Watsonville Plaza: Tree Lighting
Watsonville Civic Plaza 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesEvent timeline: Welcome by Mayor of Watsonville Performance Convocation Santa Tree Lighting
Free
Upcoming Events
44 events found.
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!
Holiday
Santa Cruz: Turkey Trot
Westside Research Park Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesGo 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! 10k, 5k, and kids 1k all offered. Signature Santa Cruz Track Club finisher socks for all 5k and 10k finishers. Prizes for top three […]
$6.30 – $54
Downtown Santa Cruz: A Christmas Carol
Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesFollowing 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. Directed by Charles Pasternak and Alicia Gibson, A Christmas Carol stars Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with returning […]
$33 – $69
Roaring Camp Railroads: Holiday Tree Walk
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesGet 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 […]
Downtown Santa Cruz: Reindeer Round-Up
Downtown Santa Cruz Info Kiosk 1130 Pacific Ave. K2, Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSanta 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 […]
Free
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesA 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 […]
$48.71 – $74.15
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Lights
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United StatesThe Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2025 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 28, 2025 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Christmas Eve. HOLIDAY LIGHTS is over a 1/2 mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted […]
$11.50 – $42
Seabright: Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
Farley's Christmas Wonderland 108 Seaview Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThis 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 […]
SC Beach Boardwalk: Winter Opening Drone Show
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesGather your loved ones and head to the Boardwalk's Main Plaza to kick off Winter Wonderland with a tree lighting countdown and festive drone show! Enjoy free entertainment, cookies, and hot cocoa as you help up light up the Boardwalk with holiday cheer! Schedule: 12pm: Park Opens 5pm: Performance by Soquel Jazz Band 5pm: Complimentary […]
Free
Childrens Museum of Discovery: Wreath Making and Mimosas
Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United StatesEscape 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 our cozy Tinker Space. Let the kids explore the museum while you create, or enjoy a relaxing morning with your friends. […]
$45
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Craft Fair
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United StatesHeritage 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 […]
Downtown Boulder Creek: Market and Ugly Sweater Contest
Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesBundle up in the tackiest sweater you’ve ever been gifted for the holidays and head to the redwoods! As you look through arts and crafts, you will be treated to live music. There will be food and drink to purchase while you are there and watch out for the First Friday Boulder Creek Folks! You […]
Free
Abbott Square: SantaCon
Abbott Square 118 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesHo, ho, ho! They’re at it again! Start out at Abbott Square in downtown Santa Cruz for the annual shenanigans wandering throughout the city. Part festive interaction with our community, part pub crawl — total silly fun! This is free to attend. No tickets or registration is required. For ages 21+
Free
Holy Cross: Cabrillo College Music for the Feast of Christmas
Holy Cross Church 210 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesMusic for the Feast of Christmas -- the way to begin your Holiday! The Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus will present its annual Music for the Feast of Christmas performance. Performance starts at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 4pm on Sunday.
$40
Chaminade Resort and Spa: Breakfast With Santa
Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesGo meet and get your picture taken with Santa and his friends at the Chaminade as you enjoy a festive brunch and beautiful views of the Monterey Bay.
$35.40
Watsonville: Holiday Factory Sales
El Pajaro Kitchen Incubator 412 E Riverside Dr., Watsonville, United StatesSo many wonderful things are made from start to finish in the Pajaro Valley right here in Santa Cruz County! Get some holiday shopping done right from the factory! Driscoll's Berry Store - Fresh berries and Driscoll's Branded attire and products Annieglass - Handmade glass dinnerware, serve-ware, decor and jewelry. Martinelli Company Store - Martinelli […]
Free
Downtown Santa Cruz: Holiday Parade
Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe 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 […]
Capitola: Holiday Cookie Walk
Capitola Village Capitola Village, Esplanade Park, Capitola, CA, United StatesTake 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 […]
$23.18
Bargetto Winery: Art in the Cellars
Bargetto Winery 3535 N Main Street, Soquel, CA, United StatesHead to Bargetto Winery for the 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 be available for for purchase too. Dress warmly. Saturday, […]
Free
Sea to Sky Farm: Wreath Making
Sea to Sky Farm 6040 Bonny Doon Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesGo 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!
$85
Aptos Village Green: Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting
Aptos Village 448 Granite Way, Aptos, CA, United StatesHead 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!
