Looking for Christmas events in Santa Cruz this year? We found 12 for kids and families in 2026, including Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade, Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Movie With Santa at The Grove. 7 of them are free. We check every date on the host’s own website, and each listing links straight there. For the rest of the state, see our California Christmas events for kids guide.
The short version
- 12 Christmas events for kids in Santa Cruz, plus Aptos and Felton
- The season runs from Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, November 26) to Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (through January 3)
- 7 free, including Aptos Village Green Holiday Market and Tree Lighting, Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade and Abbott Square Holiday Crafts
- Every date checked on the host’s own site on Nov 4
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- 8 Santa
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Christmas events for kids in Santa Cruz
9 events in Santa Cruz itself, soonest first.
Holiday lights
Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily, check the host calendar for open days), noon to 7 pm
- Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free to stroll, rides extra
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk runs from Nov 26, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027, according to the county tourism calendar. Walking the Boardwalk is free, and rides cost extra. The listing mentions games, attractions and photos with Santa.
The calendar shows a noon start on Nov 26 and a 7 pm end on Jan 3, and the Boardwalk does not always open every attraction on every day, so check the host calendar for the day you plan to visit. Dress warmly for the oceanfront evenings.
Parent tip: Check the Boardwalk calendar for open days and which rides run.
- Host
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New Santa Cruz events every week
Rally researches Christmas events in Santa Cruz daily and updates this page with new events. Enter your email to get a weekly update with new events in Santa Cruz.
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Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 11 more Santa Cruz events researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Santa Cruz.
- Exclusive access to free events Find the free Christmas events in Santa Cruz before they fill up.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
- One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.
Coming up on this page
- 8 Santa
- 4 Crafts
- 3 Lights
- 3 Markets
- 7 Free
Enter your email to get new Christmas events in Santa Cruz every week.
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast With Santa at Chaminade
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 to 11 am
- Where: Chaminade Resort and Spa, 1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (opens in maps)
- Cost: $35.40 per person
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Breakfast With Santa at Chaminade Resort and Spa happens on Saturday, Dec 5, from 9 to 11 am. The county tourism calendar lists a brunch meal together with Santa photos, so kids can sit down to eat and then take a turn with Santa.
The listed price is $35.40. The resort is in the hills above Santa Cruz at 1 Chaminade Lane. The listing does not say whether tickets are required or what ages the price covers, so check with the resort before you go.
Parent tip: Confirm ticketing and child pricing with the resort before you go.
- Host
- Chaminade Resort and Spa (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Chaminade Resort and Spa, 1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Holiday paradeFree
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to noon
- Where: Pacific Avenue and Cooper Street, Pacific Ave & Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade is described by the downtown association as the official kickoff for the winter holiday celebration. The parade highlights Santa Cruz County schools, youth based organizations and local nonprofits, so many of the marchers are kids and families from your own community.
The downtown page says about 1,200 people take part and more than 3,000 spectators come out each year, and that Santa is part of the parade. It goes on rain or shine, so dress for the weather. The county tourism calendar lists the parade on Saturday, Dec 5 from 10 am to noon at Pacific Avenue and Cooper Street.
Parent tip: The parade runs rain or shine. Arrive early to find a spot along Pacific Avenue.
- Host
- Downtown Santa Cruz (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Pacific Avenue and Cooper Street, Pacific Ave & Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Holiday parade
Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
- Where: Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free to watch (no price listed)
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade takes place on Saturday, Dec 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the harbor, 135 5th Avenue. The county tourism calendar lists the parade without a price. Boats decorated with lights make a pretty evening outing for kids.
The listing does not give viewing spots or ticket information, so check the harbor's page before you go. Evenings by the water are chilly, so bring warm layers and a blanket for little ones.
Parent tip: Dress warmly and check the harbor page for the best viewing spots.
- Host
- Santa Cruz Port District (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Holiday craftsFree
Abbott Square Holiday Crafts
- When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 4 pm
- Where: Abbott Square Market, 118 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Abbott Square Holiday Crafts is a free craft session at Abbott Square Market, 118 Cooper Street, on Sunday, Dec 6, from 1 to 4 pm. The county tourism calendar describes it as an all ages activity, so children and grown ups can make something together.
The market is in the heart of downtown, so you can pair the crafts with a snack from one of the food stalls or a walk along Pacific Avenue. The listing does not name a registration step or a list of supplies.
Parent tip: Plan a snack stop at the market while you are there.
