The holiday spirit has hit Santa Cruz County and we’ve got a sleigh full of family fun to celebrate the season! The Lighted Boat Parade, Holiday Lights Train, Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Downtown Holiday Parade, outdoor Holiday Markets, and more – we’ve got all the festive events you don’t want to miss!

ANNIEGLASS HOLIDAY ORNAMENT MAKING WORKSHOP
November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 December 12 and 13, 2025 @ 1pm – 2:30pm – $80
Make your holidays extra special with DIY Christmas ornaments! Decorate 4 frosted glass holiday-shaped ornaments with gold & silver decorations. Take them home with you that day! Finished ornaments make great gifts for friends and family. There will be stencils for tracing directly onto the glass and inspiration for decorating the ornaments. This workshop is not appropriate for children under 10. See website for details and workshop times.

SANTA CRUZ TURKEY TROT
November 22, 2025 @ 7am – 10am
Go on. Earn that feast! Flat, fast out and back courses that begin & end on Delaware Street by the back entrance to Natural Bridges. A run with spectacular ocean views! 

SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN
November 28 – 29, December 6 – 7, December 13 – 23, 2025
The seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Holiday Lights Train runs on November 28-29, December 6-7, December 13-23.
Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz at 5:00pm, 6:30, and 8:00 pm for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Click HERE to check for day/time availability.

SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 23 – December 24, 2025 @ various times
Following a sold out run in 2024, A Christmas Carol returns as a holiday tradition for the whole family! Audiences can expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic play in the heart of Santa Cruz at the historic Santa Cruz County Veteran’s Memorial Building.

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK: WINTER WONDERLAND
Select dates: November 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Get in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach!
Activities Include: Selection of Boardwalk Rides, Games, and Arcades, Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!), Photos with Santa (Select Days), Delicious Boardwalk Treats, Fire Pit Rentals & Holiday S’Mores, Winter Wonderland Package , Holiday Shopping, and don’t forget the breathtaking beach view!

WEST CLIFF HOLIDAY OUTDOOR MARKET 2025
November 28 – 29, 2025 @ 10am – 4pm
Come enjoy our holiday outdoor market with unique artisans and food trucks while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one of a kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it over looks the famous Steamer Lane surf spot. The market will feature hand crafted gifts and a chance to do some holiday shopping before the rush. Admission is FREE! !

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ: REINDEER ROUND-UP
November 28 – December 23, 2025 @ 10am – 6pm
Santa has lost his reindeer, but you can help find them! Pick up a map at the Downtown Santa Cruz Information Kiosk, located at 1130 Pacific Avenue K2, the corner of Pacific and Soquel Avenues or at Pacific Cookie Company to find participating businesses, and then visit them all to search for the beautiful hidden reindeer for prizes!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: HOLIDAY LIGHTS
November 28 – December 24, 2025
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2025 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Walk thru lights will come on at 5:30pm each evening. There will be a Holiday Craft & Gift Fair both days from noon to 9pm.

ROARING CAMP RAILROADS: HOLIDAY TREE WALK
November 28 – 30 and December 6-87, 13-14, 20-23, 2025 @ 10am – 5pm
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cocoa while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter-themed activities.

SEABRIGHT: FARLEY’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
November 28 – December 31, 2025 @ 5:30pm – 8:30pm
This is a walk-in Christmas display located in the midtown of Santa Cruz, CA. Their exhibit is very traditional: lots of Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, miniature village’s, and a log cabin that Santa uses for his rest stops. Being Irish, where you have elves you have fairies, so there is a fairy grotto with 2 waterfalls and fairies that can be viewed on special nights. Also, on those special nights, there is a special California version of snow here!

SANTA CRUZ MOUTAINS HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET
November 29, 2025 @ 10am – 5pm
Time for the 12th Annual SCM Holiday Makers Market! Get your holiday shopping on at the Felton Community Hall on Saturday, November 30, from 10 am-5 pm! Shop with over 35 local artists and makers hosting a beautiful variety of handmade goods! There’s something for everyone on your list! A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit Mountain Community Resources. Shop small this holiday and #supportthelocals! Visit www.scmmakersmarket.com to see the full list of participating artists.

