Holiday magic is coming to Downtown Santa Cruz. Downtown is a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of income, age, background, or whether you’re a big gift giver for the holidays or coming to get a hot chocolate and spend time in your community. You are invited to come Downtown for free, family-friendly, accessible, joyful experiences for all residents! Downtown Santa Cruz is not only where to get the best local gifts; it is a place to come together and share what you love. That matters even more during the holidays!
HOLIDAY EVENTS ARE PART OF DOWNTOWN’S COMMUNITY CARE.
Downtown Santa Cruz holiday experiences are free to enjoy because this season can be financially stressful for families. We believe there should always be space, especially here, where experiencing the holiday magic does not require a big wallet. Free Downtown Santa Cruz holiday programs you can enjoy this year include:
Downtown Holiday Parade
Downtown’s official kickoff to the season, attracting thousands of people each year, as floats roll by representing local schools, youth organizations, and community groups. It is purely Santa Cruz. People line the sidewalks, smile, wave, cheer, and see their community reflected in front of them.
North Pole Mailbox
Drop your letters to Santa at his North Pole Mailbox on the corner of Walnut Ave. and Pacific Ave. in front of Super Silver.
Visits with Santa
Santa will be at Childish Toy Store on Pacific Ave. every weekend in December. Kids can take photos with Santa and tell him their wishes.
Reindeer Round-Up
From November 28 until December 23, families can enjoy a scavenger hunt in Downtown. Search for hidden reindeer at participating businesses, complete their reindeer maps, and enter to win prizes.
Hanukkah Craft Afternoon
Join us for a relaxed and fun-filled Chanukah craft event on December 14! This free event offers a variety of easy and enjoyable crafts including painting your own dreidel and making Chanukah cards. Like all the other free events, it’s open to all ages.
Free Family Movie Matinees
On December 13 and 14, the Del Mar Theater opens its doors for free family movie screenings. Parents don’t have to decide between paying for movie tickets and other priorities. Everyone can show up and enjoy free cinema for the holidays on the big screen!
Family Trivia
New this year and sponsored by Abbott Square, Holiday Family Trivia is a festive, family-friendly hosted trivia event. Families and multigenerational groups form teams and compete against each other. Questions span holiday movies, music, winter themes, and world traditions
BELONG IN YOUR COMMUNITY DOWNTOWN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
We love the holiday season Downtown, as it is absolutely essential for the dozens of small brick and mortar retailers that are owned and operated by Santa Cruz families in our district. Coming Downtown to shop local in December genuinely matters. Let Downtown’s holiday program remind you to visit your neighbor’s stores and be part of making Santa Cruz vibrant and unique. Shop Downtown because supporting local businesses keeps Downtown thriving and alive. Even when you’re not shopping, come down to eat and play! Bring your kids, your grandparents, your neighbors, new friends, the whole crew—and feel connected to where you live. Downtown’s holiday programs are ready for you to build your memories here. Learn more at downtownsantacruz.
Comcast is proud to sponsor this column, which features the great work of non-profit groups supporting the Santa Cruz community.
