Discover 36 verified other christmas activities in Santa Cruz and nearby areas.
Welcome to our guide to a variety of Santa Cruz Christmas activities! This collection features diverse festive experiences beyond the usual categories, offering unique ways to celebrate the season. Get ready to discover exciting Santa Cruz Christmas activities and make your holidays memorable.
From the lively atmosphere of downtown Santa Cruz to the scenic spots along West Cliff Drive, there are many areas where festive events pop up. Keep an eye out for seasonal happenings that capture the unique spirit of this coastal city.
This guide is your starting point for exploring a wide range of holiday activities and seasonal celebrations. We encourage you to dive in and discover the special Christmas fun available near Santa Cruz!
Discover the festive spirit of the Canary Islands during the holiday season. While specific details for the Kislap Christmas Festival are not available, the islands offer a vibrant atmosphere with various cultural events and attractions during this time of year....
Nine-day dawn masses leading to Christmas
Simbang Gabi, meaning 'Night Mass' or 'Rooster's Mass,' is a deeply cherished Filipino tradition marking the start of the Christmas season. This nine-day series of dawn masses, beginning on December 16th, is a period of spiritual preparation and communal gathering....
Traditional holiday parade kicking off the season
The Downtown Holiday Parade marks the official start of the holiday season in Santa Cruz County. This cherished tradition brings together over 1,200 participants from local schools, youth groups, and nonprofits, drawing more than 3,000 spectators. It's a vibrant celebration...
Historic seaside amusement park transformed for the holidays
Experience the magic of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk transformed into a Winter Wonderland! While specific 2025 dates are still to be announced, this beloved seaside park promises festive cheer and holiday spirit. Get ready for a season of fun...
Parade of over 50 decorated boats illuminating the harbor.
Experience the enchanting Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, where over 50 power and sailboats dazzle with festive decorations. Catch limited viewing from the Murray Street bridge or East Harbor launch ramp. Enjoy warm drinks and snacks available throughout the...
Local holiday events across Santa Cruz neighborhoods
Discover a variety of holiday events happening throughout Santa Cruz. From festive gatherings in Twin Lakes to seasonal celebrations in Live Oak/Pleasure Point, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. Explore local listings to find the perfect...
Hands-on holiday wreath creation workshop
Unleash your creativity and craft a stunning holiday wreath to adorn your home. This hands-on workshop provides all the materials and expert guidance needed to design a unique festive decoration. Learn to artfully arrange seasonal greenery and embellishments for a...
Handcrafted glass ornament workshop with artisan discounts.
Kick off the holiday season with a unique glass art experience. Craft four frosted glass ornaments, hand-decorated with luxurious gold and silver accents. All materials are provided, and you can take your creations home the same day. Enjoy a 10%...
Annual community holiday parade with Grand Marshal recognition
Get ready for the 69th Annual Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade! This cherished event brings the community together for a festive celebration. Witness a dazzling procession featuring marching bands, creatively decorated floats from local organizations, and enthusiastic participants. It's a perfect way...
Annual Holiday Lights Parade with community spirit
Get ready for the dazzling Morgan Hill Holiday Lights Parade on December 6, 2025! This cherished annual event showcases the vibrant community spirit and unique heritage of Morgan Hill. Organized by the dedicated Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club, the parade promises...
Annual holiday lights parade and tree lighting ceremony
Get ready for the enchanting Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting in Downtown Morgan Hill. This beloved annual event promises a spectacular display of festive spirit, culminating in the magical illumination of the holiday tree. It's the perfect way to...
Annual tree lighting with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Join the City of Marina for their cherished Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This free, family-friendly event promises an evening of festive cheer, featuring live music, caroling, and delightful treats like cookies, hot apple cider, and cocoa. The highlight of...
Festive holiday evenings with snow showers and Santa.
Experience the enchanting 'Spirit of The Row' holiday event series. Join them for three magical evenings in December featuring live performances by local arts and community groups, delightful snow showers in Park Valencia, and cherished photo opportunities with Santa and...
Breakfast with Santa and holiday crafts
Families are invited to a magical breakfast celebration with Santa Claus. Enjoy a delicious meal of North Pole Pancakes, create festive holiday crafts in the workshop, and capture cherished memories with photos alongside Santa. This event offers a wonderful way...
A festive holiday parade with Santa Claus.
Experience the magic of the Pacific Grove Holiday Parade of Lights, a vibrant procession featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and dance teams. This festive event brings the community together on Lighthouse Avenue for an evening of holiday cheer, culminating with...
Alcohol-free New Year's Eve arts celebration.
First Night Monterey offers a vibrant, alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration of the arts for the entire community. Discover diverse performances, interactive art workshops, and a captivating Twilight Procession. It's a family-friendly event designed to foster appreciation for the arts...
Adult-focused gingerbread decorating workshop
Unleash your inner decorator at the Heritage Holiday Adult Gingerbread Workshop in Downtown San Jose. This event offers a fun, hands-on experience where participants can craft and decorate their own festive gingerbread creations. It's a perfect way to embrace the...
City-wide convention of Santas
Get ready for a festive and unconventional celebration as San Jose hosts its annual SantaCon. This event is a unique gathering where participants dress as Santa Claus for a day of lighthearted fun and community spirit. It's an opportunity to...
