Looking for an updated list of holiday events? You’re in luck. Here is our current Santa Cruz Holiday Event Guide.
Judging by the sheer variety of events throughout the county, there’s no shortage of holiday spirit in Santa Cruz.
Celebrate the season with tree lightings, train rides, parades by land and by sea, and of course, surfin’ Santa. Bonus for parents: Scroll down to see where to drop the kids while you get in some last minute shopping or a date night!
If you enjoy playful, thoughtful, and unique family traditions, check out our picks for fabulous and festive ways to celebrate the holidays in Santa Cruz!
The Last Noel
If you head straight to the mystery section when you visit Bookshop Santa Cruz or Logos, then The Last Noel is the perfect holiday show for you. It’s part Grisham, part Dickens, and a whole lot of fun.
When: November 20 – December 13
Where: Mountain Community Theater, Ben Lomond
Tandy Beal’s Nutz RE-Mixed!
Tandy Beal is once again putting her own modern spin on the beloved Nutcracker, complete with folklorico dancing, hip hop, and even a bit of juggling. This is a great new holiday tradition for old and young viewers alike.
When: November 20 thru December 6
Where: UCSC Theater Arts Mainstage Theater
Boulder Creek Tree Lighting and Santa Stroll
You’ll find plenty of good old-fashioned holiday cheer at Boulder Creek’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, along with live music, Black Friday shopping deals, and photos with Santa.
When: November 27, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Downtown Boulder Creek
Surfin’ Santa
Surfin’ Santa and his reindeer will arrive via outrigger canoe and surfboard on Saturday, November 28 at 12:00 pm.
Come join the crowds of cheering kids and families on the Capitola Beach to greet Santa. Once on the beach Santa will visit with all the kids, so be sure to bring your Christmas list!
When: November 28, from noon – 3:00 pm
Where: Capitola Beach
Surfin’ Santa Photo Credit: Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Saturday
America Express’ annual answer to the large chain consumerism of Black Friday is back, and as always, a large number Santa Cruz’s independent businesses will be participating. Show your love for small businesses by saving your holiday deal shopping for Saturday.
When: November 28
Where: Your Favorite Locally Owned Businesses
Felton Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa Claus
Come out for some Santa Cruz mountain holiday festivities at the Felton Tree Lighting ceremony. Located in the middle of Felton, the Heritage Tree will be the gathering spot for this event. Enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, holiday cookies, and get your photo taken with Santa Claus.
When: November 28, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Felton
Holiday Tree Walk
Start your adventure at Roaring Camp, where you’ll board the daytime steam train to Bear Mountain. Once you make it to the summit, you’ll be treated to hot cider as you walk through the beautifully decorated trees.
Guests are encouraged to bring new toys to benefit Santa Cruz County’s Toys for Tots program. For each toy donated, guests will receive $2.00 off the price of their train ticket.
When: November 27 – 29, December 5- 6, 12-13
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
The Train to Christmas Town
Enjoy a train ride to the magical ‘Christmas Town.’ This adventure is based on the book, The Train to Christmas Town, and characters from the story accompany you on the train. Expect plenty of holiday festivities, including caroling, cookies and hot cocoa, and naturally, a visit with Santa Claus.
When: November 27 – December 27
Where: 765 Ohlone Pkwy, Watsonville
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train is your chance to enjoy some old fashioned holiday cheer aboard vintage train cars.
The train is fully decked out in holiday lights, and guests are oozing with holiday cheer. Sip hot spiced cider as you listen to holiday music, partake in carols, and visit with Santa Claus.
Once aboard, your experience will go a little something like this:
When: November 27 – 28, December 5- 6, 12 – 13, 18 – 23
Where: Train Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Holiday Lights Train Photo Credit: Native Santa Cruz
Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up
Play along in this holiday scavenger hunt to help Santa find his reindeer. Scavenger Hunt maps are available at the Downtown Information Kiosk.
Find Santa’s reindeer and you’ll be entered into a drawing for some great prizes.
When: November 27 – December 20
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
First Friday Frosty Fun Fest
First Friday and holiday festivities collide in this Frosty Fun Fest at Louden Nelson. Enjoy crafts and cookie decorating, and help transform the Community Art Gallery into a winter wonderland by creating your own unique snowflakes.
There will also be a holiday card and wrapping paper making station, and a gingerbread house contest.
When: December 4, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
Toy Trains at the MAH
Every family has a toy train lover young or old, and often both! Bring the whole crew down to see toy trains from the 1920s to the 21st century in action and inquire about being a Volunteer Train Conductor.
When: December 4 – 27, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Holiday Craft Fairs & Shopping Events
There are so many craft fairs and shopping events coming up that we had to create a separate post to list all of them.
11th Annual Christmas Open House
Enjoy live music, wine, homemade pastries and more during this 3-day event which also features a craft fair and donation collection for Second Harvest Food Bank.
