This is a delightful holiday attraction at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. I visited during the…read morewalk thru days this past weekend, which included access to the annual Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair taking place inside three different buildings on site. There was plenty of indoor and outdoor tables with seating available, along with art and merchandise vendors galore.
Booths were selling a variety of goods including dream catchers, pet themed products, bags, quilts, upcycled clothing, jewelry, plants, treats of all kinds, olive oil and mini-sized olive trees, focaccia bread in various flavors (with free samples), bandanas, books, toys, even "mystery gifts".
Indoor and outdoor food stands offered a range of snacks and desserts such as churros, ice cream, kettle corn, fresh baked pies, mexican food, and dishes from Carmona's Catering (pasta, chili, and sandwiches). For dinner, I had a wood-fired pepperoni pizza from Central Coastan Pizza, and it was cheesy and delish! There was also a Cheer Bar selling water, soda, beer and wine, as well as other drinks on the menu like mimosas and a dirty snowman (hot cocoa with brandy).
The holiday light exhibits were a joy to explore. Rainbows, flamingos, palm trees, numerous adorable scenes, some of which included moving light displays such as the ferris wheel. I also enjoyed walking through the color-changing light tunnel and viewing the field of fun & unique illuminated inflatables along the path, like Santa in a hot air balloon or dancing with the cows, as well as plenty of other animals including a mystical lounging unicorn and of course an abundance of cute penguins.
No music could be heard throughout the brief trail, though if you're in your car, there's a radio station to turn to for xmas tunes as you drive. There was also music playing through the speakers on low volume at the holiday fair, in and around the buildings.
I'm giving 5 stars for the walk-thru event which is for one weekend only. The light show experience (which is for the typical drive-thru) was short, the setup seemingly small compared to similar christmas lights exhibits in the south bay. But the displays were still nice with everything in working order, and combined with the holiday fair's festive atmosphere, it was worth checking out especially at just ten bucks for admission.