Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the festive wonders of Seaside with our holiday event guide. Whether Seaside is your everyday backdrop or your dream destination, our guide brings festive dreams to life.
Popular events during this season in the region include the enchanting Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where joy and cheer fill the air with dazzling light displays. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade offers a unique spectacle as beautifully decorated boats glisten on the water, creating a magical waterfront experience. And the Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring an impressive array of holiday illuminations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Seaside Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
- What to Expect
- Spectacular lighted displays with holiday carols.
- Description
- Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds features a 3/4 mile drive-through experience with millions of lights decorating tractors, trees, lawns, and buildings. Enjoy holiday carols from local radio stations while viewing community and family entries, including a Youth Designer awardee.
- Where
- Watsonville | More Info : Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Traditional walk-in Christmas display with fairy grotto and snow.
- Description
- Farley’s Christmas Wonderland is a traditional walk-in Christmas display in Santa Cruz, featuring numerous Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, and a fairy grotto with waterfalls. The exhibit offers a unique experience with its detailed decorations and special nights with snow.
- Where
- Santa Cruz | More Info : Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp
- What to Expect
- Holiday train ride through wintry redwoods.
- Description
- Take a ride on the Redwood Forest Steam Train through wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain, sipping hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. Enjoy winter-themed activities in the town.
- Where
- Felton | More Info : Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp
Holiday Lights Train at Roaring Camp
- What to Expect
- Vintage train ride with holiday lights and live music.
- Description
- The Holiday Lights Train at Roaring Camp features vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of colorful lights, rolling through Santa Cruz city streets past homes. Live music by Steve Bennett plays holiday classics, and passengers can visit Santa Claus and his elves while sipping hot cider.
- Where
- Felton | More Info : Holiday Lights Train at Roaring Camp
Seaside Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Movie with Santa “Elf” at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- What to Expect
- Holiday movie screening with fun holiday headbands and snacks.
- Description
- Join Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a holiday movie screening of "Elf" in the historic Cocoanut Grove Ballroom. Attendees are encouraged to wear holiday pajamas and receive a fun holiday headband. Snacks are available for purchase, and banquet chair seating is provided. Fun inflatable chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Where
- Santa Cruz | More Info : Movie with Santa “Elf” at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Seaside Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with beachside activities and festive decorations.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with select rides, attractions, festive decorations, and photos with Santa.
- Where
- Santa Cruz | More Info : Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Annieglass Holiday Ornament Making Workshop
- What to Expect
- Create personalized, elegant holiday ornaments with gold and silver decorations.
- Description
- Decorate 4 frosted glass holiday-shaped ornaments with gold and silver decorations. Take home your finished ornaments the same day. Stencils and inspiration are provided for tracing directly onto the glass.
- Where
- Santa Cruz | More Info : Annieglass Holiday Ornament Making Workshop
Winter on the Wharf
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Santa's arrival by vintage fire engine and snow play area.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at the Santa Cruz Wharf with festive decorations, special events, and Santa's arrival by vintage fire engine. Enjoy holiday specials, take photos with Santa, and participate in activities like playing in the snow area with Elsa and Anna from Disney's Frozen.
- Where
- Santa Cruz | More Info : Winter on the Wharf
Breakfast with Santa at the Dream Inn
- What to Expect
- Coastal breakfast with ocean views.
- Description
- Join us for a delightful breakfast experience at the Dream Inn, where you can enjoy a delicious meal amidst the serene coastal views of Santa Cruz.
- Where
- Santa Cruz | More Info : Breakfast with Santa at the Dream Inn