Over 50 craft vendors will offer unique jewelry, art, bags, pottery, candles, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, clothing, books and more. Friends of the Library Book Sale offers books for gifting and winter reading for all ages and interests. Bake Sale and Prize Raffle of vendor donated crafts hosted by Library's Advisory Council of Teens. Local food trucks Tacos el…

Celebrate the holidays at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with festive decorations, light shows, rides, arcade games, photos with Santa and seasonal treats.Winter Wonderland runs noon–7pm on November 26–29, December 5–6 and 12–13, and daily December 19–January 3. Admission to the Boardwalk is free; rides, attractions, food and some activities cost extra. Check the Boardwalk website for attraction availability and…

Ride vintage excursion cars decorated with thousands of holiday lights through Santa Cruz streets. The 60-minute trip includes holiday sing-alongs, live music, hot cider and a Santa visit. Trains depart from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 5pm and 6:30pm; additional departures may be added.

Shop a holiday outdoor market along West Cliff with local makers, artists and seasonal gifts. Check the event page for vendor and weather updates.

Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain, sip hot cider, greet Santa and enjoy winter-themed activities in the town of Roaring Camp.

Bundle up in your tackiest holiday sweater and head to downtown Boulder Creek for arts and crafts, live music, food and drinks, plus an ugly sweater contest.

Celebrate the season in Downtown Santa Cruz with a festive community parade featuring local groups, music, performers and holiday spirit. A family-friendly downtown tradition.

Browse handmade gifts, artwork and jewelry from local makers at the MAH’s holiday community market. Complimentary seasonal treats accompany shopping in the museum atrium. The market is free to attend.Saturday, December 5, noon–6pm. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz.Organizer event details

Watch beautifully decorated power and sailboats parade through the Santa Cruz Harbor shortly after sunset. Viewing is available from harbor paths and the East Harbor launch ramp; allow extra time for parking.

Shop local craft vendors, enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, take photos with Santa, watch performances and gather for the holiday tree lighting in Aptos Village.

Gather with family and friends for a holiday market with vendors, children’s activities, Santa, wine and seasonal fun at Hallcrest Vineyards.

Families can paint a wooden dreidel, decorate a tree ornament and make a holiday card during a free holiday craft session at Abbott Square Market. The event is open to all ages.Drop in on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 1–4pm. Admission is free.

Bring the family to SLV Museum for a holiday craft workshop. Create an ornament for your home, decorate cookies, make a holiday table display or create your own seasonal treasure. Crafts are suitable for ages 3 and older.The workshop takes place Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 1–4pm. Cookies and juice will be provided. Admission is free; donations are appreciated.

Celebrate Local Creativity at the Winter Art Market! Join us on Saturday, Dec 12 from 10 am - 5 pm for the 14th Annual Winter Art Market at the Tannery Arts Center! Shop unique gifts from 20+ open artist studios, savor local bites, enjoy live music 🎶, engage in hands-on activities and check out the new public art installations! ✨…

Celebrate the season at historic Wilder Ranch with a Victorian-style holiday experience and family activities. The event is free; state park day-use parking is $10.

Enjoy holiday decorations and Wharf specials, see Santa arrive by vintage fire engine, take photos with Santa, play in a snow area, and enjoy balloons, face painting and other family activities.

Come experience a night of community, laughter, and joy with Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas. For decades, the acclaimed show — new each year — has criss-crossed the country bringing holiday joy to audiences; this December, it returns to Santa Cruz with its Irish musicians, dancers, and native Irish storyteller, Tomáseen Foley. A Celtic Christmas springs from the infinitely rich…

Santa Cruz City Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater December 19–20, with performances at 1pm and 4:30pm both days. Tickets are $50–$60 plus a $10 Cabrillo service charge.