Santa Cruz Christmas Parties 2026

11 christmas parties in Santa Cruz and nearby.

Last updated: September 20, 2026

From wine valleys and historic ranches to breweries and civic centers, Santa Cruz County's holiday season boasts a diverse array of gatherings. Consider a jazz-filled wine tasting in Ben Lomond or a family gingerbread creation in East Palo Alto.

View these on a map →

All Christmas Parties Around Santa Cruz

Boardwalk Holiday Bash

Santa Cruz, CA

$$$

Dec 4

All-inclusive holiday party for groups with dinner and entertainment.

The Boardwalk Holiday Bash is a party for small businesses and groups. The event includes a buffet dinner, unlimited soft drinks, arcade games, mini golf, laser tag, and DJ entertainment. Photo booths and airbrush tattoos are available.

Food Drink PartiesCommunity CelebrationFestive Food

Holiday Wine Tasting, Charcuterie & Steve Abrams Jazz Trio

Ben Lomond, CA 10 mi from Santa Cruz

Dec 12

Holiday wine tasting with jazz and discounted wine sale

Roberts Ranch Vineyards hosts a wine tasting with five current wines, charcuterie, and live jazz by the Steve Abrams Trio. The event includes appetizers, an annual wine sale with volume discounts, and complimentary gift boxing.

Holiday MarketFood TrucksFestive Food

The Christmas Bar Crawl - San Jose

San Jose, CA 26 mi from Santa Cruz

Dec 19

Festive bar crawl with included drinks and Santa hat.

Get ready to 'Get Lit For The Holidays!' at San Jose's premier Christmas Bar Crawl. Don your most festive attire and join a lively crowd for an unforgettable night. Your ticket includes 2-3 drinks or shots, no cover charges at...

Food Drink PartiesSeasonal ActivitiesHoliday Season

Christmas Tree Elegance 2026: A Vegas Noël

San Jose, CA 26 mi from Santa Cruz

$$$

Dec 4

Vegas-themed holiday gala supporting mental health services

Experience the magic of Christmas Tree Elegance 2026: A Vegas Noël, a spectacular holiday event in downtown San Jose. Choose between an elegant Champagne Brunch with a fashion show or a glamorous Dinner Gala with casino-style entertainment. Both events feature...

Food Drink PartiesCommunity CelebrationCharity Event

All Club Holiday Potluck and Boutique 2026

San Jose, CA 27 mi from Santa Cruz

Free

Dec 14

Holiday potluck lunch and boutique benefiting HVAC project

The San Jose Woman's Club hosts its annual All Club Holiday Potluck and Boutique. Attendees can enjoy a potluck lunch, with the club providing turkey and ham, and guests bringing a side dish. The event features a Holiday Boutique with...

Food TrucksFestive FoodHoliday Shopping

Margie Barilla Foundation Top Golf Foster Care Holiday Party 2026

San Jose, CA 31 mi from Santa Cruz

Nov 21

Foster care support event at Topgolf

The Margie Barilla Foundation hosts a Foster Care Holiday Party at Topgolf in San Jose. This community event gathers supporters and celebrates children in foster care and survivors of human trafficking, with activities for kids, gift bags, and lunch.

Charity EventCommunity CelebrationFamily Friendly

The Perfect House Gingerbread Creation

East Palo Alto, CA 34 mi from Santa Cruz

Dec 6

Gingerbread house creation with charitable donation

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley's pastry team guides attendees in creating a gingerbread house at The Perfect House Gingerbread Creation. The family event includes decorating supplies and seasonal refreshments. A portion of proceeds benefits RISE.

Food Drink PartiesFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Madera New Year's Eve Dinner

Menlo Park, CA 32 mi from Santa Cruz

Gourmet New Year's Eve dinner with live music

Celebrate New Year's Eve in style at Madera, offering a lavish multi-course dining experience. Guests can anticipate a gourmet menu featuring caviar, a decadent seafood plateau, and a prime rib roast, all complemented by live music. The restaurant boasts beautiful...

Food Drink PartiesFestive FoodCulinary Delights

Santa Cruz New Year's Eve Galactic Celebration

Santa Cruz, CA

$$$

2026 dates TBA

Galactic New Year's Eve celebration with cosmic lasers and themed decor

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...

New Years EveFamily FriendlyLive Music

Saratoga Holiday Wine Stroll Experience

Saratoga, CA 20 mi from Santa Cruz

2026 dates TBA

Holiday wine stroll through historic village

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...

Holiday MarketFood Drink PartiesLive Music

Roaring into 2026: A 1920s-Inspired New Year's Eve Gala

East Palo Alto, CA 34 mi from Santa Cruz

2026 dates TBA

Gatsby-inspired New Year's Eve gala with gourmet dining.

Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley. This Gatsby-inspired gala promises an evening of vintage elegance, featuring a welcome reception with Prohibition-style cocktails, a decadent...

New Years EveFood VendorsFestive Food

Explore More Categories

Giving Opportunities

1 of 2 Palo Alto Holiday Toy Drive Palo Alto

City-wide toy drive with numerous convenient drop-off points.

See all 2 ways to give →

Lights

1 of 15 Holiday Lights Train Felton

Dazzling light displays on vintage train cars.

See all 15 light displays →

Markets

1 of 23 Aptos Village Green Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting Aptos

Holiday craft fair and tree lighting ceremony

See all 23 markets →

Shows

1 of 14 A Christmas Carol Santa Cruz

Classic holiday tale with new music and theatrical adaptation.

See all 14 shows & screenings →

Unique & Unusual

1 of 35 Boardwalk Winter Wonderland Santa Cruz

Historic seaside amusement park with holiday transformation.

See all 35 unique events →

Find Christmas Parties on Our Map!

See all holiday parties, events, and celebrations in your area.

Open the map →

Santa Cruz Christmas events map - Click to view interactive map

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best holiday dining experiences in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz offers a delightful range of holiday dining experiences, particularly in areas like downtown along Pacific Avenue and the charming Seabright neighborhood. You can find festive menus and seasonal food events at various restaurants throughout the city, perfect for a special Christmas celebration.

Where can I find Christmas party venues in Santa Cruz?

You can find Christmas party venues in various districts across Santa Cruz. Consider the lively downtown area for its many restaurants and event spaces, or explore options near the coast for a different vibe. Many local establishments offer spaces suitable for festive dinners and holiday gatherings.

Are there special holiday menus or food events happening?

Yes, many Santa Cruz restaurants offer special holiday menus and seasonal food events throughout December. Keep an eye out for festive dinners and holiday brunches, especially in popular dining areas. These events are a great way to experience the local culinary scene during the holidays.

What are the options for family-friendly vs. adult-only Christmas parties?

Santa Cruz provides a mix of options. Many restaurants and community centers offer family-friendly holiday events and dining. For adult-only celebrations, explore the diverse bars and restaurants in the downtown area, which often host festive parties and offer special menus for a more mature crowd.

← See ALL Santa Cruz Christmas Events

Christmas Events Near Me

All Christmas Parties Around Santa Cruz

Explore More Categories

Giving Opportunities

Lights

Markets

Shows

Unique & Unusual

Find Christmas Parties on Our Map!

Frequently Asked Questions