I think everyone who lives in Santa Barbara attended last year's Holiday Night Market inside the…read morevacant Paseo Nuevo Macy's. We all wanted to unite and help out the local businesses who were trying to make up for lost profits and wages after the natural disasters. Sadly enough, this year's Night Market was dishearteningly and abruptly cancelled in October by Paseo Nuevo leaving many artisans displaced, with hopes to find somewhere quick to sell their amazing art and goods this Holiday Season. Thanks to Santa Barbara Trading Post's Vashti Wilson who pulled strings and all her resources to throw 2019's Twilight Holiday Market. She is an Air Force mother who had experienced European markets and wanted to bring this to Santa Barbara. If you ask me, this year's market is BETTER THAN EVER! It temporarily transported me home to Chicago's Christkindlmarket--without the frigid temperatures and mandatory cider in German boot mugs! The Twilight Market is outdoors right on De La Guerra Plaza within a heated tent with Christmas lights decorating the surrounding plants and palm trees. Step inside to explore 40+ local vendors and artisans selling their creative creations. A few of my favorites were: Island View Outfitters (screen printing shirts and stickers), AZ Designz (leather goods), Horse & Carriage Co (custom string art), Hot Cherry (therapeutic cherry pit wraps and pillows), RoHo Goods (ethical Kenyan products), & Pura Luna Women's Apothecary (plant remedies and goods). Everyone was super friendly and enthusiastic, plus many more to see that I failed to mention. If you're hungry, enjoy some smoky barbecue from Kaptain's BBQ Shack... Side note: There's the option to order in advance by texting your order to 805-617-0825 including your first/last name and phone number. There is also fingerlicking popcorn from Hippy Pop Popcorn, caffeinated hot beverages from the Nitro Shack, and rotating beer and wine offerings that changes daily to support multiple breweries/wineries. Genius! During the evenings, they have bands perform to add to the ambiance and outdoor patio seating. Markets like this is what I truly love about our tiny beach town of Santa Barbara--everyone pulls together to help and support one another to make exciting things happen. I would love to see the city create a permanent shared space for all these artisans to have pop-up shop off State Street since there is so much talent. For now, feel free to ask for a business card or find them on Etsy and/or Instagram. The market is running daily for two weeks straight from December 6th-23rd Mondays-Saturdays 4 pm - 10 pm and Sundays 12 pm - 6 pm. Go support your local artisans and small businesses to make a difference this Holiday Season!

We happened by this collection of vendors while strolling down state st after dinner. We had a…read moregreat time chatting with vendors Lily and Dawn. I couldn't resist buying these Pom Pom earrings and this great little green bucket bag. I can't wait to use my new bucket bag for earth day this weekend!!

Freshly shucked Santa Barbara uni (and arguably some of the best uni in the world) for breakfast?…read moreCount me in!!! Tip: If you're already making the trip to Santa Barbara, come early; ideally by 9AM. They'll shuck and clean the uni for you and provide all the condiments (ponzu, wasabi, etc.) to complement it. $20 per uni and they were huge and SO flavorful. Truly such an authentic experience and absolutely worth making the trip to Santa Barbara for!

Uni for breakfast? Why not! You definitely can't get uni any fresher than this. Santa Barbara Uni…read moreis located on the pier in Santa Barbara Harbor on the weekends. The sea urchins are freshly caught, and they'll cut them open and clean them right in front of you! The uni was so yummy! I also appreciate that they offer a variety of different complimentary sauces, such as ponzu, lemon, soy sauce, furikake, wasabi sauce, and sriracha. Although, I preferred to taste the natural sweetness of the uni! They have a few folding tables that you can enjoy your uni at. Just watch out for the seagulls and other birds on the pier. They're lurking around waiting for the opportunity to steal your food! Santa Barbara Uni accepts cash or Venmo/Zelle.

This is a food stand that we stumbled upon as we were biking near the Sunday arts and crafts show…read more She sells specialty cookies that you can't find elsewhere. Each Specialty cookie is $5/each. Some flavors are matcha and white chocolate with pistachio paste; walnuts and black sesame with sesame paste, and more. If you follow her on instagram, you get a free cookie too. These are all unique flavors. She mentioned that she can ship out these cookies too. Excellent service as she also lets you sample these cookies and have free ice tea. The stand is located towards the end of the art fair and is closer to Cabrillo blvd. And garden st.

From the owner: Unique Stuffed Cookies | Handmade with Love | Disabled U.S. Veteran Operates | Popup Shop Every…read moreSunday at Santa Barbara Art & Craft Show | DM to order

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