Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

YuleTide Holiday Weekends - Winter Fun

Starts: 12/08/2023 - Ends: 12/10/2023

YuleTide Holiday Events

• Bring your festive lights and decor for the camp-wide Holiday Site Decorating Contest!
  
• Enjoy Breakfast with Santa ($) Saturday morning!
  

• Marshmallow War
  
• Marshmallow shooters ($)
  
• S'mores and Cocoa
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Fun Train Rides
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Indoor Movie at the Sand Shack
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

YuleTide Holiday Weekends - Christmas Weekend

Starts: 12/22/2023 - Ends: 12/25/2023

YuleTide Holiday Events

• Bring your festive lights and decor for the camp-wide Holiday Site Decorating Contest!
  
• Enjoy Breakfast with Santa ($) Saturday morning!
  

• Ugly Sweater Fest: Wear your ugliest festive sweater on Saturday evening. Hot Cider, Beer and Snacks Available (donations accepted to benefit Care Camps)
  
• Holiday Train Rides with Santa & Mrs. Claus
  
• S'mores & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus at the pond
  
• Site Decorating Contest 
  
• Indoor Movie at the Sand Shack
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast with Santa ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

YuleTide Holiday Weekends - Holiday Celebration

Starts: 12/15/2023 - Ends: 12/17/2023

YuleTide Holiday Events

• Bring your festive lights and decor for the camp-wide Holiday Site Decorating Contest!
  
• Enjoy Breakfast with Santa ($) Saturday morning!
  

• Holiday Tradition Potluck - Share part of your culture or family tradition by bringing your favorite holiday dish or treat.
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Fun Train Rides
  
• Indoor Movie at the Sand Shack
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• S'mores and Hot Cocoa
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

Fridays - Wine & Cheese Social

Starts: 02/17/2023 - Ends: 12/29/2023

Head over to the pond for a wine and cheese and s'mores social hour to kick off your weekend! 
Fridays from 5-6 p.m.

Saturdays & Sundays - Pancake Breakfast

Starts: 02/18/2023 - Ends: 12/30/2023

Head to the Sand Shack Saturday & Sunday mornings from 8am - 10am for pancakes, sausage, French toast, biscuits & gravy.
The perfect way to fuel your camping adventures!

New Year's Eve Celebration

Starts: 12/29/2023 - Ends: 01/02/2024

Time to say good bye to 2023 and welcome in 2024! We'll have fun for the whole family planned all around camp.

Easter

Starts: 03/29/2024 - Ends: 03/31/2024

Join us for activities for the whole family!

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
3K Bunny Run
Egg Dying
Jelly Bean Bingo
Arts & Crafts and more!

Spring Break

Starts: 04/01/2024 - Ends: 04/19/2024

Take a break from school and your hectic schedule!  We have fun activities planned for the whole family to create lasting memories of your spring break vacation.

Memorial Day Weekend

Starts: 05/24/2024 - Ends: 05/28/2024

No better way to spend your holiday. Camp with us all weekend and enjoy endless opportunities for family fun!

• Bike decorating for the bike parade
  
• Bike parade
  
• Ice Cream Social ($)
  
• Poppy Flower Craft
  
• Palm Tree Climb
  
• Fun Train
  
• Wine & Cheese by the pool
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Outdoor Movie
  
• Crafts
  
• S'mores
  

Chocolate Weekend

Starts: 05/31/2024 - Ends: 06/02/2024

There's nothing like the sweet decadence of CHOCOLATE. Celebrate this confection with fun events to eat, play and even slip and slide in chocolate!

• Chocolate Pudding Eating Contest 
  
• Chocolate Sundae Slip 'n Slide! (Slip 'n Slide covered with chocolate sauce and whipped cream!)
  
• Candy Bar Bingo ($)
  
• Crafts
  
• Palm Tree Climb
  
• Fun Train
  
• Wine & Cheese by the pool
  
• S'mores 
  
• Ceramics ($) 
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Outdoor Movie and Hot Cocoa
  

President's Day Weekend

Starts: 02/16/2024 - Ends: 02/20/2024

Spend the long weekend reconnecting with family and friends.  We'll have activities planned all around camp.

