No fruitcake here, we only list the good stuff!

First, my apologies to fruitcake lovers everywhere. Some of my best friends love fruitcakes. Second, Half Moon Bay loves to throw a good ol’ fashioned community event, and none are bigger than those during the Christmas holiday season. From the “Night of Lights”, lighted boats at the harbor to a community tree lighting ceremony – Half Moon Bay knows how to put on the Ritz!

Half Moon Bay Christmas Tree Farm Locations – Late Nov through Dec.

Multiple locations for pick and cut Christmas farms and pre cut Christmas tree lots are listed at https://www.explorer1.com/halfmoonbay/things-to-do/festivals-and-events/christmas-tree-farms/. Getting your family’s Christmas tree can become a cherished family memory and the beginning of a new family tradition!

Twelfth Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Silent Auction – TBD

Houses on display TBD

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay’s Annual Gingerbread House Contest accepts creative entries by children, home cooks and culinary professionals. Contest winners are announced during the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration. Many houses are up for auction, with proceeds benefiting Coastside Children’s Programs. Visit BiddingforGood.com/CCP to bid on your favorite house.

Address: 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, California 94019 United States
Phone: (650) 712-7000
Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/half-moon-bay/hotel-overview/calendar

Johnston House Holiday Boutique – Cancelled

The annual event offers a stroll through the historic house all decked out for the holidays. The boutique features gifts for all ages from regional craft artists, local merchants, and purchased items.

Address: Higgins Canyon Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA
Phone: (650) 726-0329
Website: http://www.johnstonhouse.org/holiday-house-boutique

Night of Lights – TBD

The event generally features a tree lighting ceremony in Mac Dutra Park, a Parade of Lights down Main Street, carolers and musical entertainment, roasted chestnuts and activities for the kids.

Address: Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA
Phone: (650) 726-8380
Website: https://www.visithalfmoonbay.org/local/night-lights

Christmas in the Redwoods – TBD

Enjoy a holiday celebration full of family activities, performances by the Hayward La Honda Music Camp, and a very special visitor from the North Pole!

YMCA Camp Jones Gulch
Address: 11000 Pescadero Road, La Honda, CA 94020
Phone: (650) 747-1200
Website: https://www.ymcasf.org/locations/ymca-camp-jones-gulch

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration – TBD

Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay

The resort’s annual holiday open house welcomes you to enjoy holiday carolers, Santa Claus and the lighting of the 25-foot tree on our beautiful Ocean Lawn. Hot chocolate, apple cider, eggnog and cookies are offered throughout the evening.

Address: 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, California 94019 United States
Phone: (650) 712-7000
Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/half-moon-bay/hotel-overview/calendar

Holiday Lights Train – Returning 2021

Felton to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the streets of Santa Cruz as passengers lend their voices to holiday carols, sip hot spiced cider and listen to musical entertainment while Santa visits the little ones, or the young at heart!

Address: 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018
Phone: (831) 335-4484
Website: https://www.roaringcamp.com/events

The Pillar Point Lighted Boat Festival – TBD

Decorated boats parade through Santa Cruz Harbor. This is a fun event for the whole family.

Address: 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 726-4382
Website: https://www.smharbor.com/pillar-point-harbor