Seasonal & Holidays
2025 Watsonville Holiday Guide: Lights, Festive Fun & Good Cheer
From small-town charm to seasonal celebrations, these hometown holiday highlights bring the spirit of the season to life.
The holiday season has arrived in Watsonville, bringing twinkling lights, cheerful events and plenty of ways to make memories close to home. From light displays to beloved local traditions, here are the hometown holiday highlights you won’t want to miss.
Please note: Dates and details are subject to change, so be sure to check with each organizer before you go — many events require tickets or reservations in advance.
Roaring Camp Railroads Holiday Lights Train
When: November 28–29 and December 6–7, 13–23, 2025
Where: Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA
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Experience a beloved holiday tradition aboard the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train as vintage railcars glow with colorful lights while rolling through the streets of the city. Guests can enjoy live music from Steve Bennett, festive sing-alongs and a special visit from Santa and his elves. Ticket options include Standard Class Canopy Cars ($58.25 adults, $38.11 children), First Class Coach Cars ($74.15 adults, $48.71 children) and private Coach Cars by phone reservation. Children under age 2 ride free.
More info: roaringcamp.com/holiday-lights
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Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Craft Fair
When: December 5–6, 2025 | 12 PM to 9 PM
Where: 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA
Find heartfelt handmade gifts and festive treats at the Heritage Holiday Craft Fair at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Visitors can browse a wide variety of artisan vendors, enjoy delicious food and take in the spectacular Sparky’s Holiday Lights display. It’s a lively place to gather with friends, shop local and celebrate the season.
More info: fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-fair-2-2/
Aptos Village Green Holiday Craft Fair & Tree Lighting
When: December 6, 2025 | 1 PM to 4 PM
Where: 151 Aptos Vlg Wy, Aptos, CA
Kick off the season at the nearby Aptos Village Green Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, pictures with Santa and festive music and performances. Local artisans display beautifully handcrafted gifts perfect for holiday giving. Tickets are $70.
More info: aptoschamber.com/event/holiday-market-tree-lighting
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
When: December 6, 2025 | 10 AM to 12 PM
Where: Pacific Avenue between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA
The beloved Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade returns with local schools, youth organizations, community groups and festive characters such as Anna and Elsa, Jack Skellington and Santa himself. With cheerful performances and a lively holiday atmosphere, it’s a fun-filled way for families to kick off the season together.
More info: downtownsantacruz.com/events/downtown-holiday-parade
Capitola: Holiday Cookie Walk
When: December 6, 2025 | 11 AM to 4 PM
Where: Capitola Village, Esplanade Park, 120 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA
Stroll through the historic Capitola Village with a complimentary cookie box and collect delicious holiday treats from participating local shops. Registration is $23.18 and must be completed online. Participants should bring their registration confirmation to Capitola Candy Cafe to pick up their box before beginning the walk.
More info: capitolavillage.com/event/capitola-village-holiday-cookie-walk-2025
Santa Cruz Harbor: Lighted Boat Parade
When: December 6, 2025 | 5:30 PM
Where: Santa Cruz Yacht Club, 244 4th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Watch more than 50 brilliantly decorated sailboats and powerboats illuminate the harbor during the annual Lighted Boat Parade, featuring a "Christmas at the North Pole" theme. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere from multiple viewing areas, including the Murray Street Bridge and various harbor paths. Hot drinks and snacks will be available throughout the event.
More info: scyc.org/lighted-boat-parade
Santa Cruz Ballet Theater: The Nutcracker
When: December 20–21, 2025 | 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM
Where: 307 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA
Enjoy a magical holiday tradition with Santa Cruz Ballet Theater’s performance of The Nutcracker. This year features special guest Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, returning to his hometown for a standout appearance. Performances run two hours with one intermission, and tickets range from $20.50 to $65.
More info: santacruzdancetheater.org/nutcracker-at-the-civic
Enjoy the season, make a few memories close to home and have a happy holiday, Watsonville!
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