The Lighted Boat Parade in Santa Cruz
There’s always something happening in the city of Santa Cruz, especially towards the end of the year. From movie screenings to holiday performances, there are a wide variety of exciting activities and events for the entire family to enjoy.
As we move full-swing into the holiday season, the city is getting ready to celebrate—and here’s how you can get involved with your community and experience some cheer! Below are just a few of the exciting events happening in December.
Downtown Parades
The annual downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade is happening on December 7th, from 10AM to 12PM. Sponsored by local businesses and organizations, this parade has always been a highlight for the kids, featuring marching bands, fun costumes, dancers, and more. The parade begins at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Laurel Street and goes up to Water Street. More information can be found here.
That same day, the Lighted Boat Parade is happening on the South Harbor, from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. This event is hosted by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club. Viewing is free, but participants must register in order to qualify for the prizes. More information can be found here.
Crafts & Activities
For those looking for some fun, hands-on activities, the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum is hosting cookie and gingerbread house decorating with Mrs. Claus on December 14th. This event is suitable for all ages and requires a donation to the museum to participate, available on a first come, first serve basis. More information can be found here.
Santa Cruz’s Reindeer Round-Up runs from November 29th to December 23rd. This is a collaboration between many downtown businesses. Grab a map at the information kiosk and find all of the reindeer around the stores downtown for a prize. More information can be found here.
Childish Toy Shop, located at 1122 Pacific Avenue, is getting a visit from Santa. Stop by on Saturdays and Sundays starting December 7th from 12PM to 4PM to say hello. The store is also hosting a gift card giveaway event for those who shop on certain days during the month. More information can be found here.
Movies, Games, & Rides
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is once again hosting Winter Wonderland, starting November 28th and running until January 5th. This event includes a range of different activities, including holiday lights and decorations, photo opportunities with special guests, sweet treats and fire pit rentals, games, and more. One of the highlights is a story time and movie with Santa. This year’s movie is The Grinch and snacks are available for purchase. More information, including tickets and passes, can be found here.
The Santa Cruz Cinema is showing Elf on December 7th at 11AM. Tickets for this Christmas classic can be purchased here. Meanwhile, Roaring Camp, Santa Cruz’s historic railway system, also has numerous events, including the Holiday Tree Walk and Lights Train. They are also running a New Years Train and Chanukah Train, each with their own activities, as well. Find all events here.
Finally, the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz is offering free holiday gift wrapping services from December 19th to 23rd when making a purchase from a participating downtown Santa Cruz store. More information can be found here.
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