12 Days Of Cheer In Santa Cruz: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Santa Cruz. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Santa Cruz feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Drive through Sparky’s Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds.

Wind your way through three-quarters of a mile of twinkling displays at Sparky’s Holiday Lights, a festive drive-thru created by volunteers at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation. The show runs Friday through Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with special bonus nights Dec. 22–24 to keep a longtime Christmas Eve tradition alive. Buy tickets in advance to save ($20 online, $25 at the gate). Expect cheerful animated characters, new themed scenes every year and plenty of photo stops from the comfort of your car.

2. Visit with Santa at Childish Toy Shop.

Pop into Childish Toy Shop on Pacific Avenue for scheduled Santa visits on weekends and select weekdays through the third week of December. Dates like Dec. 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 and Dec. 22–23 will have Santa appearances from noon to 4 p.m. Kids get one-on-one time with Santa to share wish lists, while parents snap keepsake photos and browse the shop’s classic toys and games. It’s an easy, low-key holiday stop right in downtown Santa Cruz that pairs perfectly with nearby coffee or lunch.

3. Savor Cuban- and Vietnamese-inspired drinks at Mariposa Coffee Bar.

For something warm and inventive, grab a cafecito or a phin-drip Vietnamese coffee at Mariposa Coffee Bar, where Cuban and Vietnamese influences meet vegetarian comfort food. Try the Bella Bon Bon with condensed milk or the salted-cheese-foam café muối, then pair it with a flaky puff pastry or bánh mì for a satisfying winter bite. The cozy shop is perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up while wandering downtown or heading toward the Wharf.

4. Browse new releases and author events at Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Lose an afternoon among 20,000 square feet of books, cards and gifts at Bookshop Santa Cruz, the long-running indie bookstore that’s known for its children’s selections and lively author series. December often brings holiday book signings and family-friendly events, making it a great destination for unique gifts and a warm, literary escape from the chilly weather. If you’re shopping for readers, ask staff for recommendations — they’re local experts.

5. Make seaside memories at Boardwalk Winter Wonderland.

From Nov. 27 through Jan. 4, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk becomes Winter Wonderland, with seasonal rides, holiday treats, ocean-view fire pits and special events like Photos with Santa (select days) and a Movie with Santa event on Dec. 7. Choose between ride wristbands and $2 tickets per attraction and enjoy festive snacks from peppermint matcha drinks to s’more kits. The Boardwalk’s waterfront setting and giant Dipper backdrop make this a uniquely California holiday tradition.

6. Watch “A Christmas Carol” at Santa Cruz Shakespeare.

Catch a musical, family-friendly staging of A Christmas Carol at Veterans Memorial Hall, running Nov. 26 through Dec. 24, with Mike Ryan as Scrooge. The production blends theatrical storytelling and music for an intimate holiday experience downtown. Arrive early for the best seating and check the box office for special performance times. It’s a beloved seasonal tradition that’s accessible for kids and adults alike.

7. Glide on the outdoor rink at Ice Skating by the Bay in Monterey.

For a classic holiday skate with ocean views, visit Ice Skating by the Bay at Custom House Plaza in Monterey, open now through Jan. 4 with extended evening hours and discounted Military Mondays. Skate rental is available onsite and online bookings are recommended for popular weekend slots. Family passes and season passes are offered too. The rink’s backdrop of Monterey Bay and twinkling lights turns a simple skate into a memorable winter outing.

8. Ride the Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train through Santa Cruz neighborhoods.

Board the vintage cars of Roaring Camp Railroad for an hour-long Holiday Lights Train that departs from the Boardwalk and rolls past illuminated homes with live holiday music and onboard visits from Santa. This magical railroad runs on select dates in late November and December (e.g., Nov. 28th and 29th and weekend blocks in December). Tickets include a boardwalk card that’s good for games and activities. It’s a nostalgic night ride that’s especially magical for children and families.

9. Treat yourself to pastries and seasonal breads at The Buttery.

The Buttery Bakery has been a Santa Cruz institution since 1984, turning out classic European-style breads, pastries and celebration cakes that make holiday mornings feel special. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, it’s the place to pick up catering, cookies or a show-stopping cake for holiday gatherings, and their friendly staff makes ordering a breeze. Stop in early in December to grab fresh-baked goods before the holiday rush.

10. Shop locally made gifts at Made in Santa Cruz on the Wharf.

Find over 100 Santa Cruz artists under one roof at Made in Santa Cruz, the Wharf shop stocked with skate art, ceramics, apparel, bath products and small souvenirs ideal for holiday stockings. Open daily with extended winter hours (weather permitting), the store is especially convenient after a Wharf stroll or Boardwalk visit — and Tuesdays often bring “Locals Tuesday” parking benefits. Buying here supports local makers and guarantees gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

11. Dine by the creek in Old-World style at Shadowbrook.

For a celebratory holiday dinner, reserve a table at Shadowbrook in Capitola to enjoy classic California cuisine in an elegant, storybook setting — arrive by the charming cable car or use the complimentary shuttle if you’re within three miles. Shadowbrook is ideal for anniversary dinners, holiday parties or a special night out. Reservations are recommended and a credit card guarantee is required for larger parties. The restaurant’s warm ambiance and waterside views make winter evenings feel particularly festive.

12. Bowl, play arcade games and sing karaoke at Boardwalk Bowl.

Just steps from the Boardwalk, Boardwalk Bowl blends retro fun with modern amenities. Book a lane for family bowling, try the arcade or catch a karaoke night for a lively December outing. The venue also hosts casual dining and occasional live performances, making it a flexible spot for everything from kids’ parties to date nights. Open daily, it’s an easy, weatherproof activity that pairs nicely with an evening at the Boardwalk.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Santa Cruz!

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