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!
SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK: WINTER WONDERLAND
Select dates: November 23, 2023 – December 31, 2023
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 (Operating Days: November 24 – 24), Delicious Boardwalk Treats, Fire Pit Rentals & Holiday S’Mores, Winter Wonderland Package (includes MyBoardwalk Card and one 6×8 printed photo with Santa. Available operating days November 24 – December 24), Holiday Shopping, and don’t forget the breathtaking beach view!
Hours and Dates: 12pm – 5pm on Thursday – Sunday: November 23 – 26; Saturdays – Sundays: December 2 – 10; Everyday: December 16 – 31
Special Dates: December 2 & 3 – Mini Nutcracker performances on the Colonnade Stage at 2pm; December 10 & 11 – Roaming Carolers
ROARING CAMP RAILROADS: HOLIDAY TREE WALK
November 24 – 25; December 2 – 3; December 9 – 10, 2023 @ 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.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Starting November 24, 2023: Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in November; Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December; 5:30pm – 9pm
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2023 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 24, 2023 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in November and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December. HOLIDAY LIGHTS is over a 1/2 mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday experience. The event is open from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Walk-Thru Holiday Lights happening December 1st & 2nd!
SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN
November 24 – 25, December 2 – 3, December 9 – 10, December 16 – 23, 2022
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 24-25, December 2-3, December 9-10, December 16-23.
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.
SEABRIGHT: FARLEY’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
November 25 – 31, 2023 @ 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!
CHANUKAH TRAIN
December 7, 2023 @ 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.
MIDTOWN: NIGHT MARKET TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
December 8, 2023 @ 5pm – 9pm
Enjoy live music, artist, vendors, food trucks, and drinks at the Midtown Night Market from 5pm to 9pm. On the 8th, go see the Christmas Night Tree lighting ceremony at 6pm!
TANNERY ARTS CENTER: WINTER ART MARKET
December 9, 2023 @ 10am – 5pm
Discover local artistry, engage with our vibrant community, and support the creative entrepreneurs who make our town flourish. Join the Tannery for the 11th year of this free and family-friendly event. 20+ open art studios & guest artists, live music, food and drinks, activities for all-ages and more!
WILDER RANCH STATE PARK: VICTORIAN HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
December 9, 2023 @ 11am – 3pm
Celebrate the winter holidays as folks did in Californio, Victorian, and early 20th century Santa Cruz at Wilder Ranch State Park. Enjoy performances featuring the Lyric Victorian Carolers, sample Victorian-era holiday goodies, watch live demonstrations in the blacksmith and machine shop, explore the historical houses, and participate in wreath and candle making and wood oven baking. This is a free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
WREATH MAKING AT SEA TO SKY FARM
December 9, 2023 @ 1pm – 3pm
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 base, wire, and all the greenery and floral materials on hand for use, and of course, expert help and instruction on hand!
CASTRO ADOBE STATE HISTORIC PARK: ‘TIS THE SEASON
December 9, 2023 @ 10:30am – 3:30pm
‘Tis the season of giving and the Castros were known to be generous people. Strangers were not strangers for long as the Castro family invited all to participate in a fiesta in the fandango room with live music, and of course there was food and drinks! Continue the tradition and click the link below to register to go to the Castro Adobe to explore the fandango room and to enjoy complimentary coffee in the cocina all while learning the traditions and customs of those who called Rancho San Andres home. Go as strangers and leave as friends!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT CHAMINADE
December 9, 2023 @ 9am – 11am – $25++per person
Join Chaminade Resort & Spa for a festive holiday buffet featuring Christmas favorites and a special appearance from Santa himself!
ANNIEGLASS HOLIDAY ORNAMENT MAKING WORKSHOP
December 9, and December 16, 2023 (various times) – $90
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 BALLET THEATRE: THE NUTCRACKER
December 9 – 10, 2023 – Two Performances Each Day @ 1pm and 4:30pm
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”. There are 52 professional musicians in the live orchestra conducted by Maestro Pamela Martin. There are over 50 local pre-professional dancers, and two world-class guest artists including Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre (SCBT) alumni and Houston Ballet Principal dancer Melody Mennite as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Lucien Postlewaite (principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet) as her Cavalier. The brilliant supporting cast features SCBT Senior Company dancers, as well as dancers from all over the county.
