‘Tis the season to be reading, crafting, and exploring at your local library. The staff at the Goleta Valley, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries is excited to share its festive programs with you! From Nutcracker shows to wintery ornaments to train wonderlands, there is something to enchant patrons of all ages this season. Plus, stay tuned for exciting details about the 2023 Winter Reading Program starting just around the corner in January!
Goleta Valley Library
Elf on the Shelf: December 1st – 30th
Search for the Elf on the Shelf as he mischievously moves around the library each week in December! Anyone who spots him will receive a prize.
Cards for Nursing Home Residents: December 1st – 17th
Create a greeting card for residents of local nursing homes. Library staff will deliver the cards near the end of December.
Holiday Festival of Trains: Saturday, December 17th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 18th from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Choo, choo! All ages are invited to the library to watch in wonder as a large model train collection chugs around a winter wonderland display in the Multipurpose Room.
Inspire Dance Santa Barbara Presents Clara in the Land of Sweets: Tuesday, December 20th at 11:00 a.m.
Inspire Dance Santa Barbara will perform the story Clara in the Land of Sweets. Come see swirling dancers, silly Mice, and your favorite Nutcracker characters!
Free Ice Skating with Your Library Card: Friday, December 30th
Two sessions available: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Show your Goleta Valley Library card at Ice in Paradise for a FREE skating session and skate rental! Thank you to Ice in Paradise for this generous gift to our community’s young readers! Skaters must be ages 3+.
Solvang Library
Craft Kit: Sled Ornament: December 1st – 30th
This fun take-home kit perfect for all ages is available for free during Solvang Library’s open hours in December.
Online Book Club for Kids: Wednesday, December 14th at 4:30 p.m.
Join us to explore some great new books! This December, readers get to choose their own book to share with the group. It can be a new book or an old favorite. Be ready to tell us a little bit about the book and why you chose it! We’ll also ask the group their preferences to help us choose books for the coming year. Please register to receive the link for the online meetings! For readers 8-11 years old. Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley.
Buellton Library
Letters to Santa & Library Scavenger Hunt: Now through December 23rd
Get into the holiday spirit with a fun scavenger hunt inside the library! Now through December 23rd you can come by the library to find out Santa’s address with a fun scavenger hunt. Once you find out the address, you can write your letter to Santa. Santa’s responses will be available to pick up starting the last week of December. All ages welcome, no registration required. Pick up your letter at the front desk!
Craft Kit: DIY Snowman on a Stick: December 1st – 30th
Stop by the Buellton Library and pick up a craft kit all month long! Great for all ages.
Winter Craft Day: Monday, December 19th from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. (drop-in)
Learn how to fold a Danish paper star ornament! Drop by anytime between 12-5pm to learn how to make a lovely star. This craft is best for ages 12 and up. Other crafts will be available for younger participants.
For all the wonderful events happening at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, visit the Events Calendar.