Experience the best holiday highlights in Watsonville! Our guide showcases all the must-see events and activities. Whether you're a Watsonville insider or an outsider looking in, this guide helps you create lasting memories.
Kick off your festive season with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition that illuminates the heart of Watsonville. Delight in the magic of the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train, featuring dazzling light displays and holiday music on this scenic railway journey. And the Lighted Boat Parade is something you definitely don’t want to miss, with its spectacularly decorated vessels gliding through the harbor. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Watsonville
See these and even more events listed below!Watsonville Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with local performers
Description:
Watsonville's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony illuminates the city's heart with a towering evergreen. Local choirs and dance troupes showcase their talents, filling the air with joyous melodies. Visitors can decorate ornaments to hang on a community tree, creating a collective masterpiece. This tradition dates back to the 1950s, symbolizing unity in Watsonville's diverse agricultural community. The event transforms the town square into a hub of warmth and togetherness, where neighbors gather to welcome the holiday season.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Watsonville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Watsonville Annual Holiday Factory Sale
What to Expect:
Direct-from-manufacturer discounts on local products
Description:
Watsonville's Annual Holiday Factory Sale showcases the agricultural bounty of the Pajaro Valley. Local manufacturers open their doors, offering significant discounts on fresh produce, preserves, and artisanal goods. Explore behind-the-scenes tours of production facilities, gaining insight into the region's food industry. This event highlights Watsonville's role as a major agricultural hub, known for its strawberries and apples. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air as visitors stock up on holiday treats and unique gifts, supporting local businesses and farmers.
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Watsonville Annual Holiday Factory Sale
Nearby Events
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train (Santa Cruz)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride through redwood forests
Description:
The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train chugs through ancient redwood groves, offering a unique perspective on seasonal decorations. Passengers embark on a journey aboard meticulously restored vintage railcars, each adorned with twinkling lights. You'll sip hot cocoa while winding through the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains. This excursion pays homage to the area's rich logging history, repurposing former timber routes for holiday cheer. The train whistle echoes through the forest, blending nostalgia with the excitement of the season.
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Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Lighted Boat Parade (Santa Cruz)
What to Expect:
Floating holiday displays on the water
Description:
Santa Cruz Harbor sparkles with creativity during the Lighted Boat Parade. Vessels of all sizes transform into floating holiday displays, reflecting off the calm waters. Spectators line the shore, watching as each uniquely decorated boat glides by. Participate in a festive treasure hunt, searching for specific themed boats among the parade. This maritime tradition honors Santa Cruz's rich nautical heritage, bringing together the boating community and landlubbers alike. The harbor buzzes with excitement as captains compete for the most innovative and dazzling designs.
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Holiday Ice Skating at the Boardwalk (Santa Cruz)
What to Expect:
Ice skating with ocean views
Description:
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk transforms a portion of its iconic amusement park into a winter playground, complete with an outdoor ice rink. Skaters glide across the ice while enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Try your hand at ice sculpting workshops, learning to create frosty masterpieces. This unique coastal winter experience contrasts with the Boardwalk's summer identity, showcasing the versatility of this historic entertainment venue. The salty sea breeze mingles with the crisp winter air, creating an invigorating atmosphere for holiday revelers.
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Holiday Ice Skating at the Boardwalk
Aptos Christmas Craft Fair (Aptos)
What to Expect:
Handcrafted items from local artisans
Description:
The Aptos Christmas Craft Fair celebrates the creativity of Central Coast artisans. Skilled craftspeople display their wares, from intricate jewelry to hand-carved wooden toys. Engage in live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, watching artisans at work. This fair continues a long-standing tradition of supporting local arts, dating back to the early days of Aptos as a logging town. The event space hums with activity as visitors discover one-of-a-kind gifts and home decor items, each piece telling a story of local craftsmanship and ingenuity.
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Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker (Santa Cruz)
What to Expect:
Professional-level ballet with local youth performers
Description:
Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre's production of The Nutcracker combines professional dancers with talented local youth. The performance brings Tchaikovsky's classic score to life with intricate choreography and stunning costumes. Watch as the Sugar Plum Fairy pirouettes across the stage, captivating audiences of all ages. This annual tradition has nurtured young dancers in Santa Cruz for over three decades, fostering a vibrant local ballet community. The theater resonates with the familiar melodies, transporting viewers to a world of dance and holiday fantasy.
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Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp (Felton)
What to Expect:
Decorated trees in a historic logging camp setting
Description:
Roaring Camp's Holiday Tree Walk winds through a picturesque 19th-century logging camp. Towering redwoods serve as a backdrop for creatively decorated Christmas trees, each sponsored by local organizations. Embark on a scavenger hunt to find hidden ornaments along the trail, adding an element of adventure. This event pays tribute to Felton's logging history while creating new holiday memories. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine as visitors stroll along the illuminated paths, discovering the unique charm of each festive tree display.
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Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp