Make the most of the festive season in Watsonville with our planner guide. Discover all the best holiday events. For those who breathe Watsonville air daily and those just sampling it, this guide unlocks seasonal wonders.
Among the holiday highlights is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, where the boardwalk transforms into a magical holiday experience featuring festive lights and activities for the family. The Lighted Boat Parade enchants spectators as beautifully decorated boats glide along the water, creating a picturesque scene. And the Holidays on the Ranch offers a unique opportunity to experience holiday traditions in a rustic setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Watsonville
- Lighted Boat Parade (Santa Cruz)
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland (Santa Cruz)
- Holidays on the Ranch (Santa Cruz)
- Winter on the Wharf (Santa Cruz)
- Surfin’ Santa (Capitola)
- Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights
- Farley’s Christmas Wonderland (Santa Cruz)
- Annieglass Holiday Ornament Making Workshop (Santa Cruz)
See these and even more events listed below!
Watsonville Holiday Light Displays
Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
50 decorated boats in a festive harbor setting.
Description:
The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the 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
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular lighted displays with holiday carols.
Description:
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights features a 3/4-mile drive-through experience with millions of lights decorating tractors, trees, lawns, and buildings. Enjoy holiday carols from local radio stations while viewing community and family entries, including a youth designer awardee.
Where: Watsonville | More Info: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights
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 also includes a fairy grotto with waterfalls and fairies, making it a unique holiday experience.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
Watsonville Other Holiday Activities
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive decorations and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with festive decorations, holiday treats, and family-friendly activities like photos with Santa and select Boardwalk rides.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Holidays on the Ranch
What to Expect:
Free events celebrating natural and cultural wonders.
Description:
Holidays on the Ranch features free events and activities made possible by California State Parks Volunteers, California State Parks, and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. The events are free, and a vehicle day-use fee is $10. The activities celebrate the natural and cultural wonders of the area.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Holidays on the Ranch
Surfin’ Santa
What to Expect:
Santa riding waves via Outrigger canoe.
Description:
Surfin' Santa arrives at Capitola Beach via Outrigger canoe, bringing joy and holiday cheer to all the kids.
Where: Capitola | More Info: Surfin’ Santa
Winter on the Wharf
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive decorations and special activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Santa Cruz Wharf with festive decorations, special events, and activities for all ages, including a vintage fire engine, custom balloon designs, face painting, and a toy and food drive.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Winter on the Wharf
Annieglass Holiday Ornament Making Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on crafting of personalized holiday ornaments.
Description:
Create your own festive holiday ornaments by decorating 4 frosted glass shapes with gold and silver decorations. This workshop is perfect for those who enjoy crafting and want to add a personal touch to their holiday decor.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Annieglass Holiday Ornament Making Workshop
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Gilroy (12 miles)
- Santa Cruz (16 miles)
- Marina (16 miles)
- Morgan Hill (16 miles)
- Salinas (17 miles)
- Hollister (20 miles)
- Seaside (21 miles)
- Monterey (23 miles)
- Los Gatos (25 miles)
- Campbell (28 miles)
- Saratoga (28 miles)
- San Jose (31 miles)
- Cupertino (32 miles)
- Santa Clara (33 miles)
- Sunnyvale (35 miles)
- Mountain View (37 miles)
- Los Altos (38 miles)
- Soledad (41 miles)
- Palo Alto (42 miles)
- East Palo Alto (44 miles)
- Menlo Park (44 miles)