BRUNCH WITH SANTA AT THE BOARDWALK’S COCOANUT GROVE
December 10, 2023
Grab your friends and loved ones and have a merry morning with Santa in the Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove! Enjoy a gourmet brunch buffet, storytime with the big guy himself, and festive cookie decorating.
WEST CLIFF DRIVE: JINGLE BELL ROCK RACE
December 10, 2023 @ 9am
Head over to the lighthouse on West Cliff drive to check out the annual Jingle Bell Rock 1k kids and 5k adults and kids races! It’s not always about who is the fastest. Sometimes, it’s about who is has the best holiday costume, worst holiday running sweater, or best deocorated stroller. There is a rumor going around that Santa has already entered the race, so you might literally run into him! Weather you are getting some family exercise in before your holiday shopping, or just admiring all the creativity amid the awesome ocean views, you are sure to enjoy this annual event.
BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ: MEET THE GRINCH
December 10, 2023 @ 2pm – 4pm
The Grinch is back and ready to prove to the residents of Who-ville that he’s changed. This heartwarming sequel is written and illustrated in the style of Dr. Seuss’s beloved holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The new book storytime reading is free and available to the public. If you and 4 others would like to take a photo with the Grinch himself, you can purchase tickets to the photo line on the day of the event or through the link here. Purchasing tickets to the photo line includes your own copy of the new book!
WATSONVILLE: SANTA TOUR
December 13 – 15, 2023 @ 4pm – 7pm
For three days, December 13-15, from 4pm-7pm each evening, Santa and his special guests will spread holiday cheer as they visit parts of Watsonville.
SANTA CRUZ MAH: TOY TRAINS
December 14 – 17; 21 – 24, 2023 @ 12pm – 6pm; excluding December 24: 12pm – 3pm
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.
*On Christmas Eve, the event will close early at 3PM. Please see the event website for additional times.
HENRY J MELLO CENTER: WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND 76TH WINTER CONCERT SERIES
December 15, 2023 @ 7pm – 8:30pm
The Watsonville Community Band will perform various holiday favorites as we celebrate the season with a Winter Concert. Conductor Brad Gronroos leads a family-friendly concert to spread the holiday cheer with our hometown community.
HOLY CROSS: CABRILLO COLLEGE CONCERT FOR A WINTERS’ EVE
December 15, 2023 @ 8pm
A gorgeous evening of choral music: Britten, Bach, and Allegri plus seasonal traditions. Purchase tickets here.
SANTA CRUZ WHARF: WINTER ON THE WHARF
December 16, 2023 @ 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!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE DREAM INN
December 16, 2023 @ 9am – 11am
Enjoy a special Breakfast with Santa at the Dream Inn! Tickets are limited – purchase here.
CAPITOLA VILLAGE SANTACON
December 16, 2023 @ 7pm – 11pm
Keep calm & get your ho ho ho on—Dress in your craziest, zaniest holiday wear and join us in taking over a bevvy of bars in Capitola Village! Meet at 7 pm at 201 Esplanade in Capitola. Be sure to bring your ID, cash and TIP YOUR BARTENDER. 7-8pm-ish – Capitola Bar & Grill, 231 Esplanade #102 (Make sure to circle back here at eve of night for yummy food til 11pm); 8-9pm-ish (subject to being open) – Bay Bar and Grill, 209 Esplanade Ste A.; 9-10pm-ish – Britannia Arms, 110 Monterey Ave.; 10-11pm-ish – The Sand Bar, 211 Esplanade.
If you feel like moving on after The Sand Bar feel free to at your own pace to any of the previous stops or check out others in the village! Remember: Santa is jolly. 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
CABRILLO COLLEGE: THE NUTCRACKER
December 16 – 17, 2023 @ various times
International Academy of Dance in Santa Cruz County, presents The Nutcracker! Get swept away by the beauty of Clara and friends, as we travel to the magical Land of Sweets! DATES & TIMES: December 16th: Two showings at 1:00pm and 4:30pm and December 17th: Two showings at 1:00pm and 4:30pm.
MISSION HILL: CHRISTMAS WITH THE SANTA CRUZ CHORALE
December 16 & 17, 2023 @ 8pm on December 16 & 4pm on December 17
Experience Musical Gifts of Christmas with the Santa Cruz Chorale. The program features works by renowned composers such as Byrd, Scheidt, Elgar, Britten, Tavener, and Biebl, and beloved carols worldwide. The centerpiece of our program is the Magnificat for Orchestra and choir by Austrian composer Heinrich Biber.