Superhero Weekend

Starts: 04/26/2024 - Ends: 04/28/2024

Become your own superhero! Join us for your official training, show your strength in tug of war and bring your creative skills for crafts and coloring. Don't forget your superhero costume for a camp-wide contest!

Cinco de Mayo

Starts: 05/03/2024 - Ends: 05/05/2024

Don't miss the fiesta! Join the party and celebrate with music, games and prizes for everyone. Enjoy the food and fun— stay all weekend long!

St. Patrick's Celebration

Starts: 03/15/2024 - Ends: 03/17/2024

Get out your green and celebrate St. Patrick's Day, camping style! Join us for activities for the whole family!
Costume Contest
Shamrock Shake Fun Run
Shamrock Tie Dye
Beers & Brats
Bike Parade
Train Rides and more!

Mardi Gras & Football Weekend

Starts: 02/09/2024 - Ends: 02/11/2024

Whether you're into fun Mardi Gras masks and beads or your favorite team's jersey, this weekend is dedicated to a whole lotta fun activities!

Mother's Day KOA Care Camps Big Weekend

Starts: 05/10/2024 - Ends: 05/12/2024

Celebrate Mom with a family weekend away! From ceramic painting and crafts for mom to a Mother's Day Picnic at the pond, she'll love spending time together with the entire family.
KOA Care Camps Big Weekend helps raise funds to send kids with cancer to medically-supervised camps for a true summer camp experience.

• Mother's Day Picnic ($) 
  
• Carnations for Mom ($)
  
• Coloring and Ceramics ($)
  
• Palm Tree Climb
  
• Fun Train
  
• Wine & Cheese by the pool
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Outdoor Movie
  
• S'mores
  

KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend

Starts: 09/06/2024 - Ends: 09/08/2024

This weekend is all about our appreciation for our KOA Rewards members with these fun activities:

• Rainbow Scavenger Hunt
  
• S'mores
  
• Tug of War
  
• Friday only- Single Seat Bike Rentals for just $10
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Fun Train Rides
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday Night, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

We Love Pets Weekend

Starts: 08/02/2024 - Ends: 08/04/2024

Pets love to camp and we're celebrating them all weekend long!

• Pet Parade
  
• Ice Cream Social ($) with free Pup Cups of whipped cream
  
• Tie Dye ($) Bandanas for your furry friends
  
• Wine and Cheese At the Sand Shack (near the pond so your furry friends can join you!)
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Fun Train Rides
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn on Saturday Night (The Secret Life of Pets)
  
• Coloring Hour
  

Father's Day Weekend

Starts: 06/14/2024 - Ends: 06/16/2024

Spend some time with DAD in the great outdoors and don't miss these fun activities!

• Dad VS Dad Pool Challenges including DAD BOD Contest
  
• Kids VS Dad Tug of War
  
• Beer & Cheese by the pool
  
• Minute to Win It Games
  
• Crafts
  
• Palm Tree Climb
  
• Fun Train
  
• S'mores
  
• Outdoor Movie
  

Labor Day Weekend

Starts: 08/30/2024 - Ends: 09/03/2024

Spend the long weekend relaxing and saying a fond farewell to summer with these fun activities.

• Foam Party
  
• Bike Parade-come decorated
  
• Candy Bar Bingo ($) - Bring a full-size candy bar to exchange for a bingo card. Candy bars will be for sale in the Sand Shack. 
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Fun Train Rides
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Beer Garden ($)
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday Night 5-6pm
  
• Fresh Baked Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  

Luau Pool Party

Starts: 06/21/2024 - Ends: 06/23/2024

Bring your most festive tropical attire and join the fun around camp!

• Hula Hoop Contest
  
• Hawaiian Themed Parade (Dress up in your best luau attire!)
  