SURFIN’ SANTA VISITS CAPITOLA
November 29, 2025 @ 12pm – 2pm
Take the whole family to welcome Surfin’ Santa to the shores of Capitola Beach! Santa will be riding the waves via Outrigger canoe, rain or shine, for his annual visit to Capitola Village, arriving at 12pm to visit with all the kids until 3pm. Once toweled off, he’ll settle in his beach chair for a nice, long visit. Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa’s wave riding arrival, and your little ones special visit with Santa. It makes a great holiday photo!

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK WINTER OPENING DRONE SHOW
November 29, 2025 @ 6pm
Gather your loved ones and head to the Boardwalk’s Main Plaza to kick off Winter Wonderland with a tree lighting countdown and a festive drone show! Enjoy free entertainment, and cookies and hot cocoa while supplies last.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY: WREATH MAKING AND MIMOSAS
November 30, 2025 @ 10am – 12pm and 12pm – 2pm
Escape the holiday chaos and create lasting memories with friends at MOD’s Festive Wreath-Making Workshop! Let the kids explore the museum while you create, or enjoy a relaxing morning with your friends. It’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
December 5 – 6, 2025 @ 12pm – 9pm
Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair returns for its 47th season! Go see what has become the official start of the holiday season in the Pajaro Valley. With three big buildings to shop, you will find crafts, gifts, antiques, collectibles, toys, and much more. Many crafters have been regular appearances here for years. Great food favorites will be available in the Heritage Holiday Kitchens for your enjoyment. Bring the family for a great shopping experience, enjoy a great dinner, and walk through the holiday lights that will be found throughout the fairgrounds.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: HOLIDAY LIGHTS (WALK-THRU ONLY)
December 5-6, 2025 @ 5:30pm – 9pm
Special Walk-Thru Only Weekend of the 1/2 mile HOLIDAY LIGHTS display at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. 

ABBOTT SQUARE: SANTACON
December 5, 2025 @ 6:30pm – 11:30pm
Keep calm & get your ho ho ho on—Dress in your craziest, zaniest holiday wear and enjoy taking over a bevvy of bars in Downtown Santa Cruz! Meet at Front & Cooper inside of Abbott Square. Be sure to bring your ID, cash and TIP YOUR BARTENDER. If you plan to get a little extra jolly, please bring a designated reindeer or take a taxi/uber home. For ages 21+. This SantaCon event is completely FREE to attend – no tickets or registration

HOLY CROSS: CABRILLO COLLEGE MUSIC FOR THE FEAST OF CHRISTMAS
December 5-7, 2025 @ 8:00pm Friday and Saturday, and 4pm on Sunday
 The way to begin your Holiday! The Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus will present its annual Music for the Feast of Christmas performance.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT CHAMINADE
December 6 & 13, 2025 @ 9am – 11am – $35++per person – Reservations Required
Join Chaminade Resort & Spa for a festive holiday buffet featuring Christmas favorites and a special appearance from Santa himself!

WATSONVILLE: HOLIDAY FACTORY SALES
December 6, 2025 @ 9am – 4pm
So many favorite things are made from start to finish in the Pajaro Valley right here in Santa Cruz County! Get some shopping done right from the factories!

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ: HOLIDAY PARADE
December 6, 2025 @ 10am – 12pm
The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect the whole community to show up and have a great time. The man of the hour is welcomed back to Downtown Santa Cruz. Bring the family or participate! The parade route starts at the intersection of Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Water Street.

CAPITOLA: HOLIDAY COOKIE WALK
December 6, 2025 @ 11am – 4pm
Take a walk around historic Capitola Village and fill your box with delicious holiday cookies from participating stores! The Capitola Village Cookie Walk is a fun, family-centered activity taking place in Capitola Village on December 7 and 8. Start out at Capitola Candy Cafe where you can register and obtain boxes for the cookies. Then take a walk around historic Capitola Village and fill your box with delicious holiday cookies from participating stores.

