Surfing Santas and a holiday lights train among the highlights in the Santa Cruz area this season

November 18, 8:02 AMPhoenix Western US Travel ExaminerAngele Sionna

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The Santa Cruz area has everything from Surfing Santas to a Holiday Lights Train and more this holiday season. Here's a look at some of the upcoming holiday highlights in the Central California Coast beach town, approximately 70 miles south of San Francisco and 40 miles north of Monterey...

California’s oldest seaside resort town hosts Surfing Santa each year, as jolly Saint Nick and his reindeer ride the waves to shore at Capitola Beach. Hang loose on Saturday, November 28, 2009 around noon, as Santa settles into a lawn chair on the beach and takes wish list requests from the kids while Donner, Blitzen and the others break out the candy and the holiday cheer.
 
For a nostalgic look at Christmas, the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train features beautifully lit Pullman and open-air excursion cars which travel through Victorian Santa Cruz as carolers sing and the sweet scent of hot spiced cider fills the air. Outdoor lovers can opt to ride the steam train to Bear Mountain and view holiday trees decorated by youth and community groups along the Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp.  The forest brims with the spirit of the season during this back-to-nature event, taking place Thanksgiving weekend.
 
Seaside, the Jingle Shells Art & Book Festival on Saturday, December 5, features live music, refreshments and kids activities. Held at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz, the highlight of the evening is the annual holiday lighting of Ms. Blue, the world’s largest Blue Whale skeleton, which sits adjacent to the museum.
 
A longtime draw for sailing aficionados, the Santa Cruz Harbor gets into the spirit of things as fifty decorated boats bedecked with twinkling lights parade through the waters at the annual Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2009.  The festive boats set sail at 5:30 p.m. and hot drinks and snacks will be provided at various locations along the south harbor.
 
For a touch of times past, celebrate Ranch Holiday Festival on December 19, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Wilder Ranch State Park, located off Hwy 1 in Santa Cruz. Experience the winter holidays as folks did in early California, Victorian times, and during the start of the 20th Century. Historical demonstrations, house tours, carriage rides; music and holiday crafts will put you in the mood for Christmas cheer.

For even more ideas on things to do this holiday season in the area, go to www.santacruzevents.travel