Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email wilderranch@ports-ca.us

Cabrillo College: The Nutcracker

Cabrillo College Crocker Theater 6500 Perimeter Dr., Aptos, CA, United States

International Academy of Dance in Santa Cruz County, presents The Nutcracker! Get swept away by the beauty of Clara and friends, as we travel to the magical Land of Sweets!   DATES & TIMES: December 16th: Two showings at 1:00pm and 4:30pm December 17th: Two showings at 1:00pm and 4:30pm

Felton Covered Bridge: Holiday Market

Felton Covered Bridge Park Covered Bridge Road, Felton, CA, United States

The annual tradition of the Felton Holiday Market will again take place on the historic covered bridge. ACTIVITIES: Arts & crafts Delicious food & beverages Music Holiday lights And other festivities!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park – Adobe Guided Tour

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 144 School St., Santa Cruz

Join us for a guided tour through Santa Cruz’s oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from the California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically impacted local native people’s culture and landscape. This is a FREE event open to the public, no reservations required. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information.

Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email wilderranch@ports-ca.us

Santa Cruz Wharf: Salsa by the Sea

Santa Cruz Wharf 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Salsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held  by the wharf on Beach Street, directly in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Volleyball Courts. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.

Peace United: Messiah Sing Along and Gala Celebration

Peace United Church of Christ 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

A Santa Cruz Tradition. Sing-Along Messiah with Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra and local conductors Carols led by Cabrillo Youth Chorus Gala Reception Follows.

Santa Cruz Mission – Light on the Shortest Day: Solstice Candle Making

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 144 School St., Santa Cruz

Join us at the Santa Cruz Mission on the shortest day of the year for candle-making. Around the longest night of the year, civilizations all over the earth have celebrated with traditions of fire and light. We’ll discuss the labor of candle-making as it happened here at the Santa Cruz Mission under Spanish colonization, and ways in which the winter solstice was acknowledged and celebrated throughout various cultures. Each participant will get a chance to make one dipped wax candle, rain or shine. This event, as always, is free. Call 831-425-5849 or email santacruzmission@ports-ca.us with any questions.

Elkhorn Slough: Free Tour of the Preserve

Elkhorn Slough Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, United States

Docent-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 below. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.

Event Series Reindeer Round-up

Reindeer Round-up

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 prize! Find all 28 and you'll be entered to win of our many grand prizes. FUN for the whole family.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.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. There is no drinking water or cell service at Big Basin, so be sure to bring plenty of water!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click here to Register

Wilder Ranch State Park – Guided Coastal Walk

On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Sign up here!Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.

Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Hall: Last Minute Makers Market

Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Waited til the last minute? No worries! You can still shop small and buy handmade at the Last Minute Market at the Santa Cruz Vets Hall on December 23-24 from 11am-4pm. Come by and scoop up unique, handmade and thoughtful gifts! Presented by SCM Makers Market Visit the Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market website for more info!

Free