When Is Santa Claus Coming To Santa Cruz?

Get ready, because Santa Claus is coming to Santa Cruz! This holiday season, the man in red is spreading holiday joy all over town. So get those wishlists ready, be on your best behavior (Santa knows if you've been bad or good!) and mark your calendar. Here's when and where you can catch Santa in the Santa Cruz area this year!

Please note: Event dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend calling ahead to confirm and making reservations when possible.

Roaring Camp Railroads: Holiday Tree Walk

When: Select dates from Friday, Nov. 24 - Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95108
What: Embark on a festive journey aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain. Warm up with hot cocoa as you greet Santa Claus, adding a sprinkle of magic to the wintry ride. Back in town, winter-themed activities for the whole family await to extend the seasonal cheer. Click here for more info.

Winter on the Wharf

When: Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
What: Santa is headed to the Santa Cruz Wharf on a fire engine, and ready for photo ops! Bring the kids to play in a snow area with Elsa and Anna from "Frozen," and enjoy activities like face painting and custom balloon designs. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or canned food for charity donations and will receive a custom event sticker as a token of appreciation. Click here for more info.

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

When: Select dates from Friday, Nov. 24 - Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
What: The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train is a beloved seasonal event featuring vintage train cars illuminated with festive lights, providing a picturesque journey through the streets of Santa Cruz. After departing from Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk, you’ll partake in a 60-minute round-trip excursion, with start times of 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 p.m. Passengers can enjoy a visit from Santa along with some warm cider or hot cocoa. Click here for more info.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland

When: Select dates from Thursday, Nov. 23 - Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
What: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk transforms into a Winter Wonderland with stunning lights and a three-story Christmas tree. Purchase a Winter Wonderland Package for select dates between Nov. 24 and Dec. 24 for a keepsake photo with Santa. You can also get some extra time with Mr. Claus on two special event dates: a Movie with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 3, and Brunch with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 10. Click here for more info.

Happy holidays, Santa Cruz! Wishing you a joyful season filled with warmth and happiness.

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