Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Reindeer Round-Up

Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Santa has lost his reindeer, but you can help find them! Pick up a map at the Downtown Santa Cruz Information Kiosk or Pacific Cookie Company to find participating businesses, and then visit them all to search for the beautiful hidden reindeer. Find just 12 of the reindeer and return your map to the Info Kiosk for a small prize! Find all 28 and you'll be entered to win of our many grand prizes. FUN for the whole family.

Free

Downtown Holiday Parade

Downtown Santa Cruz: Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Street Pacific Avenue from Water to Locust Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration and the annual tradition of highlighting Santa Cruz County schools, youth based organizations and local nonprofits. The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators. Rain or Shine! The parade route starts at the intersection of Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue and ends at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Water Street.

Free
Event Series Golden Envelope with Surprise Elf

Golden Envelope with Surprise Elf

Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Shop Downtown on December 7, 8, 14 & 15 (between 12-4PM) and you'll be eligible to win one of 400 Golden Envelopes at participating Downtown businesses. An undercover Elf will surprise shoppers. Each envelope will contain special prizes, for example, gift cards valued at $10-100, vouchers for a free hot chocolate at your favorite coffee shop, LOTS of Downtown Dollars and many more fun surprises.

Free

Visits with Santa

Childish Toy Shop 1122 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

Santa is coming back to Santa Cruz and he can't wait to visit with you and hear all about the adventures you've had this year. And of course, he wants to hear your Christmas wishlist. Stop by to say hello to him at Childish on Pacific. 1122 Pacific Avenue Saturday, December 7 (after parade) 12-4PM Sunday, December 8, 12-4PM Saturday, December 14, 12-4PM Sunday, December 15, 12-4PM Friday, December 20, 12-4PM Saturday, December 21, 12-4PM Sunday, December 22, 12-4PM

Free

Free Family Movie

Landmark's Del Mar Theatre 1124 Pacific Ave #4415, Santa Cruz, CA

Come and experience a Wonka-ful Family Movie event!  Admission is free for 'Willy Wonka' at the historic Del Mar Theatre! Invite the entire family for a day filled with chocolate delights and pure imagination. Watch this timeless movie on the big screen.

Free