Festive winter holiday events
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Sunnyvale with a variety of festive events planned throughout November and December. While specific details are still being finalized, attendees can anticipate a delightful array of activities designed to bring cheer and...
Annual community parade celebrating the start of the holiday season.
The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is a cherished annual event that officially kicks off the holiday season. Since 1977, this beloved tradition has brought the community together to celebrate with a spectacular display of illuminated floats, lively marching...
Community tree lighting with Santa and a train ride
Join the City of Mountain View for their annual Community Tree Lighting Celebration. This festive evening features local performances, multicultural tributes, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Enjoy free refreshments, a charming train ride, and engaging crafts before the...
Community-driven holiday parade with lighted floats
Get ready for the dazzling Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights! This beloved free community event transforms Downtown Salinas into a festive wonderland. Families, local groups, and businesses showcase their holiday spirit with creative lighted floats and displays. Cheer on the...
Premier amusement park with waterpark and year-round attractions.
California's Great America transforms into a winter wonderland for WinterFest, offering a magical holiday experience. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, festive decorations, and the unique Pacific Gliders attraction. The park also features the South Bay Shores waterpark, making it a...
Live recreation of the Nativity story in an ancient village setting.
Step back in time to experience the night of Jesus' birth at Streets of Bethlehem, a free outdoor Christmas event in Salinas, CA. Wander through a vibrant marketplace, encounter Roman soldiers, and witness the humble beginnings of the Nativity. This...
Annual tree and Menorah lighting ceremony with Santa's arrival
Join the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea for their annual Holidays in the Park event, featuring a magical tree and Menorah lighting ceremony. Santa arrives by fire truck, accompanied by the Del Monte Brass, setting a festive tone. The evening includes a...
Community tree lighting ceremony led by Santa Claus
Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus arrives to lead the community in a festive countdown, illuminating Milpitas's 30-foot holiday tree. Enjoy enchanting performances by local talent, including the Milpitas Community Concert Band, and savor warm hot...
Community tree lighting ceremony with live music.
Join the City of Palo Alto for a magical evening at Lytton Plaza to celebrate the holiday season. This festive event features enchanting live music from local performers and delightful winter treats. It's the perfect way to gather with family...
Free family holiday celebration and tree lighting
Join Pacific Commons for a free, family-friendly holiday celebration and tree lighting ceremony. Experience the festive atmosphere as they illuminate the holiday tree, kicking off the most wonderful time of the year. It's a perfect evening to gather with loved...
Santa's helicopter arrival
Prepare for a magical holiday experience as Santa Claus makes a spectacular arrival by helicopter. This unique event offers a thrilling start to the festive season, bringing holiday cheer directly to attendees.
Teen volunteer opportunity for community holiday event.
Teens can make a difference by volunteering at the Belmont Winter Wonderland Workshop. This event offers a chance to assist with arts and crafts for younger children, help manage toy donations, and support the overall success of the festive gathering....
Rockin' Holiday Show and Tree Lighting
Join the Hillsdale Shopping Center for their annual Rockin' Holiday Show and Tree Lighting event. This festive celebration marks the official start of the holiday season with a spectacular tree illumination and a special holiday show featuring live music and...
Expansive outdoor ice rink in Central Park
Experience the winter wonderland at San Mateo On Ice, an expansive outdoor ice rink located in Central Park. Perfect for all ages, they offer public skate sessions, private tent rentals for parties, and exclusive private ice bookings. Enjoy the thrill...
Community parade and tree lighting with Santa
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This beloved annual event brings the community together for an evening of festive cheer, featuring a vibrant parade with floats and marching bands, followed...
Youth music festival celebrating the holidays
Discover the joy of the holiday season at the Pleasanton Holiday Youth Music Festival. This event showcases the impressive talents of young musicians, filling the air with festive melodies and a vibrant community spirit. It's a heartwarming celebration of music...
Holiday underwear fun run for health justice
Join the annual Santa Skivvies Run, a unique holiday underwear fun run and fundraiser through San Francisco's iconic Castro neighborhood. Participants can walk, run, or scooter the one-mile course, embracing body positivity in festive attire. The event supports the San...
Illumination of a 30-foot holiday tree
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Dublin Annual Holiday Tree Lighting! This cherished event features dazzling performances by local school choirs and bands, culminating in the breathtaking illumination of a 30-foot holiday tree. Families can enjoy the...
See the location of all other christmas activities around Santa Cruz and nearby areas
Open Map →While Santa Cruz is known for its coastal climate, temporary ice skating rinks sometimes appear during the holiday season, often in public spaces or as part of larger festive events. It's best to check local event listings closer to the holidays for any seasonal winter sports opportunities.
Santa often makes appearances at local shopping centers, community events, and sometimes even at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during the holiday season. Keep an eye on announcements from these popular locations for specific dates and times.
Special holiday train rides are a popular seasonal activity, though specific routes and availability can vary year to year in the Santa Cruz area. Check with local heritage railways or event organizers for information on festive excursions and unique Christmas events.
Many free activities include enjoying holiday light displays in neighborhoods, visiting local parks decorated for the season, or attending community tree lighting ceremonies. Exploring the festive window displays downtown can also be a delightful and budget-friendly way to enjoy the holiday spirit.