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!
Take your friends and family to a beachside Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast! Please follow the link in the bottom left-hand corner to go to the website and reserve your spot due to limited availability.
Take your friends and family to Gilda’s on Thanksgiving Day for a celebratory feast on the wharf with views! They will have a traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal and their dessert specials will be a classic pumpkin pie or apple pie. They even have a special fun "Cranberry Sauced" drink for adults! Call today at (831) 423-2010 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. Directed by Charles Pasternak and Alicia Gibson, A Christmas Carol stars Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with returning […]
Enjoy the Felton Heritage Redwood Holiday Tree Lighting Visit with Santa! Arrive at Felton Deck (across from Wild Roots) between 4:30-5:00 Cookies, Cocoa, and Caroling @5:00 Santa arrives at 5:30 for Tree Lighting Free pictures with Santa at the Felton Firehouse, 6:00-7:30
Gather 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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Bundle 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 […]
Meet Santa Cruz Artists and Makers and take home some hand-made delights at the Frost Fest Holiday Market! Locally-made jewelry, crochet, stained glass, art, and much more for sale by local vendors in the MAH atrium. First Friday, December 5th, 5-9 PM Frost Fest, December 6th, 12-5 PM
Ho, 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+
Music 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.
Go 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.
So 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Rain or shine, enjoy the Museum’s Holiday Sale and Art Market, featuring a curated selection of art, jewelry, home décor, prints, and more! Over 20 local artists and makers whose work celebrates nature and natural history, including Kiwi Cyr, Hannah Caisse, Kylene Gilmore, Donna Thomas, Sarah Brothers Bot, Amy Moon, Pajaro Valley Arts, Katy Peterson, […]
Head 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, […]
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!
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!
A 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 […]
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, 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 […]
Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid's activities, Santa, wine and so much more!
Enjoy the first annual Holiday Cash Store Craft Market! Local Artists & Maker Fair Festive Drinks & Bites Live Music Kid Crafting & Games
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 featuring: Pottery Paintings Candies Jewelry Wind Chimes Knitted Treasures & More! Enjoy drinks from a no-host bar, featuring holiday cocktails available for purchase. Santa Claus will be stopping […]
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 […]
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.
9:00am Breakfast starts | 9:45AM Program Begins Enjoy full ocean views, breakfast buffet, full bar (for the parents, not the elves) cookie decorating, arts & crafts, face painting, story time, a visit and songs with Santa!
Get 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 […]
Get 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 […]
Explore the magic and resilience of the season at the very first State Park ever created in California! Long-time docents, Karen and Eva will guide you along the easy, level, half-mile Redwood Loop trail while playing the music of the Nutcracker Suite. They will guide your imagination for seeing the ancient forest performing the ballet! […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Enjoy 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 […]
Santa 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 […]
Head 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.
The 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!
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!
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!
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
Celebrate the holidays with the glorious sound of dozens of tubas playing Christmas and Hanukah music at this festive FREE concert! Santa will pay a visit, and the audience is encouraged to sing along. It's jolly holiday fun for the whole family! Visit the link in the orange button above for all the details.
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 […]
Get ready to dance the night away as you ring in the New Year with a bang at the Brookdale Lodge - it's gonna be lit! New Year’s Eve at River Run – “In the Midnight Hour” Get ready for an unforgettable night under the redwoods! ✨ Dance to live music by Redwoods Groove ✨ […]
Vino by the Sea, upstairs at the Santa Cruz Wharf, is having a New Years Eve party with live music from Spun! Enjoy a night of dancing with Spun, balloon drop, champagne toast, plus two drinks of your choice. Or, add in a dinner that includes: Appetizer Salad Champagne Risotto Champagne Mouse Paired with Wine
Step behind the velvet rope for a Roaring ’20s–inspired celebration. Bruno’s will transform into an upscale speakeasy featuring live music by Fire Peach, craft cocktails, dancing, and a sparkling midnight toast. Event Details Live Music: Fire Peach (Bay Area’s premier party band) Theme: Art Deco • Roaring ’20s Speakeasy chic Dinner: Arrive early for dinner […]
"Dress To Impress", if you choose, this years theme is 1980's "Miami Vice", Pastel Suave, 80's Neon Glamour. Enjoy an evening of music, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, photobooth and a no host bar. 21+ with valid ID required for entry
Ring in the new year at Moe’s Ally with Jive Machine, Floratura and Coffee Zombie Collective! There will be a countdown with a champagne toast, photo booth and more! Throw on your best party duds and dance the night away! 21+ only.
The China Cats are a Grateful Dead tribute band based in Santa Cruz and are known for their creative jams and ability to capture the spirit of the Dead’s live shows. Liquid Light Productions will be adding a light show, and there will be a balloon drop from the rafters of the gorgeously restored 1930’s […]
Dance 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.
Rock ‘n' Roll filled night of originals and covers meets A sonic melting pot of psychedelic rock, folk, blues and more... Local bands New Horizons and Northern Disconnection will be playing!
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.
Celebrate 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 […]
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 […]
