Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Movie with Santa “Elf”
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesTis the season for an evening of joy and holiday cheer inside the historic Cocoanut Grove Ballroom! • Holiday Pajamas are encouraged! • Each attendee also receives a fun holiday headband! • Snacks available for purchase • Banquet chair seating. • Fun inflatable chairs available on a first-come first-served basis 4:30pm Doors open, Cookie Decorating 5:00pm Storytime with Santa 5:30pm Movie Screening in Sunroom – ‘Elf’
Meet the Doulas
Circle Family Center 245 Sea Ridge Road,, AptosMeet and talk with birth and postpartum doulas as you learn how they work with families. Sponsored by Birth Network of Santa Cruz County, this free event is open to those planning to birth in Santa Cruz, and surrounding counties. Studies show doula care: results in a shorter, smoother labor, creates a more positive birth experience, reduces need for medical interventions such as pain medication and epidurals, reduces postpartum depression, results in greater success in breastfeeding. Registration required for login information. birthnet.org
Gateway School Tour
Gateway School Santa Cruz 255 Swift Street, Santa CruzVisit us on one of our monthly Tuesday tours. 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 education.
Wonderland Birthday Celebration
Wonderland Toys & Classroom Resources 19-B Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CACelebrate Wonderland’s 8th Birthday on Tuesday, December 5th. Single item discount (exclusions apply). Visit and take pictures with Santa from 3-5pm. Grown-ups only shopping and light refreshments event 7-9pm.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Lights
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United StatesThe Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2023 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 24, 2023 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in November and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December. HOLIDAY LIGHTS is over a 1/2 mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience. The event is open on Hours from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. We will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Evening to add to your Holiday Festivities. NEW THIS YEAR: Walk-Thru Holiday Lights happening December 2nd & 3rd! DATES November 24 – 26 December 2 – 3 (walk-thru only) December 7 – 10 December 14 – 17 December 21 – 24
Wilder Ranch State Park – Birding Walk
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes.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.
Midtown: Night Market Tree Lighting Ceremony
Midtown Block Party Lot 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa CruzEnjoy live music, artist, vendors and live are, food and drinks at the Midtown Night Market every Friday and Saturday in December from 5PM to 9PM. On the 8th and 9th, go see a Christmas Night Tree lighting ceremony!
Good Ol’ Fashioned Christmas Fun!
Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States +1 moreFamilies with children through 5th grade are invited to make memorable ornaments, sing carols, decorate cookies, and hear a reading of the Christmas story. Email [email protected] or call 831-338-3700 for more information.
Santa Cruz Harbor Beach: Sons of the Beach Ukulele Sing Along
Santa Cruz Harbor Beach 2222 E Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Santa Cruz Harbor offers visitors many attractions, but perhaps the most surprising is regular free concerts from hundreds of crooning ukulele players. For more than 20 years, the Santa Cruz Ukulele Club has assembled enthusiasts of the mini, four-string Hawaiian guitar with regular gatherings around town. The most popular is likely the Saturday morning gathering at Harbor Beach, behind the Crow’s Nest. Stop by and enjoy the aloha shirt-wearing orchestra of strumming players who belt out familiar songs such as California Dreaming and Margaritaville. Bring whatever you would bring for a day at the beach, and if you have a ukulele bring that too. Hope to see you there!
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 below. The Docent will craft a walk that meets the groups needs and abilities.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Basket Weaving Workshop
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesDuring this program from 10:00am-12:00pm, you will be introduced to a traditional art: California Basket Weaving. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, and this opportunity will pique your interest in learning more about, and supporting traditional arts and peoples. This 2-hour workshop will teach you how to weave your very own basket out of local Ponderosa Pine needles!All materials are supplied, and no previous experience is necessary. Suitable for participants 12 and up.Click here to RSVP!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Sandhills Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesHike around an ancient seafloor?! Yes please! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Santa Cruz Sandhills, we'll be meandering through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800' above present-day sea level! Join us on August 12th at 9:00am to explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. RSVP for this event here.Let's plan to meet in the campground parking lot (located off Graham Hill Rd.). We hope to see you there! Hard rain cancels.
Tannery Arts Center Winter Art Market 2023
Tannery Arts Center 1070 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesA Festive Celebration of Local Art and Culture The Tannery Arts Center welcomes you to experience the world of local artistry and creativity at the 11th annual Winter Art Market. This heartwarming celebration is not just an event; it's an immersive creative experience. Discover local artistry, engage with our vibrant community, and support the creative entrepreneurs who make our town flourish. New Highlights This Year: Join Josefina Rocha and youth students from the Arts Council Mariposa teaching artist program, for a free and fun craft activity alongside a youth art exhibit. Enjoy an exciting lineup of musicians curated by Everyone’s Music School. Experience the offerings of Kintsugi, a new culinary community center and cafe, and pop-up space in studio 112 in the courtyard, serving food, beverages, and coffee all day from sprohaus. Admission: Free Event Produced By: Arts Council Santa Cruz County Tannery Arts Center
Castro Adobe State Historic Park: ‘Tis the Season
Castro Adobe State Historic Park 184 Old Adobe Road (off of Larkin Valley Road), Watsonville, CA, United States‘Tis the season of giving and the Castros were known to be generous people. Strangers were not strangers for long as the Castro family invited all to participate in a fiesta in the fandango room with live music, and of course there was food and drinks! Continue the tradition and click the link below to register to go to the Castro Adobe to explore the fandango room and to enjoy complimentary coffee in the cocina all while learning the traditions and customs of those who called Rancho San Andres home. Go as strangers and leave as friends!
Castro Adobe SHP – Open House: ‘Tis the Season!
Castro Adobe State Historic Park 184 Old Adobe Road (off of Larkin Valley Road), Watsonville, CA, United StatesCastro Adobe Open House: ‘Tis The Season!Saturday, December 9 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! This free event requirespre-registration. Reserve your 90-minute tour of the Castro Adobe at: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse.Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California StateParks.