2025 Central Coast Holiday Event Guide

Holiday Events Across the Central Coast

As the holiday season gets into full swing, there are a variety of events happening across the Central Coast that cater to all ages and interests. From festive workshops to community gatherings, these events offer a chance to celebrate the spirit of the season in unique and meaningful ways.

Community Crafts and Cocoa

Several locations are hosting events that combine creativity with the warmth of the holidays. In Aptos, the "Crafts and Cocoa" event invites families to enjoy holiday crafts, warm cocoa, and cookie decorating. This family-friendly gathering is set for Friday, December 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Similarly, in Scotts Valley, a similar event will take place at the Scotts Valley Community Center on the same day and time. Attendees can enjoy crafts, cocoa, and cookie decorating for $5 per person and $2 per cookie.

Holiday-Themed Activities

For those looking for more specific holiday experiences, there are several options. In Ben Lomond, the Howden Castle's Supper Club hosts a "Holiday Cookie Party" on Sunday, December 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. Reservations are required for this event. Meanwhile, in Boulder Creek, the 9th Annual Boulder Creek Reindeer 5k Run takes place on Wednesday, December 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. The proceeds from this run benefit the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District Foundation.

Capitola's "Uncle Nathan's Day" offers an opportunity to donate gifts to children in need while enjoying music, food, and gifts. This event runs on Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In Carmel-by-the-sea, the Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre (MPBT) returns to Sunset Center with the 2025 production of The Nutcracker from December 12 to 14, starting at 7 p.m. each night.

Cultural and Religious Celebrations

In Felton, Mount Hermon hosts a series of events including Christmas concerts, buffet dinners, and a Christmas Craft Boutique. These events take place on December 12-13 at 7:30 p.m., and on December 14 at 2:30 p.m. Additionally, the Holiday Market features arts and crafts, food, and holiday lights, taking place on Sunday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For those celebrating Hanukkah, the Menorah Lighting event at the Del Monte Shopping Center's fountain area near Lululemon is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This event is a great way to come together and celebrate with friends and family.

Family-Friendly Events

There are also numerous family-oriented activities. In Gilroy, the Gilroy Gardens' North Pole Nights event continues until Wednesday, December 31, offering ice skating, festive food, and live shows. In Marina, the Winterfest and Holiday Meal event provides free meals, crafts, and photo opportunities with Santa, taking place on Sunday, December 21, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Monterey's "Christmas in the Adobes" allows visitors to enjoy the historic adobes adorned in holiday decor from December 12 to 13, between 5 and 9 p.m. Meanwhile, in Pacific Grove, the "Holiday Cooking and Crafts With Kids" workshop helps children aged 5-15 create holiday gifts, running from Monday, December 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Special Events and Workshops

Other notable events include the "Santa Paws Holiday Quest" hosted by Oscar's Playground and Pacific Pet Treats on Wednesday, December 17, from 5:30 p.m. This event includes photos with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, and holiday bingo. In Salinas, the "Winter Wonderland" offers free arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and presents with Santa on Friday, December 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The "Santa Con at Hops and Fog" in Santa Cruz is a toy drive and pub crawl supporting the Monterey Peninsula Autism Assistance, taking place on Saturday, December 13, from 4:30 to 10 p.m.

Seasonal Celebrations

In Santa Cruz, the 4th Annual Winter On The Wharf offers free photo opportunities with Elsa and Anna from Frozen, snow pits, face paint, and balloon animals on Saturday, December 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's "Brunch with Santa" includes a buffet, cookie decorating, and Santa story time on Sunday, December 14, from 9 a.m. The Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium hosts the Symphony Holiday Concert, featuring festive favorites, Hanukkah selections, and sing-along tunes on December 13 at 7:30 p.m. and December 14 at 1 p.m.

In Watsonville, the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds' Holiday Lights offer a 1/2 mile drive-through experience of holiday displays, open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Christmas Eve, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Additionally, the Holiday Ornament Making event allows attendees to decorate shaped ornaments with gold and silver decorations, accompanied by wine or sparkling beverages, for those aged 10 and older, with a $80 RSVP fee. This event is scheduled for Friday, December 12, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly activity, a cultural celebration, or a special event, there's something for everyone during the holiday season. Don't forget to check out the 2025 list of holiday events on the Central Coast for more details.