What’s Happening This Holiday Season
‘Tis the Season in Capitola Village
The pumpkins are packed away, the sea air has a little nip to it, and the Village is getting ready to sparkle. November kicks off our favorite stretch of the year, when the Esplanade fills with friends, the shops glow, and there’s something to celebrate nearly every weekend.
From a long-table feast on our wharf to sipping your way through our village, here’s everything coming up this holiday season. Grab your calendar (and your friends) and start planning.
Outstanding in the Field at Capitola Wharf
Thursday, November 12 · 1:00–5:30 pm · Capitola Wharf, 1400 Wharf Road
The historic Capitola Wharf broke in half during the huge waves of winter 2023. Now it’s repaired, rebuilt, and back, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than a long-table feast right over the water.
Hosted by the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, the afternoon brings together Santa Cruz County farmers and Monterey Bay fisherfolk for a meal built on local ingredients. Outstanding in the Field founder Jim Denevan, a Capitola local, heads up the kitchen in his hometown. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime seat with an unforgettable view.
Photo Credit: Marcus Trawick
Win 2 Seats to Outstanding in the Field
Feeling lucky? Every $25 donation to the Capitola Beautification Project gets you a raffle ticket for two seats at the Outstanding in the Field dinner on the Wharf. Even if your name isn’t drawn, you still win: your donation helps fund the Village’s holiday decorations, the Holiday Extravaganza, beach maintenance, and new signage around town.
Winners announced Sunday, November 8 · $25 donation
November Capitola Sip & Stroll
Saturday, November 14 · 12:00–5:00 pm · Capitola Village · $50
Shop, sip, repeat. About 30 Village boutiques team up with local wineries for an afternoon of pours, browsing, and maybe a little early holiday shopping. Your ticket includes a Sip & Stroll logo glass, twelve 2-ounce pour tickets, and a map of every participating shop.
Check-in opens at 11:00 am in the Capitola Community Room at City Hall, 420 Capitola Avenue. Bring your Eventbrite ticket and a photo ID; this one is 21+ and happens rain or shine. Proceeds support the beautification and sustainability of the Village. Fair warning: this event will sell out, so don’t wait.
Grab your Sip & Stroll tickets
Surfing Santa
Saturday, November 28 · 12:00–3:00 pm · Capitola Beach & Esplanade · Free
Forget the sleigh. Santa trades his reindeer for a kayak and rides the waves into Capitola Beach for his annual visit! After he lands, he’ll settle into his beach chair on the Esplanade Stage to say hello and hear wish lists from the kids. Bring your camera for the big arrival and some holiday photos.
It’s also Small Business Saturday, so stick around to shop and dine in the Village. Heads up: in the event of heavy rain, the event will be canceled.
Holiday Extravaganza & Cookie Walk
Saturday, December 5 · 11:00 am–8:00 pm · Capitola Village
Our biggest holiday celebration of the year fills the Village with cookies, cocoa, carols, and a whole lot of twinkle. Here’s how the day unfolds:
- 11:00 am–4:00 pm: Cookie Walk at most Village shops
- All day: Santa Walkabout
- 4:00–7:00 pm: Trike-a-Pose Mobile Photo Booth (Esplanade Park)
- 5:00 pm: Hot chocolate from Shadowbrook & cookies from Gayle’s (Esplanade Park)
- 5:30 pm: Palm Tree Lighting (Esplanade Park) and Community Caroling (Esplanade Stroll)
- 6:00 pm: VW Christmas Parade through the Village
- All day until 8:00 pm: Shops open late for holiday shopping!
Stroll from shop to shop collecting treats, catch Santa wandering the Village, then grab a cocoa and find your spot for the palm tree lighting and parade. It’s the perfect excuse to cross a few names off your gift list, too.
Make It a Village Day
Everything is just steps away in Capitola, so make a day of it. Park once, grab lunch with an ocean view, knock out a few gifts at our locally owned shops, and stay for sunset on the beach. When you shop and dine in the Village this season, you’re supporting the small businesses that make Capitola feel like home.
Shop. Eat. Stay. Play. We’ll see you in the Village!
Learn More About Capitola Village Events
Travel Blog and Photos Courtesy of Opposite of East