Events

Holiday Lights Train November 25-26, December 3-4, 12-13, 17-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.  Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on […]

Yuletide Folklore Ritual Crafts and Food November 25 - December 2, 5pm Travel with us back in time to learn how the pagan customs of Yule were kept and survive through a talk by local author Kellie (K.M. ) Rice. Each attendee will receive informational packets and a traditional recipe. We will also participate in […]

Photos with Santa Friday, November 25, 1 - 9pm Capitola Mall Hours: Nov. 25 -Dec. 12: Monday - CLOSED Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Sunday 11am - 6pm (Break 2:30 - 3) Dec. 13 - Dec. 23: Daily 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Dec. 24: 11am - 4pm Jolly Tuesdays: Kids get […]

Holiday Lights Train November 25-26, December 3-4, 12-13, 17-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.  Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on […]

Yuletide Folklore Ritual Crafts and Food November 25 - December 2, 5pm Travel with us back in time to learn how the pagan customs of Yule were kept and survive through a talk by local author Kellie (K.M. ) Rice. Each attendee will receive informational packets and a traditional recipe. We will also participate in […]

Photos with Santa Friday, November 25, 1 - 9pm Capitola Mall Hours: Nov. 25 -Dec. 12: Monday - CLOSED Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Sunday 11am - 6pm (Break 2:30 - 3) Dec. 13 - Dec. 23: Daily 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Dec. 24: 11am - 4pm Jolly Tuesdays: Kids get […]

Holiday Lights Train November 25-26, December 3-4, 12-13, 17-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.  Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on […]

Yuletide Folklore Ritual Crafts and Food November 25 - December 2, 5pm Travel with us back in time to learn how the pagan customs of Yule were kept and survive through a talk by local author Kellie (K.M. ) Rice. Each attendee will receive informational packets and a traditional recipe. We will also participate in […]

Photos with Santa Friday, November 25, 1 - 9pm Capitola Mall Hours: Nov. 25 -Dec. 12: Monday - CLOSED Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Sunday 11am - 6pm (Break 2:30 - 3) Dec. 13 - Dec. 23: Daily 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Dec. 24: 11am - 4pm Jolly Tuesdays: Kids get […]

Yuletide Folklore Ritual Crafts and Food November 25 - December 2, 5pm Travel with us back in time to learn how the pagan customs of Yule were kept and survive through a talk by local author Kellie (K.M. ) Rice. Each attendee will receive informational packets and a traditional recipe. We will also participate in […]

Holiday Lights Train November 25-26, December 3-4, 12-13, 17-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.  Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on […]

Photos with Santa Friday, November 25, 1 - 9pm Capitola Mall Hours: Nov. 25 -Dec. 12: Monday - CLOSED Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Sunday 11am - 6pm (Break 2:30 - 3) Dec. 13 - Dec. 23: Daily 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Dec. 24: 11am - 4pm Jolly Tuesdays: Kids get […]

Be Natural Music Free Fall Concert Series Friday, December 2, from 5 - 8:30pm, Vet’s Hall 846 Front St, Santa Cruz, $3 (2yr & under FREE) Be Natural Music will showcase their youth Rock and Jazz bands at Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Cruz, “The Vet’s Hall” on Friday, December 2nd. Local residents are invited […]

Yuletide Folklore Ritual Crafts and Food November 25 - December 2, 5pm Travel with us back in time to learn how the pagan customs of Yule were kept and survive through a talk by local author Kellie (K.M. ) Rice. Each attendee will receive informational packets and a traditional recipe. We will also participate in […]

Holiday Lights Train November 25-26, December 3-4, 12-13, 17-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.  Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on […]

Holiday Lights 2022 Fridays- Sundays, 5:3, 6:30 or 7:30pm, November 25 - December 25 The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2021 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Enjoy a magical evening in the warmth of your vehicle enjoying spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. […]

Polar Express Friday, December 2,  6:00pm Join us for Family Movie Night!

Winter Open House Saturday, December 3, Free Nature Crafts 10am - 2pm, Free Admission 10am - 5pm Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a free and festive day celebrating the changing of the seasons. Enjoy complimentary cookies and cider while making nature-inspired crafts — from naturally dyed bandanas to locally foraged wreaths. […]

Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade December 3, 10am – 12pm The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect the whole community to show up and have a great time – and of course, […]

Popup Makers Market Downtown Saturday, December 3, 11am - 4pm NEW LOCATION!! It’s raining tomorrow and we’ve hustled to find an inside space for the holiday pop-up! Come out and shop small with 35+ local makers and artists - SATURDAY DEC 3 from 11-4 at the Santa Cruz Vets Hall - 846 Front St - […]

