Reindeer Round-Up
Downtown Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue Between Water and Locust Streets, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSanta 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.
Steamer Lane: Surf Competition
Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point 700 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThis weekend, head to Steamer Lane to cheer on the Santa Cruz Scholastic Surf League competition. Throughout the season, they organize a series of five exciting events, carefully designed to test the mettle of the participants and create a thrilling atmosphere for spectators. Middle and high school surfers will compete in divisions for boys and girls in both Shortboard and Longboard disciplines, recognizing and celebrating the diverse talents that make up our surfing community.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Holiday Tree Walk
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesGet 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 29 – December 1 December 7 – 8 December 14 – 15 December 21 – 22
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesA 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 Roaring Camp website for day/time availability. ACTIVITIES Visit from Santa Live Music Hot-Spiced Cider Holiday Sing-Along DATES November 29 – 30 December 7 – 8 December 14 – 23
Castro Adobe Open House
184 Old Adobe Rd Watsonville, CA, United StatesRancho San Andres Castro Adobe State HistoricParkCastro Adobe Open House: ‘Tis The Season!Sunday, December 8 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm‘Tisthe season of giving and the Castros were known to be generous people.Strangers were not strangers for long as the Castro family invited all toparticipate in a fiesta in the fandango room with live music, and of coursethere was food and drinks! Continue the tradition and come to the Castro Adobeto explore the fandango room and to enjoy complimentary coffee in the cocina,all while learning the traditions and customs of those who called Rancho SanAndres home. Come as strangers and leave as friends! Listen to live music andenjoy our recently installed interpretive displays. Reservationsfor a free 90-minute docent led tour are recommended at: www.santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse Eventmade possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. For more information call (831) 226-9669
Downtown Santa Cruz: Antiques Faire
Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire Lincoln Street (between Pacific and Cedar), Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 8am-6pm. 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.
Live Oak: Farmers Market
Live Oak Farmers’ Market 15th Street & East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesStarted in 2000, this neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved and depended on by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Here the atmosphere is bumping with families, cyclists, beach goers, locals, visitors, the young and the old. Shoppers find an excellent selection of organic produce from regional farms. The tables are stacked high with tree-ripened fruits, greens, fresh bread, pastries, nuts and legumes, sustainable seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and seasonal flowers. Many visitors spend hours at the market, filling their bags with berries, chicories and bagels – then moving onto a unique meal from one of the accomplished cooks that sell at the market. Sunday brunch offerings include traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, gyoza, savory and sweet crepes and farm-driven meals that spotlight the harvest in clean, creative and bright arrangements. Watsonville-based Hidden Fortress Coffee provides that hot, comforting cup of goodness that brings us back to the simple pleasures of life. This is your Sunday destination.
Downtown Santa Cruz: Antiques Faire
Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire Lincoln Street (between Pacific and Cedar), Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe 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.
Bean Hollow State Beach – Guided Walk
Join a State Park Educator and enjoy the flora, fauna, and coastal views on this leisurely 1.5 mile out-and-back along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach. Hike is mostly flat with some mild elevation gain and loss. In the springtime, this hike will be bursting with color as the wildflowers bloom! Meet at the Bean Hollow State Beach south parking lot on Hwy 1. Exact location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQQT6TYsGdb7Wuko9Time: 10:00amParking: Free parking located at Bean Hollow State Beach South Parking LotPreparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring plenty of water & snacks. Steady rain will cancel. Contact: [email protected] or (669)758-1819
Bean Hollow State Beach – Guided Walk
Join a State Park Educator and enjoy the flora, fauna, and coastal views on this leisurely 1.5 mile out-and-back along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach. Hike is mostly flat with some mild elevation gain and loss. In the springtime, this hike will be bursting with color as the wildflowers bloom! Meet at the Bean Hollow State Beach south parking lot on Hwy 1. Exact location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQQT6TYsGdb7Wuko9Time: 10:00amParking: Free parking located at Bean Hollow State Beach South Parking LotPreparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring plenty of water & snacks. Steady rain will cancel. Contact: [email protected] or (669)758-1819Please use this link to register.
Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve
Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United StatesDocent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis – visitors may sign up at the Visitor Center front desk, or call ahead the morning of using the phone number (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
Museum of Natural History: Create a Living Holiday Wreath
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesDeck the halls and get into the holiday spirit by crafting a living botanical wreath. This course will satisfy both plant and art lovers alike; learn the science of epiphytes while you design and mount native flowers, succulents, and air plants. Create a masterpiece for your holiday decor or a treasured gift for a friend or family member, all wrapped up in a fun activity.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesTravel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.
Castro Adobe: Open House
Castro Adobe State Historic Park 184 Old Adobe Road (off of Larkin Valley Road), Watsonville, CA, United StatesThis 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 note that dogs are not permitted during your tour of the castro adobe. They do not recommend that you leave your dog in your car. Preregistration is required! There is a tour starting every 15 minutes on May 18, June 15 August 11, September 21, October 13, November 16, and December 8. NOTE: Continuous rain will cancel event.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: A Guided Walk in the Woods
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesJoin a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire. Each docent and staff person has their own niche and is excited to share their passion with you!Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register