- Host
- Abbott Square Market (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Abbott Square Market, 118 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa visit
Movie With Santa at The Grove
- When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 4:30 to 8 pm
- Where: The Grove, Santa Cruz Event Center, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Cost: $18 to $35
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Movie With Santa is a Sunday evening holiday event at The Grove, part of the Santa Cruz Event Center at the Beach Boardwalk. The county tourism calendar lists Santa, cookie decorating and a holiday movie, running from 4:30 to 8 pm on Dec 6.
Listed ticket prices range from $18 to $35. The listing does not say which ticket level is for children, which movie will play or whether advance tickets are required, so check the host page before you buy.
Parent tip: Check the host page for ticket types and the movie title.
- Host
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- The Grove, Santa Cruz Event Center, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa visitFree
Winter on the Wharf
- When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 2 to 5 pm
- Where: Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Winter on the Wharf brings a family afternoon to the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf on Saturday, Dec 12. The county tourism calendar lists Santa, snow play, face painting and balloons, all free, which makes it an easy outing for kids of nearly any age.
The event runs from 2 to 5 pm at 21 Municipal Wharf. Because it is outdoors on the water, a jacket is a good idea even on a sunny day. The listing does not name a registration step, so families can simply walk up during the event hours.
Parent tip: Bring a warm layer, since the wharf can be breezy.
- Host
- City of Santa Cruz Wharf (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Model trainsFree
Toy Trains at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
- When: Thursday, December 17, 2026, noon to 8 pm
- Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Toy Trains at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History is a free toy train exhibit at 705 Front Street. The county tourism calendar lists a Thursday, Dec 17 date from noon to 8 pm. It is an indoor option for families who like model railroads.
The calendar listing shows only Dec 17, but museum exhibits often run on other days, so check the host page for more dates. Little ones who love trains can watch the layout, and the long hours make it easy to fit in after school.
Parent tip: Check the museum's page for other days the exhibit is open.
- Host
- Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa visitFree
Hotel Paradox Holiday Market
- When: Sunday, December 20, 2026, 11 am to 5 pm
- Where: Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Hotel Paradox Holiday Market is on Sunday, Dec 20, from 11 am to 5 pm at 611 Ocean Street in Santa Cruz. The county tourism calendar lists the market as free, with Santa visits, photos and ornaments.
It is a good last weekend stop before Christmas. The listing does not say how Santa visits are scheduled, so arrive with some flexibility and check the hotel's page for any updates.
Parent tip: Check the hotel's page for Santa visit times.
- Host
- Hotel Paradox (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Santa Cruz? Bring Rally home.
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Rally Takes the Train
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events in Aptos
2 events in Aptos, soonest first.
Tree lightingFree
Aptos Village Green Holiday Market and Tree Lighting
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1 to 4 pm
- Where: Aptos Village Green, 448 Granite Way, Aptos, CA 95003 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Aptos Village Green Holiday Market and Tree Lighting takes place on Saturday, Dec 5, from 1 to 4 pm at 448 Granite Way in Aptos. The county tourism calendar lists the event as free, with music, Santa photos and the lighting of the tree.
Aptos is a short drive down the coast from Santa Cruz. The holiday market gives parents something to browse while kids wait for Santa or listen to the music. The listing does not give a registration step, so families can simply come during the afternoon.
Parent tip: Aptos is about a 15 minute drive from Santa Cruz.
- Host
- Aptos Village (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Aptos Village Green, 448 Granite Way, Aptos, CA 95003 (opens in maps) (near Santa Cruz)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Holiday show
Cabrillo College Nutcracker Ballet
- When: Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 2 pm
- Where: Crocker Theater, Cabrillo College, 6500 Perimeter Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 (opens in maps)
- Cost: $60 to $70
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Cabrillo College Nutcracker Ballet has a Saturday matinee on Dec 19 from 1 to 2 pm in the Crocker Theater at 6500 Perimeter Drive in Aptos. The county tourism calendar lists it as suitable for all ages, and the one hour length is gentle on younger viewers.
Listed ticket prices run from $60 to $70. The listing does not say whether young children need their own ticket, so confirm with the college box office before you buy.
Parent tip: Ask the box office about child tickets before you buy.
- Host
- Cabrillo College (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Crocker Theater, Cabrillo College, 6500 Perimeter Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 (opens in maps) (near Santa Cruz)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events in Felton
Santa visitFree
Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market
- When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 11 am to 4 pm
- Where: Hallcrest Vineyards, 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton, CA 95018 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market takes place on Sunday, Dec 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at 379 Felton Empire Road in Felton. The county tourism calendar lists the market as free, with activities for kids and Santa.
