Find everything you need for the holidays in Santa Cruz with our comprehensive guide. Discover all the top events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering your city or seeing it anew, our guide brings you the best of Santa Cruz's festive season.
One highlight is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, where festive lights and holiday decorations adorn the iconic amusement park, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. Another unique attraction is the Holiday Lights Train, offering a delightful train ride through beautifully illuminated landscapes. And definitely don't forget the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights, featuring enchanting displays that bring cheer to the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
- Holiday Lights Train
- Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights (Watsonville)
- Winter on the Wharf
- Lighted Boat Parade
- Roaring Camp Railroads Holiday Tree Walk (Felton)
- Holiday Lights Kayak Tour
- Surfin’ Santa (Capitola)
- Annual Holiday Parade
- Holidays on the Ranch
See these and even more events listed below!
Santa Cruz Holiday Light Displays
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed rides and attractions with festive decorations.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with festive decorations, holiday lights, select rides, arcade games, and activities for the entire family.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Holiday Lights Train
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with holiday lights and live music.
Description:
Ride vintage train cars adorned with thousands of colorful lights through the streets of Santa Cruz, featuring live music and visits with Santa Claus.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Holiday Lights Train
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular lighted holiday displays with community and family entries.
Description:
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights is a 3/4 mile drive-through experience featuring millions of lights decorating tractors, trees, lawns, and buildings. Enjoy holiday carols from local radio stations while viewing giant Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and more.
Where: Watsonville | More Info: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights
Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats and waterfront views.
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
Roaring Camp Railroads Holiday Tree Walk
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with steam train ride and winter activities.
Description:
Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain, sipping hot cider while greeting Santa Claus.
Where: Felton | More Info: Roaring Camp Railroads Holiday Tree Walk
Holiday Lights Pedicab Tour of Willow Glen
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday light tour with decorated bikes and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Pedal through Willow Glen's beautifully lit streets on a decorated Brew Bike, singing carols and enjoying snacks with family and friends.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Holiday Lights Pedicab Tour of Willow Glen
Enchant Christmas Light Maze
What to Expect:
Interactive light maze with a captivating original story.
Description:
Enchant Christmas Light Maze features a story-driven, interactive holiday light maze with larger-than-life sculptures, an ice skating trail, and seasonal food and drink options.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Enchant Christmas Light Maze
Santa Cruz Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market: Downtown
What to Expect:
Holiday market with live music and seasonal treats.
Description:
The Holiday Market in Downtown Los Altos features holiday décor, baked goods, chocolate, and more, with live music and warm holiday drinks.
Where: Los Altos | More Info: Holiday Market: Downtown
Santa Cruz Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker at Cabrillo Crocker Theater
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker at Cabrillo Crocker Theater features a full-length ballet performance by the International Academy of Dance, showcasing vivid costumes and sets, professional sound and light show, and a flying Mouse Queen. The event is a family-friendly holiday tradition.
Where: Aptos | More Info: The Nutcracker at Cabrillo Crocker Theater
Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols
What to Expect:
Traditional readings and hymns in a solemn, reflective atmosphere.
Description:
Join us for a contemplative Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols, featuring traditional readings and hymns.
Where: Los Altos | More Info: Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols
SF Gay Men’s Chorus 'Holiday Spectacular'
What to Expect:
Unique blend of holiday classics and humorous performances.
Description:
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus presents a heartwarming holiday concert filled with timeless classics, joyful surprises, and heartfelt moments, celebrating community and love.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: SF Gay Men’s Chorus 'Holiday Spectacular'
Santa Cruz Other Holiday Activities
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
Holiday Lights Kayak Tour
What to Expect:
Kayaking tour under holiday lights in Santa Cruz Harbor.
Description:
Paddle through the illuminated waters of Santa Cruz Harbor, witnessing the city's holiday lights from a unique kayaking perspective. Enjoy the tranquil evening atmosphere while spotting marine life and iconic landmarks.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Holiday Lights Kayak Tour
Surfin’ Santa
What to Expect:
Santa riding waves via outrigger canoe.
Description:
Surfin' Santa arrives at Capitola Beach via outrigger canoe, offering a special visit to all kids, making it a great holiday photo opportunity.
Where: Capitola | More Info: Surfin’ Santa
Annual Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven celebration with school and nonprofit participation.
Description:
The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade is a festive event that highlights Santa Cruz County schools, youth organizations, and local nonprofits. It features 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators, showcasing the community's spirit and holiday cheer.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Annual Holiday Parade
Holidays on the Ranch
What to Expect:
Free outdoor activities in a natural setting.
Description:
Holidays on the Ranch is a free event featuring activities and natural beauty, made possible by California State Parks Volunteers, California State Parks, and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Enjoy cultural history, natural history, hiking, and bicycling in a scenic setting.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Holidays on the Ranch
Downtown Ice Outdoor Skating Rink
What to Expect:
Family-friendly outdoor ice skating with various promotions and events.
Description:
Downtown Ice is a family-friendly outdoor ice skating rink located in the Circle of Palms Plaza, San Jose. It offers 90-minute skating sessions every two hours, with admission including skate rental. The rink is a local tradition since 1994 and features various skating promotions and events throughout the season.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Downtown Ice Outdoor Skating Rink
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Watsonville (16 miles)
- Los Gatos (18 miles)
- Saratoga (20 miles)
- Campbell (22 miles)
- Morgan Hill (23 miles)
- Marina (24 miles)
- Cupertino (24 miles)
- Gilroy (26 miles)
- San Jose (26 miles)
- Santa Clara (27 miles)
- Monterey (27 miles)
- Seaside (27 miles)
- Sunnyvale (27 miles)
- Mountain View (29 miles)
- Los Altos (29 miles)
- Salinas (29 miles)
- Palo Alto (33 miles)
- Menlo Park (34 miles)
- East Palo Alto (35 miles)
- Hollister (36 miles)
- Redwood City (37 miles)
- Newark (38 miles)
- San Carlos (39 miles)
- Fremont (40 miles)
- Belmont (40 miles)
- Foster City (42 miles)
- Union City (43 miles)
- San Mateo (44 miles)