Santa Cruz Holiday Lights & Monarchs
A lighted holiday train from the Boardwalk, Santa on Bear Mountain and monarch butterflies in the eucalyptus. Short drive, easy for little ones.
1.25 hrs drive · 1 day or overnight · Best for babies to big kids · Nov–Dec
Day 1: Butterflies, Santa & lights
- 10:00 Monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach
- 12:00 Lunch by the wharf (the far end with the sea lion viewing holes collapsed in Dec 2024; check what's open)
- 1:30 Holiday Tree Walk at Roaring Camp: steam train up Bear Mountain, cider and Santa
- 5:00 Holiday Lights Train from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (about 1 hr)
From parents who have been
- At the Natural Bridges grove, lie down on the wooden boardwalk and look straight up into the eucalyptus. That's the best view of the clusters. Docents on the path will show first-timers where to look. On clear, chilly afternoons the butterflies were very active. Lookout Santa Cruz
- Winter storms can scatter the Natural Bridges cluster. One visitor on Jan 1, 2025 found zero monarchs there and was sent to Lighthouse Field on West Cliff, which still had plenty. Keep it as a backup. iNaturalist journal post
- Pay the $10 parking at Roaring Camp once and you can also walk into Henry Cowell next door. Food is basic grill fare and lines can be long, so many families bring a picnic for the tables. TripAdvisor reviews
- On the steam train, sit away from the engine if you want to hear the conductor's stories. The Bear Mountain stop is mainly a short stretch-and-restroom break, and one reviewer found the 75-minute ride slow. Santa at the top is what makes the Tree Walk worth it. TripAdvisor reviews
- The Holiday Lights Train's standard cars are open-sided with only a canopy, and December is rainy season. Check the forecast, or pay for an enclosed car if rain is likely. Islands.com
- Lights Train riders said there isn't much to see in the dark beyond the train's own lights, and the sing-alongs are the main event. Seats inside your car are first come, so line up early only if you care where you sit. Waiting outside in the cold was not worth it to some. TripAdvisor reviews
Good to know
- Lights Train runs Nov 27–28, Dec 5–6 and Dec 12–23
- Tree Walk runs Nov 27–29, Dec 5–6, 12–13 and 19–23, so pick a day that has both
- Book both rides ahead; the Lights Train sells out near Christmas
- Monarchs fly most on sunny, mild days
- The Tree Walk leaves from Felton and the Lights Train from the Boardwalk, about 25 minutes apart
Sources: Train dates (Bay Area Kids Go)