BARGETTO WINERY: ART IN THE CELLARS
December 6 – 7, 2025 @ 11am – 5pm
Join us for our Annual Art in the Cellars Holiday Festival. Enjoy a weekend filled with Art and Wine. Shop over 30+ Local Artists and Food Vendors. Admission is free. You will be able to purchase a Wine Tasting with Festival Glass. Food will also be available for purchase. Dress warmly.

SEA TO SKY FARM: WREATH MAKING
December 6, 2026 @ 11:30am – 1:30pm
Go check out the Sea to Sky farm house, and learn to make a beautiful locally sourced, seasonal wreath to adorn your home for the winter months. They will have a bas, wire, and all the greenery and floral materials on hand for use, and of course, expert help and instruction on hand!

LESTER ESTATE WINES: HOLIDAY MARKET
December 6, 2025 @ 12pm – 4pm
Find that perfect gift from a selection of locally made, hand crafted wares while enjoying one of the scenic stops along the Corralitos Wine Trail.  Enjoy a glass of Lester Estate wine while you shop and spend a relaxing afternoon with friends.  Reservations are not needed unless you would like to stay for a seated tasting. 

APTOS VILLAGE GREEN: HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR AND TREE LIGHTING
December 6, 2025 @ 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Head to the Aptos Village Green to see local craft vendors, sip coffee or hot chocolate with your cookies and have a picture with Santa. Enjoy music, performances, and of course the tree lighting ceremony!

BOULDER CREEK: TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA VISIT
December 6, 2025 @ 1pm – 6:30pm
Santa has it on his calendar to come to Boulder Creek again! There will be vendors, a band, activities, and Santa himself! Don’t miss the fun and the countdown to lighting the town tree!

SANTA CRUZ HARBOR: LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
December 6, 2025 @ 5:30pm – 7:30pm
The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor.

HALLCREST VINEYARDS: HOLIDAY MARKET
December 7, 2025 @ 11am – 5pm
Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid’s activities, Santa, wine and so much more! 

SEASCAPE RESORT: HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
December 7, 2025 @ 1pm – 4pm
Go for the crafts, stay for the joy and find one of a kind gifts made with heart! Stroll through a beachy winter wonderland of local vendors. Enjoy drinks from a no-host bar, featuring holiday cocktails available for purchase. Santa Claus will be stopping by for photos and holiday cheer!

IVETA DOWNTOWN: PAINT AND SIP HOLIDAY PALMS
December 7, 2025 @ 2pm – 4pm
Create your own Holiday Palm inspired masterpiece! In just two hours you will be guided, step by step, in creating the painting of the day. Learn and practice various painting techniques as you go, with plenty of room for creativity. One-on-one help is always available & all supplies are included.

SCOTTS VALLEY: CRAFTS AND COCOA
December 12, 2025 @ 6pm – 8pm
Enjoy crafts, cocoa, and decorating cookies for all ages at the Scotts Valley Community Center. The $5 entry ticket covers crafts and cocoa. Materials for the crafts are provided. Holiday crafts for you to take home. Cookies cost $2 each.

MOUNT HERMON: CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
December 12 – 20, 2025 (various weekend times and events)
This holiday, immerse yourself in the joy of the season with the annual Mount Hermon Christmas Concerts, buffet dinner (or Sunday lunch), and Christmas Craft Boutique. Friday and Saturday concert starts at 7:30pm, and the Sunday concert at 2:30pm. Buffet seating precedes the concert. Purchase tickets here.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE DREAM INN
December 13, 2025 @ 9am – 12pm
Head to the Santa Cruz Dream Inn for their 7th annual breakfast with Santa.  Enjoy beautiful ocean views, a breakfast buffet, a full bar (for the parents, not the elves), cookie decorating, arts & crafts, face painting, story time, and a visit from Santa.  Tickets are limited – purchase here.

