Need holiday gifts and goodies? Come to the La Selva Beach Holiday Fair on Saturday, November 15, from 10 to 4 at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse. Over 50 craft vendors will offer unique jewelry, art, bags, pottery, candles, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, clothing, books and more. Friends of the Library Book Sale will offer books for gifting and…

We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It’s time to get your hands dirty! Join us and volunteer in the Museum’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington…

On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…

This exhibition will feature master shaper, Bob Pearson’s precisely fashioned replicas of redwood o’lo boards first created by the princes in 1885 and ridden at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz. David Kawananakoa, Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole, and Edward Keliiahonui were grandsons of Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) and were part of a prominent lineage in the Hawaiian Kingdom.…

Following its 2023 debut, Broadsides No. 2 returns this fall to M.K. Contemporary Art with a dynamic exploration of the connection between poetry and visual art. Nine nationally recognized poets are paired with nine distinguished visual artists, creating collaborative works that highlight the interplay between image and language. Enjoy the opening reception and live poetry reading, featuring works by artists…

Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. Head to the  Rio Theatre and explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. This year’s screening will present the Adventure playlist. Mountainfilm on Tour in…

Enjoy the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market every THIRD Sunday in 2025! Featuring 40+ local makers & artists, this market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods. Find some of your favorite Santa Cruz makers AND brand new ones…the variety of goods at the market is always exceptional. Friendly leashed pups are welcome! Check out our website for the…

This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. Please…

Head to the Paradox Hotel for an Ocean Themed Art and Sea Glass Fair, with an edge! Vendors will be on theme with local art, ocean themes, sea glass like you’ve never seen and all the fun. Paradox will have the drinks flowing, and the food going , its a day you wont want to miss!

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center,…

The Santa Cruz Symphony has been spotlighting the artistry of outstanding musicians in a series of intimate recitals. Here is your chance to see a recital with The Maestro, Daniel Stewart himself! You’ve loved watching Maestro Stewart conduct the Symphony. Now comes a real treat — hearing him play the viola! Even better, he will bring some musical friends to…

Inter|Act Spoken Word Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam with featured poet Luke Johnson.Are you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on November 18, 2025 at Satori Arts for Inter|Act, a FREE spoken word open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring poet Luke Johnson!Luke Johnson is the author of Quiver (Texas Review Press 2023), A…

PROMOVIENDO LA CONDUCTA POSITIVA: BERRINCHES Y LUCHAS DE PODER PARA FAMILIAS CON NIÑOS DE NACIMIENTO - 5 AÑOS miércoles, el 19 de noviembre, 2025 • 6:00 – 7:30 pm Asista a este taller GRATUITO de crianza para aprender: -Lo que su niño quizás esté tratando de comunicar por medio de su conducta -Cómo manejar la desobediencia sin atraparse en una…

Members and partners are invited to join staff in celebrating Lookout’s five year anniversary at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Join us as we celebrate five years of Lookout Santa Cruz and help us envision the future, looking ahead to the next five and beyond. From 6 to 7 p.m., explore the MAH’s galleries while enjoying local…

Event timeline: Welcome by Mayor of Watsonville Performance Convocation Santa Tree Lighting

UCSC Wind Ensemble presented by the Music department.UC Santa Cruz Wind Ensemble presents a fall concert. Directed by Nathaniel Berman.—ADMISSION- General admission- Free for UCSC students (ticket required).- Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.- Ticket holders not seated at least 5 minutes before the advertised start time may forfeit their ticket/seat and no refund…

Deep Roots Dance Festival is a stunning celebration of heritage, innovation, and artistic evolution. Each year, artists of the African Diaspora draw from traditional dance forms to create bold, contemporary works that reflect the depth and beauty of their cultural roots. This year’s festival features extraordinary artists from Congo, Haiti, the Caribbean, Kenya, and Senegal, along with poetry, visual art,…

On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…

UCSC Chamber Singers presented by the Music Department.Join the UC Santa Cruz Chamber Singers for a fall concert. Directed by Michael McGushin—ADMISSION– General admission.– Free for UCSC students (ticket required).– Tickets available here online through Eventbrite only.– Follow the Music Dept on Eventbrite for notices and updates.– Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.– Ticket…

Dine, shop and explore the Seabright neighborhood while it has restricted car access and enjoy the walkability and views! You could win a souvenir with only one stamp! How to Play Get Your Gameboard – Pick up a gameboard at the harbor office, participating businesses, the county visitor center at the MAH, or download it here. Collect Your Stamps –…