• Wine & Cheese on Friday 5-6pm
  
• DJ & Pool Party, 3-5pm on Saturday
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn on Saturday Night
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Fun Train Rides
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Candy Bar Bingo ($ - Bring a full-size candy bar to exchange for a bingo card, candy bars for sale at the Sand Shack)
  
• Breakfast ($ - Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am)
  
• Pizza ($ - Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

4th of July Weekend

Starts: 07/04/2024 - Ends: 07/07/2024

Celebrate America's birthday and summer fun with family and friends! There's no better way to celebrate freedom that with a family camping trip to the beach.

• Bike Parade (Bring your bikes & scooters decorated and ready to roll!)
  
• Foam Party 
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Ice Cream Social ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• Palm Tree Climb
  
• Fun Train
  
• Wine & Cheese by the pool
  
• Crafts
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• S'mores
  
• Outdoor Movie
  

Pirates & Princesses Weekend

Starts: 07/19/2024 - Ends: 07/21/2024

Calling all Pirates and Princesses for a weekend full of costumed fun.  Don't forget to pack all your gear to represent Team PIRATES or Team PRINCESSES.

• Tug of War: Pirates VS Princesses 
  
• Island Escape (think: floor is lava!)
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Temporary Tattoo Parlor
  
• Crafts
  
• Palm Tree Climb
  
• Fun Train
  
• Wine & Cheese by the Pool
  

Veteran's Day

Starts: 11/08/2024 - Ends: 11/11/2024

We're celebrating all of our veteran heroes this weekend.  Join us for fun activities for the whole family.

Halloween Weekend II

Starts: 10/04/2024 - Ends: 10/06/2024

We're celebrating 5 weekends of Halloween because you can never have enough scary, haunted fun!

Site Decorating

• Show your Halloween spirit and decorate your site!
  
• Sites will be judged during trick or treating on Saturday and the winner will be announced at the Monster Mash.
  

• Roads will be blocked off to enter or leave campground during trick or treating for safety. 
  
• Bring lots of candy or treats to give out.
  

• Monster Mash & Photo Booth with DJ, 7-9pm
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Haunted Train Rides
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

Winter Wonderland Weekend I

Starts: 12/13/2024 - Ends: 12/15/2024

Friday – S'mores & Cocoa

Saturday – Crafts, Winter Wonderland Festival
(Letters to Santa, Cookies, Scavenger Hunt, Ceramics $)
Polar Express Train Ride, Candy Cane Palm Tree Climb, Movie Night, Site Decorating Contest

Sunday – Donuts & Site Decorating Contest Winner Announcement

Daily: Winter Wonderland Light Show

Winter Wonderland Weekend II

Starts: 12/20/2024 - Ends: 12/22/2024

Friday – S'mores & Cocoa

Saturday – Crafts, Winter Wonderland Festival
(Letters to Santa, Cookies, Scavenger Hunt, Ceramics $)
Polar Express Train Ride, Candy Cane Palm Tree Climb, Movie Night, Site Decorating Contest

Sunday – Donuts & Site Decorating Contest Winner Announcement

Daily: Winter Wonderland Light Show

Halloween Weekend III

Starts: 10/11/2024 - Ends: 10/13/2024

We're celebrating 5 weekends of Halloween because you can never have enough scary, haunted fun!

Site Decorating

• Show your Halloween spirit and decorate your site!
  
• Sites will be judged during trick or treating on Saturday and the winner will be announced at the Monster Mash.
  

• Roads will be blocked off to enter or leave campground during trick or treating for safety. 
  
• Bring lots of candy or treats to give out.
  

• Monster Mash & Photo Booth with DJ, 7-9pm
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Haunted Train Rides
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

Halloween Weekend V

Starts: 10/25/2024 - Ends: 10/27/2024

We're celebrating 5 weekends of Halloween because you can never have enough scary, haunted fun!

Site Decorating

• Show your Halloween spirit and decorate your site!
  
• Sites will be judged during trick or treating on Saturday and the winner will be announced at the Monster Mash.
  

• Roads will be blocked off to enter or leave campground during trick or treating for safety. 
  
• Bring lots of candy or treats to give out.
  

