Wilder Ranch: Historic Grounds Tours
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesDiscover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860’s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Please reserve your spot online.
Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USAWant 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 [email protected]
Birdsong Orchards: Holiday Wreath Making
Birdsong Orchards 613 Lakeview Rd., Watsonville, CA, United StatesSnuggle up in your sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring a water bottle and your favorite garden snippers and head to Birdsong orchard! They’ve foraged farms and forests to have everything you need to make a beautiful wreath for the holidays. Suitable for ages 16 and up.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse History Walk
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA, United StatesLighthouse History Walk with Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic ParkJoin us for a 45 minute walking tour of the historic grounds of Pigeon Point Light Station. Meet by the fence in front of the first cottage. Hear tales of whalers, bootleggers, shipwrecks, the building of the lighthouse, the “Wickies” and their families, and the restoration of the tower (currently closed to the public). Visit the Fog Signal Building to view the magnificent First Order Fresnel lens and explore the exhibits. ADA accessible.Register: Lighthouse History Walk
Cabrillo College: Nancy and Violin
Cabrillo College Samper Hall 6500 Soquel Drive Visual and Performing Arts Complex, Aptos, CA, United StatesSanta Cruz Symphony Artist in Residence and Concertmaster Nancy Zhou will be giving a special performance showcasing her talents in this intimate recital venue.
Downtown Santa Cruz: A Christmas Carol
Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSanta Cruz Shakespeare presents a world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, by Artistic Director Charles Pasternak. This Carol will hew closely to Dickens’ original text while embracing the exciting, inspiring spirit that SCS is known for. Featuring Mike Ryan as Scrooge, as well as local favorite Julie James, the production will take place at the historic Santa Cruz County Veteran’s Memorial Building.
Miracle on 34th Street
Park Hall Ben Lomond 9339 Mill Street, Ben LomondMountain 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.
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.
Schwan Lake: Finding the Fungus Among Us
Simpkins Family Swim Center 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesLearn about fascinating fungi and the basics of mushroom identification (just observing, not picking or eating!) Ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany children aged 15 and younger. Space is limited to 20 per outing. There are 4 outings for 4 Mondays from November 18 to December 9.
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.
Felton: Farmers Market
Felton Farmers’ Market 120 Russell Ave, Felton, CA, United StatesThe Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering May through October, now running for over 30 years. We appreciate the dedicated customers who call this market a second home. Your support of regional agriculture and small, local businesses makes a difference. The Felton Farmers’ Market was started in 1987 and is the second oldest market in Santa Cruz County. SCCFM took over operations in 2009 and our team has developed deep ties to the community. Every Tuesday a quality collection of regional farms and food businesses throw up their tents to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, seafood and other staple foods. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Felton Market is an essential part of the regional food system as well as a resource for nutritious organic foods and basic agricultural education.
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.
Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours
Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesStroll 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.
Pajaro Valley Arts: Mi Casa es Tu Casa
Pajaro Valley Arts 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesMi 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.
Downtown Santa Cruz: Farmers Market
Downtown Farmers’ Market 700-798 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-5pm year round. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This is the place to eat with the seasons! The variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pastured meats and other products is swoon worthy. The Downtown Market also spotlights a large variety of up-and-coming, unique cultural food businesses. This weekly spot may serve up the most diverse selection of ethnic foods in the county including naan and curry, Japanese fermented misos, Eritrean dishes, crepes, El Salvadorean pupusas, traditional Italian cookies, fish and chips and long-ferment fresh breads. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support regional responsible farms and small local businesses. Fill your grocery bags! Then sit down for a delightful meal and rest your weary arms.