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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Make the most of the festive season in Watsonville with our planner guide. Discover all the best holiday events. For those who breathe Watsonville air daily and those just sampling it, this guide unlocks seasonal wonders.

Among the holiday highlights is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, where the boardwalk transforms into a magical holiday experience featuring festive lights and activities for the family. The Lighted Boat Parade enchants spectators as beautifully decorated boats glide along the water, creating a picturesque scene. And the Holidays on the Ranch offers a unique opportunity to experience holiday traditions in a rustic setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Watsonville Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

50 decorated boats in a festive harbor setting.

Description:

The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, East Harbor launch ramp, and various harbor paths. Charter boats are available, and hot drinks and snacks are available at various locations through the south harbor.

Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Lighted Boat Parade

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What to Expect:

Spectacular lighted displays with holiday carols.

Description:

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights 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: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights

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What to Expect:

Traditional walk-in Christmas display with fairy grotto and waterfalls.

Description:

Farley’s Christmas Wonderland is a traditional walk-in Christmas display featuring numerous Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, and a log cabin. It also includes a fairy grotto with waterfalls and fairies, making it a unique holiday experience.

Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Farley’s Christmas Wonderland

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Watsonville Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Free events celebrating natural and cultural wonders.

Description:

Holidays on the Ranch features free events and activities made possible by California State Parks Volunteers, California State Parks, and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. The events are free, and a vehicle day-use fee is $10. The activities celebrate the natural and cultural wonders of the area.

Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Holidays on the Ranch

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What to Expect:

Santa riding waves via Outrigger canoe.

Description:

Surfin' Santa arrives at Capitola Beach via Outrigger canoe, bringing joy and holiday cheer to all the kids.

Where: Capitola | More Info: Surfin’ Santa

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with festive decorations and special activities.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season at the Santa Cruz Wharf with festive decorations, special events, and activities for all ages, including a vintage fire engine, custom balloon designs, face painting, and a toy and food drive.

Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Winter on the Wharf

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