When: December 4 – December 6 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Alladin Nursery
Capitola Village Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting
Ring in the holiday season in the Capitola Village with this Holiday Tree Lighting event. Spend the afternoon shopping in the village, and top it off with the tree lighting at 5:30.
The tree lighting ceremony takes place in front of Quality Market, at the intersection of Capitola and Stockton Avenues.
When: December 5, from 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Where: Capitola Village
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
The Annual Downtown Holiday Parade has everything you would hope for. There will be floats, marching bands, classic cars, horses, crowd favorites like the Santa Cruz Public Library Precision Book Truck Drill Team, and naturally, Santa Claus.
When: December 5, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade Photo Credit: Native Santa Cruz
Annual Children’s Holiday Craft & Food Fair
After the Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade, mosey on down to the Boys & Girls Club and support young entrepreneurs as they sell their arts & crafts, baked goods, and wares.
When: December 5, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz
Holidays on the Rancho & Open House
Come for a tour of our new state historic park, stay for the hot, handmade tortillas and a celebration of Holidays on the Rancho.
When: December 5, froom 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Castro Adobe State Historic Park
Lighted Boat Parade
The harbor is one of the most picturesque locations in Santa Cruz on a regular day. But this isn’t just a regular day. The Lighted Boat Parade is your chance to see 50 boats decked out in holiday lights as they parade through the yacht harbor.
The Lighted Boat Parade is a Santa Cruz tradition and is always one of the most anticipated events of the season.
When: December 5, from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor
Scotts Valley Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Gather at the Scotts Valley Community Center on December 5th for the Scotts Valley Christmas Tree Lighting Festival.
When: December 5, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley
Aptos Village Holiday Craft Fair & Tree Lighting
Enjoy some holiday cheer in Aptos with the Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting. Local vendors will be selling their goods while you listen to holiday music, sip hot chocolate, and visit with Santa Claus.
When: December 5, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Aptos Village Tree (corner of Soquel Drive and Aptos Creek Road)
Watsonville Holiday in the Plaza
Head to Downtown Watsonville for a Multicultural Celebration throughout the afternoon and a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in the evening. Don’t miss a visit from Santa Claus at 4 PM!
Click her for more information.
When: December 6, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Downtown Watsonville
Jingle Bell Rock 5K
This is your chance to work off some of those holiday pounds while supporting a great cause. The Jingle Bell Rock 5K run benefits Toys for Tots.
There will be prizes awarded for best dressed runner (holiday themed), best dressed team, best dressed canine, and best decorated stroller.
When: December 6, start time: 9:00 am
Where: San Lorenzo Park
Holiday Carnival Benefitting Save Our Shores
All are invited to celebrate with live music, a raffle featuring great prizes from local businesses, and tons of family entertainment including an exotic petting zoo, bounce house, face painting, cookie decorating, games, hot cocoa, and treats! There will also be a holiday-oriented food drive for Western Service Workers Association. In case of rain, event will be held indoors.
When: December 6 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Garfield Park Community Church
Music for the Feast of Christmas
Join the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus, as they bring you Music of the season and traditional sing-along Christmas carols.
When: December 4 – 6
Where: Holy Cross Church, 126 High St., Santa Cruz
Santa at Marini’s Candies
You can take home prints and grab a digital copy of your youngster’s photo with Santa at the Capitola Mall for $25. Alternatively, you can visit with Santa and snap some photos for free at Marini’s…often without the line you’d have to wait through at the mall.
When: December 5-6, 12-13, 19-23
Where: Marini’s Candies in Downtown Santa Cruz
Christmas Tea
You are cordially invited to an old-fashioned Christmas Tea. Everyone welcome!
When: December 6, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Where: Pajaro Valley Historical Association
39th Annual Grey Bears Holiday Dinner
A delicious home-cooked holiday dinner, an exciting lineup of local entertainment, and an awards presentation are in store for our local seniors.
When: December 6, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Kids Gift Making Workshop
What better way to teach kids the gift of giving than a gift making workshop? Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center will provide festive snacks and supplies for a variety of beautiful holiday gifts. Fun for the whole family!
When: December 6, from 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Arts Center
Annual Family Holiday Craft Event
Help decorate the SLV Museum! Cookies, juice, and craft supplies provided to create holiday ornaments and table displays.
When: December 6, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: San Lorenzo Valley Museum
Aptos Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a holiday mixer at Seascape Beach Resort. The mixer will have food and drink, a raffle, and plenty of networking opportunities.
When: December 8, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos
WinterFest & Downtown SANTA Cruise
Downtown Santa Cruz will become a winter festival compete with carolers and musicians along Pacific Avenue. Visit local merchants for Open House activities, including crafts and treats, then stick around for the inaugural Downtown SANTA Cruise to participate in real-time fun-and-games throughout the evening.