Felton is in the redwoods about 15 minutes from Santa Cruz. The listing does not name the specific kids' activities or whether registration is needed, so families should plan to wander the market and see what is on offer.
Parent tip: Felton is a short drive up Highway 9 from Santa Cruz.
- Host
- Hallcrest Vineyards (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Hallcrest Vineyards, 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton, CA 95018 (opens in maps) (near Santa Cruz)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New Santa Cruz events every week
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We check every event above on the host’s own page for the date, time and cost, plus the things parents ask about, like sign-ups and ages. Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.
Santa Cruz Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Santa Cruz, Aptos and Felton
- Season
- November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 7
- Kinds of events
- Santa visits, holiday parades, holiday lights and tree lightings
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Santa Cruz Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz on November 26; the last runs to December 20. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach BoardwalkSanta Cruz · Nov 26 to Jan 3
- Aptos Village Green Holiday Market and Tree LightingAptos · Dec 5
- Breakfast With Santa at ChaminadeSanta Cruz · Dec 5
- Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday ParadeSanta Cruz · Dec 5
- Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat ParadeSanta Cruz · Dec 5
- Abbott Square Holiday CraftsSanta Cruz · Dec 6
- Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday MarketFelton · Dec 6
- Movie With Santa at The GroveSanta Cruz · Dec 6
- Winter on the WharfSanta Cruz · Dec 12
- Toy Trains at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & HistorySanta Cruz · Dec 17
- Cabrillo College Nutcracker BalletAptos · Dec 19
- Hotel Paradox Holiday MarketSanta Cruz · Dec 20
Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside, Long Beach, Oakland, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Modesto, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Santa Rosa, Palm Springs, Fontana, Simi Valley, Victorville, Indio, Chico, Santa Clarita, Escondido, Temecula, Visalia, Thousand Oaks, San Clemente, Madera, Gilroy, Hanford, Delano, Oceanside, Salinas, Murrieta, Santa Maria, Vacaville, Hesperia, Redding, Hemet, Merced, Yuba City, Porterville and Watsonville. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonThe story of Christmas in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, Christmas has a beach town twist. Decorated boats glide through the harbor, a three-story tree rises at the Boardwalk and Santa poses for photos at the Boardwalk.
How Santa Cruz celebrates
Santa Cruz kicks off the season on land and on the water. The Downtown Holiday Parade, called the traditional start of the winter holidays, rolls down Pacific Avenue with marching bands, floats and community groups. The same evening, the Lighted Boat Parade is described as a longstanding seasonal tradition at the harbor. At the Beach Boardwalk, Winter Wonderland adds a big tree, light shows and photos with Santa. Local sources do not give exact start years for these events, but many have been annual traditions for a long time.
Christmas last year in Santa Cruz
In 2025 the Downtown Holiday Parade ran on Dec. 6 along Pacific Avenue, and the guide estimated at least 3,000 spectators. That evening more than 50 decorated boats took part in the Lighted Boat Parade at the harbor, which also collected canned food. Winter Wonderland at the Boardwalk ran Nov. 27 to Jan. 4 with a three-story tree, nightly light shows every 15 minutes from 5 to 8 pm, a tree lighting with cookies and hot cocoa, and a drone show on Nov. 29 billed as the county's first holiday drone show.
Fun facts about Christmas in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has a few cheerful quirks. SantaCon at Abbott Square drew a crowd with, as one guide put it, over a hundred Santas. A Reindeer Round-Up in downtown shops let families hunt for reindeer from Nov. 28 to Dec. 23. The Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair was counted as its 48th year in 2025 by one guide, and the Toy Trains Popup at the Museum of Art and History marked its 20th year. Even the Felton Covered Bridge, built in 1892, hosts a holiday market.
Trains and Christmas in Santa Cruz
Trains are part of the Santa Cruz holiday story. The Beach Boardwalk's Holiday Lights Train takes a 60 minute round trip past thousands of lights, and near Felton the Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk uses a steam train to reach decorated trees. Downtown, the Toy Trains Popup at the Museum of Art and History reached its 20th year in 2025. For rail history, the Santa Cruz County Railroad Historical Society shares three operating model railroad exhibits.
- Roaring Camp Railroads: Geared steam logging engines from the 1890s climb through redwoods on a 75 minute round trip, and the line hosts a holiday tree walk.
- Santa Cruz County Railroad Historical Society: A local historical society that shares county rail history through three operating model railroad exhibits.
- South Bay Historical Railroad Society: A free museum in the 1863 Santa Clara Depot with model railroads and railroad artifacts.