FELTON COVERED BRIDGE: HOLIDAY MARKET
December 17, 2023 @ 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!
DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ: MAKERS MARKET
December 17, 2023 @ 10am – 5pm
Visit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers & artists in beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz – and just in time for the holidays! Located on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln Streets, this monthly market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods.
PEACE UNITED: MESSIAH SING ALONG AND GALA CELEBRATION
December 19, 2023 @ 7pm
A Santa Cruz Tradition. Sing-Along Messiah with Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra and local conductors Carols led by Cabrillo Youth Chorus Gala Reception Follows.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY: GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING
December 22, 2023 @ 5pm – 7pm
Head to the Children’s Museum of Discovery for a festive evening of Gingerbread House decorating! Children three and older can unleash their inner architect and decorator as they transform a plain gingerbread house into a sugary masterpiece. The museum will provide all the gingerbread pieces, icing, candy, and decorations they need so your whole family can enjoy the holiday fun without the mess!
THE LAST MINUTE MAKERS MARKET
December 23 & 24, 2023 @ 11am – 4pm
Get your last minute Christmas gifts and support local artists! The Last Minute Makers Markets will be held at the Santa Cruz Vet’s Hall at 846 Front Street in Downtown Santa Cruz.
HOLIDAYS AT SHADOWBROOK: CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY MEAL
December 24 & 25, 2023
Spend your holiday at Shadowbrook this season! Reservations are available for all holidays beginning at 10am 30-days in advance both online and by phone at 831-475-1511.
CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET AT CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA
December 25, 2023 from 10am – 7pm
Seasonal Salads, Local Organic Fruit, Chilled Seafood Station, Chef Carving Station: Prime Rib, Organic Turkey, Fresh Crepes, Omelet Bar, Caramelized Yams, Dessert Display, and more. $85++ Adults; $35++ Children 3-12.
NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN
December 26, 2023 – January 3, 2024 @ 5pm – 9pm
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 2024 right. Private cars available.
SCOTTS VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS NEW YEARS EVE EVE COMEDY SHOW: MYQ KAPLAN
December 30, 2023 @ 7:30pm – 9pm
Celebrate New Years Eve Eve with laughter! A very special evening of comedy at the brand new Scotts Valley Performing Arts Theatre. All sales of beer and wine go directly to SVPA! Live music, vendors and your comedians: Myq Kaplan, Emily Van Dyke, and your host, DNA!
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY: NOON YEAR’S EVE
December 31, 2023 @ 10:30am – 1pm
Ring in the New Year at Noon with MOD! Enjoy New Year crafts, a ‘champagne’ bar with all the fixings, dancing, and the big countdown at NOON complete with a MOD ball drop! We have limited room available and expect to sell out so purchase your tickets ASAP!
CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA: NEW YEAR’S DINNER
December 31, 2023 @ 5pm – 10pm
Head to The View, a Treeside Restaurant for a memorable New Year’s Eve Dinner dining experience overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. Enjoy a variety of farm-to-fork-focused menu items such as French turbo, surf & turf, and much more. An abundant offering of local wines will be available for an upgraded wine-pairing experience. Guests will order selections from a three-course prix fixe menu. Why let the experience end with dinner? Book the 9 pm seating to access Chaminade’s New Year’s Eve Latenight Bash, featuring live entertainment, drinks, and a lively crowd to ring in the new year!
CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA: NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
December 31, 2023 @ 9pm – 1am
Book your room on New Year’s Eve and get 2 tickets to dance the night away to funk band, The Joint Chiefs featuring Tony Lindsay (long-tenured lead singer of Santana!). Enjoy assorted desserts, a champagne toast, balloon drop at midnight, and a cash bar. This package includes 2 tickets to our New Year’s Eve Party (21+ Only). *Additional tickets can be added after selecting your room accommodations.
THE CATALYST: GIMME GIMME DISCO THE NYE 2024 DISCO BALL
December 31, 2023 – Doors Open at 9:30pm; Show is at 10pm
Tickets are $27 to $52; $22 Early Bird// $27 Advance// $32 Last Chance// $52 VIP Balcony // Doors 9:30pm/ Show 10pm-1am // 21+.