Photos with Santa Friday, November 25, 1 - 9pm Capitola Mall Hours: Nov. 25 -Dec. 12: Monday - CLOSED Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Sunday 11am - 6pm (Break 2:30 - 3) Dec. 13 - Dec. 23: Daily 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Dec. 24: 11am - 4pm Jolly Tuesdays: Kids get […]

Boys and Girls Club Holiday Craft & Food Fair Saturday December 3, 11am - 2pm The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County invites local children and artists who enjoy arts & crafts, baking, and/or cooking to rent a table at our annual craft & food fair. Decorate a table and sell homemade goods […]

Aptos Chamber Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting Join us for an afternoon filled with holiday cheer, local craft vendors, music, drinks, and of course a visit with Santa.  Visit www.aptoschamber.com for more information .

Dig Gardens Holiday Wreaths With a Twist Workshop December  3,  4, 7, 8, 9, 10 Create a show stopping wreath with succulents and air plants! We are a locally-owned nursery and lifestyle shop specializing in houseplants, cactus & succulents, tropical plants, home goods, and gifts with two locations on the coast of California. Visit our […]

Fantasy of Lights 2022 Drive-though, Tuesday, December 6 - Friday, December 30, 6 - 10pm Walk-through, December 3 & 4, 4 - 9pm ADMISSION WITH PREPAID TICKETS ONLY (Available November 1st through Eventbrite) Fantasy of Lights is a spectacular 1.5 mile drive- through extravaganza of holiday lights and displays for the entire family. Enjoy a […]

Holiday Lights Train November 25-26, December 3-4, 12-13, 17-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.  Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on […]

Holiday Tree Walk November 25-27, December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cocoa while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter themed activities. Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front […]

Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade Saturday, December 3, 5:30pm The Parade in an annual event at the Santa Cruz Harbor where decorated boats circle the harbor shortly after sunset (5:30pm). This year's theme is Deck the Hulls. The parade takes place on December 3rd 2022 and starts at 5:30pm. Plan ahead and leave yourself extra […]

Holiday Lights 2022 Fridays- Sundays, 5:3, 6:30 or 7:30pm, November 25 - December 25 The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2021 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Enjoy a magical evening in the warmth of your vehicle enjoying spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. […]

Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop Holiday Open House Sunday, December 4, 10am - 3pm Join us this Sunday, Dec 4th for our annual Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop Holiday Open House! You’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of handmade wreaths, ornaments, centerpieces, succulent dish gardens, fine woodwork and more. This event is from 10am-3pm, […]

Hallcrest Holiday Market Sunday, December 4, 11am - 5pm Over 50 vendors, kids crafts, family photos, scavenger hunts, wine, food and a visit from Santa Claus, make sure you’re following the events page so you can stay up to date with the all day schedule as it rolls out!

Photos with Santa Friday, November 25, 1 - 9pm Capitola Mall Hours: Nov. 25 -Dec. 12: Monday - CLOSED Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Sunday 11am - 6pm (Break 2:30 - 3) Dec. 13 - Dec. 23: Daily 11am - 7pm (Break 3-4) Dec. 24: 11am - 4pm Jolly Tuesdays: Kids get […]

Be Natural Music Free Fall Concert Series December 4, 12:30-4:30pm, Abbott Square Stage in Santa Cruz Be Natural Music will close its Fall Concert Season and Fundraising Campaign on Sunday, December 4th on the Abbott Square stage. There will be seven bands showcasing their extraordinary talents on the Live Stage! Help keep their studio doors […]

SLV Museum Holiday Craft Workshop Sunday, December 4, 3 - 6pm Enjoy creating holiday themed craft projects at six craft stations. There are three shifts one hour apart so please sign up at your preferred time slot. This is a popular annual event so please let us know if you cannot make your slot. If […]

Dig Gardens Holiday Wreaths With a Twist Workshop December  3,  4, 7, 8, 9, 10 Create a show stopping wreath with succulents and air plants! We are a locally-owned nursery and lifestyle shop specializing in houseplants, cactus & succulents, tropical plants, home goods, and gifts with two locations on the coast of California. Visit our […]

Holiday Lights Train November 25-26, December 3-4, 12-13, 17-23 A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.  Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on […]

Holiday Tree Walk November 25-27, December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cocoa while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter themed activities. Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front […]

Brighten Your Harbor Parade Sunday, December 4,  5:30 pm Don't miss the beautiful Brighten Your Harbor Parade starting in the Monterey Harbor on Sunday, December 4th at 5:30 pm.

Holiday Lights 2022 Fridays- Sundays, 5:3, 6:30 or 7:30pm, November 25 - December 25 The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2021 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Enjoy a magical evening in the warmth of your vehicle enjoying spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. […]