Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
November 26, 2026 - January 3, 2027 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County Holiday / Family
The Boardwalk's holiday season, running from Thanksgiving through the first days of January.
Official site ↗Monterey & Santa Cruz counties
Central Coast events in
December 2026
9 public events across both counties in December 2026 — 2 in Monterey County, 7 in Santa Cruz County. Dates are the organizer's; check the official page before you travel.
A Taste of Ireland: A Celtic Christmas
December 2, 2026 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County Holiday / Performance
A one-night holiday performance at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.
Downtown Boulder Creek Market & Ugly Sweater Contest
December 4, 2026 Boulder Creek Santa Cruz County Holiday / Market
A one-day holiday market and ugly sweater contest in downtown Boulder Creek.
Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
December 5, 2026 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County Holiday / Parade
A one-evening parade of lit boats through Santa Cruz Harbor.
Hallcrest Vineyards Holiday Market
December 6, 2026 Felton Santa Cruz County Holiday / Market
A one-day holiday market at Hallcrest Vineyards in Felton.
Christmas in the Adobes
December 11-12, 2026 Monterey Monterey County Holiday / Heritage
A one-evening holiday heritage event through Monterey's historic downtown adobes.
Official site ↗Hotel Paradox Holiday Market
December 20, 2026 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County Holiday / Market
A one-day holiday market at the Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz.
First Night Monterey
December 31, 2026 Monterey Monterey County New Year's Eve / Arts Festival
Monterey's New Year's Eve arts festival, held across downtown on December 31.
Official site ↗Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
Date not yet announced Santa Cruz Santa Cruz County Holiday / Parade
Santa Cruz's holiday parade along Pacific Avenue downtown. The 2026 date has not been announced.
Official site ↗Every month, August through December 2026: August 2026 · September 2026 · October 2026 · November 2026 · December 2026