TANNERY ARTS CENTER: WINTER ART MARKET
December 13, 2025 @ 10am – 5pm
Kick off the holiday season by immersing yourself in the creative spirit of Santa Cruz at the Tannery Art Center’s Winter Art Market, presented by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County. This annual event features live music, delicious food, and festive, family-friendly activities. Explore over 20 artist studios showcasing handmade gifts and discover unique treasures from local makers and guest artists.

WILDER RANCH STATE PARK: VICTORIAN HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
December 13, 2025 @ 11am – 3pm
Celebrate the winter holidays as folks did in Victorian and early 20th century Santa Cruz during Holidays. Enjoy live caroling, sample Victorian-era holiday goodies, watch demonstrations in the blacksmith and machine shop, explore the historical houses, and make your very own wreath and candle. This is a free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

ROBERTS RANCH VINEYARDS: HOLIDAY MERRIMENT
December 13, 2025 @ 1pm – 4pm
Enjoy the Steve Abrams Jazz Trio as you make merry at the Holiday Wine and Charcuterie celebration. Go get your first pour and plate at the crush pad, then find a comfy spot to enjoy the views! Attended children and well-behaved pups are welcome to join.

SANTA CRUZ CIVIC AUDITORIUM: SYMPHONY HOLIDAY CONCERT
December 13, 2025 @ 7:30pm And December 14, 2025 @ 1pm
Santa Cruz Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert offers festive favorites including holiday music by Leroy Anderson, the lighthearted and nostalgic Symphony -Hanukkah, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and singalong tunes in a variety of December traditions.

HOLY CROSS: CABRILLO COLLEGE CONCERT FOR A WINTERS’ EVE
December 13, 2025 @ 8pm
A gorgeous evening of choral music by the stunning voices of Cantíamo! Purchase tickets here.

BRUNCH WITH SANTA AT THE BOARDWALK’S COCOANUT GROVE
December 14, 2025 @ 9am – 12pm
Grab your friends and loved ones and have a merry morning with Santa in the Boardwalk’s Historic Grove! Enjoy a gourmet brunch buffet, story time with the big guy himself, and festive cookie decorating.

FELTON COVERED BRIDGE: HOLIDAY MARKET
December 14, 2025 @ 11am – 3pm
The annual tradition of the Felton Holiday Market will again take place on the historic covered bridge. Activities include arts & crafts, delicious food & beverages, music, holiday lights, and other festivities!

LUPULO CRAFT BEER HOUSE: CHANUKAH CRAFT AFTERNOON
December 14, 2025 @ 11:30am – 2:30pm
Enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled Chanukah craft event! This free event offers a variety of easy and enjoyable crafts including making Chanukah cards and dreidel painting. Open to all ages! 

VENUS WESTSIDE: HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET
December 14, 2025 @ 2pm – 5pm
Head to Venus Spirits to experience a pop-up Makers Market! There will be ceramics, stained glass, candles, mixed media art and more! Stop for a handcrafted cocktail or maybe some contemporary California cuisine, and make a holi-day of it!

WATSONVILLE PLAZA: NIGHT OF SPARKLE
December 14, 2025 @ 2pm – 7pm
Enjoy Noche de Brillo (Night of Sparkle), a FREE family-friendly evening filled with snow, lights, and holiday cheer. In addition to the California style snow play area, there will be a train ride, crafts, a holiday market, live entertainment. Be sure not to miss the light parade or the photos with Santa!

SANTA CRUZ MAH: TOY TRAINS
December 18 – 22; 26 – 29, 2025 @ various times
Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy this beloved annual pop-up exhibit at the MAH. Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be on hand to once again share their amazing collection of toy trains at the MAH. The public is invited to view Toy Trains in the MAH’s Atrium for free. To access other exhibitions and gallery spaces in the museum, there is a small entrance fee.

