12 Days Of Cheer In Watsonville: 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 Watsonville. 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 Watsonville 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. Cruise through a glowing winter wonderland at Sparky’s Holiday Lights.

Sparky’s Holiday Lights turns the nearby Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds into a three-quarter-mile drive-through Christmas light show every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas (plus Dec. 22 through 24). Volunteers spend all year crafting new lighted characters and whimsical displays, so there’s always something fresh to spot from your car window. Load up the family, cue the holiday playlist, and enjoy the twinkling scenes at your own pace. Tickets are priced per vehicle and are available directly through their website or at the gate.

2. Glide under the stars at Ice Skating by the Bay.

About 30 minutes from Watsonville, the Custom House Plaza in Monterey transforms into a sparkling outdoor rink from Nov. 21 through Jan. 4. With Monterey Bay as your backdrop, you can skate daily—late into the evening on most nights—and enjoy that unmistakable coastal holiday charm. Admission starts at $15 for adults and $13 for children, with skate rentals for $5 and special Military Mondays. Busy weekend? Reserve your session early using their online booking system.

3. Cozy up with specialty coffee at Honeylux.

Warm up with a handcrafted latte at Honeylux, a Watsonville favorite known for supporting local creators in every cup. Their beans come from Santa Cruz’s 11th Hour Coffee, pastries from Aptos’ Companion Bakery, teas from Salinas’ Gold Leaf Spice & Teas and chocolate from downtown Santa Cruz’s Mutari Chocolate House, making it a delicious sampler of regional makers. This Aviation Way spot is the perfect stop before holiday errands or a relaxed December morning.

4. Visit Santa at Childish Toy Shop.

The man in red will be visiting the nearby Childish Toy Shop from 12:00 to 4:00 PM on weekends and select weekdays throughout December. Kids can chat with Santa, share holiday wishes and snap sweet, low-stress photos inside this charming downtown Santa Cruz shop. The full event details and schedule are listed on the Downtown Santa Cruz events page.

5. Get lost in the shelves at Two Birds Books.

For a cozy, low-key December activity, browse the warm and dog-friendly Two Birds Books on 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz, where new, used and discounted titles line the shelves. Beyond books, you’ll find puzzles, gifts and staff picks perfect for holiday giving. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, they can special-order nearly any title—just give them a call or stop by the counter.

6. Ride the festive Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train.

Hop aboard the sparkling Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train for a magical December adventure through Santa Cruz. The 60-minute ride departs from the Boardwalk carousel area and rolls past homes decorated for the season while live holiday music fills the vintage cars. Special offerings include a Chanukah Train, New Year’s Train and added activities like warm cider and photo ops with Santa and his elves. Tickets and schedules are available at the Roaring Camp booking page.

7. Get crafty and shop local at Annieglass.

Annieglass on Harvest Drive offers hands-on workshops that range from glass projects and watercolor sessions to ceramics. You can browse upcoming classes on their workshop calendar, where you’ll find seasonally-themed sessions like DIY glass ornament and holiday succulent projects. After your project, explore the on-site retail store stocked with Annieglass originals, artisan good and discounted seconds. With a wine and beer bar on-site, it’s a festive and creative way to spend a winter afternoon.

8. Make Boardwalk Winter Wonderland your coastal holiday tradition.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk comes alive with Winter Wonderland festivities on select dates from Nov. 27 through Jan. 4. Expect family-friendly rides (weather permitting), festive treats like s’more kits and specialty drinks, and unforgettable photos with Santa on a Giant Dipper car. Special events like a Movie with Santa (Dec. 7) and Brunch with Santa (Dec. 14) add extra magic. Want to maximize the fun? Snag a Limited Rides & Attractions Wristband through their advance purchase portal, available on the event page.

9. Discover locally made treasures at Made in Santa Cruz.

Located at the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf, Made in Santa Cruz showcases work from more than 100 local artists and makers, earning its reputation as “The Santa Cruz Shop.” From iconic Banana Slug merch to art glass, lavender goods, jewelry, prints and classic Santa Cruz logo apparel, it’s a one-stop spot for unique gifts. Visit on a Tuesday to take advantage of Locals Tuesday, which includes two free hours of Wharf parking with validation.

10. Savor a seasonal farm-to-table dinner at Persephone.

Persephone in nearby Aptos offers a warm, seasonal dining experience inspired by local farms and global flavors. December is an ideal time to visit, with cozy ambiance and rotating menus that ensure every meal feels special. Weekly traditions like Wednesday Wine & Cheese (first glass half off) and Thursday Neighborhood Pasta Night (a three-course prix fixe for $40) add inviting options for a festive dinner out. Reservations are recommended for weekend and holiday dining.

11. Experience ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Santa Cruz Shakespeare.

On select dates from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presents a music-filled, 90-minute adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” at the Veterans Memorial Hall. With Mike Ryan starring as Scrooge and a talented supporting cast, this intimate production has quickly become a local holiday favorite following its sold-out 2024 run. Tickets can be purchased through the theater’s online ticketing system.

12. Treat yourself to pies, cider and country charm at Gizdich Ranch.

Located on Peckham Road here in Watsonville, Gizdich Ranch offers a sweet slice of country life all December long, even outside of “u-pick” season. Their gift shop and famous pie shop are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, serving fresh-pressed apple juice, jams and several house-made pie varieties. Enjoy a slice topped with PolarBear ice cream, try an apple slush or grab a deli-style box lunch for an easy picnic.

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

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