Special Event
Steamer Lane: World Surf League – O’Neill Cold Water Classic
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe O’Neill Cold Water Classic – North America’s Longest Running Surf Contest is back for again, providing unique content and marketing longevity beyond the on-site experience. Since 1987, The O’Neill Cold Water Classic has been northern California’s premier professional surfing event held at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. “The Lane” is perhaps the best spectator venue for a surf contest to be found anywhere in the world. No surf spot resembles an ancient roman stadium more than Steamer Lane, with steep, vertical cliffs overlooking the fabled right-point break. As a unique destination, event spectators flock to northern California’s iconic point break to hug the cliff railing and witness the world’s top surfers compete.
Watsonville Plaza: Holiday Tree Lighting
Watsonville Civic Plaza 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesEnjoy the most wonderful time of year in Watsonville! Join the festive tradition of lighting up the holiday tree in the Plaza, ejoy a musical performance, convocation, a welcome by the mayor and, of course, a visit by Santa!
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Craft Fair
Crosetti Hall, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United StatesHeritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair returns for its 46th season! Go see what has become the official start of the holiday season in the Pajaro Valley. With three big buildings to shop, you will find crafts, gifts, antiques, collectibles, toys and much more. Many crafters have been regular appearances here for years. Great food favorites will be available in the Heritage Holiday Kitchens for your enjoyment. Bring the family for a great shopping experience, enjoy a great dinner, and walk through the holiday lights that will be found throughout the fairgrounds.
Tannery Arts Center Winter Art Market 2023
Tannery Arts Center 1070 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesA Festive Celebration of Local Art and Culture The Tannery Arts Center welcomes you to experience the world of local artistry and creativity at the 11th annual Winter Art Market. This heartwarming celebration is not just an event; it's an immersive creative experience. Discover local artistry, engage with our vibrant community, and support the creative entrepreneurs who make our town flourish. New Highlights This Year: Join Josefina Rocha and youth students from the Arts Council Mariposa teaching artist program, for a free and fun craft activity alongside a youth art exhibit. Enjoy an exciting lineup of musicians curated by Everyone’s Music School. Experience the offerings of Kintsugi, a new culinary community center and cafe, and pop-up space in studio 112 in the courtyard, serving food, beverages, and coffee all day from sprohaus. Admission: Free Event Produced By: Arts Council Santa Cruz County Tannery Arts Center
Mushroom Market
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesIt’s mushroom season! Join local fungiphiles at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a mushroom market just in time for the Holidays. Pick-up mushroom themed gifts for yourself or your loved ones while exploring local mushrooms and engaging in family-friendly activities during this FREE event. Free admission to the Museum all day! Mushroom ID station with the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz (bring your mushrooms!) Fungus forward food from Areperia 831 Mushroom products from Far West Fungi Santa Cruz Local artists including Alessandra Chapman, Sarah Brothers Bot, and The Fabrica …and more! Saturday, December 9, 2023 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tyrrell Park, 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz Outside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Interested in contributing to our mushroom display? Mushrooms may be dropped off at the Museum during operational hours the week of the event (Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Enter through the main entrance and leave them with the staff person at the desk. The Museum is located at 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz. Accessibility Drop-by anytime 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to join the festivities! Admission to the Museum is free all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free throughout the neighborhood and bike parking is available at the corner of Pilkington Ave. and E. Cliff Dr. Biking, walking, or carpooling are all recommended. Restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Museum. Activities will be on somewhat lumpy grass.
Winter Wonderland
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesGet in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach! Activities Include Selection of Boardwalk Rides, Games, and Arcades Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!) Delicious Boardwalk Treats Photos with Santa (Operating Days: Nov. 24 – Dec. 24) Fire Pit Rentals & Holiday S’Mores Holiday Shopping Winter Wonderland Package (includes MyBoardwalk Card and one 6X8 printed photo with Santa. Available operating days Nov. 24 – Dec. 24) And don’t forget the breathtaking beach view! Hours and Dates 12pm – 5pm Thursday – Sunday: November 23-26 Saturdays – Sundays: December 2-10 Every Day: December 16-31 Special Dates December 2 & 3 – Mini Nutcracker performance at Colonnade Stage at 2pm December 10 & 11 – Roaming Carolers
Noon Years
Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Ave C-10, Capitola, CA 95010, CapitolaRing in the New Year at Noon with MOD! Enjoy New Year crafts, a 'champagne' bar with all the fixings, dancing, and the big countdown at NOON complete with a MOD ball drop! We have limited room available and expect this event to sell out.
Homeschool Day at the Seymour Center
Seymour Marine Discovery Center 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesHomeschool Day at the Seymour Center Friday, February 2, 10 AM – 12:30 PM Receive $1 off each admission when you RSVP. Spark your curiosity and inner scientist at homeschool day––a morning of special activities designed for families. Kids discover the fascinating world of ocean science and how it helps protect nature and spur local solutions. Special programming from 10 AM-12:30 PM • Hands-on lab investigations • Live marine creature explorations • Microscopes • Crafts • Behind-the-scenes tours • Scenic outdoor trails Activities included with Seymour Center admission. Members are always free! Info and RSVP at https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/calendar_event/homeschool-day-seymour-center/
Downtown Santa Cruz: Earth Day Celebrations
Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEarth Day 2024 will be held at beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz on Cooper St, Pacific Ave, and Abbott Square. Local businesses and organizations will gather for a day of fun and environmentally focused activities and education. This event will feature: - Live music from Coffee Zombie Collective - Face Painting from Brenda's Facepainting - MotherSong with Joya Winwood (singalong for families with babies) shows at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - Samba Stilt Walkers from Emotiv Dance - Photobooth - Local vendors - Educational booths This free, family-friendly event will have many activities for kids to take part in, like the interactive Passport Program where kids can earn a sweet treat from Mission Hill Creamery or Pacific Cookie Company by participating. There will be an environmentally focused fashion show featuring local kids from the Fashion Teens program. Celebrate Earth Day with us in Downtown Santa Cruz on Pacific Ave, Cooper Street and Abbott Square. ⭐ A big thank you to all of our sponsors for making this event possible ⭐ Joby Aviation GoodTimes KSBW Community Printers Santa Cruz County - Recycling & Solid Waste Allterra Solar GreenWaste Central Coast Community Energy Santa Cruz METRO Pacific Cookie Company Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery The Verve Coffee Roasters
Magic Show
8205 Hacienda Lane, Soquel, CA 95073 8205 Hacienda Lane, SoquelEnter the spring RAFFLE FOR A FREE WEEK OF CAMP & experience a typical day squeezed into two hours – great for 1st timers to get comfortable or returners to share camp with friends new to Kennolyn. The first hour is filled with staff introductions, songs, and a camp tour. The second hour is a MAGIC SHOW & games for kids. Drop-ins are welcome and RSVPs are appreciated.
Spring Art Market at Tannery Arts Center
Tannery Arts Center 1070 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesJoin us for a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community at the Spring Art Market! Hosted by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County, this free family-friendly event features an array of local artisans and makers showcasing their unique creations. Explore captivating artworks, enjoy live music performances, indulge in delicious food from food trucks, and engage in fun children’s activities. With something for everyone, the Spring Art Market promises a memorable experience for all. Don't miss out!