When: December 12, from 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Breakfast with Santa
‘Tis the season for time-honored traditions! Enjoy a holiday breakfast buffet at the Chaminade, and top it off with a visit with Santa Claus.
When: December 5 & 12, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa
Holidays on the Ranch
Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday celebration at Wilder Ranch. The Holidays on the Ranch Festival takes you back to a simpler time with activities such as wreath and candle making, cookie decorating, and strolling Victorian carolers. Get in the spirit and dress in your best turn-of-the-century costume!
There will also be hot drinks and baked goods for sale.
When: December 12, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
Victorian Carriage Rides
Hop aboard a Victorian horse-drawn carriage for a ride through Downtown Santa Cruz. It’s the perfect way to round out date-night, or a family visit to downtown. You can grab tickets online or at the Downtown information kiosk.
When: December 12-13 & 19-20
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Carriage Rides photo credit: downtownsantacruz.com
Chanukah Train
Experience Chanukah in a brand new way aboard Roaring Camp Railroad’s Chanukah Train.
The festivities will begin, on the 4th night of Chanukah, with the lighting of the menorah before boarding the train adorned with lights and Chanukah decorations.
Once aboard the train you will enjoy Chanukah traditions while riding through the streets of Santa Cruz.
When: December 9 @ 6:15 pm
Where: Train Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Holiday Posada
The whole family is invited to participate in this Latin American tradition that will also honor different faiths from around the world. Bring hot chocolate to share and a candle in a paper cup, or a flashlight, and dress warmly to walk and sing around the neighborhood.
When: December 12 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Family Resource Center
SantaCon Santa Cruz
Don your best Santa attire and join over 80 Santas in a pub crawl parade down Pacific Ave.—eating, drinking, dancing, and singing with fun stops along the way!
When: December 12 at 6:00 pm
Where: Pacific Ave. in Downtown Santa Cruz
For information on Felton SantaCon (Dec. 5), click here.
Santa & The Banana Slug String Band
Kids can rock out to The Banana Slug String Band and make mini-succulent planters to give as gifts. Special treats from Mission Hill Creamery, local hot cider, and the opportunity to take pictures with Santa using your own camera round out this free event.
When: December 13 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
Jingle Shells Arts and Crafts Festival
You’ve heard of holiday tree lightings, but are you ready for a whale lighting? After an afternoon of shopping ocean and nature-inspired gifts, gather ’round Ms. Blue, the largest displayed whale skeleton in the world, for a group sing along of Jingle Shells.
When: December 13, from 12 pm to 5:30 pm, followed by whale lighting
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Chanukah Celebration, 8th night, with Chadeish Yameinu
Bring your menorahs and candles! Make some latkes or Chanukah-themed snack to share and enjoy! All are welcome to celebrate the festival of lights with stories, games, and activities for all ages.
When: December 13, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Peace United Church of Christ
3rd Friday: Winterpalooza
Baby, it’s not that cold outside…What Santa Cruz lacks during the holidays—real snow—will be made up for at The MAH’s Winterpalooza! Make your own gift wrap and cards, shop for last-minute gifts at the Teen Art Market, and bring the kids (and grandpas) to the opening of the Toy Trains exhibit.
Get more info here.
When: December 18 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
The Nutcracker
The Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents the Nutcracker at the Civic Auditorium. This classic holiday show features a live orchestra.
Sweet Treat tickets are available for the Saturday and Sunday shows. These special tickets include photo opportunities with the Nutcracker characters, and free cookies from Pacific Cookie Company prior to the performance.
When: December 18 – 20
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner
Sunday Brunch at the Chaminade is always a special occasion, so imagine a Christmas buffet complete with fresh salads, a seafood display, hot appetizers, soup, a carving station, entrees, a pasta display, traditional holiday accompaniments, a kids’ buffet, and a lavish dessert selection! Treat your family to a holiday meal they won’t soon forget.
When: December 24, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm & December 25, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa
Need some kid-free time? Look no further!
Luma Winter Wonderland Day Camp
This half-day camp will keep your kids busy with yoga, movement, and arts & crafts, while you run last minute errands or just take the afternoon off to breathe.
When: December 19, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Luma Yoga & Family Center
Kaiwa Parent Date Night
Update: Kaiwa has teamed up with Home/Work, Agency, Artisans Gallery, and Mutari to bring you two holiday shopping nights, December 10 and 17. Drop your kids off for play and receive a 10% discount card to these unique local businesses.
While you experience the magic of a rare date night, your kids will be playing, learning, and creating art in a magical environment themselves.
When: Ongoing Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Kaiwa Art and Play Space
Parents’ Night Out at June Bug’s Gym
Let your littles explore movement and imaginative play while working on gymnastics skills. The best part…dinner is provided and sponsored by Whole Foods Market Capitola.
When: December 12 (ages 3-8); December 19 (ages crawling to 3yrs.) 5:45 pm to 8:45 pm
Where: June Bug’s Gym
