Santa Cruz Other Christmas Activities 2026

Experience the festive spirit at the Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, a beloved seaside amusement park. While specific holiday attractions for 2026 are yet to be announced, past seasons have featured a magical transformation with holiday decorations. Visitors can enjoy the park's...

Discover the festive spirit of Santa Cruz during the holiday season. This guide highlights various events and attractions across the county, making it easy to find seasonal fun for everyone. Explore local happenings and enjoy the holiday cheer.

Experience the magic of the Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, where over 50 power and sailboats are adorned with festive decorations. Watch this dazzling procession as it glides through the harbor, creating a memorable holiday spectacle. Limited viewing spots...

The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade marks the official start of the winter holiday season. This beloved annual tradition showcases local schools, youth organizations, and nonprofits, drawing over 3,000 spectators to witness the festive procession. Participants can register their groups...

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk becomes the Boardwalk Winter Wonderland. The park offers rides, attractions, and games. Updates on holiday programming will be announced.

Experience the magic of the season at Pacific Grove's Holiday Parade of Lights. This beloved event features a dazzling procession of marching bands, festive floats, and talented dance teams. Keep an eye out for equestrian groups adding to the spectacle,...

Families are invited to a special holiday celebration with Santa Claus at the Quinlan Community Center. Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring North Pole Pancakes, pose for photos with Santa, and let the children engage in festive crafts at the elves'...

Experience the magic of the season at the Morgan Hill Holiday Lights Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The festive procession kicks off at 5:30 PM, winding its way down Monterey Road from Main Street to Dunne Avenue. Following the...

The New Museum Los Gatos offers extended hours and free admission, with art and history exhibitions, holiday crafts, refreshments, and music.

Grinchmas brings a visit from the Grinch for a day of community cheer where attendees can snap photos and embrace the holiday spirit.

Experience the magic of the season at the Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights! This cherished free community event transforms Downtown Salinas into a dazzling spectacle of holiday cheer. Families, local groups, and businesses showcase their creativity with an outstanding parade...

Step back in time at Streets of Bethlehem, a free outdoor living nativity event. Walk through a recreated ancient village, from a bustling marketplace and Roman soldiers to shepherds and angels, culminating at the manger. This immersive experience, running December...

Join Pacific Commons for a magical Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting event! Kick off the festive season with an evening of joy, featuring a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. Families can capture cherished moments with Santa Claus, delight in face painting...

Join the City of Mountain View for their annual Community Tree Lighting Celebration! This cherished tradition marks the start of the holiday season with an evening of festive music, engaging crafts, and delightful sweet treats. Gather with loved ones at...

Join the 36th Annual Lights On Celebration in downtown Hollister for a magical community event. The festivities include a "The Nutcracker" themed parade, a vibrant Lights On Boutique with artisan vendors, face painting, and letters to Santa. Over 30 decorated...

Experience the magic of the season at the 16th Annual Night of Holiday Lights in downtown San Carlos. This free community event transforms Laurel Street into a winter wonderland with festive lights, snow, and a spectacular holiday show. Enjoy live...

Experience a truly unique holiday tradition as Santa Claus makes his grand entrance by helicopter! Join the festive atmosphere at the Hiller Aviation Museum for carols and a special meet-and-greet with Santa himself. It's a magical way to kick off...

Experience the magic of outdoor ice skating at San Mateo On Ice, located in the heart of San Mateo, California. Glide across 11,000 square feet of real ice, perfect for daytime fun or enchanting evening skates under the stars. They...

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....

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....

Unleash your creativity and craft a stunning holiday wreath to adorn your home. This hands-on workshop provides all the materials and expert guidance needed to design a unique festive decoration. Learn to artfully arrange seasonal greenery and embellishments for a...

Kick off the holiday season with a unique glass art experience. Craft four frosted glass ornaments, hand-decorated with luxurious gold and silver accents. All materials are provided, and you can take your creations home the same day. Enjoy a 10%...

Join the City of Marina for their cherished Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This free, family-friendly event promises an evening of festive cheer, featuring live music, caroling, and delightful treats like cookies, hot apple cider, and cocoa. The highlight of...

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...

Get ready for the 69th Annual Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade! This cherished event brings the community together for a festive celebration. Witness a dazzling procession featuring marching bands, creatively decorated floats from local organizations, and enthusiastic participants. It's a perfect way...

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...

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...

Join the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea for their annual Holidays in the Park event, featuring a magical tree and Menorah lighting ceremony. Santa arrives by fire truck, accompanied by the Del Monte Brass, setting a festive tone. The evening includes a...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus arrives to lead the community in a festive countdown, illuminating Milpitas's 30-foot holiday tree. Enjoy enchanting performances by local talent, including the Milpitas Community Concert Band, and savor warm hot...

Teens can make a difference by volunteering at the Belmont Winter Wonderland Workshop. This event offers a chance to assist with arts and crafts for younger children, help manage toy donations, and support the overall success of the festive gathering....

Get ready for a festive and unconventional celebration as San Jose hosts its annual SantaCon. This event is a unique gathering where participants dress as Santa Claus for a day of lighthearted fun and community spirit. It's an opportunity to...

Join the City of Palo Alto for a magical evening at Lytton Plaza to celebrate the holiday season. This festive event features enchanting live music from local performers and delightful winter treats. It's the perfect way to gather with family...

Unleash your inner decorator at the Heritage Holiday Adult Gingerbread Workshop in Downtown San Jose. This event offers a fun, hands-on experience where participants can craft and decorate their own festive gingerbread creations. It's a perfect way to embrace the...

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...

Join the Hillsdale Shopping Center for their annual Rockin' Holiday Show and Tree Lighting event. This festive celebration marks the official start of the holiday season with a spectacular tree illumination and a special holiday show featuring live music and...