Santa Cruz Christmas Lights 2024

Nestled on the central coast of California, Santa Cruz may not offer a snowy Christmas, but it certainly shines brightly! The harbor, long wharf, and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are beautifully adorned with holiday decorations. Restaurants and boutiques also join in the festive spirit, illuminating the area with twinkling lights. There are numerous fantastic ways to enjoy the Christmas lights in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade (Saturday, December 7, 2024)

The Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Santa Cruz Harbor. Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, this festive event features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, the East Harbor launch ramp, and various harbor paths. Charter boats are also available for a unique perspective. Attendees can enjoy hot drinks and snacks at various South Harbor locations and are encouraged to bring reusable mugs.

Holiday Lights at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds (November 29–December 24, 2024)

Every winter, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds becomes a winter wonderland. Holiday Lights is a drive-through display, open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 29 to December 24. Additional openings are on Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24. A half-mile route features fantastic lighted holiday displays, such as Santa, Reindeer, Snowman, and, our course, giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights. The lighted tunnel is another highlight of the show. The lights are on from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. Admission is $20 per car and $40 for RVs, buses, and limousines.

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train (November 29–30, December 7–8, 14–23, 2024)

The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train returns this season, offering a festive way to experience holiday cheer in Santa Cruz. Running on select dates from November 29 to December 23, this enchanting ride features vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of colorful LED lights as they roll through city streets, passing by beautifully decorated homes. Passengers can enjoy live holiday music by Steve Bennett, join in carol sing-alongs, and meet Santa Claus and his elves. Hot cider adds to the cozy atmosphere during the approximately one-hour ride.

The Holiday Lights Train departs from Neptune's Kingdom on the Boardwalk at 5, 6:30, and 8 pm. Ticket options include fully enclosed First Class Coach Cars with plush seating, starting at $48.71, and Standard Class canopy-covered cars, starting at $38.11.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Winter Wonderland (Select days: November 28, 2024 – January 5, 2025)

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Winter Wonderland is set to bring holiday cheer from December 28, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Visitors can enjoy a selection of Boardwalk rides, games, and arcades, surrounded by festive holiday decorations, including a stunning three-story Christmas tree. The event will feature classic Boardwalk treats, fire pit rentals with holiday s'mores, and opportunities for photos with Santa on select days. Guests can also indulge in some holiday shopping while taking in the breathtaking beach view. As the organizers suggest, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the season at the beach.

Farley's Christmas Wonderland (November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025)

Farley's Christmas Wonderland, located in midtown Santa Cruz, CA, is a walk-in Christmas display featuring traditional holiday elements like Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, and even a log cabin where Santa takes rest stops. A unique feature of this festive wonderland is the fairy grotto, complete with two waterfalls and fairies, which can be seen on special nights when it also snows. Unlike other drive-by displays, Farley’s offers a leisurely experience, where visitors can relax on benches in the Fairy Garden or in rocking chairs by the fireplace in Santa's cabin. Recognized by Department 56 as one of the top 10 Christmas displays worldwide, this holiday attraction is open from 5:30 pm to 8 pm from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year's Day.