AND IN WATSONVILLE “KRAMPUS NIGHT” GAVE PEOPLE A DARKER TWIST TO THE HOLIDAYS….## THE HOLIDAYS HAVE ARRIVED… AND ACROSS THE CENTRAL COAST FAMILIES ARE GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT… IN SALINAS THURSDAY…THE 34TH ANNUAL “STREETS OF BETHLEHAM” KICKED OFF…TRANSFORMING THE CHURCH INTO A LIVING NAITIVITY.. THE CHURCH SAYS THERE GOAL IS SIMPLE…REMIND PEOPLE WHAT OVER AT THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS… CHRISTMAS TOOK A SLIGHTLY DARKER TURN. SPARKY’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS HOSTED A ONE-NIGHT KRAMPUS NIGHT…..YES, KRAMPUS… .THE GERMAN FOLKLORE CREATURE WHO’S SANTA’S EVIL SIDEKICK. KIDS AND ADULTS COULD MEET KRAMPUS…EXPLORE A DARK HOLIDAY MARKET…AND WALK THROUGH THE MILE-LONG LIGHT DISPLAY. ORGANIZERS SAY IT’S A CHANCE FOR EVERYONE TO CELEBRATE WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT THE HOLIDAY. PACIFIC GROVE ALSO GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH THEIR ANNUAL LIGHT PARADE… LIGHTHOUSE AVENUE LIT UP…WITH GLOWING FLOATS…MARCHING BANDS…AND OF COURSE PLENTY OF FAMILY FUN….### AND THIS IS REALLY JUST THE BEGINNING… EVERY WEEK THIS MONTH , THERE ARE MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS…. WE’LL KEEP TRACKING THEM AS WE GET DEEPER INTO THE SEASON. LIVE IN SALINAS MICHAE
Krampus haunts, Bethlehem shines as Central Coast holiday events begin
Updated: 10:50 AM PST Dec 5, 2025
Families across the Central Coast are celebrating the holiday season with events such as the “Streets of Bethlehem” in Salinas and Krampus Night in Watsonville, offering both traditional and unique holiday experiences.At the First Baptist Church in Salinas, hundreds of families gathered for the first night of “The Streets of Bethlehem,” a living nativity that transforms the church into a bustling marketplace. “We want to give a feel, a marketplace where people are. It’s very interactive. It is, the story gets told, you know, people talk about, just how that impacts them,” said pastor John Bosic.The church aims to remind people of the season’s true meaning, emphasizing a timeless message of hope. “It’s a message of hope that hasn’t changed for over 2000 years. And that message of hope. And you know this, I know this. All of us know this. We need hope right now,” Bosic said.Meanwhile, at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Sparky’s Holiday Lights hosted a one-night Krampus night, offering a darker twist to the holiday festivities. Krampus, a creature from German folklore known as Santa’s evil sidekick, was the star of the event. “Krampus night is a tradition where Krampus comes before Saint Nicholas to take all the bad children away,” Stephanie Fontana, director at the Santa Cruz County Fair.The event featured a dark holiday market and a mile-long light display, providing a unique experience for attendees. “Santa Cruz County is an arts community. We’re alternative. And here at the county fair, we want to support everyone in all lifestyles, and we’re here for everybody,” said Fontana.In Pacific Grove, the annual light parade on Lighthouse Avenue featured glowing floats, marching bands, and plenty of family fun, further adding to the holiday cheer. These events mark the beginning of a month filled with holiday celebrations across the region, with more festivities planned each week.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SALINAS, Calif. —
Families across the Central Coast are celebrating the holiday season with events such as the “Streets of Bethlehem” in Salinas and Krampus Night in Watsonville, offering both traditional and unique holiday experiences.
At the First Baptist Church in Salinas, hundreds of families gathered for the first night of “The Streets of Bethlehem,” a living nativity that transforms the church into a bustling marketplace.
“We want to give a feel, a marketplace where people are. It’s very interactive. It is, the story gets told, you know, people talk about, just how that impacts them,” said pastor John Bosic.
The church aims to remind people of the season’s true meaning, emphasizing a timeless message of hope.
“It’s a message of hope that hasn’t changed for over 2000 years. And that message of hope. And you know this, I know this. All of us know this. We need hope right now,” Bosic said.
Meanwhile, at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Sparky’s Holiday Lights hosted a one-night Krampus night, offering a darker twist to the holiday festivities.
Krampus, a creature from German folklore known as Santa’s evil sidekick, was the star of the event.
“Krampus night is a tradition where Krampus comes before Saint Nicholas to take all the bad children away,” Stephanie Fontana, director at the Santa Cruz County Fair.
The event featured a dark holiday market and a mile-long light display, providing a unique experience for attendees.
“Santa Cruz County is an arts community. We’re alternative. And here at the county fair, we want to support everyone in all lifestyles, and we’re here for everybody,” said Fontana.
In Pacific Grove, the annual light parade on Lighthouse Avenue featured glowing floats, marching bands, and plenty of family fun, further adding to the holiday cheer.
These events mark the beginning of a month filled with holiday celebrations across the region, with more festivities planned each week.
See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel