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Christmas Lights in Capitola, CA
The top places to see Christmas lights in Capitola this season are Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights (Nov 27 – Dec 24), Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train (From Nov 27) and Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk (From Nov 27). We've mapped 1 display in Capitola and 23 more nearby (5 tree lightings, 5 parades, 5 drive-thrus). 14 are free. 7 are synced to music. Tap any display for dates, hours and directions.
Updated Nov 12, 2026
Near Capitola (within 25 miles)
Tap + Tour on a few displays to get one driving route you can send to your phone (how it works). Missing a house or show in Capitola? Add it free.
Christmas lights in Capitola: common questions
What are the best Christmas lights in Capitola?
Popular picks this season include Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights (Nov 27 – Dec 24), Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train (From Nov 27), Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk (From Nov 27) and San Jose Holiday Lights (DOCA Festival) (Nov 13 – Jan 1). In all, 24 displays are mapped in and around Capitola, from decorated houses and neighborhoods to ticketed light shows.
Where can I see free Christmas lights in Capitola?
Free options include Winter on the Wharf, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, Cannery Row Tree Lighting and Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade. 14 of the 24 displays near Capitola are free to visit; most home and neighborhood displays cost nothing to drive by.
Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show near Capitola?
Yes. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Holiday Lights ($11.50-$42 depending on ticket), Sparky's Holiday Lights and Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Lake County Park (Ticketed per vehicle, bought in advance). Drive-thru shows usually charge per car, and buying tickets online ahead of time is often faster.
Are there Christmas lights synced to music in Capitola?
Yes. North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens, Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival & Parade and Morgan Hill Holiday Lights Parade. Synced displays broadcast their soundtrack on a low-power FM station so you can listen from your car.
When do Christmas lights start in Capitola?
The earliest Capitola-area displays turn on Nov 13, and most are running by the weekend after Thanksgiving. Many stay lit through New Year's; check each display's page for its exact dates and nightly hours.
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Professional Christmas light installers in Capitola hang, maintain and take down your lights, or install permanent lights you control from your phone. Tell us about your house and get free quotes.
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