Embrace the holiday joy in Santa Cruz! Find all the community events in our guide. From Santa Cruz die-hards to casual visitors, our guide illuminates the city's seasonal splendor.
One of the highlights includes the Holiday Lights Train, where you can experience a festive ride adorned with twinkling lights and holiday music. Stroll along the Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland to enjoy ice skating by the sea and classic amusement rides. And the Capitola Village Christmas Tree Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring charming displays and a radiant tree. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Santa Cruz
- Holiday Lights Train
- Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
- Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
- Victorian Yuletide Celebration
- Lighted Boat Parade
- Holiday ‘POPs’ Concert
- Nutcracker Ballet
Santa Cruz Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights Train
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride through redwood forests with holiday lights
Description:
The Holiday Lights Train transforms a vintage excursion train into a glowing spectacle. Passengers embark on a journey through towering redwood forests, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. This one-of-a-kind experience combines the nostalgia of rail travel with the spirit of the season. You can sip hot cocoa while admiring the decorated train cars. The route follows the historic Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific Railway, which has been operating since 1875, offering a glimpse into the region's rich railroad heritage.
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Lighted Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat procession in the harbor
Description:
Santa Cruz Harbor sparkles with the annual Lighted Boat Parade, where vessels of all sizes don their brightest holiday attire. The procession of illuminated boats creates a floating light show, reflecting off the calm harbor waters. Spectators can warm up with locally-brewed craft beer while watching the parade. This maritime tradition dates back to the early days of the harbor, which was first developed in the 1960s and has since become a vital part of Santa Cruz's coastal identity.
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Santa Cruz Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday ‘POPs’ Concert
What to Expect:
Symphony performance blending classical and popular holiday music
Description:
The Holiday 'POPs' Concert elevates seasonal music to new heights. The Santa Cruz Symphony Orchestra performs a dynamic blend of classical arrangements and popular holiday tunes, creating a sophisticated yet accessible musical experience. The concert hall resonates with the rich tones of a full orchestra, bringing familiar melodies to life in unexpected ways. Audience members can enjoy a pre-concert talk with the conductor, gaining insights into the musical selections. This event continues a long-standing tradition of symphonic holiday performances in Santa Cruz, dating back several decades.
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Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local interpretation of the classic ballet with Santa Cruz themes
Description:
Santa Cruz's Nutcracker Ballet infuses the classic tale with local flavor. This unique production incorporates elements of Santa Cruz culture, from surfing mice to redwood forest scenes. Dancers pirouette across the stage, their movements telling a story that bridges tradition with local identity. You'll spot subtle nods to Santa Cruz landmarks throughout the performance. The ballet has been a community staple for over 50 years, evolving to reflect the changing face of the city while maintaining the timeless charm of Tchaikovsky's beloved score.
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Santa Cruz Other Holiday Activities
Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Seaside amusement park transformed for winter
Description:
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk sheds its summer persona to embrace the winter season. The iconic seaside amusement park dons a holiday cloak, blending beachside charm with winter festivities. Visitors can ice skate with ocean views, a unique experience that marries coastal California with winter traditions. The air carries the scent of freshly roasted chestnuts, adding to the seasonal ambiance. Established in 1907, the Boardwalk stands as California's oldest surviving amusement park, now offering a distinctive twist on its usual attractions.
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Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Eclectic parade reflecting Santa Cruz's diverse community
Description:
Downtown Santa Cruz's Holiday Parade bursts with the city's eclectic energy. Floats and performers showcase the diverse community, from surfers to scientists, artists to activists. The parade route winds through the historic downtown, passing buildings that have stood since the city's founding in 1866. Spectators can catch candy tossed from floats, a beloved tradition that delights children and adults alike. The event captures Santa Cruz's unique blend of counterculture and traditional celebration, creating a parade unlike any other in the region.
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Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
Victorian Yuletide Celebration
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-era holiday experience
Description:
Step back in time at the Victorian Yuletide Celebration, where the elegance of the 19th century comes alive. This immersive event recreates the refined holiday traditions of the Victorian era, complete with period-accurate decorations and costumes. Guests can participate in traditional parlor games, offering a hands-on glimpse into past holiday entertainment. The celebration takes place in one of Santa Cruz's preserved Victorian homes, providing an authentic backdrop that transports visitors to a bygone era of grace and sophistication.
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Victorian Yuletide Celebration
Nearby Events
Capitola Village Christmas Tree Lighting (Capitola)
What to Expect:
Beachfront tree lighting in a colorful village setting
Description:
Capitola Village, known for its vibrant beachfront houses, hosts a Christmas tree lighting that captures the essence of coastal holiday cheer. The event illuminates the quaint seaside community, casting a warm glow over the colorful buildings and sandy shores. Visitors can join in caroling led by local choirs, their voices carrying over the sound of nearby waves. Capitola, founded in the 1860s as a resort town, continues its tradition of hospitality with this community gathering that brings together locals and visitors alike.
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Capitola Village Christmas Tree Lighting
Felton Tree Lighting (Felton)
What to Expect:
Small-town tree lighting in the heart of redwood country
Description:
Felton's Tree Lighting ceremony embodies small-town charm amidst the majestic redwoods. This intimate gathering brings the community together in the town's historic district, surrounded by buildings that date back to the logging era of the 1800s. The chosen tree, always a towering redwood, serves as a living monument to the region's natural heritage. Visitors can join in singing traditional carols, their voices echoing through the forested valley. The event highlights Felton's unique position as a gateway to the Santa Cruz Mountains, blending holiday spirit with reverence for nature.