Traditions today
- Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade: Marching bands, floats and community groups along Pacific Avenue, the traditional kickoff to the winter holidays.
- Lighted Boat Parade: More than 50 decorated boats parade at the Santa Cruz Harbor in a longstanding seasonal tradition.
- Winter Wonderland at the Boardwalk: A three-story tree, nightly light shows, fire pits and photos with Santa from late November into January.
- Reindeer Round-Up: A reindeer scavenger hunt through downtown businesses, with prizes, from late November to Dec. 23.
- Toy Trains Popup: A toy train display at the Museum of Art and History that reached its 20th year in 2025.
- Farley's Christmas Wonderland: A free walk-in display of lights in the Seabright neighborhood, called a neighborhood tradition.
A fact for kids
In Santa Cruz, Christmas boats parade on the water. More than 50 boats covered in lights float around the harbor each December.
Questions about Christmas in Santa Cruz
How does Santa Cruz celebrate Christmas?
Santa Cruz celebrates with a downtown parade on Pacific Avenue, a Lighted Boat Parade at the harbor, and Winter Wonderland at the Beach Boardwalk with a big tree, light shows and Santa photos. Neighborhood light displays, craft fairs and toy trains round out the season. Check the county tourism calendar for current dates.
What is the Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade?
It is a free annual parade along Pacific Avenue with marching bands, floats and community groups, billed as the traditional start of the winter holidays. In 2025 it ran on Dec. 6 and one guide estimated at least 3,000 spectators. Community groups march alongside the bands and floats.
What is the Lighted Boat Parade?
The Lighted Boat Parade is a holiday tradition at the Santa Cruz Harbor in which decorated boats float past spectators in the evening. In 2025 it took place on Dec. 6 with more than 50 boats and included a canned food drive. It is an evening event outdoors, so bring warm layers.
What is Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
Winter Wonderland is the Boardwalk's holiday season, with a three-story Christmas tree, decorations, fire pits, nightly light shows and photos with Santa. In 2025 it ran on select days from Nov. 27 to Jan. 4. Admission was free, and rides cost extra, so families can enjoy the sights without buying tickets.
What happened at the Boardwalk on Nov. 29, 2025?
The Boardwalk held what it called the first holiday drone show in Santa Cruz County, as part of the Winter Wonderland opening weekend. The season also included a tree lighting ceremony with live entertainment, free cookies and hot cocoa. The details for future years can change, so check the Boardwalk's calendar.
Are there Christmas lights to see in Santa Cruz?
Yes. Farley's Christmas Wonderland in the Seabright neighborhood is a free walk-in display that one guide calls a neighborhood tradition, and the Boardwalk has nightly light shows. Out at the county fairgrounds in Watsonville, Sparky's Holiday Lights is a drive-through show, and in 2025 it was in its fifth year.
Can kids meet Santa in Santa Cruz?
Yes. Santa poses for photos at the Boardwalk's Winter Wonderland, and in 2025 the Boardwalk also held a brunch with Santa on Dec. 14 for an extra ticket. Other holiday markets and community events around the county also feature Santa. Check the Boardwalk and county tourism calendars for current dates.
What is the Reindeer Round-Up?
The Reindeer Round-Up is a scavenger hunt across participating downtown Santa Cruz businesses. In 2025 it ran from Nov. 28 to Dec. 23, with prizes, and the downtown information kiosk at 1130 Pacific Avenue was the starting point. Kids can look for reindeer as they walk through the shops.
What is the Toy Trains Popup?
The Toy Trains Popup is a holiday toy train display at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. In 2025 it marked its 20th year, with open days Dec. 18 to 22 and Dec. 26 to 29. The display is for kids who love trains.
What is the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train?
It is a seasonal tradition at the Beach Boardwalk in which vintage cars decorated with thousands of lights make a 60 minute round trip. In 2025 departures left at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm from Dec. 6 to 23. It is a ticketed ride, so plan ahead if your family wants a seat.
What is the Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk?
At Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, families ride a steam train to Bear Mountain, where decorated trees line the trails. In 2025 it ran on select days in December from 10 am to 5 pm. It is a ticketed outing in the redwoods, so check the dates before you drive up.
Where did the Felton Holiday Market happen?
The Felton Holiday Market takes place at the Felton Covered Bridge, which was built in 1892. Local guides list it as a December market with arts, food and lights. Felton is in the redwoods near Roaring Camp, so it can be paired with a train outing.
What was SantaCon in Santa Cruz?
SantaCon 2025 took place on Dec. 5 at 6:30 pm at Abbott Square, with, as one guide put it, over a hundred Santas, and it was free. It is an evening gathering downtown, so parents may want to check the details before bringing young children.
