Where to Get Your Holiday Fix in Santa Cruz County: Lights, Delicious Treats & Local Small Businesses to Support
Somehow, the second December hits, my full festive alter ego comes out — a slightly chaotic, overly caffeinated Martha Stewart who insists on baking cookies for everyone I’ve ever met, wrapping gifts in perfectly coordinated paper, and rewatching that bow-tying YouTube tutorial like it’s finals week. Between school events, holiday chaos, and my ongoing hunt for the best peppermint latte in Santa Cruz County, this season turns me into the most sparkly, warm-hearted, holiday-gremlin version of myself. If you’re in the same sleigh-bell-and-serotonin era, here’s your ultimate guide to soaking up every bit of the magic Santa Cruz County has to offer.
The Absolute Must-Do: Holiday Lights in Santa Cruz County
Sparky’s Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
A drive-thru and walk-thru winter wonderland packed with glowing tunnels, oversized animated displays, and the kind of lights that make your kids scream “LOOK!” before you even slow the car down. Cozy, festive, and perfect for a no-stress night out.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Think twinkle lights meets ocean breezes. Giant Christmas tree, rides glowing under the night sky, hot cocoa, photo ops, classic Boardwalk treats, and the holiday music that plays in your head all the way home. A must every year.
Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train
A magical vintage train through downtown Santa Cruz filled with lights, carols, and Santa sightings. Kids lose their minds (in the best way), adults get nostalgic, and you’ll definitely end up with at least one frame-worthy family photo.
Photo courtesy of Verve Coffee Roasters
Sip Something Festive: Holiday Caffeine to Fuel Your Shopping
Firefly Coffee House
Grab their seasonal Peppermint Mocha or Gingerbread Latte—cozy, warm, and perfect for a break while you're wrapping up your holiday errands. Bonus: it smells like cinnamon and productivity.
Cat & Cloud Coffee
Their holiday specials are always insanely good, plus their bright vibe + good music = serotonin boost. The Holiday Spiced Cappuccino is chef’s kiss.
Verve Coffee Roasters
Verve always nails their seasonal drink lineup. Think Citrus-Spice Lattes, Peppermint Mochas, and cozy holiday blends. Add in their minimal, California-cool vibes and you’ve basically walked into a festive aesthetic mood board.
Shops, Snaps, Santa
Holiday Tree Lighting on Pacific Avenue
A festive downtown ceremony with live music, twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and that perfect “Hallmark movie small-town moment” feeling.
Capitola Village Holiday Market
Local artists, handmade ornaments, jewelry, candles, treats, and gifts you don’t have to wrap twice because they’re already adorable. Great photo ops with holiday décor by the beach.
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
Floats, marching bands, classic cars, local organizations, and Santa rolling through Pacific Avenue. It’s kid-friendly, community-centered, and one of those annual events that reminds you why you love living here.
Don’t forget! It’s okay if you don’t get to everything on this list. So many of these special spots can use your support all year long. Obviously with the exception of Santa. He needs some sleep.
I Want to Be Your Local Go-To Resource
Looking for more spectacular local favorites? I’ve got a guide for that. Download my FREE Guide to Living like a Santa Cruz Local.
I also share the best spots to check out on Instagram all the time! Do you have a local favorite I missed? Tell me here: @heysarahwagner