Discover 20 verified christmas lights in Santa Cruz and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Santa Cruz Christmas lights and holiday displays. If you're looking for festive light displays and seasonal cheer, Santa Cruz offers a variety of ways to enjoy the season, from dazzling drive-through lights to cozy walking trails.
Some beloved neighborhood favorites include Sparky’s Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds and Farley’s Christmas Wonderland in Midtown. These displays are known for their creative themes and welcoming atmosphere, making them great for families and friends.
Here, you’ll find details on free displays, ticketed events, drive-through lights, and walkable options near Santa Cruz. Whether you’re exploring on foot or from the comfort of your car, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy this holiday season.
Holiday lights train through redwood forest
Embark on a enchanting journey aboard the Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train. This festive excursion winds through redwood forests, illuminated by dazzling light displays set to holiday music. Experience the magic of the season from the comfort of a vintage...
Drive-thru holiday light show with new displays annually.
Sparky's Holiday Lights returns to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds for a dazzling Christmas light show. Drive through a festive three-quarter mile experience filled with new lighted characters and synchronized displays. On select nights, step into a walk-thru winter wonderland,...
Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and live music
Join the Town of Los Gatos for their annual 'Los Gatos in Lights' Winter Celebration. This festive event kicks off the holiday season with the traditional lighting of the town tree. Enjoy enchanting musical performances, a captivating Winter Wonderland Light...
Magical drive-thru holiday light experience with animated displays.
Embark on a magical journey through the Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru, a beloved holiday tradition. Glide through 1.5 miles of dazzling animated displays, all while enjoying festive holiday music broadcast directly to your car radio. From a roaring dinosaur den...
Magical holiday transformation with light displays and festive activities.
Step into a winter wonderland at Gilroy Gardens for North Pole Nights. This enchanting holiday event transforms the park into a festive destination with magical light displays, including a 100-foot musical tunnel. Meet jolly characters, enjoy live shows, and explore...
Five acres of themed holiday light zones
Step into a world of enchantment at San Jose Holiday Lights, a dazzling experience spread across 5 acres. Explore six magical zones, from a 'White Christmas wonderland' to an 'Enchanted jungle' and a sweet 'Candy wonderland'. Marvel at over 40...
Over a century-old community tradition with a ceremonial tree lighting.
Join the City of Santa Clara for its beloved Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a tradition spanning over a century. This festive evening in Central Park features live entertainment, delightful food options, and engaging children's activities. Capture cherished memories with a...
Free holiday event with ice skating and animated exhibits.
Immerse yourself in a festive holiday fantasy at Downtown Ice and Winter Wonderland. This beloved San Jose tradition transforms the Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights, animated exhibits, and a towering Christmas tree. Enjoy family-friendly...
A mile-long drive-thru light show synchronized to music.
Embark on a dazzling holiday journey at Blinky's Drive Thru Light Show, now at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Cruise through over a mile of spectacular light tunnels, festive buildings, and giant candy canes, all synchronized to your favorite holiday...
Historic adobes adorned for the holidays with candle-lit luminarias.
Journey back to Alta California at the 41st Annual Christmas in the Adobes, a beloved holiday tradition in Monterey. This enchanting evening walking tour guides visitors through over a dozen historic adobes, beautifully adorned with festive decorations and illuminated by...
Enchanting holiday light displays
Step into a magical holiday experience at Winter Wonderland. This enchanting event transforms the venue into a dazzling spectacle of lights, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages. It's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit and create...
Festive holiday decor and seasonal treats.
Celebrate the season at The Stanford Park Hotel, where halls are decked with holiday cheer. They offer festive decor, including a towering tree and a wooded wonderland scene, creating perfect photo opportunities. Enjoy special treats like 'smores by the firepits...
Annual "Christmas Around the World" parade and Dec-A-Tree donation project.
Experience the magic of the 35th Annual Lights on Celebration in downtown Hollister! This festive event features a "Christmas Around the World" themed parade, a vibrant boutique with artisan vendors, and the heartwarming Dec-A-Tree project. Enjoy family-friendly activities, festive decorations,...
Historic estate transformed by holiday lights and decor
Step into a magical holiday wonderland at Filoli. By day, bask in the winter sunlight illuminating splendid decor and enchanting garden displays. As evening falls, the estate transforms into a dazzling spectacle of immersive light displays, bringing returning favorites and...
Annual community celebration with festive lights and snowfall
Step into a winter wonderland at the 15th Annual San Carlos Night of Holiday Lights! This free community event transforms downtown San Carlos into a festive spectacle with dazzling lights, enchanting music, and a touch of magical snowfall. Enjoy family...
Immersive light and mirror displays with themed rooms.
Embark on a magical walk-thru journey at The Adventure to the North Pole, a captivating Christmas light festival. This immersive experience combines thousands of lights, creative mirrored reflections, and enchanting scents across themed lanes and rooms. Meet Santa, shop for...
Festively decorated historic train ride through Niles Canyon at night.
Embark on an enchanting holiday journey aboard the Niles Canyon Railway's Train of Lights. This beloved annual tradition offers a magical 1.5-hour round trip through Niles Canyon, adorned with festive lights and decorations. Experience the thrill of a nighttime train...
Interactive science of light installations
Step into a world of wonder at IlluminOdyssey, an immersive and interactive light experience. This captivating exhibit transforms CuriOdyssey's Redwood Hall into a glowing forest, inviting visitors to explore the science of light through playful, hands-on installations. Discover the magic...
Holiday lights tour with wine tasting on a festive trolley.
Experience a memorable holiday tradition with the Lights of Livermore tour. Begin with a wine tasting at Concannon Vineyards, then board a festive trolley adorned with holiday lights. Enjoy an hour-long tour of Livermore's most dazzling displays, complete with holiday...
Family trolley tour of holiday lights with a "snow" stop.
Embark on a magical holiday journey with the Lights of Livermore Family Tour. Board a festively decorated trolley in Downtown Livermore for an enchanting hour-long ride to witness the most spectacular light displays in the city. This family-friendly experience includes...
See the location of all christmas lights around Santa Cruz and nearby areas
Open Map →Popular displays include Sparky’s Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds and Farley’s Christmas Wonderland in Midtown. These feature drive-through lights, walkable trails, and festive decorations that attract visitors each year.
Yes, Sparky’s Holiday Lights offers both drive-through and select walkable nights. Farley’s Christmas Wonderland is a walk-in display, while other neighborhood displays may vary by year.
Most major displays, like Sparky’s Holiday Lights, open around Thanksgiving weekend and run through Christmas Eve. Some neighborhood displays may start earlier or run later.
Yes, several neighborhoods feature free Christmas light displays, and some events like Farley’s Christmas Wonderland offer free admission. Always check event details for any changes or special requirements.