The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is hosting its Winter Wonderland celebration from Thursday through Jan. 4. 

Admission is free, with Boardwalk rides costing $2 each operating day after 5 p.m.

On Saturday, the Boardwalk will host a drone show followed by a tree-lighting ceremony, with live entertainment and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa for guests.

Special ticketed holiday events include train rides with holiday lights departing from the Boardwalk on weekends and on Dec. 11 with Hanukkah-themed lights and treats. Other events include a screening of the movie “Elf” with Santa Claus on Dec. 7 and brunch with Santa on Dec. 14. 

For a complete list of ticket prices, operating days and hours, activities and event dates, please visit https://beachboardwalk.com/winter-wonderland/

Ashley Palma-Jimenez is a junior at UC Santa Cruz, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in literature. As a writer, she is passionate about telling stories that often go unrecognized, and her goal...