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center,…

Fall Wreath Making Workshop at Santa Cruz Maker Studios! Celebrate the magic of Autumn! This is a cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll design and craft your very own fall wreath made with all real flowers and foliage, perfect for your front door, a gift, or a festive center piece. No prior experience needed! The materials will be provided and the…

UCSC Orchestra presented by the Music department.Bruce Kiesling conducts the UCSC Orchestra in a Fall quarter concert.—ADMISSIONGeneral admissionDoors scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start timeFree for UCSC students (ticket required)—ADVISORIESThis event is expected to have a full house and it is recommended to arrive earlyTicket holders not seated at least five minutes before the advertised start time…

Just in time for holiday shopping, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This is always a popular spot for locals and tourists, as it overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf spot. The…

Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter-themed activities. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Hot Cider Winter Themed Activities DATES November 28 – 30 December 6 – 7 December 13 – 14 December 20 –…

A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the…

On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at the link in the orange button above. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use…

Enjoy the Felton Heritage Redwood Holiday Tree Lighting Visit with Santa! Arrive at Felton Deck (across from Wild Roots) between 4:30-5:00 Cookies, Cocoa, and Caroling @5:00 Santa arrives at 5:30 for Tree Lighting Free pictures with Santa at the Felton Firehouse, 6:00-7:30

Gather your loved ones and head to the Boardwalk’s Main Plaza to kick off Winter Wonderland with a tree lighting countdown and festive drone show! Enjoy free entertainment, cookies, and hot cocoa as you help up light up the Boardwalk with holiday cheer! Schedule: 12pm: Park Opens 5pm: Performance by Soquel Jazz Band 5pm: Complimentary Cookies & Hot Cocoa while…

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center,…

Inter|Act Spoken Word Open Mic at Satori Arts. FREE community poetry jam featuring Santa Cruz Youth Poets LaureatesAre you ready to get your poetry on? Join us on December 2, 2025 at Satori Arts for Inter|Act, a FREE spoken word open mic night, from 7-9 pm, featuring the Santa Cruz Youth Poets Laureate!Please welcome four members of the Santa Cruz…

California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores and create an even more dramatic coastline. At high tide, the powerful waves often crash against seawalls and extend beyond their usual natural borders. The extreme low tides, expose tide…

This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat,…

Mi Casa es Tu Casa is an annual Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit inspired by the traditional holiday of Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico and beyond through altars to remember and honor those who have passed. This cherished tradition brings together families, communities and friends as they prepare to welcome the spirits back each year. PVA…

Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though you may try to hike without them), and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. For ages 8 &…

On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have…

Meet Santa Cruz Artists and Makers and take home some hand-made delights at the Frost Fest Holiday Market! Locally-made jewelry, crochet, stained glass, art, and much more for sale by local vendors in the MAH atrium. First Friday, December 5th, 5-9 PM Frost Fest, December 6th, 12-5 PM

Curated by Donna Mekis (poetry) and Rose Sellery (visual art), with broadside design by Gary Young, Director of the Cowell Press at UC Santa Cruz, Broadsides No. 2 invites audiences to experience how the union of word and image can expand the possibilities of both forms.​​​ 

Ho, ho, ho! They’re at it again! Start out at Abbott Square in downtown Santa Cruz for the annual shenanigans wandering throughout the city. Part festive interaction with our community, part pub crawl — total silly fun!  This is free to attend.  No tickets or registration is required. For ages 21+

UCSC Concert Choir presented by the Music department.The UCSC Concert Choir presents a fall quarter concert. Directed by Nathaniel Berman.—ADMISSION- General admission- Free for UCSC students (ticket required).- Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.- Ticket holders not seated at least 5 minutes before the advertised start time may forfeit their ticket/seat and no refund…

Get in the holiday spirit – celebrate the season at the beach! Enjoy a festive stroll through dazzling holiday lights and decorations at no cost. If you’d like to hop on a ride, you can purchase individual ride tickets or a Ride Wristband for unlimited rides all day. Games, attractions, and photos with Santa are also available for individual purchase.…

So many wonderful things are made from start to finish in the Pajaro Valley right here in Santa Cruz County! Get some holiday shopping done right from the factory! Driscoll’s Berry Store – Fresh berries and Driscoll’s Branded attire and products Annieglass – Handmade glass dinnerware, serve-ware, decor and jewelry. Martinelli Company Store – Martinelli Juice and Cider. Martinelli Branded…

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. Each year, the Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators. Rain or Shine!

Rain or shine, enjoy the Museum’s Holiday Sale and Art Market, featuring a curated selection of art, jewelry, home décor, prints, and more! Over 20 local artists and makers whose work celebrates nature and natural history, including Kiwi Cyr, Hannah Caisse, Kylene Gilmore, Donna Thomas, Sarah Brothers Bot, Amy Moon, Pajaro Valley Arts, Katy Peterson, Polly Goldman, and Maria Amorette…

Enjoy the first ever Holiday Native Arts Market in Santa Cruz County! Buy made in the USA by Native artists and crafters. Shop drums, flutes, books,  beadwork, dolls, wood carvings, hiking sticks and canes, rock paintings, amulets, serigraphs, photography, t-shirts, gourd and clay masks, rawhide shields, art cards, art prints, vintage native, books, ribbon shirts/skirts and much more. Indigenous artists…

UCSC Jazz Combos presented by the Music Department.The UCSC Jazz Ensembles present a spring quarter concert with the UCSC Small Jazz Combos followed by the UCSC Jazz Big Band.—ADMISSION- General admission- Free for UCSC students (ticket required).- Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.- Ticket holders not seated at least 5 minutes before the advertised…

This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring Rancho San Andres Castro Adobe State Historic Property in Watsonville CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and living during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. Please…

Enjoy the first annual Holiday Cash Store Craft Market! Local Artists & Maker Fair Festive Drinks & Bites Live Music Kid Crafting & Games

Go for the crafts, stay for the joy and find one of a kind gifts made with heart! Stroll through a beachy winter wonderland of local vendors featuring: Pottery Paintings Candies Jewelry Wind Chimes Knitted Treasures & More! Enjoy drinks from a no-host bar, featuring holiday cocktails available for purchase. Santa Claus will be stopping by for photos and holiday…

Let your creativity abound at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum's festive family holiday event. Crafts suitable for ages 3 and up. Juice and cookies served. Free event, donations appreciated.

Follow along with local artist, Ana of Follow the Sun, to create your own Holiday Palm inspired masterpiece! In just two hours you will be guided, step by step, in creating the painting of the day. Great for complete beginners and seasoned creatives alike. You have the freedom to add your personal touch – tweak the colors & composition, or…

Food, wine, wonderful musicWhy we became musicians...Espressivo is the small, intense orchestra that is making big news in Santa Cruz County. Comprised of regional professional musicians, Espressivo presents select masterpieces of classical music composed for 12-26 players. Espressivo was founded in 2015 by Michel Singher after his career as a conductor of major international orchestras and opera companies. Now in…

UCSC Jazz Big Band with guest artist Benny Green presented by the Music Department.Join the UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band for a fall concert with guest artist Benny Green. Directed by Charles Hamilton.—ADMISSION– General admission.– Free for UCSC students (ticket required).– Tickets available here online through Eventbrite only.– Follow the Music Dept on Eventbrite for notices and updates.– Doors…

Learn about fascinating fungi and the basics of mushroom identification; just looking, not eating! Open to ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany ages 17 & under.

Join us on one of our monthly Tuesday tours and see why Gateway was voted Best Elementary and Best Middle School in Santa Cruz. Hang with our kindergarteners on Kindy Island, see what’s growing in our Life Lab outdoor classroom, join our middle schoolers for a science experiment, and see first hand the unique benefits of a K - 8…

This holiday, immerse yourself in the joy of the season with the annual Mount Hermon Christmas Concerts, buffet dinner (or Sunday lunch), and Christmas Craft Boutique. Friday and Saturday concert starts at 7:30pm, and the Sunday concert at 2:30pm. Buffet seating precedes the concert.

SV Parks & Recreation will be hosting their 3rd annual “Holiday Craft & Cocoa Event”, enjoy a fun-filled holiday evening for families & kids of all ages!  Enjoy crafts, cocoa, and decorating cookies for all ages at our Scotts Valley Community Center. Gather for creativity & kids’ activities before the holiday season.  *This year cookies are being sold separately, if…

9:00am Breakfast starts | 9:45AM Program Begins Enjoy full ocean views, breakfast buffet, full bar (for the parents, not the elves) cookie decorating, arts & crafts, face painting, story time, a visit and songs with Santa!