• Monster Mash & Photo Booth with DJ, 7-9pm
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Haunted Train Rides
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

Fall Festival

Starts: 11/01/2024 - Ends: 11/03/2024

It's Fall Y'all!  Gather up your favorite flannel and join us for these fun activities to welcome in the fall season:
Creative Carving Contest

• Bring a carved pumpkin, gourd, rutabaga, or other fun fall crop and enter it into the contest.
  
• Guests will vote for the winner
  

• Bring in an old classic or try your hand at a fun Pinterest recipe! 
  
• Bake Off Tasting: $1/ticket for samples (All proceeds benefit Care Camps!) 
  
• Guests will vote for their favorite treat and the winner will win a prize
  

• Wear your favorite flannel on Saturday evening
  
• S'mores, Hot cider & Beer available (Donations accepted to benefit Care Camps)
  

• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Fun Train Rides
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday Night, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

Halloween Weekend IV

Starts: 10/18/2024 - Ends: 10/20/2024

We're celebrating 5 weekends of Halloween because you can never have enough scary, haunted fun!

Site Decorating

• Show your Halloween spirit and decorate your site!
  
• Sites will be judged during trick or treating on Saturday and the winner will be announced at the Monster Mash.
  

• Roads will be blocked off to enter or leave campground during trick or treating for safety. 
  
• Bring lots of candy or treats to give out.
  

• Monster Mash & Photo Booth with DJ, 7-9pm
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Haunted Train Rides
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

Halloween Weekend I

Starts: 09/27/2024 - Ends: 09/29/2024

We're celebrating 5 weekends of Halloween because you can never have enough scary, haunted fun! Join in the fun activities all over camp for Saturday Morning Cartoons weekend:

Site Decorating

• Show your Halloween spirit and decorate your site!
  
• Sites will be judged during trick or treating on Saturday and the winner will be announced at the Monster Mash.
  

• Roads will be blocked off to enter or leave campground during trick or treating for safety. 
  
• Bring lots of candy or treats to give out.
  

• Monster Mash & Photo Booth with DJ, 7-9pm
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Haunted Train Rides
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Outdoor Movie & Popcorn
  
• Tie Dye ($)
  
• Ceramics ($)
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

Winter Wonderland Weekend III

Starts: 12/27/2024 - Ends: 12/29/2024

Friday – S'mores & Cocoa

Saturday – Crafts, Winter Wonderland Festival
(Letters to Santa, Cookies, Scavenger Hunt, Ceramics $)
Polar Express Train Ride, Candy Cane Palm Tree Climb, Movie Night, Site Decorating Contest

Sunday – Donuts & Site Decorating Contest Winner Announcement

Daily: Winter Wonderland Light Show

Campsgiving

Starts: 11/27/2024 - Ends: 12/01/2024

Join us for a weekend full of thankful activities and fun!

• Campground Potluck on Saturday
  
[list]

• We provide the turkey, guests bring a side dish or treat to share
  

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Starts: 11/24/2023 - Ends: 12/31/2023

Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through Santa Cruz streets. Passengers lend their voices to holiday carols and sip spiced cider while Santa visits with the little ones and the young at heart! Tickets available online (see website link above). 

November 24-25
December 2-3, 9-10, 16-23, and 26-31

Winter Wonderland - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Starts: 11/23/2023 - Ends: 12/31/2023

Celebrate the Holidays at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with rides, games, photos with Santa, festive lights, decorations and more! Don't forget holiday shopping, treats and s'mores too. 

12pm – 5pm

• Thursday – Sunday: November 23-26
  
• Saturdays – Sundays: December 2-10
  
• Every Day: December 16-31
  

• Dec. 2-3: Mini Nutcracker performance at Colonnade Stage at 2pm
  
• Dec. 3: Movie with Santa – Details coming soon!
  
• Dec. 10: Brunch with Santa – Details coming soon!
  
