Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Downtown Boulder Creek: Winter Festival

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

When winter is here, head to Boulder Creek for music, tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, a food court, vendors and more! This event is free to attend and has tickets available for certain activities like a petting zoo, photos with Santa, DIY crafts and more! 

Free

Miracle on 34th Street

Park Hall Ben Lomond 9339 Mill Street, Ben Lomond

Mountain Community Theater welcomes in the holiday season with their very own, “Miracle on 34th Street, the Play”, adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies, based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. Directed by Daria E. Troxell, this family friendly, heartwarming production will remind you of the magic of Christmas and the spirit of the season. The production takes place at Ben Lomond's historic Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street. Subscriber and tickets go are available now by visiting mctshows.org Please join us for an “Opening Night Reception” immediately following the performance on Friday, November 22. There will be a “Community Night” on Saturday, November 23, where all tickets are 2 for $25. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m., not 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m.

$20 – $25

Live Oak: Farmers Market

Live Oak Farmers’ Market 15th Street & East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Started 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.

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 (831) 728-2822. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.

Free

Vintage Judaica & Fun Finds sale

One-of-a-kind framed art, unique Jewish & Israeli items, retro jewelry, and giftable treasures of all sorts. Don't miss this! Bring your friends

Free

Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

Travel 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.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: A Guided Walk in the Woods

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

Join 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

Holiday Wreath Making & Mimosas

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United States

Escape the holiday chaos and create lasting memories with friends at MOD's Festive Wreath-Making Workshop on December 1st from 11 AM to 1 PM! Indulge in the delightful scents of fresh greenery, ribbons, and ornaments as you craft your perfect holiday centerpiece in our cozy Tinker Space. Let the kids explore the museum while you create, or enjoy a relaxing morning with your friends. It's the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season! $40 Wreath Making & Mimosas $100 for 3 Wreath Making & Mimosa Tickets (Bring your friends!) $10 for additional guests

$40

Children’s Museum of Discovery: Wreath Making and Mimosas

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Suite C10, Capitola, CA, United States

Escape the holiday chaos and create lasting memories with friends at MOD’s Festive Wreath-Making Workshop! Indulge in the delightful scents of fresh greenery, ribbons, and ornaments as you craft your perfect holiday centerpiece in our cozy Tinker Space. Let the kids explore the museum while you create, or enjoy a relaxing morning with your friends. It’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season! $40 Wreath Making & Mimosas $100 for 3 Wreath Making & Mimosa Tickets (Bring your friends!) $10 for additional guests

$40

Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! The monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park at (831)423-0871 to find out the current population. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Parking near the trail accessible entrance is $10.

Free

Pajaro Valley Arts: Mi Casa es Tu Casa

Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA, United States

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 has invited artists, community groups and local residents “into our home” to construct altars, installations, and more to celebrate and pay homage to our ancestors. Opening reception will be held Sunday, November 3 from 1-3pm.  The exhibit will be on display until December 1.  The Gallery hours on Sudden Street are Wednesday-Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Free

Hallcrest Vineyards: Holiday Market

Hallcrest Vineyards 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton

Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid’s activities, Santa, wine and so much more! 

Free

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!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA 95018, USA

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday and Sunday 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!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Redwood Loop Tour

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

Every weekend day at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Old Growth Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest.  On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!

Free