Get ready for a festive extravaganza at the Holiday Market Winter Wonderland! Building on the success of last year’s Splash with Santa event by the pool, Parks and Rec will be bringing you even more excitement this year. Someone has taken over! The Market opens at 9AM and runs until 2PM. Performances include a dance group, a school band AND…

Celebrate the season with a cozy, family-friendly baking workshop set right on the farm where many ingredients are grown. You’ll explore the magic of holiday baking, from classic flavors to creative twists—with vegan-friendly options available for every recipe. During this hands-on class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of baking as well as pro tips to help you feel confident in the…

Explore the magic and resilience of the season at the very first State Park ever created in California! Long-time docents, Karen and Eva will guide you along  the easy, level, half-mile Redwood Loop trail while playing the music of the Nutcracker Suite. They will guide your imagination for seeing the ancient forest performing the ballet! Juxtapose the drama of the…

Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even drive a tractor and go on a hayride.  Local Santa Cruz County 4-H clubs will be hosting their Annual Spring Fair.  This action-packed day is admission free, and donations are…

Enjoy a magical day of crafts and activities for the whole family! Puppet show and storytelling, Bonfire with Chestnut Roasting & More Join us for a Magical Winter Faire!! Free shuttles to Faire from UCSC Barn - Bay & High Street Very limited school campus parking for $20. Treasure Tree will be open 11am - 3pm for holiday shopping during…

This year, families can enjoy the holiday classic ELF, featuring Will Ferrell, with two options to view from 11am to 1pm on either Saturday or Sunday. Elf will be streamed for free at the Del Mar Theatre. Advanced tickets are not required, but seating is first come, first served.

This will be a family friendly event showcasing some of the best artists, makers, food and drinks Santa Cruz has to offer 🙌❤️ Over 30 vendors Local Artists Custom Jewelry Vintage collections Pokémon and sports cards Handmade Crafts Parish Publick House Drinks Food and Games And much more!

Enjoy the Steve Abrams Jazz Trio as you merry at the Holiday Wine and Charcuterie celebration.  Go get your first pour and plate at the crush pad, then find a comfy spot to enjoy the views!  Attended children and well-behaved pups are welcome to join.  Just make sure you get a kid’s ticket through the link in the orange button…

Come for great food and good vibes! Treat yourself to our mouthwatering specialty pub-style dishes, available for a limited time. They’re even better when paired with one of the Bay Area’s best craft brews. Specialty Food Available: Specialty burger slider of the week Chicken wings with buffalo, Korean BBQ, or cilantro-lime sauces to choose from Brussel sprouts with balsamic honey…

A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Itinerary: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Check out the…

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2025 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 28, 2025 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Christmas Eve. HOLIDAY LIGHTS is over a 1/2 mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you.…

Santa Cruz Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert offers festive favorites including holiday music by Leroy Anderson, the lighthearted and nostalgic Symph-Hanukkah, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and singalong tunes in a variety of December traditions. It’s the best way to celebrate the season with friends and family in a joyfully-decorated venue. Take a picture with Santa Claus and the North Pole…

Following a sold out run in 2024, A Christmas Carol returns as a holiday tradition for the whole family! Audiences can expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic play in the heart of Santa Cruz. Directed by Charles Pasternak and Alicia Gibson, A Christmas Carol stars Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with returning favorites Julie James, Charlotte Munson…

Join Recreation Advocates and Western Roofing Supply for a festive morning of all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, kids’ holiday crafts, games, raffle and photos with Santa. Tickets are $7 for children/seniors, $8 for adults, and free for kids under 2 with a paying adult. Proceeds support recreation scholarships for Watsonville youth. Tickets available online at www.recreationadvocates.org or at the door.

The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Visit the Antique Faire on Lincoln Street between Pacific and Cedar.

Join us for a relaxed and fun-filled Chanukah craft event! This free event offers a variety of easy and enjoyable crafts including paint your own dreidel & making Chanukah cards. Open to all ages!

Join us for the Acton Academy Santa Cruz Holiday Craft Fair in Mid-Town on Sunday, December 14th, from 12–4 PM at 440 Frederick Street! This joyful community event features handmade gifts, art, and local crafts created by young entrepreneurs and talented local makers. Enjoy delicious food, festive treats, and creative activities for all ages. At Acton Academy Santa Cruz, we…

Santa Cruz Symphony’s Holiday Pops Concert offers festive favorites including holiday music by Leroy Anderson, the lighthearted and nostalgic Symph-Hanukkah, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and singalong tunes in a variety of December traditions. It’s the best way to celebrate the season with friends and family in a joyfully-decorated venue. Take a picture with Santa Claus and the North Pole…

Head to Venus Spirits to experience a pop-up Makers Market! There will be ceramics, stained glass, candles, mixed media art and more! Stop for a handcrafted cocktail or maybe some contemporary California cuisine, and make a holi-day of it!

Something magical is coming to downtown Watsonville! Enjoy Noche de Brillo (Night of Sparkle), a FREE family-friendly evening filled with snow, lights, and holiday cheer. Event Highlights: Snow play area Train ride Crafts Holiday market Live entertainment Light Parade Photos with Santa