INN AT PASATIEMPO: 80’S PROM THEME NYE PARTY WITH THE LOST BOYS FEATURING JAMES DURBIN
December 31, 2023 @ 8pm – 12:30am
The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin will be hosting another New Years Eve celebration. This years theme is a throwback to a good ole 80’s prom. Dress up in your best 80’s prom attire, if you choose, and we will be announcing an official King and Queen of the prom!! Enjoy an evening of music, hors d’oeuvres, and a no host bar. Let’s continue where we left off last and ring in the New Year together!
BRUNO’S BAR AND GRILL: 90’S PROM THEME NYE PARTY
December 31, 2023 @ 8pm – 1am
Celebrate the new year in style by dusting off your old prom outfit and heading to our New Year’s Eve 90’s Prom Party. With a live performance by the absolute best 90’s cover band Fire Peach, you’ll be dancing all night to the greatest grunge, alt-rock, and 90’s pop-punk songs. Don’t forget to participate in the Prom costume contest for a chance to be crowned King and Queen. And with only a $10 cover charge that includes a champagne toast at midnight, you can ring in the new year with style and nostalgia. Come early and eat dinner upstairs in The Jim or downstairs in the dining room. The party starts at 8PM and Firepeach plays at 9PM.
THE 418 PROJECT: NEW YEAR’S EVE GATHERING IN GRATITUDE
December 31, 2023 @8pm
An artist-led mega dance party featuring live bands, afro beats, fashion dance, wandering artists, Mic Drop, local films, no-host bars & You
FIRST DAY HIKES
January 1, 2024 (various times)
Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike at one of Santa Cruz County’s state parks! Hikes range in location, geography, and difficulty. Find first day hikes at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Castle Rock State Park, and Wilder Ranch State Park. Check the California State Parks website for more on reservations, times, trail and habitat information, and more.
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!
PAST EVENTS – MAYBE NEXT YEAR!
SANTA CRUZ MOUTAINS HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET
November 25, 2023 @ 10am – 5pm
Time for the 10th Annual SCM Holiday Makers Market! Get your holiday shopping on at the Felton Community Hall on Saturday, November 25, 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 25, 2023 @ 12pm – 3pm
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!
WEST CLIFF HOLIDAY OUTDOOR MARKET 2023
November 24 – 25, 2023 @ 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! They will also be giving away free tokens every hour to random shoppers. The tokens can be used towards any vendor of your choice. So come down and get your free gift! See you on the cliffs for some holiday cheer!
ABBOTT SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET POPUP
November 26, 2023 @ 11am – 4pm
Featuring 20 local makers and artists, this fun little market is a great addition to your Sunday shopping downtown! Grab a bite and a drink at Abbott Square, do a little shopping and enjoy live music.
SOQUEL VILLAGE: CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
December 1, 2023 @ 6:30pm – 8pm
Get ready to deck the halls and light up Soquel Village at the first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join the festive fun with caroling, early evening shopping and scrumptious snacks. A special invite has been sent directly to Santa…
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
December 1 – 2, 2023 @ 12pm – 9pm
Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair returns for its 46th 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.
HOLY CROSS: CABRILLO COLLEGE MUSIC FOR THE FEAST OF CHRISTMAS
December 1, 2023 @ 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Music for the Feast of Christmas — the way to begin your Holiday! The gorgeous music of Ottorino Respighi: Lauda per la Nativita del Signore. A carol singalong with the orchestra!
SANTA CRUZ HARBOR: LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
December 2, 2023 @ 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.
APTOS VILLAGE GREEN: HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR AND TREE LIGHTING
December 2, 2023 @ 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!
DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ: HOLIDAY PARADE
December 2, 2023 @ 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.
BOULDER CREEK: TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA VISIT
December 2, 2023 @ 2pm – 6pm
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!
CAPITOLA: HOLIDAY COOKIE WALK
December 2 – 3, 2023 @ 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 2nd and 3rd. 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 2 – 3, 2023 @ 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, $20 Wine Tasting with Festival Glass $15 (Wine Club Members), Food for purchase and dress warmly.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: HOLIDAY LIGHTS (WALK-THRU ONLY)
December 1-2, 2023 @ 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.
SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK: MOVIE WITH SANTA “ELF”
December 3, 2023 @ 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Tis the season for an evening of joy and holiday cheer inside the historic Cocoanut 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’.