Santa Cruz Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas
Santa Cruz warms up the Christmas season near the Beach Boardwalk and West Cliff Drive with things to do that mix seaside charm with festive events. Highlights like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, A Christmas Carol and the Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade bring holiday entertainment, Santa visits and sparkling lights along the waterfront and downtown. Enjoy seasonal markets, family activities and coastal light displays that turn the city’s famous landmarks into a joyful winter playground for locals and visitors.
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Christmas Markets
26 eventsDowntown San Jose holiday hub with rides and a gift market.
Christmas Lights
20 eventsFestively decorated historic train ride through Niles Canyon at night.
Christmas Shows
11 eventsMusic-filled adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' with a 90-minute runtime.
Christmas Parties
5 eventsHoliday wine stroll through historic village
Other Christmas Activities
36 eventsAlcohol-free New Year's Eve arts celebration.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights
(Sunol)
Festively decorated historic train ride through Niles Canyon at night.
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San Jose Holiday Lights
(San Jose)
Five acres of themed holiday light zones
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Winter Wonderland San Jose
(San Jose)
Downtown San Jose holiday hub with rides and a gift market.
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First Night Monterey
(Monterey)
Alcohol-free New Year's Eve arts celebration.
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WinterFest at California's Great America
(Santa Clara)
Premier amusement park with waterpark and year-round attractions.
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Los Gatos in Lights - Winter Celebration 2025
(Los Gatos)
Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and live music
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Santa Cruz
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Santa Cruz.
Palo Alto Holiday Toy Drive
Join the Palo Alto Holiday Toy Drive to bring joy to local youth...
View full details →View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Santa Cruz
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Also Near Santa Cruz
Los Gatos
- The Nutcracker by Los Gatos Ballet
- Holiday Wreath Workshop
- 69th Annual Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade
Morgan Hill
See all in Morgan Hill →San Jose
See all in San Jose →Santa Cruz Christmas FAQ
The Holiday Craft and Gift Fair at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds and Sparky’s Holiday Lights are among the largest and most popular annual events.
Santa Cruz features unique traditions like the Holiday Lights Train and Krampus Night at Holiday Lights, blending festive fun with local flair.
Midtown Santa Cruz and neighborhoods around the Fairgrounds are known for their festive light displays and community spirit.
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds hosts the main holiday market, and local makers often set up in downtown and neighborhood markets during the season.
Free activities include neighborhood light displays, the Pacific Grove Christmas Tree Lighting, and some holiday parades. Many markets and events also offer free admission.
Families enjoy Sparky’s Holiday Lights, Farley’s Christmas Wonderland, the Holiday Craft and Gift Fair, and the Holiday Lights Train, all of which offer kid-friendly activities.