Boulder Creek Holiday Events Guide
Come December, the town Christmas tree lights up in the middle of downtown while a crowd of neighbors watches Santa flip the switch. That's the shape of the holidays here: downtown, together, and a little homemade.
The centerpiece is the Downtown Boulder Creek Winter Festival, the town's tree-lighting and "Santa comes to town" celebration, with music, a food court, and a full slate of family activities filling the middle of town. This year it runs Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m., on Forest Street downtown. For the activity schedule, check the Boulder Creek Business Association (BCBA) and the Recreation and Park District (BCRPD).
The Winter Festival (tree lighting and Santa)
The Winter Festival is free to attend, hosted by the Boulder Creek Business Association together with the Recreation and Park District and the local Odd Fellows (IOOF). Everything turns on one moment: Santa arriving to light the town Christmas tree. Around it runs an afternoon that stretches into evening:
- Music and shopping: live music from local bands and holiday shopping with artisan vendors
- Food and drink: a food court, plus s'mores, and beverages for the grown-ups
- Free from BCRPD: a snow-play area, a holiday hay ride, and community crafting
- Ticketed extras: photos with Santa (typically in set windows), a petting zoo, and DIY crafts
Walking in is free, but a few things run on tickets: Santa photos, the petting zoo, and some of the crafts. Bring a little cash, or check the organizer for details. The date, time, and activity list get set fresh each year, so confirm this year's with BCBA before you go.
First Friday in December
Downtown's monthly First Friday picks up a holiday feel in December, with shops open late and the whole street festive. It's a quieter way to shop local and take in the season if you'd rather skip the crowds of the big festival.
Shop local for the holidays
The holidays are a good time to keep your dollars in town. Our shop-local Boulder Creek holiday gift guide walks through what you'll find downtown, and the directory lists what's open.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Boulder Creek Winter Festival?
This year it's Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m., on Forest Street downtown. The date is set fresh each year, so check BCBA's Winter Festival page for the schedule.
Is the Winter Festival free?
It's free to attend. Some activities, like photos with Santa, the petting zoo, and certain crafts, are ticketed. BCRPD also runs free activities like a snow-play area and hay ride.
What holiday events does Boulder Creek have besides the festival?
The December First Friday downtown takes on a holiday feel with shops open late. Watch BCBA and BCRPD for additional seasonal happenings.
Dates and details are set by the organizers, so confirm with BCBA and BCRPD before you go, and tell us once this year's date is posted.
Planning the rest of your December? Browse the Boulder Creek events calendar for what else is happening downtown this season.
Last reviewed July 20, 2026.
