With a wide range of free events taking place year-around, there’s always something to celebrate in Santa Cruz County every weekend. See what’s happening in Santa Cruz County and check out events here!
Welcome to the magical world of Cinderella, coming to Santa Cruz this Fall!An enchanting story for all ages with a wonderful dose of humor, majesty of classical ballet and the promise of “happily ever after”.A part of the World Ballet Series, Cinderella is performed live by a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers gathered […]
Fall Wreath Making Workshop at Santa Cruz Maker Studios! Celebrate the magic of Autumn! This is a cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll design and craft your very own fall wreath made with all real flowers and foliage, perfect for your front door, a gift, or a festive center piece. No prior experience needed! The materials […]
Get in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach! Enjoy a festive stroll through dazzling holiday lights and decorations at no cost. If you’d like to hop on a ride, you can purchase individual ride tickets or a Ride Wristband for unlimited rides all day. Games, attractions, and photos with Santa are […]
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 cider while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter-themed activities. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Hot Cider Winter Themed Activities DATES November 28 - 30 December 6 - 7 December 13 […]
A 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. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute […]
See the 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024 NBA G League Franchise of the Year on their home turf! The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Santa Cruz Warriors Beanie! More than half of NBA players boast NBA G League experience, so this is your chance to see elite professional basketball at an affordable […]
Escape the holiday chaos and create lasting memories with friends at MOD's Festive Wreath-Making Workshop! Indulge in the delightful scents of fresh greenery, ribbons, and ornaments as you craft your perfect holiday centerpiece in the cozy Tinker Space. Let the kids explore the museum while you create, or enjoy a relaxing morning with your friends. […]
This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track […]
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 […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Take a walk around historic Capitola Village and fill your box with delicious holiday cookies from participating stores! Enjoy this family friendly stroll! Follow the link in the orange button above for the Eventbrite tickets to purchase ahead of time, or go to the Capitola Candy Company on 205 Capitola Ave to purchase your box […]
SV Parks & Recreation will be hosting their 3rd annual "Holiday Craft & Cocoa Event", enjoy a fun-filled holiday evening for families & kids of all ages! Enjoy crafts, cocoa, and decorating cookies for all ages at our Scotts Valley Community Center. Gather for creativity & kids' activities before the holiday season. *This year cookies […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even drive a tractor and go on a hayride. Local Santa Cruz County 4-H clubs will be hosting their Annual Spring Fair. This action-packed day is […]
Something magical is coming to downtown Watsonville! Enjoy Noche de Brillo (Night of Sparkle), a FREE family-friendly evening filled with snow, lights, and holiday cheer. Event Highlights: Snow play area Train ride Crafts Holiday market Live entertainment Light Parade Photos with Santa
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 […]
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). Schedule: 12-6pm: Toy Trains in the MAH atrium 1-3pm: Winter art activity in […]
Come enjoy holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine!🎅 📸Take photos with Santa! ☃️ Checkout Wharf Business Specials! ❄️Play in the snow area with Elsa and Anna from Disney's Frozen! 🎈Enjoy custom balloon designs from Lee Balloons! 🎨 Get your face painted or feathers in your […]
The 9th Annual Reindeer Run in Boulder Creek will be on Christmas eve! Go work off that plum pudding and promote togetherness, silliness, 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 […]
The 2026 celebration will be at the London Nelson Community Center and feature hundreds of fascinating species from the area, uniquely displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition will offer three days of fun, demonstrations, informative speakers, and fungus-forward activities for the whole family. 2-5pm on Friday. 9am to 6pm on […]
See more than 500 quilts throughout three buildings at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds! There will be ongoing demonstrations, a vendor mall, Bargain Garden (fabric flea market), and a Wearable Walkabout are among the many events happening during the show. Some quilts are for sale and there is also a live auction on Sunday. Saturday […]
Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Run a 1k or a 5k, on this flat course and then enjoy what the boardwalk has to offer, including rides, games, & the beach! 1K- Ages 12 and Under 5K- Ages 4 […]
Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza is a family-friendly event filled with arts & crafts, games, food trucks, an egg hunt, and more! Kids aged 3 to 13 years old are invited to participate in the egg hunt. Registration is not required for this event.
The showstopping Santa Cruz County Fair returns September 16 - 20th for family fun, great entertainment, live shows, animal displays, carnival rides, and more!!!
Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!