Is there a Nutcracker to see near Santa Cruz?
Yes. Cabrillo College's Nutcracker marked its 18th year in 2025, Santa Cruz City Ballet performed at Crocker Theater on Dec. 20 and 21, and Santa Cruz Dance Theater offered a one hour Petite Nutcracker at the Civic Auditorium. The shorter show may suit younger children.
How long has the Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair run?
In 2025 the Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair was held Dec. 5 and 6 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, and one guide counted it as the 48th year, while another listed it as the 47th season. The guides disagree by one year, so treat the number as approximate.
How do I explain a lighted boat parade to a toddler?
Tell your child that boats get dressed up for the holidays, just like a house or a tree. Each boat wears lights and decorations, and the owners float by slowly so people on shore can wave. Toddlers can count colors and point at their favorite boat.
Are there train museums near Santa Cruz?
Yes. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton runs geared steam logging engines from the 1890s through the redwoods, and the Santa Cruz County Railroad Historical Society shares county rail history through three operating model railroad exhibits. The South Bay Historical Railroad Society's depot museum in Santa Clara is also free.
Can we see real steam trains at Christmas near Santa Cruz?
Yes. Roaring Camp's Holiday Tree Walk uses a steam train to Bear Mountain, and the park's regular rides use geared steam engines from the 1890s through towering redwoods on a 75 minute round trip. Dates and tickets change each year, so check the railroad's page.
What should we wear to Santa Cruz holiday events?
Wear layers. The boat parade and the Boardwalk light shows happen after dark, and evenings near the harbor and the water can feel cool. A blanket for small children and a jacket are easy to pack. Check the forecast on the day, since the parades are held outdoors.
Where can I find this year's Santa Cruz Christmas dates?
The official county tourism calendar at santacruz.org and the Downtown Santa Cruz site post holiday listings, and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries calendar is the place to look for story times. Dates, times and prices change each year, so check those pages again as the season gets closer.
Sources
- Downtown Holiday Parade, Downtown Santa Cruz
- Celebrate the Holiday Season in Santa Cruz County, Visit Santa Cruz County
- Winter Wonderland Celebrates the Holiday Season Starting November 27, 2025, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- 2025 Santa Cruz Holiday Guide: Lights, Festive Fun & Good Cheer, Patch
- Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (2025 release), Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Santa Cruz Holiday Guide 2025: Events, Markets, Music & More, Good Times
- Roaring Camp Railroads, Rally Takes the Train
- Santa Cruz County Railroad Historical Society, Rally Takes the Train
Keep the Christmas magic going: follow Rally's Christmas Eve Express, print printable Rally coloring pages, learn Merry Christmas in 100+ languages, find train museums near you, or browse Christmas events in every California city.
Santa Cruz Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Santa Cruz this year?
Rally Takes the Train has confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Santa Cruz for the 2026 season, and 7 of them are free. Good places to start: Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade (Dec 5), Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Nov 26 to Jan 3) and Movie With Santa at The Grove (Dec 6). Each one is listed with its dates, times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Santa Cruz?
Yes. 7 of the 12 Christmas events for kids in Santa Cruz confirmed for 2026 are free. Two worth planning around: Aptos Village Green Holiday Market and Tree Lighting (Dec 5) and Winter on the Wharf (Dec 12). Some free events still need a reservation, so check the host’s page before you go.
Where can kids meet Santa in Santa Cruz?
8 Christmas events in Santa Cruz this season include a visit with Santa. Start with Breakfast With Santa at Chaminade (Dec 5) and Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market in Felton (Dec 6). Breakfasts with Santa usually sell out first, so book those as soon as you pick a date.
Are there Christmas shows for kids in Santa Cruz?
Yes, two this season. Families usually start with Cabrillo College Nutcracker Ballet in Aptos (Dec 19). Shows sell out closer to Christmas, so grab seats early if you have a date in mind.
Where can kids see Christmas lights in Santa Cruz?
There are three Christmas light displays and tree lightings in and around Santa Cruz this year, including Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade (Dec 5). Most light walks run on set evenings only, so check the host’s dates before you go.
Is anything on for kids in Santa Cruz on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes. Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk runs through Jan 3.
Do we need tickets or reservations?
For 5 of the 12 Christmas events for kids in Santa Cruz, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Santa Cruz?
Yes. Santa trains and holiday train rides have their own guide: Rally Takes the Train’s California Christmas train rides guide. This Santa Cruz guide covers story times, Santa visits, light shows and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.