Nothing beats the holiday time when everyone piles into the car searching for Christmas lights in Santa Cruz, California. It’s a family tradition that can be passed down from generation to generation and is super fun. Stroll around Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas this year to see some spectacular holiday lights that will make you feel even more festive.
We did the hard part for you and found some pretty incredible Santa Cruz light displays that are a must-see for the whole family.
Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
- Address: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is decorated with spectacular lights that allow you an incredible 3/4 mile ride. Families can drive through the fairgrounds to view millions of lights from the decorated lawns, tractors, and trees. Two radio stations will play holiday music for all to enjoy, so grab your tickets fast. The event starts November 25 and goes through December 25.
You can also check their website for the special walk-thru night. Tickets range between $20 to $40 depending on when you grab them.
Holiday Light Train
- Address: Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Pop onto the Holiday Light Train to view all the best Christmas lights throughout Santa Cruz. A vintage car will be decorated with stunning lights, leading you through the town, where you can enjoy the holiday spirit and beautiful houses. You’ll get a special visit from Santa and have carolers along the way as well. The ride is one hour and departs three times a night, at 5 pm, 6:30 pm, and 8 pm.
Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
- Address: 108 Seaview Ave, Santa Cruz
This Christmas wonderland is located in midtown and offers a traditional look on Christmas. Guests can walk among the Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, elf village, and more when visiting. The best part is it snows on some nights. Their display opens the Saturday after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The house will be featured this year on television, so expect it to be extra busy.
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
- Address: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is lit up and ready for the holidays. There will be a ton to do but be sure to visit the thee-story tall Christmas tree and browse around the holiday decorations. Tickets can be purchased online for this event that starts on November 24.
Holiday Lights in Seabright
- Address: Seabright Neighborhood, Santa Cruz
Neighbors in the Seabright neighborhood of Santa Cruz love Christmas and show it through their incredible displays. Numerous houses take it upon themselves to decorate their homes to the nines for a stunning light display that all can enjoy. There are numerous houses in their neighborhood that decorate, so you won’t be disappointed when visiting.
Fantasy of Lights
- Address: 333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos
Head into Los Gatos for an incredible Christmas Light display. The Fantasy of Lights has over 50 illuminated displays that feature anything you can imagine, including dinosaurs and a camping Santa. You can drive 1.5 miles through this stunning route that offers a tunnel of lights and a radio station with holiday tunes. Tickets are $20 per vehicle. Their walk thru option is now open as well.
Lights for a Cause
- Address: Deerfield Dr, Scotts Valley
Neighbors in Scotts Valley banned together for a stunning light display through their neighborhood. The lovely houses will bring holiday cheer to your family, but the best part is the cause. Since the area became increasingly popular due to the lights, neighbors have been accepting canned food to donate to Second Harvest in Scotts Valley. Guests will have the option to walk around the light display or drive.
Spending time outdoors and enjoying the festive lights is a great way to bring the family together. Remember, so of these light, displays are people’s homes, so respect them and keep them off their lawns.
Check Out More Events this Christmas In Santa Cruz
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