Tue, 05 May 2026 14:10:35 +0000

What Santa Paula Keeps Under Wraps This Christmas Night This Christmas night in Santa Paula, California, while the world lights up with festive cheer, there’s more than turkeys and gifts beneath the wrapping paper. Nestled in the heart of Ventura County, Santa Paula has a quiet charm—and a few hidden traditions that remain just above the surface. From quirky local legends to secret holiday gatherings, this sleepy coastal town keeps several Christmas surprises under wraps this season. 1. The Legend of the “Silent Biscuit”
Santa Paula is steeped in local lore, and one of the most talked-about secrets this Christmas is the myth of the Silent Biscuit. According to legend, every year on Christmas Eve, a mysterious gingerbread ornament mysteriously appears inside Santa Paula’s oldest bakery. No one knows who leaves it—or why—but locals swear it’s a yearly gift from an unknown benefactor, hidden each Christmas Eve with eerie precision. Some trace it to a Spanish wedding tradition gone festive, while others believe it’s a prank by town elders. Regardless of its origin, the Silent Biscuit has become a cherished, unspoken tradition—kept closely under wraps. 2. A Secret Caroling Route
While many Christmas concerts stir up holiday spirit in Santa Paula, few know about the town’s famed “Devil’s Carole” tradition—that esoteric group of locals who ventures into the surrounding hills at midnight on December 24th, singing old carols that barely sound like Christmas at first, then morph into haunting, almost mystical melodies. Their route remains a closely guarded secret, whispered among participants. It’s a strange yet beautiful blend of celebration and mystery that many revel in without official fanfare.