• Dec 9-10: Roaming Carolers
  

Carmel Art Festival

Starts: 05/17/2024 - Ends: 05/19/2024

Since 1993, plein air artists have gathered in Carmel-by-the-Sea for the annual Carmel Art Festival. Watch art in the making as painters and sculptors teach, entertain and showcase their craft at Devendorf Park and throughout the area. Enjoy live music, programs and activities including "kids make art" day.

Life Time Sea Otter Classic

Starts: 04/18/2024 - Ends: 04/21/2024

The ultimate festival for cycling and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages! Whether you're a spectator, amateur rider or full-blown pro, the Life Time Sea Otter Classic is full of races, rides and access to your favorite cyclists. Check out all the latest equipment and gear at the expo. Passes available online (see website link above).

Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off

Starts: 02/24/2024 - Ends: 02/25/2024

Join the delicious festivities as amateur and professional chefs prepare their finest clam chowder recipes along the Boardwalk. Teams compete in the friendly competition, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights for BEST CLAM CHOWDER in the country's largest and longest-running clam chowder competition! The Boardwalk admission is free! Just purchase a Tasting Kit to sample the clammy concoctions.

YuleTide Holiday Weekends - Friendship

Starts: 12/01/2023 - Ends: 12/03/2023

YuleTide Holiday Events

• Bring your festive lights and decor for the camp-wide Holiday Site Decorating Contest!
  
• Enjoy Breakfast with Santa ($) Saturday morning!
  

• Tie Dye ($ 2/$20) Make one for you & your bestie!
  
• Friendship Bracelets
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Palm Tree Climbing
  
• Fun Train Rides
  
• S'mores
  
• Indoor Movie at the Sand Shack
  
• Wine & Cheese Friday, 5-6pm
  
• Breakfast ($) Saturday and Sunday, 8-10am
  
• Pizza ($) Friday and Saturday, 5-7pm
  

California Rodeo Salinas

Starts: 07/18/2024 - Ends: 07/21/2024

The largest rodeo in California and one of the largest in the nation, the California Rodeo Salinas brings together some the top riders in America for an unforgettable celebration of Western sport and heritage. Enjoy competitions, saloons, food, shopping and more. Tickets available online (see website link above).

Monterey Winemakers' Celebration

Starts: 06/08/2024 - Ends: 06/08/2024

Get a taste of Monterey Wine Country with incredible wines and flavorful bites. With more than 100 wines represented and live jazz set in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea, it's a celebration you won't want to miss! Ticket information coming soon (see website above).

Annual Woodies on the Wharf

Starts: 06/20/2024 - Ends: 06/20/2024

Northern California's largest Woodie show, Woodies on the Wharf attracts more than 200 vehicles each year. Enjoy music, prizes, "woodie goodies" and more! Free admission.

Monterey Beer Festival

Starts: 07/06/2024 - Ends: 07/06/2024

Sample beer from an eclectic array of local and regional breweries and enjoy great food and live music at the Monterey Beer Festival! Admission comes with a free souvenir pilsner glass. Tickets available online (see website link above).

California Roots Music & Art Festival

Starts: 05/24/2024 - Ends: 05/26/2024

For more than a decade, the California Roots Music & Art Festival has featured national and emerging musical acts as well as incredible muralists, vendors and partners who share a love of the earth, music and art. Lineups, tickets and details available online (see website link above).

Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market

Starts: 11/18/2023 - Ends: 12/15/2024

Browse more than 40 area vendors in Downtown Santa Cruz for local art, gifts and handmade goods! Every third Sunday of the month:
2023 Dates:

• November 19
  
• December 17
  

• January 21
  
• February 18
  
• March 17
  
• April 21
  
• May 19
  
• June 16
  
• July 21
  
• August 18
  
• September 15
  
• October 20
  
• November 17
  
• December 15
  

Artichoke Festival

Starts: 06/08/2024 - Ends: 06/09/2024

Join the Central Coast community of Castroville,CA (known as the "Artichoke Center of the World") as they celebrate all things artichoke! Festivities include: field tours, agro art competition, live music, farmer's market, beverage garden, kids zone, chef demos and more.