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK: MOVIE WITH SANTA “ELF”
December 18, 2025 @ 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Tis the season for an evening of joy and holiday cheer inside the historic Grove Ballroom! Holiday Pajamas are encouraged! Each attendee also receives a fun holiday headband! Snacks available for purchase. Banquet chair seating. Fun inflatable chairs available on a first-come first-served basis. 4:30pm Doors open, Cookie Decorating; 5:00pm Storytime with Santa; 5:30pm Movie Screening in Sunroom – ‘Elf’.

SANTA CRUZ MAH: WINTER FAMILY DAY
December 20, 2025 @ 12pm – 6pm: Toy Trains in the MAH atrium; 1pm – 3pm: Winter art activity in the Garden Room + hot cocoa (while supplies last)
Enjoy free admission to all current exhibitions at the Museum of Art and History.  Enjoy the Toy Trains display in the Atrium all day! Participate in a winter themed art activity, and warm up with complimentary hot cocoa (first come, first served).

CABRILLO COLLEGE: THE NUTCRACKER
December 20 – 21, 2025 – Two Performances Each Day @ 1pm and 4:30pm
Get swept away by the beauty of Clara and friends as you travel to the magical Land of Sweets for this imaginative holiday classic and wonderful family tradition, now in it’s 18th year. Holiday fun the whole family will enjoy! One weekend only at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater. The SCCB full-length Nutcracker is alive with innovative choreography, stunning dancers, beautiful sets and brilliant costumes. This production has become an annual tradition, showcasing over 100 local dancers from ages four to sixty-four, as well guest artists from the bay area and beyond.

SANTA CRUZ BALLET THEATRE: THE NUTCRACKER
December 20 – 21, 2025 – Two Performances Each Day @ 1:30pm and 4:30pm
Experience Santa Cruz’s spectacular holiday tradition with Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s production of The Nutcracker, taking place at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This year, welcome Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, who will be gracing the stage in a special performance. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Lucien brings his world-class talent back to his hometown for a production not to be missed.

SANTA CRUZ WHARF: WINTER ON THE WHARF
December 20, 2025 @ 2pm – 5pm
Come enjoy holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine! Take photos with Santa from 2:30PM-4:30PM, checkout Wharf Business Specials, play in the snow area with Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen, and enjoy custom balloon designs from Lee Balloons!

MISSION HILL: CHRISTMAS WITH THE SANTA CRUZ CHORALE
December 20, 2025 @ 8pm on December 21 @ 4pm
Christmas is a time of joy and tradition. Our audiences tell us they love our mix of early music and carols old and new.

BOULDER CREEK REINDEER RUN
December 24, 2025 @ 9am
The 8th Annual Reindeer Run in Boulder Creek will be on Christmas eve! Go work off that plum pudding and promote togetherness, silliness, and and active lifestyle.  Bring your family. Bring your pet.  Walk or run the 5k around the beautiful mountain town of downtown Boulder Creek and Irwin Way while dressed in holiday attire! Bring your holiday pajamas, funky holiday outfits, full on costumes, or just that ugly sweater. 9am runners, 9:20am joggers, 9:40am families and joggers, 10am animals.

ROARING CAMP NEW YEAR’S TRAIN
December 26 – 31, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Bring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz. Light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ will keep spirits bright and help bring in 2026 right.

CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA: NEW YEAR’S
December 31, 2025 @ 9pm – 1am
Head to The View, a Treeside Restaurant to dance the night away to live music by The Alex Lucero Band at Chaminade’s 21+ New Year’s Party. Spend your evening ringing in 2025 while enjoying a champagne toast, assorted light bite desserts and a cash bar. Reserve dinner early for a memorable New Year’s Eve Dinner dining experience overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay.

CHANUKAH TRAIN
January 2, 2026 @ 5pm – 9pm
We’ll share in Chanukah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Chanukah stories, playing dreidel and enjoying kosher refreshments provided by Chabad by the Sea. Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz at 5:00pm, 6:30, and 8:00 pm for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Click HERE to check for day/time availability.

And be sure to enjoy the festive spirit, decorations, and shopping in the Capitola Village, Downtown Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and other shopping areas throughout the county this season! Visit our website Events Page for even more holiday-inspired events!