Mark your calendar For these can't miss local events
From concerts to cultural events, Santa Cruz is alive with activities celebrating everything from art and fashion to food and film. Here are a few rad events worth adding to your social calendar.
Roaring Camp Railroad: Holiday Tree Walk
Nov 24, 2023 | All Day
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cocoa while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter-themed activities.
DATES
- November 24 – 26
- December 2 – 3
- December 9 – 10

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Nov 24, 2023 | All Day
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.
Itinerary:
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz at 5:00pm, 6:30, and 8:00 pm for a 60-minute round-trip excursion.
DATES
- November 24 – 25
- December 2 – 3
- December 9 – 10
- December 16 – 23

Breakfast with Santa - Dream Inn
Dec 16, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00am Breakfast starts
9:45AM Program Begins
Join us for the 5th annual Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy full ocean views, breakfast buffet, full bar (for the parents, not the elves) cookie decorating, arts & crafts, face painting, story time, a visit and songs with Santa .