Santa Cruz Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

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 steam train, creating unforgettable holiday memories.

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, enjoy festive treats, and shop for unique gifts at the...

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 Show, and a delightful Story Walk. Santa Claus will also...

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 to playful penguins and a spectacular 90-foot twinkling tree, this...

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 light sculptures, iconic Christmas trees, and synchronized light displays that...

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 photo alongside Santa, and enjoy the magical moment of the...

Prepare for a magical holiday season with Christmas in the Park and Blinky's Drive Thru! This beloved event returns to San Jose, transforming Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a festive wonderland with dazzling lights and animated exhibits. Experience the spectacular Blinky's Drive Thru Light Show, a mesmerizing journey through millions...

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 tunes. This unforgettable experience offers breathtaking displays and millions of...

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 welcoming, candle-lit luminarias. Experience the warm spirit of the community...

Experience the festive spirit at the Aptos Village Green Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting. Discover unique handmade treasures from local artisans, enjoy delightful music and performances, and capture a memorable photo with Santa. The event culminates with a magical tree lighting ceremony, bringing the community together to celebrate the...

Discover one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at the 48th Annual Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair. Browse three buildings filled with handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, and toys. After shopping, immerse yourself in the magic of Sparky's Holiday Lights, a dazzling display of thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy festive food and drinks, making...

Step into a world of the strange and unusual at the Yuletide Oddities Market, hosted at the iconic Winchester Mystery House. This highly anticipated holiday event offers a unique shopping experience with over 100 vendors selling everything from taxidermy and alternative jewelry to occult items and dark art. Discover peculiar...

Experience the magic of Winter Wonderland in Downtown San Jose, a festive celebration running from November 28 to January 4, 2026. This beloved holiday event features a thrilling arcade with rides like a towering Ferris wheel and classic carousel, alongside a bustling Winter Gift Fair showcasing local artisans. Indulge in...

Discover unique treasures and support local talent at the Triton Museum's Holiday Art Fair. Browse a diverse array of handcrafted goods, from intricate jewelry and unique pottery to original artwork and festive decorations. Find the perfect holiday gifts while enjoying a festive atmosphere and contributing to a good cause through...

Celebrate the holiday season at the 9th Annual Christmas on the Wharf in Monterey. This festive event features dazzling decorations, a towering Christmas tree, and live entertainment every weekend. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, enjoy musical performances, and witness the enchanting 'Brighten the Harbor' Lighted Boat Parade. It's a perfect...

Experience the magic of the 22nd Annual Holiday Stroll in Downtown Los Altos. This festive evening event invites visitors to explore unique gifts, enjoy sparkling lights, and listen to strolling carolers. Local shops and restaurants will offer special promotions, making it the perfect opportunity to find holiday treasures and enjoy...

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the German Holiday Market in Mountain View. This cherished tradition brings a European Christmas market experience to California, featuring over 100 artisan vendors offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, and traditional German holiday items. Savor delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages while enjoying the...

Experience the magic of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' brought to life in a captivating theatrical and musical adaptation. This beloved holiday tradition returns to Santa Cruz, promising a heartwarming journey through Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation. Perfect for the entire family, the performance offers a concise 90-minute experience without intermission, making...

Immerse yourself in the joy and tradition of the holiday season with the Santa Cruz Chorale's 'Christmas with the Chorale' concert. This enchanting performance features a captivating mix of early music and beloved carols, both old and new. Prepare for an evening filled with overflowing joy, stunning vocal performances, and...

Los Gatos Ballet presents their enchanting annual production of The Nutcracker, bringing Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life. Follow Clara's magical journey through exciting choreography, exquisite dancing, and stunning sets and costumes. This beloved holiday tradition is perfect for all ages, offering a captivating experience for families and ballet enthusiasts.

Experience the magic of Broadway this holiday season with 'Let It Show,' a spectacular 90-minute concert. Local singers will perform beloved holiday classics and Broadway favorites, including 'We Need a Little Christmas' and 'White Christmas.' The event features a special visit from Santa Claus and a festive sing-along, promising a...

Discover the magic of The Nutcracker with 'Once Upon A Nutcracker,' a special, abbreviated production by San Jose Dance Theatre. Designed specifically for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, this enchanting performance offers a delightful introduction to the beloved ballet. Experience key excerpts of the full production in an...

The Original San José Nutcracker returns for its 60th anniversary, bringing timeless holiday magic to the stage. This beloved production features alumna Crystal Campbell, who, after decades away, returns to a production that has shaped her family's traditions for generations. Experience Tchaikovsky's enchanting score performed live by the Cambrian Symphony,...