Free
Downtown Boulder Creek: Winter Festival
Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesA free to enter community event showcasing the magic of Downtown Boulder Creek. Enjoy the holidays brought to you in just one day! Snag some unique gifts when holiday shopping with local artisan vendors. Hit up the food court, and be sure to see Santa! Adult beverages, non alcoholic beverages & smore's sets will be […]
$5 – $20
Santa Cruz Harbor: Lighted Boat Parade
Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe 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, from the East Harbor launch ramp, and from a variety of harbor paths. Charter boats are available. Remember to bring a reusable mug for the hot drinks and snacks […]
Hallcrest Vineyards: Holiday Market
Hallcrest Vineyards 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesGet your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid's activities, Santa, wine and so much more!
Free
Scotts Valley: Crafts and Cocoa
Scotts Valley Community Center Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, California, United StatesSV 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 […]
$5
Mount Hermon: Christmas Boutiques and Concerts
Mount Hermon Conference Center 37 Conference Dr, Felton, United StatesThis 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.
$20 – $42
Simpkins Swim Center: Holiday Market
Simpkins Family Swim Center 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesGet ready for a festive extravaganza at the Holiday Market Winter Wonderland! Building on the success of last year's Splash with Santa event by the pool, Parks and Rec will be bringing you even more excitement this year. Someone has taken over! The Market opens at 9AM and runs until 2PM. Performances include a dance […]
Free – $15
Tannery Arts Center: Winter Art Market
Tannery Arts Center 1010 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesGet into the holiday spirit and explore Santa Cruz’s creative heart at the Annual Winter Art Market, presented by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Enjoy live music, tasty food, and festive family-friendly activities. Browse over 20 artist studios filled with handmade holiday gifts and meet guest artists and makers offering unique treasures. Highlights Live […]
Free
Wilder Ranch State Park: Victorian Holiday Experience
Wilder Ranch State Park 1842 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA, United States11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Free
Roberts Ranch Vineyards: Holiday Merriment
Roberts Ranch Vineyards 875 Roberts Road, Ben Lomond, CA, United StatesEnjoy the Steve Abrams Jazz Trio as you 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. Just make sure you get a kid's ticket through the […]
$12.51 – $49.87
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium: Symphony Holiday Concert
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSanta Cruz Symphony's Holiday Pops Concert offers festive favorites including holiday music by Leroy Anderson, the lighthearted and nostalgic Symph-Hanukkah, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and singalong tunes in a variety of December traditions. It’s the best way to celebrate the season with friends and family in a joyfully-decorated venue. Take a picture with Santa […]
$15 – $130
The Grove: Brunch with Santa
The Grove 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesHead to the Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to enjoy a holiday brunch! The adults can purchase their own adult beverages. There will be cookie decorating as the brunch winds down. Then at 11:00, Santa will begin his storytime! Each attendee will receive a fun holiday headband.
$34.99 – $39.99
Felton Covered Bridge: Holiday Market
Felton Covered Bridge Park Covered Bridge Road, Felton, CA, United StatesThe annual tradition of the Felton Holiday Market will again take place on the historic covered bridge. ACTIVITIES: Arts & crafts Delicious food & beverages Music Holiday lights And other festivities!
Free
Lupulo Craft Beer House: Chanukah Craft Afternoon
Lupulo Craft Beer House 233 Cathcart Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEnjoy 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!
Free
Santa Cruz MAH: Toy Trains
Santa Cruz MAH 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesGet 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 […]
Free
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Movie With Santa
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesTis 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 […]
$18
Santa Cruz MAH: Winter Family Day
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEnjoy 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 […]
Free
Cabrillo College: The Nutcracker
Cabrillo College Crocker Theater 6500 Perimeter Dr., Aptos, CA, United StatesGet 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.
$55 – $65
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium: The Nutcracker
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesExperience 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 […]
$20 – $65.
Santa Cruz Wharf: Winter on the Wharf
Santa Cruz Wharf 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesCome 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 […]
Free
Boulder Creek: Reindeer Run
Junction Park 13264 Middleton Avenue, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesThe 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 […]
$25 – $45
Chaminade Resort and Spa: New Year’s Eve
Chaminade Resort and Spa 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesDance the night away to live music by The Alex Lucero Band at Chaminade's 21+ New Year's Eve Party. Spend your evening ringing in 2026 while enjoying a champagne toast, assorted light bite desserts and a cash bar.
$108.40
SC Beach Boardwalk: Halloween
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesCelebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun! It's always free to enter the Boardwalk, but if you would like to receive a collectible Boardwalk bag with a punch card for trick-or-treating, follow the link in the orange button above! Head to the Main Entrance photo op banner to take a costume […]
Lester Estate Wines: Holiday Market
Lester Estate Wines 2000 Pleasant Valley Rd, Aptos, CA, Aptos, CA, United StatesFind 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 […]
Free