Find your holiday joy in Salinas with our detailed event guide. Whether you're a Salinas regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide reveals hidden gems and beloved traditions.
Popular Events: Experience the festive atmosphere at the Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where twinkling lights and holiday displays transform the boardwalk into a magical winter scene. Ice Skating By the Bay offers a unique setting for skaters of all ages amid stunning waterfront views. And the Christmas on the Wharf is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its array of seasonal activities and charming holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Salinas
- Christmas on the Wharf (Monterey)
- Ice Skating By the Bay (Monterey)
- Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz)
- Lighted Boat Parade (Santa Cruz)
- NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet (Monterey)
- Christmas in the Adobes (Monterey)
- The Nutcracker at Cabrillo College (Aptos)
- Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train (Santa Cruz)
- Downtown Holiday Parade (Santa Cruz)
- Christmas Tree Lighting (Monterey)
See these and even more events listed below!
Salinas Holiday Light Displays
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
What to Expect:
Vintage train cars decorated with thousands of colorful lights.
Description:
The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train features vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of colorful lights, rolling through Santa Cruz city streets past homes. Live music by Steve Bennett plays holiday classics, and passengers can visit Santa Claus and his elves while sipping hot cider.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Holiday Lights at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
What to Expect:
A 3/4 mile ride through millions of lights.
Description:
Holiday Lights at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds features a 3/4 mile ride through millions of lights decorating tractors, trees, lawns, and buildings. Enjoy holiday carols from local radio stations while viewing the festive displays.
Where: Watsonville | More Info: Holiday Lights at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Traditional walk-in Christmas display with fairy grotto and waterfalls.
Description:
Farley’s Christmas Wonderland is a traditional walk-in Christmas display featuring numerous Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, and a log cabin. It includes a fairy grotto with waterfalls and fairies, making it a unique and immersive holiday experience.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats in a festive harbor setting.
Description:
The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through Santa Cruz Harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, East Harbor launch ramp, and various harbor paths. Charter boats are available, and hot drinks and snacks are available at various locations through the south harbor.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Lighted Boat Parade
Salinas Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Craft & Gift Fair at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gifts and local shopping experience.
Description:
The Holiday Craft & Gift Fair at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds features 125 vendors selling unique handmade gifts, including clothes, candles, food, and candy. Attendees can shop local and enjoy a home-cooked dinner while browsing the fair.
Where: Watsonville | More Info: Holiday Craft & Gift Fair at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Outdoor Holiday Markets
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local vendors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Outdoor Holiday Markets offer a variety of seasonal items and gifts in a lively, community-driven setting.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Outdoor Holiday Markets
Holiday Shopping at Cannery Row
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local retailers.
Description:
Holiday Shopping at Cannery Row offers a variety of unique gifts and seasonal items from local retailers, creating a vibrant and lively shopping experience.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Holiday Shopping at Cannery Row
Salinas Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker at Cabrillo College
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker at Cabrillo College is a captivating performance by the International Academy of Dance, featuring Clara and her friends as they journey through a beautiful and sweet land. The event promises to be a delightful holiday treat with elaborate sets and costumes.
Where: Aptos | More Info: The Nutcracker at Cabrillo College
Christmas with the Santa Cruz Chorale
What to Expect:
A diverse musical celebration blending traditional and modern compositions.
Description:
The Santa Cruz Chorale presents a colorful program featuring works by renowned composers, including Johann Pachelbel and Francesco Durante, alongside modern gems by Ola Gjeilo and John Tavener. The concert also includes beloved carols from various countries, showcasing a rich musical heritage.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Christmas with the Santa Cruz Chorale
NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Witness a world-class ballet performance featuring an international all-star cast, whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics, set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score.
Where: Monterey | More Info: NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet
Christmas on the Wharf
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and Santa visits amidst stunning holiday decorations.
Description:
Christmas on the Wharf features live entertainment, dazzling decorations, and Santa visits at Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California. Enjoy holiday musical performances, beautiful holiday lights, and festive activities for all ages.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Christmas on the Wharf
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional community tree lighting with festive music and treats.
Description:
The Downtown Monterey Tree Lighting Celebration is a traditional holiday event featuring carols, candles, cookies, cider, and music, held on the lawn in front of historic Colton Hall.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting
Salinas Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed activities and decorations at a seaside park.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with select rides, arcade games, festive decorations, and photos with Santa.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Annieglass Holiday Ornament Making Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on ornament decoration with gold and silver embellishments.
Description:
Create your own unique holiday ornaments by decorating frosted glass shapes with gold and silver decorations in a hands-on workshop.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Annieglass Holiday Ornament Making Workshop
Winter on the Wharf
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive decorations and special events.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Santa Cruz Wharf with festive decorations, special events, and activities for all ages. Enjoy holiday specials, see Santa arrive in a vintage fire engine, and participate in a food and toy drive.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Winter on the Wharf
Breakfast with Santa at the Dream Inn
What to Expect:
Meet Santa while enjoying a meal with ocean views.
Description:
Join us at the Dream Inn for a delightful Breakfast with Santa, where children can meet Santa Claus while enjoying a delicious meal amidst the hotel's beautiful ocean views.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at the Dream Inn
Ice Skating By the Bay
What to Expect:
Exclusive scheduling opportunities for holiday and birthday parties.
Description:
Ice Skating By the Bay offers a seasonal ice skating rink in Custom House Plaza, near Historic Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Skaters can enjoy the scenic coastline while gliding on the ice. The rink is open daily with specific hours, including holidays, and offers special events and birthday party packages.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Ice Skating By the Bay
Christmas in the Adobes
What to Expect:
Early evening walking tour of candle-lit historic adobes.
Description:
Explore historic adobes in Monterey adorned with holiday decorations, featuring festive music and entertainment, and learn about the city's earliest buildings.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Christmas in the Adobes
Downtown Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Annual parade celebrating community and holiday spirit.
Description:
The Downtown Holiday Parade is an annual tradition in Santa Cruz County, highlighting local schools, youth organizations, and nonprofits. It draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators, showcasing community spirit and holiday cheer.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Downtown Holiday Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Marina (8 miles)
- Seaside (12 miles)
- Monterey (14 miles)
- Watsonville (17 miles)
- Hollister (19 miles)
- Gilroy (23 miles)
- Soledad (25 miles)
- Santa Cruz (29 miles)
- Morgan Hill (31 miles)
- Los Gatos (42 miles)