Experience the uplifting sounds of the 17th Annual South Bay Holiday Gospel Concert, featuring the renowned Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. This multicultural, interfaith ensemble will perform their signature gospel arrangements of beloved holiday classics. For an unforgettable experience, consider joining the South Bay Workshop Choir on stage with the main...

Ring in the new year with an unforgettable galactic adventure at Santa Cruz's biggest New Year's Eve celebration! Prepare for an out-of-this-world experience with cosmic lasers, dazzling projections, and impressive oversized props like towering robots and alien spaceships. Dress in your finest NYE attire or embrace the theme with astronaut,...

Experience a festive evening in Saratoga Village, where wineries and wine enthusiasts gather for an unforgettable holiday wine stroll. Wander through streets adorned with twinkling lights, savor exquisite wines, and enjoy local flavors accompanied by live music. It's a perfect way to embrace the season's joy and discover new favorite...

Discover the festive spirit of the Canary Islands during the holiday season. While specific details for the Kislap Christmas Festival are not available, the islands offer a vibrant atmosphere with various cultural events and attractions during this time of year. Explore the unique charm and local traditions that make the...

Simbang Gabi, meaning 'Night Mass' or 'Rooster's Mass,' is a deeply cherished Filipino tradition marking the start of the Christmas season. This nine-day series of dawn masses, beginning on December 16th, is a period of spiritual preparation and communal gathering. Beyond its religious significance, Simbang Gabi is a vibrant cultural...

The Downtown Holiday Parade marks the official start of the holiday season in Santa Cruz County. This cherished tradition brings together over 1,200 participants from local schools, youth groups, and nonprofits, drawing more than 3,000 spectators. It's a vibrant celebration of community spirit and festive cheer.

Experience the magic of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk transformed into a Winter Wonderland! While specific 2025 dates are still to be announced, this beloved seaside park promises festive cheer and holiday spirit. Get ready for a season of fun by the beach.

Experience the enchanting Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, where over 50 power and sailboats dazzle with festive decorations. Catch limited viewing from the Murray Street bridge or East Harbor launch ramp. Enjoy warm drinks and snacks available throughout the south harbor.

Discover a variety of holiday events happening throughout Santa Cruz. From festive gatherings in Twin Lakes to seasonal celebrations in Live Oak/Pleasure Point, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. Explore local listings to find the perfect way to celebrate.

Get ready for the dazzling Morgan Hill Holiday Lights Parade on December 6, 2025! This cherished annual event showcases the vibrant community spirit and unique heritage of Morgan Hill. Organized by the dedicated Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club, the parade promises a spectacular display of lights and festive cheer. Consider volunteering...

Get ready for the enchanting Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting in Downtown Morgan Hill. This beloved annual event promises a spectacular display of festive spirit, culminating in the magical illumination of the holiday tree. It's the perfect way to usher in the holiday season with community cheer and dazzling...

Experience the enchanting 'Spirit of The Row' holiday event series. Join them for three magical evenings in December featuring live performances by local arts and community groups, delightful snow showers in Park Valencia, and cherished photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in...

Families are invited to a magical breakfast celebration with Santa Claus. Enjoy a delicious meal of North Pole Pancakes, create festive holiday crafts in the workshop, and capture cherished memories with photos alongside Santa. This event offers a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season with joy and cheer.

First Night Monterey offers a vibrant, alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration of the arts for the entire community. Discover diverse performances, interactive art workshops, and a captivating Twilight Procession. It's a family-friendly event designed to foster appreciation for the arts and unite people of all ages and backgrounds in a...

The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is a cherished annual event that officially kicks off the holiday season. Since 1977, this beloved tradition has brought the community together to celebrate with a spectacular display of illuminated floats, lively marching bands, and festive characters. Experience the enchantment of "A Child's...

Get ready for the dazzling Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights! This beloved free community event transforms Downtown Salinas into a festive wonderland. Families, local groups, and businesses showcase their holiday spirit with creative lighted floats and displays. Cheer on the participants as they light up Main Street, creating a magical...

California's Great America transforms into a winter wonderland for WinterFest, offering a magical holiday experience. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, festive decorations, and the unique Pacific Gliders attraction. The park also features the South Bay Shores waterpark, making it a year-round destination for fun and excitement.

Step back in time to experience the night of Jesus' birth at Streets of Bethlehem, a free outdoor Christmas event in Salinas, CA. Wander through a vibrant marketplace, encounter Roman soldiers, and witness the humble beginnings of the Nativity. This immersive experience brings the true story of Christmas to life...