in Thunderbird Park just off Walnut Avenue.
- Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash: Thursday, November 26, 2015, 10:00am-3:30pm at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Come to the Zoo for a smashin’ good time! General admission ticket sales end at 2:30, membership admission ends at 3:00, and the Zoo closes at 3:30.
- Thanksgiving at Bacara Resort & Spa: Thursday, November 26. Thanksgiving football from 9am-9pm in the Screening Room. Enjoy the Thanksgiving Parade, football and game day bar specials.
- Champagne Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet on the Ballroom Terrace from 11am-3pm, featuring roasted turkey, honey glazed ham, assorted shellfish and sushi, prime rib, California wine country salads, and decadent desserts. $85 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under, free for children under 5. Thanksgiving Dinner at Ocean House from 3-11pm. A spectacular three-course menu highlighting the freshest flavors of the season in a beautiful seaside setting. $45 for adults and $20 for children. A la carte menu also available. Call 866-987-5772 for reservations.
- Candy Cane Train: The 23rd annual “Candy Cane Train” at the South Coast Railroad Museum begins Friday, November 27, and continues through December 27. The event runs daily, except for November 30, December 1-2, 7-9, 14-16 and 25. Hours are 1-4pm on November 27 and weekends, 2-4pm all other weekdays. Tickets are $4, which includes a ride on the festively-decorated miniature train, an assortment of holiday treats and favors, and a coupon for a future museum train ride. All train riders must meet the 34-inch minimum-height requirement.
- Holiday at the Ranch: Saturday December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 11am-4pm at Rancho La Patera & Stow House. Dedicated volunteers are busy decking the halls and trimming the tree for this Stow House Tradition. Join Santa Claus and his “rein-goats” to celebrate the season with good cheer and plenty of photo opportunities. Presented by Goleta Valley Historical Society, the annual open house includes tours of the beautifully decorated house, holiday hayrides, live music, crafts and cookie decorating. This tradition is sure to delight family members of all ages. Suggested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children. Be sure to visit the Rancho La Patera Museum Store for unique gifts and local treasures.
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